Ok . My 2004 A8L is at the dealer . The same bad dealer I have had issues with before . but the only dealer in town. So, the reason I took her in is: 1) Transmission still takes 10 or so seconds to shift into drive (or reverse) on a cold start and then slams in, 2) TPMS still not working, 3) Navigation system reads on occasion "Check Nav DVD" and will not work, and 4) the car is running hot/overheating ( turn the heat on High and watch the temp drop. Other side issue is the spoiler on the front (lowest part of the car under the front end) is cracked and bent - I must have scraped something at some point.

So, the dealership tells me the warranty company is sending someone out to take a look because of the high amount of problems .. Also tells me that they got a code for the parking brake light (which reminded me of that coming on sometimes).

The Transmission - They are getting no codes and offered a clean and flush (not covered) - I am declining and trying to get them to do a software update that I saw on here.

TPMS - they are saying the batteries in the sensors are dead and $150 each to replace - Not Covered. Any suggestions?

Nav - they are recommending a replacement of the Nav Unit. I will do if it is covered by the platinum warranty.

Overheating - Big surprise .. a thermostat .. Apparently a very involved job that should (better) be covered.

Front Spoiler - Any suggestions.

Thanks for any and all input . It's nice to hop back on here!

I can't address the transmission issue as I haven't had it arise in mine. Sounds like it could be a fluid issue to me.

I have had to replace my TPMS batteries. Apparently it's supposed to be done when the tires are changed. Mine is still under CPO warranty and they have been covered thus far. You can always turn the system off if you don't want to fork out the cash and go back to the $20 tire pressure gauge from Target.

I haven't had an issue with my nav unit, but it could easily be a bad drive. I had that problem on my Benz.

It sounds like the thermostat has a 75k mile life span. I had mine replaced under warranty - I have to believe that yours will be, too since it's such a common issue.

I don't know of a cheap way to fix the front spoiler. It does sit low, especially if you keep the car in dynamic mode. I try to listen carefully when I'm backing out of a parking space with a wheel stop and if I hear anything, I raise the suspension.

Good luck.

Thanks!! I will let everyone know as soon as I hear anything

I Have the Aido Platium warranty. Thermostat died at 63k - replaced under warranty no issues.

Larry

Aido=Audi - I suck at typing.

Larry

So the warranty adjuster came and looked today. They will only cover the Thermostat because it was the only active mechanical problem. When he test drove it, the Nav. DVD worked (which it does on occasion) and the parking brake light was not lit. Since the Nav and parking brake light were stored codes, they will not cover.

so, I have to wait until the Nav malfunctions again and bring it in to have it covered. Same with the Parking Brake Light. They are going to try to hit me with the $100 Deductible each time. That will be fun .. Since I am an attorney, I will simply sue them in small claims court and smack them around. To polite to say what I really think.

The transmission is still not producing a code.. So, I am debating .. when it takes 10 or so seconds to shift into drive when I pick it up at the dealership .. I may just floor it and let them listen to the trany blow up.

TPMS - is my only choice really $150 per wheel?

Still no estimate on the front spoiler.

I Love my A8L .. but the service is going to land me at the Mercedes dealer for my next vehicle. I have a CLK convertible for a pleasure / sumer driver and may have to re-consider the S class after all this trouble !

Aftermarket warranties suck IMHO!! I had it before on my '04 Navigator and always had the run around to fix anything and they honestly look for avenues to not pay a claim. Since then I always bought the dealer extended warranty ('07 Escalade) or CPO ('04 A8L which is expiring this month!!). BTW: What did you drive while you were waiting for the adjuster? Did they give you a rental or did you have to arrange your own transportation?

Aftermarket warranties suck IMHO!! I had it before on my '04 Navigator and always had the run around to fix anything and they honestly look for avenues to not pay a claim. Since then I always bought the dealer extended warranty ('07 Escalade) or CPO ('04 A8L which is expiring this month!!). BTW: What did you drive while you were waiting for the adjuster? Did they give you a rental or did you have to arrange your own transportation?

Agreed. Insurance companies are your friend until something goes wrong. Aftermarket warranties are basically an insurance policy gift wrapped as something else.

I bought Gold Plus coverage for my S6 from my local Audi dealer. They say that the "authorized Audi extended warranty" is underwritten by Fidelity, and that it is the best coverage I can get. It did cover some small repairs, and an alternator, but I had an issue over the Electronic Stability Control system (Audi calls it ESP).

When I bought the warranty, I specifically asked if it covers this system.

