S3 First Service Options

[Steven87]

My S3 is telling me its due its first service (oil change I believe) in 1100 miles. I see my options as follows:

• Book the car in at Audi as instructed like a good boy - can anyone shed any light on how much this will cost?
• Book the car in at an independent - what would be required in order to maintain warranty?
• Switch to the long life plan and forget about it for another 6 months or so.....

Opinions and advice please.

 

[S32B]

1) I paid just over £200 for the 1st service at the main Audi stealer.
2) The reply I received from Audi UK when I asked them that question before I took it to a specialist for my 2nd service, who was half the price of Audi!

3) If you are doing around 10k per year just get it serviced every 12 months.

As a rough idea Audi main vs Audi specialist:

2nd service prices

Cheshire Oaks Audi: £365
Crewe Audi: £401.19
Liverpool Audi: £439.80
'Unit20' who is an Audi specialist £220.

 

[Steven87]

1) I paid just over £200 for the 1st service at the main Audi stealer.
2) The reply I received from Audi UK when I asked them that question before I took it to a specialist for my 2nd service, who was half the price of Audi!

3) If you are doing around 10k per year just get it serviced every 12 months.

As a rough idea Audi main vs Audi specialist:

2nd service prices

Cheshire Oaks Audi: £365
Crewe Audi: £401.19
Liverpool Audi: £439.80
'Unit20' who is an Audi specialist £220.

How would servicing once a year affect the schedule? I got the car mid Jan so i'm looking at around 12-13k a year although I did move jobs after 3 months which has shortened my commute so may come down to 11-12k.
Surely the car will start complaining if I leave it on the current plan and exceed the 9k? Would I need to switch to the long life intervals then just have it reset once serviced even though its early?

 

[S32B]

To be 100% safe I'd ask Audi UK and do what they say. At least then you have it from them, hence why I kept that email, the advice they gave me came from their customer relations manager, so as long as I do what she said all is fine

E-mail: customer.services@audi.co.uk

 

[Timi8888]

For just the 1st oil change, Audi were quoting around £250. Got it done at a specialist for £80. As long as they use genuine parts, then it is still covered under manufacturer warranty.

 

[AudiNutta]

Longlife servicing is more expensive than fixed, fixed is every 10k or 12 months whichever comes first.

I queried with the dealer I use for service about some dealers charging a few hundred for an oil changed, she was blown away. She said that whether they service on fixed or Longlife it's the same oil and the same oil goes in an S3 as a 1.0TFSI. Mine is booked in tomorrow for the first one and I've opted for the fixed plan, it is £156 for the oil change which is very good value for a main dealer.

 

[KenL]

156 is not good value for a job that takes 20 minutes and when the parts cost about 60.

 

[Tom.H]

156 is not good value for a job that takes 20 minutes and when the parts cost about 60.

It's good value for a main dealer is what he's saying, of course it's overpriced compared to an independent but what isn't at the dealer!

 

[AudiNutta]

156 is not good value for a job that takes 20 minutes and when the parts cost about 60.

As above, it's good value for main dealer. Yes I could go and do it for £50 with the same parts they use, if not less. But for a main dealer stamp, I am well happy with that seeing as my independent is only around £30 cheaper.

They have said up to 2 hours to wait, I'm expecting an hour.

 

[S32B]

As above, it's good value for main dealer. Yes I could go and do it for £50 with the same parts they use, if not less. But for a main dealer stamp, I am well happy with that seeing as my independent is only around £30 cheaper.

They have said up to 2 hours to wait, I'm expecting an hour.

Remember to say "DO NOT WASH THE CAR"!!!

 

[AudiNutta]

Remember to say "DO NOT WASH THE CAR"!!!

I've got a reminder in my phone to tell them and put signs in. This is why I use a different dealer for service, they treat the car properly knowing what I am like. Always the same master tech that works on it, it is usually parked in the workshop overnight and not washing goes without saying. It went to this dealer for the steering rack and wheel bearing issue.

Another dealer, of all things to do on a service... oiled my door hinges on my A3 It look me a month to get rid of it all, absolute nightmare so that's on the list too But yes, I will be watching like a hawk to make sure it doesnt go into the wash bay.

Take a look at these disturbing images :'( This was on the RS3 at Audi earlier today, it hasn't even had a proper wash yet, extreme marks on the bonnet :-( Some on the roof too (close up)

 

[Deepster]

If you go to an independent, can you just take the car in to a main dealer to get them to check for any software updates?

 

[robps3]

independent for me every time, same with my R32 genuine parts, half the cost for labour and decent guys that love there cars.

 

[Steven87]

Even kwik fit is cheaper at £130 and they're open on Sundays which is a bonus. There's a German car specialist independent not to far from me so i'll give them a call for a price.

 

[S32B]

I've got a reminder in my phone to tell them and put signs in. This is why I use a different dealer for service, they treat the car properly knowing what I am like. Always the same master tech that works on it, it is usually parked in the workshop overnight and not washing goes without saying. It went to this dealer for the steering rack and wheel bearing issue.

