Project R8 Ep9: SERVICE AT AUDI, BIG BILL?

More info on the Meta Trak tracking device I use to monitor the car while it's in for a service here;
www.metatrak.c...
In this video I take Project R8 to an Audi Centre for a service.
I could do it myself but need to keep the history up as it's a false economy not to with a car like this.
Does this Audi Approved workshop find loads of work required making me wish I'd bought it from a main dealer in the first place?
I also use the Meta Trak tracking device to monitor progress and see how & where it's been test driven via the Meta Trak App.
Creator's notes: The service advisor told me that there was no record of a brake fluid change but I checked my receipts and there was one performed in March 2017 by Stirling Audi. It's academic anyway as it was due as over 2 years have elapsed since.
Also as the car has a digital service history (no service book) I should have been given an A4 sheet of paper entitled "Complete Record" with all the car's services listed including the new one but I wasn't. A week after the service, I checked the Audi digital service history database to see if this service has been recorded digitially (you too can do this, google 'Erwin' and sign up there for free) and it would appear it hasn't. It's unfortunate that Birmingham Audi can't even perform this basic bit of admin and quite ironic that they wrongly told me my car had never had a brake fluid change because they took the database as gospel, then couldn't update it properly themselves. I emailed them about this and to be fair this was fixed quickly.
The inability to perform a body inspection is an interesting one as Audi list this as part of a service on their website. I contacted Audi UK about this and was told that they should be able to perform a basic inspection and if any issues are found then the customer is referred to an approved bodyshop. UPDATE: The service manager has since said the inspection was performed and the service advisor misunderstood my request. However he didn't explain how the 'R8 specialist technician' had missed the 2 areas I wanted looked at whicht would have definitely fallen within the scope of the inspection he said was carried out...
With regards to oil level, the service manager (and an R8 master tech via the comments👍) have confirmed the level shown in the video after the service is correct. Fair enough but it seems to go against what the handbook says which is top up with 1 litre when the fill level is reached which will take it pretty much to the top of the "do not fill" zone. It wouldn't take too much effort to communicate this to the owner and even better, take a leaf out of Porsche's book and give the customer 1 litre of oil for topping up.
I didn't make this video with an axe to grind but from this experience there is no way I'll be using an Audi Centre for any further work and should have gone to www.autops.co.uk in Brackley as lots of sensible R8 owners already have done.

[@Alan-N]

The sweet spot for Audi Customer Service in my personal experience was almost 10 years ago now . Disappointing however I think it’s a numbers game for all main dealerships these days 👍🇬🇧

[@harrycalibra]

£599 is a lot but for a main dealer imo not bad I was expecting closer to £700 for an R8. I own a 2006 Mercedes CLS320cdi service on that done by a specialist engine and gearbox service one glow plug replace cost me £595 - great video keep them coming

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Harry, will do! Part of the reason I went to Audi was a friend who was an R8 tech and he thought servicing was good value compared to equivalent cars. As an Audi it's expensive but as mid-engined supercar it's cheap and oil changes are fiddly with 3 drain points.

[@lalap2fun]

Its really cheap xD I would buy an r8 it’s was cheap if service was cheap in my country

[@Birmingham_racing]

I personally don't like kiss assess if you have a nice car because they are only after your money. I like to treat people the same regardless of what they drive

[@danl4252]

In regards to the service light, a brake fluid change is part of the service schedule (Inspection service) which should be done every 2 years and the brake fluid (additional work listed on the service schedule) should be changed every 3 years and 2 years thereafter, so that’s why they say they don’t turn the inspection warning light of if the car hasn’t had a brake fluid change, although the brake fluid change is an additional cost on top of the normal service, it’s kind of worth doing because it will help to prevent brake fade especially important on performance models like the R8. Also because brake fluid is hydroscopic, if it is not changed at the recommended intervals water/moisture can build up inside the brake system (lines and hoses) causing corrosion and also in the calipers which could cause them to stick on. It is odd that the tech only filed up the oil a 1/3 of the way up the dipstick . Usually it should be around halfway up the dispstick (3/4 when the oil is fully warmed up)

[@volkswizard]

Thanks for that Dan. I totally understand the need for brake fluid changes exactly for the reasons you state (have done loads on loads of cars). The inference from the service advisor was that the service reminder "couldn't be turned off" (for a technical reason) if the brake fluid change wasn't done. The R8 is different to every other Audi when it comes to checking the oil level but I've followed the procedure many times to get an accurate figure so I could monitor consumption so know how to get an accurate reading. The amount of oil put in during the service wasn't dangerous as being above the min mark on a normal Audi isn't dangerous but after a service you'd expect it to me pretty close to the max mark especially at £485 which is basically just for an oil change.

