Need Some Advice from those who have suffered. It has been known that the first batch of B6 S4's had bad engines. I have an early 2004 Model and my engine and trans just blew at 25k. I bought the car new. The problem is the clutch went with the engine and trans and Audi won't cover it. I have been up and down Audi North America and the dealer and they won't budge. They will cover the engine and trans but won't cover the clutch $2500. What's my next step? Lemon Law? I am in my 30's the car has never been raced or autocrossed and has been RELIGIOUSLY serviced. My previous car was a VR6 Jetta that I sold with 120k on the clock and it had the orginal clutch. (i.e. I don't drive like a moron) I have been into VAG cars all my life and I have to say this is the most miserable car ownership experience I have ever had. Would appreciate any advice, especiallly from techs, or audi employees.

Thanks

 

What was ANA's reason for denying the clutch?

What failed on teh engine and the transmission?

 

ANA Said is was "wearable" item, and they will refuse all clutch replacements. The service manager said he recently had an 06 A4 with 4000 miles on it that the clutch failed and Audi wouldn't replace it.

What failed? Originally I was told it was the coil pak on one cylinder bank and the seals. So far I know they replaced multiple cylinders, the cam, seals, coil pack, I don't know if the replaced the whole trans or not, and the clutch and all related parts. They have had the car for 2 weeks this time and have had it off and on for 3 weeks in the past two months.

I kept telling them their was something wrong and they kept telling me it was just "dirty valves". I kept taking it back and they told me there was no "code". But there was a crazy tapping coming from the engine that was audible from 15 feet away, but they kept insisting on "dirty valves" and putting cleaner in the synthoil.

 

ANA Said is was "wearable" item, and they will refuse all clutch replacements. The service manager said he recently had an 06 A4 with 4000 miles on it that the clutch failed and Audi wouldn't replace it.

What failed? Originally I was told it was the coil pak on one cylinder bank and the seals. So far I know they replaced multiple cylinders, the cam, seals, coil pack, I don't know if the replaced the whole trans or not, and the clutch and all related parts. They have had the car for 2 weeks this time and have had it off and on for 3 weeks in the past two months.

I kept telling them their was something wrong and they kept telling me it was just "dirty valves". I kept taking it back and they told me there was no "code". But there was a crazy tapping coming from the engine that was audible from 15 feet away, but they kept insisting on "dirty valves" and putting cleaner in the synthoil.

 

This really blows!!!

ANA seems to have a history of bad support on the b6s4. There is a guy on Audiworld that has been through the ringer on engine problems and replacements. His car has been in the shop an insane amount of time...they keep telling him it is fixed, but it keeps breaking...

He ended up getting a lawyer or arbitration...I'll try to find some info and pass it along.


I had also heard that ANA was starting to deny any clutch replacements...but it seems that if your tranny went out...there could be a tie back to a bad clutch...

 

I'm crushed. I sold s4 and s6s when I first got out of college in 94 and always wanted one when I was poor, now I have a position to afford one and this is my experience. I already contacted a Lemon Law lawyer and they say i've got a pretty good case (the law is strong in PA). I am not a mechanic but that was my thought about the engine and trans leading back to the clutch problem. The messed up engine and trans had to cause a lot of friction and heat. I basically drove a car severly f'd up for 3000 miles, because they said it was fine. It is my daily driver and I didn't have a choice. I also have an engineering background (although I flunked out and had to switch to business) My big issue is the way I've been treated. When you pay that kind of money for a car you expect a certain level of service. I heard the same complaint from my customers in 94. Audi's are awesome cars but the service network doesn't understand how to treat its customers. Any info you can get me is greatly appreciated.

 

if you get a chance check out posts on the audiworld site. Go to the b6 s4 forum and look for user jdblueaudis4. He is also in Penn. and has had a horror show of problems with his car. You may get some ideas from his experience on how to proceed.

What is the build date on your car?

 

i'll check it out. Thanks for the help!!!

 

build date is October of 03 from what i've read its a SCARY one, I think I'm gonna try to make em buy it back

 

That could work in your favor...cause it seems generally accepted that build dates before 11/03 had the possibility of problems like this.