36valves

Hi all,

A coworker here has a '01.5 A4 1.8t he bought used in spring. The car didn't have a block heater, so he's trying to get one from the dealer now. However, the local dealer says AoA no longer puts block heater or any type of oil pan heater in any newer Audis with 1.8t, due to potential fire hazard and the high pressure engine design, unless my coworker insists and is willing to sign a waiver.

When I bought my '01.5 1.8t in July last year, it came from Toronto and already went through PDI with a then-new pan heater installed already (Audi had just switched from a block heater to an oil pan heater also due to fire hazard according to the dealer). My other buddy's '01.5 came from Vancouver, and he had to remind the dealer to put one in at the first service which they promised at delivery. To me it doesn't make any sense, how complicated is a heater? And what other companies do for their "high pressure engine" cars such as Volvo or Saab? I'm interested in hearing what other's experiences are on this, especially folks with '01 and newer cars, thanks in advance.