I saw this solution on another forum but tweeked it a little. My version includes a solid cap rather than a slotted one(more on this later). If any of you have wanted to bleed your brakes let alone check the fluid level, you'll find taking off the wipers and all the plastic trim to be a major PITA!

One week after my 5K checkup, the brake warning light showed up. To my delight, I found that Audi made it nearly impossible for the average person to access the brake reservoir quickly. So... bring out the drill, adjustable hole cutter, tablesaw, sandpaper, pencil, tape, 4" SDR pipe cap, 4" pipe insirt, plastc epoxy, and flat black spray paint.

I first cut off the 4" pipe cap flange on the tablesaw so only the top cap portion was left. Next, I cut a 4" pipe insert on the same saw down to 1/8" long and then glued that to the back of the pipe cap. Whip out the paint, and that step is done.

Now to the knuckle biter. Drilling a hole in the R8 felt like I was about to get my ass whopped for lighting my brothers GI Joe on fire in the back yard as I reenacted the battle for Iwo Jima. Knowing the enemy would be key!. After seeing pictures of where someone else had discovered the brake reservoir, I knew there would be only one chance. As you can see... I hit it on the first swing! I cut the hole 1/32" larger than the new cap flange and it fits snug.

Not only was the brake fluid almost a full pint low, but the fact that the car was in for service a week earlier, Wake The Fvck Up Audi! For anyone like me who has already tracked the car and will continue to do more, having quick access to the brake fluid is extremely important.

I think Audi needs to add an access panel on future models. I can't imagine that service departments are regularly checking the reservoir.

Before I forget... Sand down the edges of the hole and erase the pencil marks!

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/86152/dsc_0012.jpg">


<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/86152/dsc_0007.jpg">


<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/86152/dsc_0002.jpg">


<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/86152/dsc_0018.jpg">

I have it bookmarked for when mine decides to show up.

i wonder why audi gives you a condom holder, but no access to the brake fluid. just silly.

What did you use for the cap?? The '4" SDR pipe cap, 4" pipe insirt' what was the insert for? Looks like an excellent mod. Are you saying that tracking this car has caused you to boil off a pint of brake fluid though? I'd be worried about leakage if I were you. I am still waiting for my R8 due in March 09.