thehedge

Have my 2012 A6 in the shop for a problem with the satellite radio. For a couple of weeks, the Sirius radio was having trouble linking. This week, the MMI displayed "Antenna Failure."

Brought it into the local Audi dealer and after a day, they said the antenna has to be replaced and that is on order. I am asked them what may have caused it.

Their answer was ..... "It's just a fluke."

Waited another day and then they said that the antenna came in but is now being painted since they don't come pre-painted.

Makes me a little concerned now on how intensive this repair might be. Luckily, it's under warranty but am curious if there is anything I should be particular to look at / notice when they are done to make sure all is back together properly?

Any known reason for this failing? It's only about 22K miles on it.

Only other real issue is the loaner I have this time is a small A3 Sedan. Definitely a different Audi from an A6!

goethe6889

This is VERY intrusive work. I had the same issue - ANTENNA FAILED. They removed the front windshield to get the headliner out...is a big deal! Car not the same as the headliner, glass, all the pillars and trim were removed. Parts not back as snug and a few rattles remain. What got me was that 3 months later, the same issue cropped up. This time, they replaced the entire radio unit. 8 months on, and no problems to report. My third and last Audi A6. Not just because of this, but each generation, the car gets cheaper and cheaper in build quality and reliability.

irenesbob

It is kind of scary hearing you guys’ stories. I think the issue is not so much with Audi build quality, but with the way we are moving toward automobiles that are not so such vehicles to drive and move people, but more like technology showcases on wheels. In the old days a radio was a radio and it was easy to connect a new antenna when some neighborhood punk ripped yours off, but now a radio is an integral part of an infotainment (or some such crap) system. One thing goes wrong and it is an entire system or sub-system that needs replacing. One of the best cars I ever owned (for my simple likes) was a 1967 VW Beetle; wind up windows, no AC, no back-up camera, etc., but everything that was there could be replaced fairly easily and there was no extra fat. The body was tight, the doors didn’t rattle (there were no motors in them).
Don’t misunderstand me, I enjoy and appreciate a lot of the features that are must-haves these days, but at what cost? For years we have all known that when the toaster or the hairdryer has a problem, into the trash, it is cheaper to get a new one. I am of the belief that is exactly where we are headed with cars.
I had a deer hit me this past summer. There was no engine, transmission, steering or actual drive component damage involved and I was told the frame was not bent. Yet, the bill at the body shop was almost $23,000. They told me that just the parts to repair the Audi Side Assist (on the left side only) came to almost $2,000. Unfortunately, I think this is the way it will be in the years ahead.

thehedge

Hmmm. I will have to check with the shop on Monday to see how much deconstruction they did. All that they mentioned was having to paint the antenna to match the color and then they'd "pop it back on".

I'm also seeing quality differences between mr previous 2005 A6 and this 2012 one. Last tear had to have the front passenger door seals replaced. Wonder if seals near the antenna caused this failure.

C'est dommage.

snagitseven

Bob, in the beginning of the last century, people were complaining that automobiles were the scourge of mankind. They were exhaust belching, noisy, unsafe machines requiring much maintenance that could never replace the simpler and clearly more reliable horse and buggy.

In ensuing years, the first electric starter was invented and people said it was too complicated and could never replace the hand crank. When speedometer gauges were introduced, it was said they were an unnecessary piece of unreliable technology that would eventually need repair.

Undoubtedly, similar complaints were heard of roll down windows, heaters, lighted instruments etc. and there were even those who complained that an AM radio was a driver distraction and would not withstand the rigors of poor roads. And so it goes.

irenesbob

snagit-
I understand the history and evolution of the automobile and I don't wish things had not progressed. I enjoy a lot of the improvements immensely. My complaint/rant was about what as see as a general lack of patience these days and the attitude "if something can be done, then do it" without much thinking about the expense or complexity of maintaining or fixing things further down the road. This is not limited to automobiles in my view. I have friends/family who get new mobile phones, tablets and such twice a year simply to have the latest without really knowing if they need to or if the new one is reliable or really meets their needs. I was not saying not to have things like infotainment systems, but simply that folks shouldn’t be surprised when it costs a bundle to maintain or repair these complex systems.
Look at the new Nissan Murano: all the reviews say they wish there had been a new generation of engine and transmission, but they rave about the technology and features. For my money I'd live with an older style or having to actually look in the rearview mirrors if I could have better propulsion hardware that affects the driving experience.
The reviews of the 2016 A6 at least show nice HP increases and an 8-speed DSG. This makes me hopeful Audi has the right focus. A few months ago I was thinking I might get another brand when my current lease is up in 11 months. Now, maybe a 2016 A6 is on the horizon. Sorry to let an “old fart’s" rant dampen this board's enthusiasm (I doubt it did) for Audi - that was not my intention.
I have a personal mantra: “simple is best.” I apply this to even the most intimate things we do in life and it has served me well, but to each their own I guess.

snagitseven

At the risk of further departure from the OP's thread subject....

I see nothing wrong with most new tech if it's useful and provides enjoyment or safety. At the same time, I agree that one must be prepared to pay through the nose if repairs are needed. Even if these cars didn't have all the extra toys, the cost of any repairs these days is nauseating. Then again, even a plumber or electrician costs a small fortune. That's assuming you can get one to return a call. Where I live, you almost have to provide referrals and provide financial info before they'll consider coming to your home.

irenesbob

Unfortunately true - trades are the new professions - you don't get out of school with $120,000 in student loans for a start. And, there's that competition thing we love in the free market - lol

ColoradoMark

As opposed to that communism/socialism thing we love in the northeast.
But we really digress...

MCRN

It's really not that bad of a repair. They remove the A, B and C pillar trims, which are held on by plastic clips. The clips can and do break but rest assured your audi service dept has plenty in stock if needed. They do drop the headliner, but they don't remove it so the windshield does not get removed in this case. All those pieces go back together easily and just check for loose panels when you pick it up.

Your biggest problem will be grease hand prints on the headliner.