[@danl4252]

volkswizard Really the advisor should have stated about the service schedule saying that Audi recommends brake fluid changes at certain intervals instead of trying to just insinuate that it has to be done or the dash cannot be reset.. I can definitely see where your coming from regarding the oil, you’d expect it to be at least 3/4 full. Maybe they have just put a certain amount of engine oil in but not really taken into account that the oil filter needs to fill up also which is a bit strange. It can be a dear doo at the main dealer also but as you say they are pros and cons to it, such as peace of mind that you know a qualified R8tech has test driven it e.c.t, and they probably will check for Recalls behind the scenes. Thanks for the video giving us an insight into main dealer servicing especially with a car like the R8. Really enjoying project R8 so far. 👍🏼

[@bneyens]

Damn, I just had my V10 R8 serviced at the dealership in Denver Colorado. $270 for oil, $140 for brake fluid, free courtesy car. $410 USD

[@SpikeXtreme]

Had an nasty experience in a local VW dealer three years ago.I notice the off side rear wing had a small but deep dent on the arch, which wasn't there when i left in with them. I didn't know if it had happened in the workshop or someone had opened a door into it really hard where it had been left in the car park.Because i hadn't noticed it at the time of pick up i couldn't prove anything , i decided to get it fixed myself. A year later after another service, i noticed after a few miles the front brakes were squealing badly so i flushed the pads with brake cleaner which stopped the noise,i think some technician was playing around and decided never to let them have the car again.

[@daibennett9224]

SpikeXtreme I had a bad experience with vw dealership to,dent in wing and scratches up side from someone turning in to me,2 weeks and five visits later and the car still had overspray over it,the 4 times before that you would think it was done by a 5 year old kid,f34k dealerships I will never go back to one,

[@cloroxbleach175]

Tag their dealership so we know where not to go lol

[@jonessenoj6753]

Nice honest video...👍now I see why my dad chose a Volvo over an Audi Q3 as he said the service was shite😥....I guess when your so busy...maybe you let your standards slip? pricey...my experience is this....buy the car no matter where from...then unless your planning on selling (even then...a cheap stamp kit brought off Ebay works grand as a full service history..with printed receipts!!!) Just do all your own services...only a clutch I guess would required a specialist...plenty of them out there these days...I'd have wanted stick on magnetic..panel protectors and a full video or webcam on the car and a full detail of the mechanics credibility etc.... that's one expensive toy...and the dealer or stealer...is only interested in making tonnes of cash !!! maybe one day I'll be lucky enough to have a garage like yours 😉✌

[@tfrowland]

West London Audi’s rate is £220 per hour, I was informed last time I was there collecting parts. Their r8 service is almost £1000, because it’s with an r8 specialist, I might go elsewhere. Once I collected my TT from this Audi dealership and found they had broken the parcel shelf brackets at the back. They settled by paying for labour if I paid for parts. Incidentally, I really rate the guy that works on parts there (he drives a Honda). Audi dealerships are like estate agents - they project a uniform brand identity, but they really are only as good as the team running the place. That said... When I was doing a driving tour of Spain once, the wheel alignment was totally screwed, destroying my tyres (long story), I tried and failed to get it fixed at several garages in small towns en route. After limping to Barcelona, the Audi dealer there (in a cool Bond style underground setup) sorted the issue for something like €100. I was pretty grateful for the dealer then. Around 10 years ago cars took on a new level of technology - and fragility. People buy new cars because they think they will be hassle free, but the opposite seems to be the case. All the new tech just goes wrong, and fixing even simple things is incredibly involved and specialist. Try changing a front windscreen on a new Touareg - it costs around £1000, and the techs get everything wrong reprogramming sensors. It really is best sticking with a previous generation of car, and keep it serviced with a great independent garage you can really trust.

