S tronic: what's inside, and why it matters
Wikipedia records that Audi renamed its direct-shift gearbox S tronic. It's two gearboxes in one case, each with its own clutch, run automatically.
The clutches come in two kinds. The six-speed DQ250 runs wet clutches in fluid that needs regular changes; the seven-speed DQ200 uses dry clutches. Ask the mechanic which unit your car has and when its fluid is due.
A gearbox that slips, shudders or throws up a warning is worth looking at early. The transmission page covers what a good diagnosis involves.
quattro and your tyres
quattro is the name Audi uses for its four-wheel-drive systems. Whatever version yours has, it's happiest on four tyres of the same make, size and tread depth.
If one tyre is damaged, ask the mechanic whether a single replacement is fine on your car or whether it should be a pair or a set. Say it's a quattro when you tell us the job.
Sold new here, or a used import?
| Sold new in New Zealand | Used import | |
|---|---|---|
| Handbook | English | Often Japanese |
| Service history | Usually on record | Often missing, so start with a thorough service |
| Warranty and roadside | As the booklet says | Ask Audi New Zealand with the VIN |
| Recalls | Check the VIN with Audi New Zealand | NZTA says the maker overseas is ultimately responsible, and the importer has duties too |
Audis do arrive both ways. Wikipedia notes most used imports here come from Japan, and that the non-Japanese makes among them are mostly German, Audi among them. An import can be a good car, but it can also come without its history and with parts of its paperwork in Japanese.
If the car is still under an Audi warranty, the MTA says a qualified independent mechanic should be low risk when servicing follows Audi's guidelines and specifications. Extended warranties are different: the MTA says most of them need dealer servicing.
Good questions for an Audi mechanic
- Which gearbox does this car have, and is its fluid due?
- Does your diagnostic equipment read Audis and reset the service reminder?
- Which oil goes in, and does it match Audi's specification for this engine?
- Can you check the VIN for open recalls?
What an owner can look after
You can
- Check all four tyres for pressure and even wear.
- Note when the gearbox feels wrong: cold, hot, from a standstill or at speed.
- Collect any receipts that show what's been done before.
Leave to the mechanic
- Gearbox fluid changes and S tronic diagnosis.
- Fault codes and service reminder resets.
- Brakes, suspension and anything electrical.
What we'd do with an Audi
We'd find out which gearbox it has and when its fluid was last changed, since that one item can change the whole quote. If it's an import, we'd ask Audi New Zealand what cover and recalls apply to the VIN. Then we'd use a mechanic who works on Audis every week, with the oil and parts written into the quote.