I am pretty sure if there are issues that are an Audi fault they would cover it. If the vehicle has been abused or modded (and they find out!) or you have used the wrong fuel etc etc I do not think it would be reasonable to expect them to fix it.

What is your car and where are you?

 

I'm waiting on my S5. Should be here in about 6 weeks. I'm in California. I have heard that some FSI engines show the effects of carbon buildup as early as 9000 miles and that the dealers are not fixing the problem because they dont get a malfunction code during inspection. Some people are installing catch cans to address the problem. I'm thinking maybe I'll install the catch can on day 1 just in case.

 

Mine was fixed free of charge by my Audi dealership (buildup at 11,400km).

They advised me to 'Italian tune' my car so the buildup won't occur AS frequently in the future, lool.

 

2 Q's

What is

1. A Catch Can
2. An Italian Tune

I assume the later may be to thrash it which may explain why **08 at 55k miles has no problems.

 

What is

2. An Italian Tune

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_tuneup

 

Catch can's have been talked about extensively on this forum, here are a couple threads for you to catch up on:

http://www.a5oc.com/forums/showthread.php/s5-fsi-engined-9808/index.html?t=9808&highlight=catch

http://www.a5oc.com/forums/showthread.php/catch-can-install-11771/index.html?t=11771&highlight=catch

and if you're really adventurous read this one:
http://www.a5oc.com/forums/showthread.php/s-charger-group-10566/index.html?t=10566&highlight=catch

which isn't just about catch cans, although they are mentioned a few times as part of most kits, and a cleaning is required before most installs.

 

Thanks CB, so it's like a super Oil filter is it? or a Magmaclens like on the Central Heating. :cheers:

 

Clean up is covered no question and if your dealer gives you the run around bypass and call Audi. This is a known issues and Audi is terribly embarrassed by it.

 

Does anyone know if the issue has been resolved in the current 3.0 Supercharged motors of the S4/S5? I test drove a 2013 Audi S5 and am thinking about pulling the trigger on the purchase but this carbon build up issue might be a deal breaker....

 

the carbon issue is not really an issue. All cars have some flaws but this isn't really a big deal. So if you need to do a clean up you do it but many have the build up as we speak and don't even notice it. Some have dynoed their cars before and after with no real loss. If you love the car get it!

 

Well they are telling me it's not covered so clearly there are some inconsistencies among dealerships, looking into it.

 

For the record, this carbon problem is not specific to Audi. I had a BMW 2004 545i and their v8's are known for this problem. My car, before it flooded 3x (major water issue and leakage into the passenger compartment that they could not find over a year of testing it) suffered from carbon buildup. Unfortunately at the time it was affecting the secondary air system and the car would not have passed emissions until fixed... the estimate was anywhere from $4-6k. Thankfully the car was totalled by the insurance company after over $20k in repairs after all the water damage... I think I dodged a bullet on that one!

Oh, and I think the only Audi's covering the carbon buildup are a different motor than we have in the S5 (V8) version... maybe I am wrong though...

 

Yes, I'd say you dodged a bullet on that one

Two things in addition

1. The V6 3.0T motor does not have the same issue as far as I know - so the 2012 and later S5's with that motor don't need to worry.
2. The V8 motor most certainly is covered for this, as stated above, call audi USA and tell them your problem - it will be resolved

Hope that helps.

-- Charles​

 

They are telling me its not covered and have offered a 40 percent discount on the labor I asked for a supervisor and im waiting to hear back, can anyone shed some light on why some people are being told its covered and i am not? 2009 cpo s5 (4.2) 60K miles , purchased with 35k just over a year ago....any info is appreciated

 

My engine light came on at around 48,000 miles. After dealer ran its checks, the culprit turned out to be Carbon Built-up. The dealer kept the car for a week to disassemble the intake and clean out the cylinder heads. I asked if this type of problem has a longer warranty than the standard warranty that comes with the car - the answer was a clear no.

My concern is that WHEN this happens again, outside the warranty period, it will cost $2000-$3000 to fix!