Service log and 10 digit vehicle code

[CSBob]

Hi guys, 

I recently acquired a 67 reg Q5 and love it so far!  The air suspension and all road mode is just perfect for London street.  However I do have two questions.  One is regarding the service logbook - the trader says Audi no longer use physical logbook but all computerised - is that true?  Then what if I choose not to service at the dealer then - do I then lose the service history?

Secondly the car didn't come with the 10 digit vehicle code key fob.  I called Finchley road Audi and they say it can only be requested from the dealer where the car was bought from new.  Is that the case?  Personally I found the Finchley road Audi not very helpful - I tried to ask if they provide personal number plate service and they said no as well - despite showing up on DVLA as plate provider; so not sure if they just don't bother with any service less than lucrative.  What do you think?

Thanks a lot 

[Magnet]

Hello Yiyang,

Can we take it you didn’t buy the car from a main dealer? 

Not surprised there isn’t a service book - many manufacturers have discontinued using these, and depend on the dealer entering the servicing details into VAG’s computer system, and it is retained there as evidence of correct servicing. Do you have information about its servicing before you took ownership? i.e. did you check it had full service history? 

As you will know, the car is under warranty by VAG within the first 3 years if it is serviced at the correct intervals and the correct parts have been used. 

I’m sure Steve (SteveQ) on here will clarify this for you, but I believe that if you choose not to use an Audi dealer for your servicing, then you must use a VAT registered garage, and that garage must use the ‘correct’ (Audi) parts and approved oils, if you want to retain your warranty with Audi. 

As you rightly question:- how do they input the servicing details into VAG’s system. Unless they have authorised access, then I guess they can’t, and personally I would not want to be arguing a warranty claim based on this. 

OK, you are not impressed with Finchley Road Audi, but aren’t there other Audi dealers within reasonable distance who you could use? 

An alternative could be to use an independent Audi specialist who has the necessary service detail computer input link. 

10 digit code? - can the seller help you with this, or another Audi dealer?

Kind regard,

Gareth.