[@volkswizard]

Great story and advice, thanks Tom 👍

[@00Dusty]

Tom Rowland old is gold

[@RGV250FORSALE]

I just came across this video - so I've absolutely no idea if you intend to keep the car forever and ever - or not - but if you're just going to own it for a few years, then move it on - the paint warranty shouldn't in any way be related to the service history. If I were in your shoes - I would have given the main dealer a massive swerve for the servicing, and saved myself probably £400 of the £550 bill you got. Each to their own though. Main dealers rates are more expensive than a solicitor these days, and the only benefit in visiting them is to ensure that you're running the most up to date version of software on the car - which smaller service shops wouldn't have access to.

[@darrencottrell5541]

A nice update to the A8 project series Andrew and nice to see more content with the car. Good to see your up! merchandise in use (I have the same one too). Look forward to the next update centred on detailing the engine bay, I've been waiting on that one since you first mooted it. All the best.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks as ever Darren! Yes the engine bay clean is definitely next, complications are having to film and do the work and getting the side trims painted which entails car being off the road for a bit, might SORN the car in November. Changing wheel colour might be on the cards too (you heard it here first!)

[@darrencottrell5541]

😊 I look forward to both elements in due course. SORN seems a sensible option over the winter months. Cheers mate.

[@iantaf5559]

Thanks for a great, honest video, Andrew. In my experience, I have aways had a good experience for servicing with my S3 at my local Audi dealer. Of course, for the privilege, you have to pay!!!👍🏼

[@volkswizard]

Glad you enjoyed it Ian! I don't mind paying but I expect a level of service with R8 commensurate with the careful and measured way in which the car was built in the factory. Having visited the factory, it's so different to your typical production line, even for other Audis. It's just sad that once into the care of the franchised dealer network the ownership experience is identical to that for any other Audi. With Porsches it's consistent and I suspect this has held back R8 sales and will eventually lead to its demise as a model in the range. However I don't think R8 punters should have the red carpet rolled out, the whole service experience should be better for Audi customers as a whole. Problem is with so many cars sold its hard to give a premium service, that's the problem with a "volume prestige" brand....

[@iantaf5559]

Me again, Andrew. I do agree with all you've said there. I have been a loyal Audi fan for ten years now. Before that I had VWs and a Skoda. Whilst their customer focus was good I have always noticed Audi (Stafford and Wolverhampton) have offered a better, higher level customer experience. Then again, not all franchises are the same in meeting the Audi expectations, I dare say!! It would be nice for some distinction for us S and RS owners though - like British Airways did for their Concorde passengers!! Incidentally, I live close to the local Porche dealers (Junction 2, M54) so I will have to have a walk inside a see what happens!!! 😆Have a good week ahead, Andrew. All the best.

[@-Dash-]

Say you were a level 4 master tech for 20 years, at what point what point would you chose to service your own car (any specialist car, say a 911, R8, Gallardo, etc) instead of a main dealer for the benefit of the service history? 6 years? 8, 10 or 15 years maybe?

[@newbeginnings8566]

Nobody will be caring at 15 years and all the extra costs at Audi won't be recovered in resale price.

[@S3Ben]

When my S3 went to Birmingham Audi for repair work it was put in the corner of their warehouse where there wasn't any CCTV coverage and the warehouse was broken into and my car was stripped and the front end was cut away. It was suspected to be an inside job. I wouldn't go back there....

[@volkswizard]

Jeez not good Ben. When was that? There have been a few similar reports, one that led to a prosection but that was a while ago.

[@S3Ben]

volkswizard in 2010. There were a load of new RS cars at the other end of the storage warehouse yet my heavily modified S3 was placed at the other end out of CCTV where there were leaks etc in the roof and the car was stripped of a lot of parts. It went in for suspension repair and somehow was put into storage where lots of parts were removed including the front bumper, intake, boost pipes etc

[@grahamhaynes7658]

Oil and brake fluid change was rather expensive imo.

