"the secondary market"

[quk@isham-research.demon.co.uk (Phil Payne)]

Another few data points.  The damage caused in my recent accident was
repaired by Wayside Bodyshop in Milton Keynes.  This company apparently
maintains and repairs Audi (UK)'s own executive fleet, and it has one
of only three A8-qualified bodyshops in the country.

The coachwork and repainting is first class.  Obviously, the rustproofing
has yet to stand the test of time - but the fit and finish of the body
panels is excellent.

However - the mechanical components were assembled by a troop of
chimpanzees.  Despite a _hideously_ high estimate of the cost and an
every-nut-and-bolt schedule of parts, this is what two weeks have
brought to light:

- Idle switch not engaging - throttle cable too tight
- Air mass sensor potentiometer not reconnected
- Handbrake cable loose
- Dipstick broken
- Headlight harness incorrectly attached
- Steering wheel not straight - indicators not cancelling - rack
  not centred during fitting
- Front right wheel bolts 320Nm - should be 110!!
- Front right tyre @23psi - should be 32psi (2.3 bar)
- Cap 841 601 166 missing from front right wheel
- Steering rack firewall grommet (811 422 523C) not fitted
- Marks on sunroof - corrosive liquid?
- Air filter housing not clipped down
- Broken undertray (859 121 342, 859 121 341) refitted without proper
  bushes (443 121 273) and using incorrect screws (N 013 969 4,
  N 011 523 8, N 015 427 27 - wrong screws also used on left undertray)
- Several front spoiler mounting screws missing
- Upper heater flap control broken
- Cap (853 512 181) on left strut bearing missing
- No washer on screw in driver's side stowage bin
- Left main beam (H1) adjuster broken, headlight lower mounting broken
- Exhaust banging on left turns - doughnut missing
- Hydraulic pump pivot bolt not tightened
- Windscreen washers not working
- Front washer bottle not located
- Radiator not secured on left

The wheel bolts, in particular, are a serious safety issue.  I've sent
the wheel in question off for ultrasonic crack testing, but I might
retire it anyway.

--
 Phil Payne
 Phone: 0385 302803   Fax: 01536 723021
 (The contents of this post will _NOT_ appear in the UK Newsletter.)