SURVEY- Content w/New DRC?

[Holiday]

Gents,

I've been reading a lot of opinions on the new DRC systems and to my surprise, there seem to be a significant number of write-ups from owners citing their discontent with the new system.
I plan to replace my pre-recall DRC when I return next Spring, and in preparation would like to poll the satisfaction of those who have had the update installed. The comparison being those who are satisfied with new DRC vs. those who would prefer to have an aftermarket coil-over system (all things equal, no cost added).

I admittedly don't have much patience for suspension problems/issues, so I'm trying to save myself (and hopefully others) the trouble! My sanity is worth more than $2,500 to me.:)

Many thanks for your input! Very interested in your thoughts...

Ross

[vangelis]

KW V3 all the wayyy

[RS6-4dr911]

Keep in mind your results may be skewed a bit since malcontents tend to participate in such polls and members here are more particular than the average owner at large.

Anyway, count me as one of the "satisfieds" (knock wood). I've been pleased with the results - the ride height, the ride and the handling. I do not track the car and so ultimate performance is not my goal. Depending on your priorities, sticking with the DRC II may or may not be the best route.

Double check the letter, your window for replacement is closing, perhaps even before you get back - anybody confirm the date here? In spite of my satisfied status, I might be inclined to get my DRC inspected and found to be faulty, then replace with the KW setup and get reimbursed. Anybody know if this is an option? Or did you have to have already replaced it prior to the letter in order to get reimbursement?

[DHall1]

100% DRC all the way.

You need a dealer that knows wtf he/she is doing and your golden.

Call Greg and HyOctane when your back. They have the connections to get it done right the first time.

[kwtrev]

DRC replacement done about 2 months ago at Audi Northshore in Milwaukee. No performance issues, although ride height seems 1/2 inch high all around. When (if, to be more optimistic) it fails, I would pester the tech to reduce the ride height, but for now, I will leave well-enough alone.

[SAF]

This poll should be worded differently IMO. The two choices do not address the actual scenarios we have seen unfold. Example:

A. Yes, I am content with my post-recall DRC installation and performance,

B. No, I was not satisfied with a properly functioning DRC system and plan to go after market,

C. No, the install was not done right and I am now going to an aftermarket system.

D. They messed up the install the first time, but got it right the second time. And I like it.

[Holiday]

SAF-

I see your point, but I'm interested in finding out how many owners are happy with a fully functioning post-recall DRC system- period. The poll value becomes a little disjointed otherwise; so, I just kept it simple.
I suppose I should have been more clear about a "full functioning, correctly installed post-recall DRC", eh?




This poll should be worded differently IMO. The two choices do not address the actual scenarios we have seen unfold. Example:

A. Yes, I am content with my post-recall DRC installation and performance,

B. No, I was not satisfied with a properly functioning DRC system and plan to go after market,

C. No, the install was not done right and I am now going to an aftermarket system.

D. They messed up the install the first time, but got it right the second time. And I like it.

[Holiday]

Interesting you would choose DRC, Dhall; I figured you for a KW V3 guy all the way...
Either way- DRC or KW V3, I'll be using Greg's contact. I know he's had excellent luck with him and...let's just say I'll have some work to do when I return. I think Bob at Stratmosphere was able to go home from work early yesterday...:jlol:




100% DRC all the way.

You need a dealer that knows wtf he/she is doing and your golden.

Call Greg and HyOctane when your back. They have the connections to get it done right the first time.

[DHall1]

Well, my RS6 is not my track day speedster but I can still wheel the thing pretty well. DRC is a nice design and I have added the Hotchkis sways to help things along.

The combo of DRC + Hotchkis works for me. Ask Greg or John from 2009 Julian Run.

:incar:


Interesting you would choose DRC, Dhall; I figured you for a KW V3 guy all the way...
Either way- DRC or KW V3, I'll be using Greg's contact. I know he's had excellent luck with him and...let's just say I'll have some work to do when I return. I think Bob at Stratmosphere was able to go home from work early yesterday...:jlol:

[hahnmgh63]

And another point. How many guys would be happier with KW V3's or another aftermarket system if they've never tried it. I think the consensus from those that have went aftermarket is more consistently happy with their systems than the DRC guys. And I would say that most who have swapped out the DRC have no worry's about their systems failing like that looming over the DRC. I have no time to drive over an hour to my dealer for him to try to do the DRC right. I want it done right the first time, and reliable for more than the 12 month warranty.