[@adenahy]

Just wanted to say I find the R8 project videos you are doing really interesting thanks for all your effort, i know how long it takes to make and edit video. This dealer experience video is also very interesting... I have a May 2017 S3 and so far find the service at Poole Audi very good indeed. The car was purchased from them and has returned twice now for inspection and subsequent servicing, without a wash as requested! I like you expect a good level of service for what you pay because main dealers are not the cheapest out there but as I say so far so good and at least I have now found a garage for service I can trust! Its a pity you live so far away... and no I don't work for Audi but must confess I do love my S3!

[@volkswizard]

Hi Andy, thanks for commenting, glad you are enjoying the videos! They aren't too bad to make though the ones where I am working and filming are quite time consuming. I forgot to to do what I'd planned in that video and tape a 'do not wash" sign to the dash as I've been to main dealers before, rejected the offer of a wash and found it had been done anyway. I think Poole Audi have a good reputation and going by the area they serve have a largely affluent customer base who probably aren't afraid to spend money which means the dealership can do a good job and make a decent profit.. You don't have to work for Audi to love your S3 👍

[@vp5]

Any reason for not paying the 599 slightly unpleasant bill on a credit card

[@CK-297]

Just looking at that fantastic gear knob and gate as you drove in, made me want the R8 😍

[@volkswizard]

I'm glad that new camera angle has been appreciated, will probably use it a lot now 😁

[@matthewbeeson5612]

New A5 or an R8? hmm, let me think... Thanks for the warts and all video. I get nervous enough leaving my Seat Ateca at a dealership so goodness knows how it feels for an R8 owner!! Great vid as always!

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Matthew! The A5 served a purpose as I'd not driven a pre-facelift A4/A5 before. I wanted to smash that non-touch screen tablet off the dash by the time I'd finished with it!

[@matthewbeeson5612]

@@volkswizard During an oil service my local VW dealer didn't notice the oil filter seal had stuck to the block so when they replaced the filter there were now 2 oil seals. Took me an age to remove the filter! Surprisingly it never leaked. Just shows the dealers can make mistakes. This was on Mk 6 Golf TSi.

[@ianclark5093]

Service cost not to bad really. Just paid Audi dealer 480 quid for 2 yr RS3 saloon service. How do you know an R8 tech worked on your car??? Going to check my invoice to see if a RS master tech looked at mine. Last time the sump guard was not secure and Audi punctured my tyre

[@volkswizard]

i asked the service advisor if it was an R8 trained tech that did the work. It's a big Audi dealer that sells a lot of them so makes sense.

[@paulanderton9424]

I am not so sure about so called "experts" working on your car at Dealerships. I recently took my golf for a remap and those guys knew miles more about the car than any VW garage or specialist I have ever been to. You just have to hope and put your trust in them!

[@lecogti996]

If you used R-Tech you can be sure that the guys there probably know more about VWs than VW know about their own cars.

[@paulanderton9424]

@@lecogti996 Yes, that's where it went! 👍

[@AW-dj7vc]

Audi stoke crashed my car and they were up set because I Swore at them 🤬🙊🙉🙈

[@volkswizard]

A £160k R8 met its untimely demise while on test at Birmingham Audi 3 years ago, these things happen I suppose. I was working on the basis lightening doesn't strike twice though the fact my test drive was on the same route was a little worrying!

[@cloroxbleach175]

Love The R8

[@bungle380]

What tracker do you use please? Liked the look of the app / features. Thanks

[@volkswizard]

Hi Alex, the tracking device is from MetaTrak. It's the latest tech and can be hidden much more than some rivals which need line of sight out of the windscreen www.metatrak.co.uk/

[@bungle380]

Great, thanks for taking the time to reply!

[@rhiantaylor3446]

I can see an argument for paying Dealer prices to gain peace of mind but the implication that they don't know how to check the oil level (or perhaps just didn't bother to correct the oil level) rather blows that away doesn't it Audi ? Your left with paying about £300 more than you need to get a professional job done, just so you maintain continuity of dealer stamps. That's the sort of blackmail I thought the EU had eradicated.

[@newbeginnings8566]

An oil/filter change and brake fluid change is easy to do... Nothing specialised about this even on an R8.. DIY - £100 max Specialist garage £250.... AUDI £600.... joke price... The massive difference pays for the suit wearing flunkies and a posh premises....

