gear shift concerns AUDI A4 2011, Technik 2011 start stop, 75k

[F1Squad]

Hello,

I purchased a second hand Audi A4 2011, start stop 170 bhp done 75k. The gear change to 1,2 and reverse is a bit annoying. Sometimes it seems to get stuck on the way to change into gear - feels almost like hitting a metal, or something on its way, when force it it goes in. I have tested to see if its the clutch slip. it doesn't seem to be, it rev well when you change to lower gear and start and pull away well without vibration. 

I took it to two gear specialist, they can't fault it, they changed gearbox oil. it feels a bit softer now to change but still feel that annoying something on its way, its like doesn't slide into slot and something on the way hit it and then slide in. 

Any thought is much appreciated it.

 

Thank you

[James]

Does it improve as the car warms up or not?

[F1Squad]

Hi James - Thanks for the question and continue contribution to the form - i can see how much you have helped and commented. I cannot definitely suggest that when the car warms up i don't feel the notchiness in the gear. It seems to be between 1-2 and sometimes in reverse. I have taken back to the gear specialist and confirmed he see no fault with it and that the model is like that (notchy gear shift). Then went back to another specialist who said worst case scenario is the clutch as its already done 75k on the original.

Though i am not sure if its the clutch badly worn, i don't feel any slippery clutch (revs well and pull away instantly) no noise or smell from the clutch. Shifting down from 3 or 4 to 2 you can instantly see the engine rev going up and car slowing down. Although i feel a bit pulsing on the clutch pedal when just pressing it, not when fully presssed. 

[James]

If you've been to a specialist and they tell you that it's a common thing with the model for it to be a bit notchy then perhaps that's all it is.

If everything else is OK perhaps it's not worth worrying about?

[F1Squad]

Hi James,

Yes that's the response i got. I also tried another Audi same as mine and same mileage the gear was as notchy. Nonetheless, i still don't think that notchiness is normal. You put effort into it to change into 1 and 2. Also, you feel the metal hitting metal more than a smooth slot in. They have booked to change the clutch and DMF in Jan as still under warranty. They are using EUROcarparts not a genuine AUDi parts that is a concern. I contact AUDI though they quoted me for genuine part but was almost twice the value (clutch kit and DMF other manu 700 quid, AUDI genuine from Audi dealer 1400 quid. 

Also i noticed the fuel consumption that's around 35mpg using Shell V power i drive very sensibly and change gear when the indicator dashboard changes... They were saying this car should do 50pmg

 

[F1Squad]

I have read some articles on how you test a clutch if has gone or not. Like pulling off from 2 or 3 to see if it stalls - it did. also on drove on high speed in grear 5,6 you can still see the car pulls aways when you press the pedal. I think its becoming more apparent that when its cold the gear is notchy at 1,2 but gets better when warmer.

[James]

I'm assuming it's not under warranty with Audi themselves then?

I suppose the only thing you could do is offer to pay the difference for the genuine part but depends if you want to fork out £700 on it when it's under warranty anyway - I'm assuming probably not?

[F1Squad]

I don't think its under AUDI warranty any longer, it has done 3 years and more than 60k miles, but i will check if there was any extended warranty taken out for the car - who knows. 

The car though is under 3 months warranty from the dealer excluding fair wear and tear. I wrote to them yesterday saying that according to Consumer Right Act, the car being not of satisfactory quality - then they should take on the cost require to repair the car including labour. Also told them that the car description was given to me as being able to do 50mpg on average, but it  only does 35mpg - confirmed by Audi that my engine is affected the scandal, then the consumer right is that this doesn't match the description of the good. I will see what they are going to do about this.

[James]

Is that the official combined MPG provided by Audi? If so, it's quite common for those MPG figures to be a little off across all makes not just Audi - although 35mpg does seem a bit low. I would expect more like low 40's...

Those figures are produced in a lab which doesn't really replicate normal driving conditions.

As for your warranty, technically the supplying garage is liable for any faults that were there at the time of sale for 6 months according to the law. Sounds like they're trying to sort it for you though?

[F1Squad]

Hi James,

I think they are playing the wear and tear card with me saying that i made an informed decision to buy a car at 73k mileage so i should expect wear and tear of the clutch - having said that they have to prove that they heavy gear shift is indeed is because of a worn clutch. If not, i don't think i will pay them any and they will have to find out what is it causing it. But in case where the clutch was in fact was worn and that was causing the gear stiff - then they will ONLY pay for the labour and i have to bear the cost of parts including clutch and DMF. I find it very unfair but i had a chat with a solicitor saying to me if its the clutch was worn then it would be good for me to take the cost of the parts and them the labour. 

 

I have reported the MPG for them, i told them its low, so they are investigating it. It was described on their website at the point of purchase, so i mentioned to them that according to Sale of Goods Act it should be like as described and in this case is not, so they are happy to look at it. 

I still think i should go for the clutch and DMF change even though if its not entirely worn, it would be good to get a new clutch anyway.

[F1Squad]

Basically, they saying the gear specialist sees no fault with your gear being stiff, and the clutch is not blown out, if that was the case they would have being liable for cost. But because none of those happened, they say if you would like we can change the clutch for you even its not failed but we only pay for labour.

[F1Squad]

Ah, Happy Christmas and Holidays

[James]

Adam, perhaps it's worth getting the car checked out at a garage of your choice, or even a dealer rather than where the place you got it from send it? Just to make sure...