So true Gareth, so true. When people ask the forum about electronic fault codes they mean nothing to me, but I get the impression from subsequent discussions they mean equally little to Audi mechanics (or are they called technicians nowadays,) and can not be relied on for diagnosis.
To avoid any accusations of being another old fogey bemoaning the end of "the good old days" I also remember having to de-coke engines after 30000 miles and re-bore after 60000. Then there was changing a clutch single handed at the roadside, and replacing a core plug also at the roadside that blew out crossing the Alps. I wouldn't dream of attempting those jobs now but the knowledge gained is still invaluable.