Now before I take any of the wheels off for a flat tire, or for cleaning, I'll have to eat a "powerbar" first. Anyone else run into something like this during a service period?

I had to drain my oil during my K04 installation...I figured it'd be no problem to get the drain plug out. Guess again...the torque wrench read about 114 lb-ft before it broke loose...took everything I had (funny angle on jackstands) to break it loose. What scares me is that this is an aluminium oil pan...I doubt it's designed to be torqued that hard...maybe 50 lb-ft would be reasonable...maybe even less 38 sounds familiar for some reason.

Regards,

James R.

99 1.8TMS (Neuspeed K04, K&N Filter, Remus Exhaust, Neuspeed Sport Springs, Neuspeed Front Anti Sway, Bilstein Sport Shocks, Brembo Rotors, Mintex Red Box, Ronal R28's 17", Euro Corners, Clear Sides, Full Tint...and some other stuff I probably forgot)

It's not worth the damage the dealer causes from over torqued wheels, to too much air in the tires, adjusting the the 8 way power seats out of my sweet spot, scratching the finish with the free car wash, etc. I can change my own oil and filter without the hassle. I have seen more damage than not according to a lot of peole I know that go to the dealers.....just not worth the effort. Plus when I talk to the mechanics they seem brain dead about cars!

I know EXACTLY what you mean. One reason why I change my own oil and filter is to prevent foul up's like this. God forbid they use a torque wrench! Good luck.

Don't get me wrong here....I would go to the dealer for something that broke and that they would replace (heated outside mirrors, control arms, etc). Audi must prove that what failed was the owners fault for poor maintenance, the warranty will cover it. The dealer basically changes the oil/filter and they pump the oil out the dip stick tube when the filter isn't changed...that's it, they don't go over your suspension, etc because the car isn't on a lift that time! You will get an air filter and new spark plugs (hope they don't ruin the threads because the engine is hot when you delivered it!) at 30K miles. They will also change your brake fluid, but most only remove/replace the fluid in the resevoir and not flush the system....it's just a big game to make money off of Audi! My 5 prior Nissans never saw the dealer after the purchase, they never required anything but oil/filter, plugs, maybe brakes and a battery. I treat my maintenance better than any dealer would ever perfrom. I own the factory service manual ($400) and VWTOOL ($300). I'm just very, very fussy when it comes to cars and expect the dealer/techs to do so also....it just will never happen. In fact all the techs from my dealer left this past year and now the new guys work on Pontiacs/Bimmers/VWs/Porsches/Audis.....how can they know what they are doing on an Audi?

Just venting a little more than usual....

The first time I went to the dealer for my burned out, outside mirrors. I told them that I changed my own oil/filter and don't rotate the wheels because I just done that....they responded with "Do you think that we don't use a hand torque wrench and will screw up the wheels/rotors?" My answer....yep? The next time I went there they called me that name and in the mean time on the dealer's lot a runaway A6 without a driver scrapped my front bumper.....estimates/2 trips to body shop/insurance agent/lost hours at work....like I say the "Free" oil/filter change!

Yeah I really like it alot, though I kinda wish I had gone with a full cat back system. Looks like I'm going to have to build up my own.

If you leave the stock center muffler in the car will be virtually silent at idle. There is some slight noise when the engine loads up...it sounds very refined though. Dare I say a little too reserved sounding...which is why I'm probably going to do the rest of the plumbing.

Despite having just changed out the muffler I felt a sizeable improvement in top end acceleration...I was really surprised. So in the end I have to say it was definitely worth the money...plus they are bar none the best looking tips known to man :)

Regards,

James R.

99 1.8TMS (Neuspeed K04, K&N Filter, Remus Exhaust, Neuspeed Sport Springs, Neuspeed Front Anti Sway, Bilstein Sport Shocks, Brembo Rotors, Mintex Red Box, Ronal R28's 17", Euro Corners, Clear Sides, Full Tint...and some other stuff I probably forgot)

I know what you mean, my 1980 VW is still on the road because it rarely goes to a garage. I've had fuel lines pinched at a garage by simply lifting the car the wrong way. There is nothing like standing there and watch somebody trash your car at $60/hr.

Many years ago, I was supervisor of technical publications for a German automotive multinational. So even though I know how these cars should be serviced, I don't really enjoy doing it. When I do, it is just to keep the vandals away from it. :) I even work on my wife's 300ZX once in a while.

These days I write software for a living, and I'd be interested in your experiences with the VAG tool. BTW if done properly, pumping the oil out the dip stick tube is not a bad idea -- I'd do it myself if I had the right gadget for it. :)

Pumping the oil out of the dip stick tube is quite acceptable.....it's just another excuse for the techs not to lift the car, lower the under car pan, and remove the oil filter. If I had my oil changed by the dealer I sure would mark my filter to make a point! That "change the oil filter every other oil change" leaves at lot open for them.....


I don't use the VAG tool I use the VWTOOL software on my laptop with a special cable that incorporates special interacing electronics. Unforturnately John Grable who sold this software as Carcomp passed away a few months ago.....he was a wealth of knowledge.