B7 RS4: DRC alternatives

[Hoddo]

Considering a B7 RS4. I am aware of the DRC issue and have a few questions.

By now a large number of B7 RS4s will have experienced the DRC issue and had the problem replaced under warranty at Audi (this correct?). Did the replacement solve the issue or was it like for like parts. I.E. the DRC issue could happen again?

When the problem occurs is it not sensible to change to a Koni or Bilstein set up? Is this a common solution by owners?

What is the best warranty for this car? One that covers the DRC and choking issues.

Anything else I should look out for?

[iluvmercs]

I would assume that any RS4s having problems now will be out of warranty for DRC - IIRC, there was a 5 year extended warranty for the DRC.
If recently fitted DRC shocks have a problem, then that will be covered by Audi's own parts warranty which is either 1 or 2 years, I can't remember.

The alternatives are the usual Bilstein/H&R/Eibach setups which have been tried and tested.
I believe there are now specialists who can rebuild the DRC shocks too.

While it's a known issue, not all cars appear to be affected.
My car currently has near 67k miles on the clock on its original DRC shocks. I do get it checked every service and admit I think myself lucky right now.

Would a warranty cover engine coking?
For peace of mind I would get one to cover suspension.

Darren

Edited by iluvmercs on Friday 11th April 13:27

[Hoddo]

iluvmercs said:

If recently fitted DRC shocks have a problem, then that will be covered by Audi's own parts warranty which is either 1 or 2 years, I can't remember.

Good to know, had not considered that.

iluvmercs said:

While it's a known issue, not all cars appear to be affected. My car currently has near 67k miles on the clock on its original DRC shocks. I do get it checked every service and admit I think myself lucky right now.

I was under the impression it was a matter of when rather than if the DRC failed. Again, interesting to know.

iluvmercs said:

Would a warranty cover engine coking? For peace of mind I would get one to cover suspension.

Can you recommend any?

[Escort3500]

There's loads of detailed advice on RS246.com if you've not been there yet, including alternative suspension set ups, though personally I would stick with the original, it's the best IMO. I assume you've seen the recent buying guide here on PH?

The DRC system can be problematic; mine's had 3 changed, but it can vary greatly as iluvmercs says. Audi never offered replacement under warranty; but there was a 5 year/75,000 miles goodwill period where dealers would replace them FOC. My dealer replaced one with no charge just after I bought the car (privately) at 6 years old and 43k miles, but it had full Audi service history which I guess may have influenced them. They certainly weren't obliged to do it FOC.

There's also a lot on RS246 about carbon cleaning, but owners' opinions vary widely on the effectiveness of it. I very much doubt that an aftermarket warranty will cover CC. I was quoted £1200/year from one company eek: so I just put some money away in a slush fund each month rather than pay such a ridiculous premium. Oil coolers/pipes are also prone to leaking, with Audi charging about £1500 to supply and fit a replacement (which will only fail again in time because of the poor design) but there are aftermarket kits that are cheaper and much more durable eg Forge Motorsport, and JHM in the States (which I've just fitted to mine). New discs and pads all round will set you back about £1800 but are generally long lasting.
Again, there's a lot on the forum about oil coolers and brakes.

They're great cars but, like any performance model, not particularly cheap to run. Good luck in your search (really good members' cars come up for sale on the forum and tend to have been well looked after).

Edited by Escort3500 on Saturday 12th April 06:07

[iluvmercs]

Hoddo said:

iluvmercs said:

While it's a known issue, not all cars appear to be affected. My car currently has near 67k miles on the clock on its original DRC shocks. I do get it checked every service and admit I think myself lucky right now.

I was under the impression it was a matter of when rather than if the DRC failed. Again, interesting to know.

iluvmercs said:

Would a warranty cover engine coking? For peace of mind I would get one to cover suspension.

Can you recommend any?

I guess with DRC, it would fail eventually, as any suspension gets tired with age/mileage/use.
But you find some with low miles having been replaced, while other high mileage cars have not.
I'm somewhere in the middle, and just keep on eye on the shocks.

As for warranty, I can't recommend any. I was with a company but after problems trying to claim for something, I didn't bother with a renewal.

Escort3500 has added some very good information and advice

Darren

[Hoddo]

Escort3500 said:

There's loads of detailed advice on RS246.com if you've not been there yet, including alternative suspension set ups, though personally I would stick with the original, it's the best IMO. I assume you've seen the recent buying guide here on PH?

I recently signed up to RS246 and shall have a read about alternative suspension set ups.

Interesting to read your points re: DRC. If however you know it will fail again at some point in the near/far future why would you persist with that option? Is it purely down to having the best suspension set up regardless of the potential costs?

Escort3500 said:

They're great cars but, like any performance model, not particularly cheap to run. Good luck in your search (really good members' cars come up for sale on the forum and tend to have been well looked after).

I am researching this purchase with my eyes wide open. Fully aware of the costs, however if there is a way to minimise expenditure by sourcing a vehicle with a certain suspension set-up then I will.

Some interesting lowered RS4's on that site. Not exactly my cup of tea but each to their own.

[Hoddo]

iluvmercs said:

Keep on eye on the shocks.

When they leak, how obvious is it? Are you looking for a serious leak or slight seeping?

[Dr G]

When they go properly you'll see it and know about it.

I wouldn't get rid of it for any alternatives; it works bloody well and with the latest generation parts it's fairly reliable. Get friendly with a good specialist and the cost of fixing it is far less scary than it used to be too. There are I think 2 or 3 now with the tooling to charge it.

[Escort3500]

Dr G said:

When they go properly you'll see it and know about it.

I wouldn't get rid of it for any alternatives; it works bloody well and with the latest generation parts it's fairly reliable. Get friendly with a good specialist and the cost of fixing it is far less scary than it used to be too. There are I think 2 or 3 now with the tooling to charge it.

^^^^^^ definitely, especially via a good specialist (eg Unit 20 or MRC).

[Hoddo]

Escort3500 said:

Dr G said:

When they go properly you'll see it and know about it.

I wouldn't get rid of it for any alternatives; it works bloody well and with the latest generation parts it's fairly reliable. Get friendly with a good specialist and the cost of fixing it is far less scary than it used to be too. There are I think 2 or 3 now with the tooling to charge it.

^^^^^^ definitely, especially via a good specialist (eg Unit 20 or MRC).

A quick Google shows that Unit 20 are only half an hour away. Jackpot. Don't have any excuse now.

[Girthsham]

I was looking at DRC issues as I wanted to get an RS4. I found a number of people fitting coilovers too. Some expensive and some not to bad. Seen the Vogtland kit at £600 made by KW. If that helps anyone out. Makes it affordable rather than Audi prices.