to remove the plastic cover uner the window? Audi should have used a no maint. battery.

When properly maintained, a mantenance type battery will last longer, and provide more cranking amps than a conventional battery. It is a small price to pay for better battery performance. This is part of the 5K or 7.5K services under the scheduled maint. program.

It was the old fashioned type like our Audi's. Batteries like Delco etc. maintenance are in most new cars in the U.S. I think it's just easier to recycle the other types or maybe cheaper. But it's interesting that the two German cars I've owned had the old style battery.

the normal indication when the engine is idle that's a sign that the battery is not doing well.

noise to occur then service them. I believe in preventive measures in general.