Another dealer, of all things to do on a service... oiled my door hinges on my A3 It look me a month to get rid of it all, absolute nightmare so that's on the list too But yes, I will be watching like a hawk to make sure it doesnt go into the wash bay.

Take a look at these disturbing images :'( This was on the RS3 at Audi earlier today, it hasn't even had a proper wash yet, extreme marks on the bonnet :-( Some on the roof too (close up)

That's shocking, some poor sod will buy that!

independent for me every time, same with my R32 genuine parts, half the cost for labour and decent guys that love there cars.

Nail on the head The owner of the Audi specialist where I took mine came into the waiting room and said nice S3 there mate, then stood there talking about cars for half an hour! Later on in the day he'd put a pic of it on his FB page lol, apparently he does it with all the cars he works on!

You just know when you trust someone with your baby

 

[AudiNutta]

That's shocking, some poor sod will buy that!

I know it is horrific and it literally just had a quick wash after removing the wrappers. It is in the showroom now with that damage, horrendous!!

 

[MattSedg]

I've got a reminder in my phone to tell them and put signs in. This is why I use a different dealer for service, they treat the car properly knowing what I am like. Always the same master tech that works on it, it is usually parked in the workshop overnight and not washing goes without saying. It went to this dealer for the steering rack and wheel bearing issue.

Another dealer, of all things to do on a service... oiled my door hinges on my A3 It look me a month to get rid of it all, absolute nightmare so that's on the list too But yes, I will be watching like a hawk to make sure it doesnt go into the wash bay.

Take a look at these disturbing images :'( This was on the RS3 at Audi earlier today, it hasn't even had a proper wash yet, extreme marks on the bonnet :-( Some on the roof too (close up)

can you explain the oiling hinges more? i keep getting really stubborn greasy weeps on my side skirts pretty much inline with the hinges?
will have to give the underneath sides of the doors etc a good clean with some light apc sometime?

 

[Tom.H]

can you explain the oiling hinges more? i keep getting really stubborn greasy weeps on my side skirts pretty much inline with the hinges?
will have to give the underneath sides of the doors etc a good clean with some light apc sometime?

Same, I've cleaned them off every time I've cleaned the car!

 

[MattSedg]

Same, I've cleaned them off every time I've cleaned the car!

not just me then! normal car soaps dont seem to shift it though

 

[Tom.H]

not just me then! normal car soaps dont seem to shift it though

I've managed to get it off, maybe have to have a better look at the hinges next time.

 

[AudiNutta]

can you explain the oiling hinges more? i keep getting really stubborn greasy weeps on my side skirts pretty much inline with the hinges?
will have to give the underneath sides of the doors etc a good clean with some light apc sometime?

I've never had the issue except for after that service. Best thing is Tar & Glue remover, on a cloth and gently wipe away.

 

[Mario]

2) The reply I received from Audi UK when I asked them that question before I took it to a specialist for my 2nd service, who was half the price of Audi!

The reason Audi say that is because it's an EU law. Legally they cannot force you to use their dealer networks to maintain a warranty, but they can insist it is all serviced at the right time and with the correct part that meet OEM spec (does not need to be OEM parts as such), remember to keep ALL receipts though as proof should you need it, including what oil and oil filter were used.

Also, as for the OP's question 3....avoid Long Life servicing! Sure, use the oil, it's good stuff, but not changing the oil for 18,000 miles or 2 years is crazy and will just lead to future problems. I can never understand when people spend so much on a car, but then try to skimp on the servicing. I mean sure, you don't need to pay over the odds dealer prices for servicing, but an oil & filter change can be done for so cheap as a DIY or at an indi that it makes no sense not to do it AT LEAST once a year or every 10,000 miles.

Another dealer, of all things to do on a service... oiled my door hinges on my A3

Thing is, it is part of the service schedule...they are meant to lube the door hinges during the service, it's part of what you pay for. Obviously you can tell them not to do it, and I believe it's supposed to be grease they use, not oil.

There is method in their madness as well. I had a REALLY badly squealing drivers door on our B7 A4 when opening & closing. A little bit of liberally applied LM grease worked into the joints with the excess wiped away and the noise has stopped and it's been quiet as a mouse for months now.

 

[KenL]

Not an Audi but I thought it worth sharing the cost for my wife's Skoda Citigo first oil change service.

Expecting a high price by the franchised dealer I asked a local specialist independent their cost - £120.

I then emailed the Skoda dealer in Edinburgh where we bought the car and they are charging £94.

This car may not be an Audi but it has a VW engine and it requires servicing like an Audi on fixed service.

This again highlights how much of a rip off some Audi prices are.

 

[S3-Iain]

The reason Audi say that is because it's an EU law. Legally they cannot force you to use their dealer networks to maintain a warranty, but they can insist it is all serviced at the right time and with the correct part that meet OEM spec (does not need to be OEM parts as such), remember to keep ALL receipts though as proof should you need it, including what oil and oil filter were used.