[@paulw5822]

You know these cars well enough, surely the main dealer service is just to maintain as much of the cars value when you sell it on?

[@volkswizard]

You know I know the cars but when I come to sell it, the buyer may not have a clue and put blind faith in the dealer 'stamp' . If it doesn't say FASH in the advert it will put people off and that could mean a difference of £1000s in the resale price. After all it has to be someone who wants a V8 and a manual (not as popular as auto unless you are odd like me!) and Suzuka grey with silver blade, alcantara seats (not the more common leather). This is a very niche buyer who you don't want to scare away with a non-dealer history.

[@paulw5822]

@@volkswizard That is exactly what I was implying, at this level of car you had no choice but service the car at a main dealer. How long do you plan to keep the car? I don't get the impression you are totally blown away with it, or don't use it that much to keep the mileage down and value up? It would make a good video of owning your "dream" car and reality once you have it?

[@nobodyshero200]

Image how much money they save underfilling everyone's cars. I always ask for more oil.

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, did you not shop around?

[@volkswizard]

Hi Paul, it’s a fixed price service so same price at every Audi dealer

[@Andyuk911]

You did not mention if they washed it or not - my top tip, never send a dirty car to dealer and NEVER allow them to wash it with their dirty scratching sponge in a dirty black bucket with no grit guard ..... Ferrari or Lambo - £2-£4k

[@volkswizard]

They didn't wash it so they said though the receipt said they did - apparently all the receipts say this which is to say a little disappointing!

[@Andyuk911]

@@volkswizard if they did not wash it, I would say that's a bonus!

[@chubbybrown4real]

Daughter put a 4-year old up for an MOT and a service and new mot walked out after carding 500 quid shame on you hawcos in Inverness, failed mot for fuel cap seal also Recommended life time cambelt be changed @ 500 quid. Advised usual frontDrum sticks etc. 2nd Daughter decided not worth it an independant minor service and MOT, £110 using vw spec oil for her polo match She will take the 400 hit everytime plus has service proof as well. No wonder they are called stealers.

[@whereamiwhereami]

Good to know this. I was car shopping at Inverness and wondered what it would Be like getting my first audi. My neighbour in Tain returned there new audi after 70 miles, brand new, because of the amount of faults and smoke it produced. Electrical faults too. They were not Impressed at all. And if servicing is high puts you right off taking it to a main dealer after warrenty has expired.

[@stevewight2000]

I cant quite underthtandth whath your thaying.

[@jacob9925]

These dealers would probably charge £500 just to service a 2001 1 litre Yaris 😂

[@t5jerry]

Damon, where's the beard gone ?

[@volkswizard]

Came off at 240 mph down the Hanger Straight

[@t5jerry]

@@volkswizard didn't realise you had access to a BUGATTI 🧐🧐🧐

[@JackKing12.]

Courtesy car from Audi lol...Leicester Audi said £25. No more freebie .

[@FragGile]

First world problems 😢

[@robertmontgomery7158]

Like the video. You do come across as a bit high maintenance.

[@volkswizard]

That's me alright!

[@robertmontgomery7158]

You do know an independent shop can flush the brakes too for less money. Audi requires brake flush in USA every 2 years.

[@totalfun1993]

as a disabled driver that is shocking that they use the disabled bay when I ever go to dealership parking is a nightmare and i get so worried when i am at dealerships thy should keep the bays for the disabled customers

[@stefant6258]

What a load of waffle. Who cares about the courtesy car.

[@ghostinthemachine76]

My neighbour bought a new 18 plate Q7 3.0 TDI S Line from Blackburn Audi last year. Nothing but problems. Turned out it needed a new engine. Got it back with a big scrape down the nearside with damage to the n/s/r wheel. They tried to fob him off and denied all knowledge. It was only after he kicked up a stink and contacted Audi UK, they agreed to repair it. A £65K car and they treated him like a mug. Absolutely shocking. I wouldn’t go near the place.