[RS6VA]

For reference; if anyone is interested, this is what I got from the dealer as documentation for the repair.

[s42ski]

After 2 dealers and 3 repairs - happy with the DRC ( knock wood!)

[RS6VA]

I have yet to drive my car but will report after doing so. This dealer seems to be on point so I am hoping for the best.

[SAF]

SAF-

I see your point, but I'm interested in finding out how many owners are happy with a fully functioning post-recall DRC system- period. The poll value becomes a little disjointed otherwise; so, I just kept it simple.
I suppose I should have been more clear about a "full functioning, correctly installed post-recall DRC", eh?

Understood, and a great thread BTW. (though I forgot to actually answer your question after first setting up the reason for my long answer).

I was always pleased with my DRC when it was working properly. If Audi had not stepped up and offered this "service action" free of charge with redesigned struts and a tool allowing recharge of the central valves, I would definetely have gone with an aftermarket set up eventually.

Why? Strictly the economics of reliabilty. My fourth and final failure came when I was out of CPO warranty and two weeks away from the end of it's 12 month service warranty. It was the longest it had lasted, but felt great during that time. The first time that the replacement cost would have been on me, I'd have said Adios DRC.

My biggest concern with this one-time action is that it only carries a 12 month warranty. I am hoping it will last as intended this time. I am 4 months into it now, and truly believe that a properly working DRC is the best all-around suspension for this car - which was the purpose of its being designed specifically for this car in the first place.

So IMO, you should give it a chance and take advantage of this new (and limited time) offer if at all possible. Then, after driving the results first hand, decide whether or not you want to spend the money on an aftermarket system.

[mmaturo]

3 or 4 months on correctly fixed DRC. Satisfied, I have not pushed car hard or on a track but it feels like it 'should' (not that i remember as i have had repeated suspension/DRC issues). Never driven or been in an aftermarket suspension RS6 so no reference for me there if worth it over functioning DRC.

[Yellow RS6]

I'm happy with my new DRC.

[Holiday]

Results are looking good for the new DRC, so far- 3 to 1 are satisfied. This number reflects a different answer than recent threads lead to believe.

At this rate, I'll be giving the DRC a go. My main concerns are ride height and longevity. Worse case, if I'm still not happy KW V3 has a proven solution.

Please, keep the input coming!

[Holiday]

TTT...

Surely there are more of you that have had the new DRC installed?

[RS6VA]

I have it but i dont have anything to compare it to. I certainly feel that the car needs to be lowered at the very least and will also consider the sway bars.

[Aronis]

I had my system repaired two years ago and the car remained stable for that time. I found it a bit soft compared to my recollection of the feel of the car when new. After the recall re-do, I did not find that great of a difference but it's been fine. Maybe my recollection was not accurate of how the car was when new.

My reason for having the redo under recall was at 90,000 miles I thought having 12,000/12 month coverage would be a good idea and perhaps with new parts I'd get longer life from that system. My car also underwent a change over of all wearable suspension parts, arms, mounts etc. I have a groan when I turn which was present before the redo, but a little worse now. I suspect this is may be some part that's worn but not a problem? Don't know.

When my system first failed I was very interested in anything aftermarket since they were working on the car for three months before it was close enough!

Staying stock has been fine for me. I need a reliable daily drive in which I can take my family and not worry about an unstable suspension.

Mike

[MJR964]

I had the update done 3 months ago at Jim Ellis in Marietta and it's still fine. The only bad side as everyone knows is the height increase. Mine isn't as great as some, I went from less than 14" from the wheel center to the fender lip to 14 1/4 front and 14 1/2 at the rear. I'm just hoping that if these "redesigned" shocks fail, they'll do it before the 12 month warranty is up.

Michael

[Yellow RS6]

Hi Michael, welcome to the forum! +1 to everything you said - I had mine done at JE Marietta, my car is about 14 1/4 front, 14 3/4 rear, and I definitely hope that if it fails, it better do it within the 12 months -lol. Even though it doesn't look quite as good as when the car was lower (I didn't do a before measure, but based on the after measurements, I was definitely under 14" before), the ride is better with the same good handling.

[MikeL01]

My repair is working great and I was reimbursed by Audi for the two shocks I had replaced. I'm hanging on to it until Audi has another RS model available for the States. (from what I've read, that will not be real soon)