Also, as for the OP's question 3....avoid Long Life servicing! Sure, use the oil, it's good stuff, but not changing the oil for 18,000 miles or 2 years is crazy and will just lead to future problems. I can never understand when people spend so much on a car, but then try to skimp on the servicing. I mean sure, you don't need to pay over the odds dealer prices for servicing, but an oil & filter change can be done for so cheap as a DIY or at an indi that it makes no sense not to do it AT LEAST once a year or every 10,000 miles.




Thing is, it is part of the service schedule...they are meant to lube the door hinges during the service, it's part of what you pay for. Obviously you can tell them not to do it, and I believe it's supposed to be grease they use, not oil.

There is method in their madness as well. I had a REALLY badly squealing drivers door on our B7 A4 when opening & closing. A little bit of liberally applied LM grease worked into the joints with the excess wiped away and the noise has stopped and it's been quiet as a mouse for months now.

Just want to point out about DIY servicing . .

The service has to be done by a VAT registered company to maintain your warranty, so servicing the car yourself on your driveway, even if you use genuine parts and oils is worthless if the car develops a fault.

I know this because i work for a main dealer and manage all the warranty claims (Toyota dealer)

We recently had a engine fail at 46k but the company who owns it done all there own servicing. the have receipts for parts and oils but no receipt to show a fully qualified mechanic/garage carried out the servicing who is VAT registered. (some small garages arent VAT registered)

Now they have a car needing a new engine and there having to foot the bill themselves . . . .

 

[Vertigo1]

Out of interest, what exactly is the service schedule on an S3. My recent A3s haven't wanted any attention until about 2years/18000miles, is the S3 the same or more regular?

Also does it require an early oil change service after running in or is this advisable?

 

[KenL]

Do you not know what service regime your car is set to?

In my facelift car you can check when oil change and inspection are due by using the driver info system.

 

[Vertigo1]

Do you not know what service regime your car is set to?

In my facelift car you can check when oil change and inspection are due by using the driver info system.

I haven't got it yet, smart-****!

 

[KenL]

I haven't got it yet, smart-****!

You didn't make that clear so you can apologise to me right now ;-).

Most people on here seem to advocate annual service. That may be best for an S3. For my wee TFSI having an easy life the variable service schedule suits me.

Enjoy your car when it finally arrives!

 

[Vertigo1]

My sig makes it clear

 

[KenL]

My sig makes it clear

Can't see your signature on my mobile.

 

[Tom.H]

Can't see your signature on my mobile.

If it's anything like my iPhone (or indeed you have an iPhone) turn it landscape and you can see signatures

 

[KenL]

If it's anything like my iPhone (or indeed you have an iPhone) turn it landscape and you can see signatures

Thanks - that works.
However, life's too short to read Vertigo's sig'

 

[Vertigo1]

Ok I'll let you off, this time!

 

[infernox]

Sorry for reviving this thread. I got the oil change box come up earlier and asked my local Audi about it. They said £250 for it. Asked one local garage they said £90 for an oil change, then asked an Audi specialist. They quoted £175 and called it the cars first service. I questioned if it was a service or just an oil change, they said they were replacing oil & filters and that there are checks that need to be carried out to the correct manufacturers schedule to retain your warranty. Not sure which one to go for.

 

[azibux1]

I went with a local specialist. Think it was just less than £40 for parts from a guy I know, and then £79 I think I paid to the specialist

 

[David McQueen]

Sorry for reviving this thread. I got the oil change box come up earlier and asked my local Audi about it. They said £250 for it. Asked one local garage they said £90 for an oil change, then asked an Audi specialist. They quoted £175 and called it the cars first service. I questioned if it was a service or just an oil change, they said they were replacing oil & filters and that there are checks that need to be carried out to the correct manufacturers schedule to retain your warranty. Not sure which one to go for.

I went to an audi approved for my first one mate and got it for £90 as opposed to audis £300 they quoted.


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[infernox]

I went to an audi approved for my first one mate and got it for £90 as opposed to audis £300 they quoted.


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How do I find Audi Approved garages? I searched google for them and I can't tell which ones are approved or not. The first one that comes up is Lion Garage which quoted me £90 for an oil change - http://www.liongarage.co.uk/.

Second one was Chapmans Audi Specialist which quoted me £175 for first service - http://chapmansaudispecialist.co.uk/

 

[David McQueen]

How do I find Audi Approved garages? I searched google for them and I can't tell which ones are approved or not. The first one that comes up is Lion Garage which quoted me £90 for an oil change - http://www.liongarage.co.uk/.

Second one was Chapmans Audi Specialist which quoted me £175 for first service - http://chapmansaudispecialist.co.uk/

A would phone and ask them if it keeps warranty valid or even an email so if they say ues you have it there in writing


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[infernox]

A would phone and ask them if it keeps warranty valid or even an email so if they say ues you have it there in writing


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Chapmans said they were replacing oil & filters and that there are checks that need to be carried out to the correct manufacturers schedule to retain your warranty in their email so I'm pretty sure it would keep warranty valid. I also found the Audi Service Price Match page and queried it with my local Audi Dealer, need to get the Chapmans quote in writing and show it to them for them to price match it.