[@tompackage]

I’m an R8 main dealer tech of 10 years (22 years with VAG total) ...your oil level was correct, you should only check the level with oil temp between 100 & 110 degrees, that’s oil temp not coolant temp, the level is perfect half way into the ‘do not fill’ area, any higher & you’ve over filled it ! Looks like you had a good experience though.

[@andapen]

Buddy please keep these R8 ownership videos coming! Fantastic to watch and learn from. Just bought an R8 myself and it’s awesome to hear other owners perspectives! 👍👍

[@volkswizard]

Hey andapen, thanks for the feedback, really pleased someone appreciates this video as I was unsure how it would work out. There will be more for sure 👍

[@ianhay2724]

know the feeling A8 4.2 tdi in for service, got A1 1.0, you done a lot better than me lol

[@RealWorldCarReviews]

Five. Hundred. Pounds. For an inspection and an oil and oil filter and brake fluid change. What a massive rip off. Oil and filter probably costs, at most, £50 - £60. Brake fluid change, probably less than that. So where on earth does the rest of the cost come from? A guy having a poke around the car!? Absolutely crazy prices.

[@justinevans1894]

Highly recommend Midland VW in Cannock for all VAG servicing and repairs, really know their stuff.

[@matmulder]

Agreed! Used Midland VW for all my VAG cars over many years. Great service.

[@manjbains1977]

Jody has also started to use Millers oil for all cars now too. 👍

[@justinevans1894]

@@manjbains1977 as an option yes, not as standard for service etc

[@meteormedia7021]

IMHO the best version of the R8 Audi ever made. Also the lightest. Don't know why, but I've always preferred the 4.2 FSI V8 over the 5.2 FSI V10, couldn't tell you why. This would be the car I'd get, if the Porsche 996 wouldn't exist.

[@volkswizard]

John Barker from evo magazine agrees with you on V8 vs V10 as he says it's lighter so less pendulum effect when the back starts to slide plus the V10 can sound a bit thrashy unless it's singing at high revs. Good to know as V8 was all I could afford :)

[@shifty277]

Great video - people whining about the cost of oil change and other tiny bits - you are paying for knowledge of correct procedures on lets have it right a supercar. It is in the budget range of supercars but it is a supercar. If I had the funding to spend lets say 40k used on an Audi R8 I would not be running around crying looking for a £150 service for a machine such as this. £450+ for a service on say a Audi A3 1.4 and then you can through the toys out the pram. Enjoying your content as of the last few months, more so your knowledge and insight that I wasn't aware of on cars beforehand, also how calm you are throughout the videos when these days a lot of car content on KZbin is screaming, dancing and bling to the max to get attention. Thumbs up!

[@laurencemajury8422]

Surely you’re know to all the Audi dealers in your area and get well looked after?

[@volkswizard]

Don’t have much to do with them to be honest. One service a year maybe. Parts come from TPS

[@stevienico452]

I would say the service cost is about correct for this car, main dealers always make money on spares, repairs and servicing, worth it for the car in the short term, but remember unless this car has a long shelf life and your keeping it, then servicing on higher mileage, daily used cars will give the next buyer confidence but cost you.

[@pheasantpluckersson2138]

Have to say overall i have had great service from Hatfield Audi and Maidstone Audi today as it happens, for a no hassle Audi warranty replacement part on the RS3 wing mirror, obviously i asked them NOT to wash it 😂

[@georgewhiteford9869]

Considering the bill you had to pay, they should have at least 3/4 filled your oil Andrew. Sounds like they rushed it. I know it’s a specialist car but come on Audi, what are you playing at?

[@ScottPC]

Audi reading didn’t fill my car up with enough oil then blamed that the machine didn’t fill it up correctly and then they got upset when I told them to use there eyes and common sense.

[@mrpantur7280]

I wouldn't pay someone to service my car it's not hard to do your self.

[@latitudeash]

Every time I take my vw in for service they underfill with oil. I always end up topping up after an oil change. I like to have it in the middle of min max.

[@volkswizard]

As someone who performs oil changes, I know it can be hard to get in right and it's best to underfill a bit than overfill, over half way up the fill zone would have been acceptable. To counter this, Porsche give you a litre of oil with each service. I'm sure it's not free as such as it's worked into the bill but £485 for an oil change or £450? Doesn't really make any difference.

