Vorsprung Dummkopf Technik

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DickieG
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Vorsprung Dummkopf Technik

Post by DickieG »

Audi never cease to amaze me how the company have managed through marketing to manipulate the companys image to be a producer of quality cars and an intelligent purchase when from my own experience I've observed quite the opposite to be the case with the cars failing in every way to match say a BMW over the period of time.

Today the name Audi reached an all time low for me when I was asked to change a front indicator bulb on a new A4, simple task I thought until I lifted the bonnet and realised that firstly the headlight needed to be removed along with the bonnet shut panel and air box just in order to gain access to the securing bolts, around twelve bolts later after the headlight was removed was when the trouble really started.

There is no access whatsoever to the indicator bulb or daytime running light bulbs through the rear of the headlight assembly. Thinking that I was missing something I consulted the cars handbook and discovered that in the section relating to bulb replacement it convieniently makes no mention whatsoever of only these two bulbs. I then phoned an Audi dealer and spoke to a technician who needed to consult the workshop manual which stated "You need to cut a hole in the back of the headlight to gain access then purchase a bulb kit which includes a bung to close the newly made hole",,,,,,,,,,,,

Audi, words fail me [-X
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Re: Vorsprung Dummkopf Technik

Post by Deanxm »

Sealed for life headlamps, priceless. Did you have to mutter a few expletives to yourself today then Richard :lol:

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Re: Vorsprung Dummkopf Technik

Post by Northern_Mike »

Deanxm wrote:Sealed for life headlamps, priceless. D
This is not a new thing, but the ones I last changed were about £8 each back in the 90s on my grandad's Reliant Robin.
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Re: Vorsprung Dummkopf Technik

Post by C5Alan »

thats not soo bad I have heard of one of their cars needing a indicator bulb replaced except you cant replace the bulb its the whole unit and then you need to tell the on board computer that you have changed the unit so a dealer only. I used to think it was a pain on the KA remove front wheel remove wheel arch stick hand in behind light and hope you pull the right bulb out realise you haven't and repeat with lots of cursing
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Re: Vorsprung Dummkopf Technik

Post by CitroJim »

Well, that's just lovely isn't it. :twisted: :roll:
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Post by addo »

I appreciate this valuable snippet. I'm now comfortable changing one for a decent enough fee.
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Re: Vorsprung Dummkopf Technik

Post by Xantidote »

When's our weakling government going to stand up to the SMMT, and get car manufacturers to build cars which are "Fit for purpose"? Too much to expect :(
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Re: Vorsprung Dummkopf Technik

Post by handyman »

What's wrong with you lot? That all sounds perfectly logical to me, if you cant access the lamp [-X . Now where's me holesaw...... :shock:

You could not even make it up.

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Re: Vorsprung Dummkopf Technik

Post by CitroJim »

Umm, what about the law in some EU lands which requires one to carry spare bulbs and make it an offence if you drive with a light out?

Fat chance of being law-abiding in an Audi then. Might as well go and detain yourself at her majesty's pleasure right away and save the boys in blue a job :roll: :lol:

Xantidote yes, this car is not fit for purpose on the basis of the above. Sure the C and U regs must say something about making bulbs easy to replace given they're a consumable and required to be working at all times by law...
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Re: Vorsprung Dummkopf Technik

Post by R9UKE »

Well said Dickie. I have a passionate hatred for Audis as overpriced VWs void of any soul or character. Also the kind of people they attract these days is another off putter. I honestly think I'd rather a Proton Savvy or CityRover to a new Audi A4 TDi. At least they're not trying to be something they're not!

BMWs on the other hand are fantastic machines. I regret selling my 540i every time I see an E39. I'll have to get another.

However im not passing comment on the bulb change. Try a front indicator on a Mégane II with xenon headlights. I have yet to be successful - two failed attempts due to sliced knuckles and wrists... MOT in August so I've got 7 months of practise at least!
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Re: Vorsprung Dummkopf Technik

Post by bxzx16v »

I've never had any desire at all for an Audi , I mean why when BMW,s are far better or just buy a Skoda octavia and save a fortune :lol:

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Post by addo »

I'll take a French or Italian car anyday over a German one. At the very least it will come with indicators as standard, and padding on the seats.
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Re: Vorsprung Dummkopf Technik

Post by Xaccers »

You are all forgetting, why would the indicator bulb ever need replacing if it is never used?
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Re: Vorsprung Dummkopf Technik

Post by CitroJim »

Xac wrote:You are all forgetting, why would the indicator bulb ever need replacing if it is never used?
Good point well made Xac :lol: :lol:
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