Emmisons test fail - am I being sceptical?

[MattS3]

Ok, so my S4 went in to the dealers today for it's "Free MOT"

The car was serviced only 6 weeks ago by the same dealer, and no advisories were found, however, today they tell me the rear brake pads are very low, and will need replacing very soon.

But, it did fail on the Fast Idle emmission test, the limit it 1.30, and it came in at 1.31 They informed me that they would have to have the car in for a full diagnostic check etc, to try and remedy the issue (I did offer to give it a good run up the road to get it hot, but they said it should have been hot enough ticking over on the ramp)

However, once I got home, I dug out last years MOT (not completed at Audi but my local independent that I use for mechanical issues on my car and both mechanical & servicing on my wifes Gti) and realised the car was on the limit last year, but the reading from the analyser was 1.3. However, this was to 1 decimal place, not 2 as per the sheet Audi showed me today.

So, is it that Audi have a more effecient machine, or can gas analysers by tweaked to give 1 or 2 decimal places? If so, my reading of 1.31 would have rounded down to 1.3 anyway, thus a pass.

Sure, I may be doubting the dealers for no real reason, but to be told brake pads were shot (why did they not point that out on my service a few weeks ago) and then fail emmisions test, I have been wondering if they "may" be trying it on a touch to try and get a bit of money out of me for the "free MOT", especially when before the test, I declined the MOT warranty they could offer me for £49.50 which would cover me for up to £750 of problems at next years MOT

Thoughts?

[farmerpalmer]

take it to an independant, fingers crossed it will pass, especially if they record emissions to 1 decimal place ;-)

[Scotty]

My B6 S4 had AMD remap, full milltek including sports cats and even with 16k miles since the last service it sailed through the emissions. I think it was at about 10% of the limit allowed.

I'd guess Audi have fecked up. Either that or your car does need looking at!

[Mr Man]

This very topic came up in conversation with friends last week....a mate was complaining that his 3 series with a BMW FSH had failed it`s MOT just a month after being serviced......and then someone else mentioned a similar tale.....I just think some MOT centres are trying it on......but for both Audi and in the case of my friend BMW, to fail cars they themselves had serviced only weeks previously does seem very strange.

I would have thought they`d look for work while carrying out the service....as there`s no guarantee the owner would have their MOT done at the same garage.:confused::confused:

ps.....Like many....I`v heard, that the likes of Kwik-fit and other tyre/exhaust/brake centres have a reputation for failing cars based on supposedly, excessively worn brake pads/discs and slightly dodgy exhausts...so drumming up more business.

Edited September 4, 2010 by Mr Man

[eldavo69]

I've heard several stories of Audi dealers claiming pads and discs need doing thousands of miles before they do. The wife's A4 gets a free MOT a month before is due at Audi and if necessary then gets taken elsewhere.

Last years MOT came back with over £1200's worth or recommended work but a pass with only one advisory (rear ARB bushes). This year, accidentally let the MOT expire so took it straight to my trusted local garage - passed with an advisory on an indicator being a bit white and no mention of the ARB bushes.

Edit:- £29.50 too!

Edited September 4, 2010 by eldavo69
Edited to add cost

[MattS3]

I guess I'll find out if they were pulling the wool over my eyes tomorrow....it's in with the local independent I always use (for my wifes car) first thing in the morning for a fresh MOT.

[NewNiceMrMe]

The last time I used a main dealer, and what made me stop using one, was when they told my the discs on my 6 were at 22mm with a BMW recommended replacement being at something like 28mm. Something just didn't seem quite right and I don't to this day know what it was.

I told them to leave them and took the car to an independent that has been recommend to me. I asked them to check the discs. They looked, at a glance, and asked why because they said it was obvious they were in very good condition. I told them so he went and tested each disc. The lowest was 27mm.

I've never been back to the dealer.

[MattS3]

And that will be the last time I use the Audi main dealer in Norwich too.

As suspected, car went through emissions first time, no worries whatsoever with my independent garage.

They also picked up the advisory on the rear pads, which they also said would have another 6k miles in them (thats at least 7 months for my mileage).

[cruiser647]

Just goes to show, you REALLY have to be careful with these bods.

Do your homework before you go and/or get a second opinion.

Bastards!