[@steveduffy1800]

If you're got a car like this then you should be able to afford to run it

[@sparkford04]

Andrew doesn't drive like a lunatic Your Honour ! Honest My Lord. Very interesting feedback and like the tracking on your Stealer. Service at main dealer worth doing I agree Andrew.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Keith! The 'score' on the app for driving smoothness isn't something to be taken seriously because it comes from Meta Systems' heavy input into black boxes for new drivers so the scores are very easy to get down to zero in anything with over 100 bhp!

[@billywhizz98]

You should take your Car to an Audi sytner group they have fixed prices for services and parts

[@volkswizard]

Hi William, thanks for commenting. This was actually a fixed priced service, it's a national arrangement across Audi UK dealers (on the Audi UK website). My nearest Sytner is Leicester and the only other near one is Jardine in Halesowen who I've had issues with recently

[@billywhizz98]

Appoliges I meant to say Audi inchcape I bought mine from Audi sytner when I bought it it had free service but had to pay for the gearbox oil and filter change sytner wanted £300 but I took it to inchcape for it to be done and they charged £225 all in they have fixed prices but sytner chargers more

[@reecet2340]

Just to let you know you said you were getting a main dealer service for the paintwork warranty to be valid but every audi comes with a 3 year paintwork for manufacturing defects and the 12 year warranty is only for Anti Perforation you dont have to have the vehicle serviced at audi for the paintwork warranty to be valid.

[@volkswizard]

Hi Reece, thanks for that. I was under the impression that inspections are required so if there is an issue it can be nipped in the bud. I'd imagine they are working on the basis that if the owner doesn't notice anything we aren't going to tell him! I've had issues with paint warranties before so feel like it's worth going by the book but hey ho. Funny how service plans list a "body panel inspection" with a service? www.sinclairaudi.co.uk/service-mot-repair/insurance-warranties/service-plans/existing-vehicles/

[@reecet2340]

@@volkswizard No problem, I beleive the "Body panel Inspection" is just to check the whole car for damage or major defects i.e. Corroded wings. As when doing a full panel inspection it takes multiple paint depth measurments on each panel to check the paint is standard and has not be resprayed which would take a long time for every car thats in for a service, but i checked the link you sent and it does look misleading.And by the way i would maybe speak to audi about the fact they have underfilled the r8, its not great when a "r8 specialist" let them know you know your stuff £600 isnt cheap considering they havnt done it correctly. I work at an audi dealer up north any questions let me know and ill try help you out.

[@kokekan75]

Does having private services lead to any issues with selling the car in future? I much rather take my car to a private garage that is interested in servicing the car. I don’t trust dealerships.

[@volkswizard]

If you try and trade it in at Audi and it's not got main dealer servicing they will use that to not offer you as much as they would if it did. This is a long term trick to keep people servicing in the dealer network. The problem with modern cars is that they need to visit the dealer for software updates and very few private garages can do this (though like APS in Brackley they can sign up to be able to do this but many don't). I think with normal Audis it's fine to go elsewhere though I'd wait until over 3 years old even though using a good specialist wont affect the warranty. As R8s get old and Audi dealers won't sell them, using proper top level specialists like MRC, APS, and RE Performance will be fine.

[@kokekan75]

I have a VW R and honestly I don’t ever see the need to get rid of it, it just does everything so well. I think I will wait till the servicing runs out and then use a local specialist. Will probably go APR stage 1 too for a bit more fun. I’ve had far too many issues with VW main dealer work, they’re so careless and you can’t trust that they actually do the work they’re supposed to. Keep up the invaluable content. Thanks for the videos!

[@thedrvn]

I drove the v10 and the V8 and loved the v10 but after driving my mates 997 turbo I was absolutely smitten and now have one sat in the garage

[@paulyoung5073]

Flat bottom steering wheel was handy in 1950s..... jumping in and out during endurance racing

[@ashliehiggins]

That's not too bad, a major and brake change would have been £400 for my Mii at a main dealer, it's just a VAG thing, just lucky I've got the service plan which makes it a bit cheaper.