My list of covered items includes "ESC Systems" Newer contracts deleted this item, buy mine has it in print. Well, my ESC developed a problem and Fidelity denied coverage. When I called the adjuster myself, his excuse was that in my contract, ESC stands for 'Electronic Spark Control', an ignition system used on some Chrysler cars. I argued that ESC, as defined by the SAE (society of automotive engineers) as well as any other publication you read stands for Electronic Stability Control. He would not budge and said that Fidelities interpretation was final.

I went back to the dealer who sold me this "Audi Authorized" warranty and threatened legal action against Fidelity and Them. Well, the car got fixed, but I never did receive a receipt for the work. I don't know if Fidelity covered it, or the dealer ate it.

Fast forward to now. I'm going to buy the Platinum warranty from the same dealer who again states that it is Audi's authorized warranty underwritten by Fidelity for my A8. 6 year/60,000 additional coverage would bring my warranty up to 104,000 miles or 11/2015. They want $3300, which doesn't sound bad. Is there a better option for me?

I don't want to hassle with Fidelity again, but the dealer assures me that the platinum coverage is much different because it spells out what is NOT covered, rather than what is, and is much less open to interpretation. Now, it does spell out that “transmitting devices” are not covered. I wonder if this includes the TPMS and Bluetooth phone system?

The TPMS is covered, BUT not if the failure is due to dead batteries. ...of course, the batteries can't be replaced, so they say anyways. I've never looked to see if there is a way to replace them.

They gave me a seabring loaner .. I think to let me kow how good I have it with an A8!

The Thermostat is still not fixed. They are hopeful for mid day tomorrow (dropped car off Monday Morning .. hopeful to get it back Friday!) The delay is that they are waiting for a gasket! Are you kidding me .. 4 full days and they did not pre-plan to have everything they needed!

So, when you say the TPMS is covered, but not for dead batteries .. how the heck is it covered? Should I just shop around for some new sensors? or Batteries?

They gave me a seabring loaner .. I think to let me kow how good I have it with an A8!

The Thermostat is still not fixed. They are hopeful for mid day tomorrow (dropped car off Monday Morning .. hopeful to get it back Friday!) The delay is that they are waiting for a gasket! Are you kidding me .. 4 full days and they did not pre-plan to have everything they needed!

So, when you say the TPMS is covered, but not for dead batteries .. how the heck is it covered? Should I just shop around for some new sensors? or Batteries?

Seabring!! Makes you appreciate the German Auto's...I will never be able to go back!! BTW: TPMS were covered under my CPO...My thermostat was fixed in 24hrs with no advance notice. This is suppose to be a common problem so you would think they would have the parts in stock. All in all though...I would not give up my A8 for a BMW or BENZ..I had both a 5 series and ML55..I drove the new S-Class and 7 series but was not impressed as much as I am with my old Audi for some weird reason..now that I put the 22's on it and started tweaking the looks to my taste..forget it!!

Any warranty is better than nothing with these expensive German cars. Yesterday I had my 55K service done, and at the same time my airbag light has been on for 2 months, as well as the transmission would "hoot" occasionally when shifting. I have a CPO warranty. The dealer sent me the bill before picking the car up, charging me $530 for the airbag and $1,380 for the transmission hoot TSB. Reminded them of my CPO, and I only paid for the 55K service as well as a $50 deducible. Those small issues right there would have paid for most warranties.

Well .. my dealership is less than impressive. The (after having the A8 for 5 days) finally fixed the thermostat. I know 5 days for a thermostat .. a bit much.

The warranty company adjuster would not let them fix the Navigation or the Parking Brake light because they were stored codes. Apparently, the Nav worked during the test drive.

So, within 5 seconds of pulling out of the dealership, the nav fails again! I really don't have the time to keep bringing it in.

So, the next time I drive by the dealership, I will take a look at the nav and bring it in if it is failing.

So, the dealership charges me for the diagnostics on the Nav and the Parking Brake. But I never mentioned the parking brake light to them . the just found the code when they ran a scan. I decided not to fight them and will let Audi of America know when they call to check on the service. Unreal, this dealership is just willing to throw away an A8 customer .. so I can drive down the street and buy a benz or bmw next. Considering I also own a CLK430 and the Mercedes dealership (while it is dealership expensive) is VERY HELPFUL.

The fun part will be suing the warranty company when they want another $100 deductible for the Nav and the Parking Brake. ARGGG

I would definately find a different dealership...from my experience most of these mechanics don't have a clue about the A8(L) and rely on the computer/diagnostics to tell them what is wrong and hopefully there's a writeup on the solution...funny though buddies of mine with S-Classes, 7 series and Range's don't say anything better about thier experiences...It just seems this class of cars are just to complicated for the american mechanic??

I have no option in my area as far as a dealership. I wrote Audi Advocate today. I could drive over an hour to Rochester NY and try that dealership. Maybe I will call them and talk about the issues. Anyone have any experience with John Holtz in Rochester?