[@volkswizard]

Hi Ashlie,, things get a lot more costly with a major service on a R8, well into 4 figures. This is just an oil change at £485. Those up/mii/citigo cars are a pleasure to work on and just 3 spark plugs too! Mind you cambelt is drag, one thing I don't have to worry about on R8 at least!

[@chrisclayton2278]

Love the video . I am considering and R8 V8 Manual and this video along with your others has been priceless. Thanks for such a great easy to watch yet very detailed video . 👍

[@volkswizard]

It was a pleasure, glad you enjoyed it Chris 👍

[@johnnyballbag8916]

My Boxster S would be over £700 for the “minor” service which was an oil change and the brake fluid change which they make you have at every service. And the service department at Porsche was shocking for that price They know they have you over a barrel when it comes to servicing

[@volkswizard]

...and that's the reason I don't have much to do with Porsches! The other bit is how they rust like a bitch around the exhaust system and manifold and Porsche charge you many hours to rectify this

[@ABRestoration]

Hi Paul thanks for working on my car and not even filling the oil up properly which an apprentice could do right.

[@volkswizard]

Just trying to be pleasant but yes, in retrospect it wasn't an experience I want to repeat. Service manager was asked why and he said that it was all done to 'Audi spec', 700 miles later car is rattling on start up as it's on the fill level now (they all use oil hence why they need to be full). Audi Spec is wrong.

[@aljack1979]

£500 for that service is pretty good price from a main dealer for the an r8

[@nathanthompson8728]

R8 tech and he under filled it 🙈

[@polopowered]

I have better service from my Toyota Dealer. Always have, consistently.

[@williamegler8771]

But the downside is you are driving a Toyota. The are about as exciting as a toaster.

[@andymitchell368]

Well I enjoyed that 👍

[@manjbains1977]

Nice to see a video on a German dealership on cost etc. But surprised they couldn't check on the bodywork and its Audi Birmingham. Myself I am going to VW Sytner Stafford end of this month to get a couple of things done on my Golf. Its the first time I am going to a German dealership in 10 years. Hopefully it will be a good experience and not a bad one. 👍

[@volkswizard]

Good luck with that! Sytner are a big dealer group and as is typical reports vary. Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed. Have you checked online reviews?

[@volkswizard]

Good luck with that! Sytner are a big dealer group and as is typical reports vary. Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed. Have you checked online reviews?

[@manjbains1977]

@@volkswizard yep. Very good compared to Bilston VW which is part of the trust group brand. I only live 10 mins from there but would never go there. Reviews are awful plus many friends have been disappointed with the service they got there. The service manager at Stafford has been very helpful so far with emails and calls, hopefully will be the same when seeing in person. I did ask for a Golf R as a courtesy car but got no chance lol. 👍

[@stephenzuchowski5754]

Beauty of a car 👍

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Stephen 👍Still love yours though 😉

[@EarthWatcher736]

Love your videos.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Mick, much appreciated 👍

[@malcolmscott4150]

Great video Andrew - love your R8 with its manual transmission- is it just me that loves the left and down reverse position? Good to see you keep car well serviced but does seem expensive given car full of Audi/VW shared parts and not temperamental like a Ferrari :) although I’m sure service history will maintain car’s value - time for an Italian tune up video?

[@volkswizard]

Italian Tune Up of an R8 on the public road would probably get me into trouble! Yes I love the reverse position too :)

[@angelayoung3978]

My TT goes to kwikfit no bother with parking and always great service try it it might surprise you

[@kells77]

Angela Young god poor car They use cheap parts and cheap oil

[@djhatstand7312]

Kwikfit? wow, poor car

[@barriejames007]

An r8 at quick fit?? Err no thanks

[@drivetime4252]

Lower your camera when showing cars

[@specialboye4910]

Winge winge winge

[@volkswizard]

Have you actually watched the video?

[@robertmontgomery7158]

You expect an R8 loaner. That is nuts for a dealer to keep an R8 as a loaner. In the USA 🇺🇸 AUDI service is exemplary.

[@volkswizard]

I didn't say I expect an R8 as a loan car, it was just a question. I am pretty sure many R8 owners will have moved up from a 911 (as I have) and when you have get a courtesy car Porsche it's usually at worst a Cayman.