Autoweek Long Term Report - Carbon Buildup

[Jeff]

Autoweek said goodbye to their R8 in the Feb 22, 2010 issue and noted many problems over the last year -- an amazing amount, if I might add:

- front lid hinges
- window regulators
- several visits to reset throttle bodies
- seatbelt buckle issues

After several visits related to warning lights, Autoweek reports that Audi HQ sent "... some big dog to fix the car. His official explanation: carbon buildup on the other throttle body."

Is this the FSI carbon fouling issue?

[harrison]

Audi sent them a lemon.You'd think Audi would send their very best example to not tarnish their reputation.Thankfully this is not the norm for most R8s as we can attest.

[ianerrid]

Autoweek said goodbye to their R8 in the Feb 22, 2010 issue and noted many problems over the last year -- an amazing amount, if I might add:

- front lid hinges
- window regulators
- several visits to reset throttle bodies
- seatbelt buckle issues

After several visits related to warning lights, Autoweek reports that Audi HQ sent "... some big dog to fix the car. His official explanation: carbon buildup on the other throttle body."

Is this the FSI carbon fouling issue?

The lid hinges is a known and easily fixed problem, not heard of the others though. At the end of the day this is pretty much a hand built car built on a tiny scale (by most manufacturers standards), I am happy to take the trade off - especially as I haven't seen any of these problems.

[harrison]

I have tried tuning the bonnet sev.times. By turning the rubber thingys. I have the feeling one of the side latchers is lazy.Turning the rubber stops also changes gaps. be carefull. \"/

[mngolfer]

There is a great deal of talk about the RS4 with carbon build-up. This has been a major issue with the RS4. I have not heard of any issues with the R8. How is that possible?

[SDR8]

There is a great deal of talk about the RS4 with carbon build-up. This has been a major issue with the RS4. I have not heard of any issues with the R8. How is that possible?

Maybe because most (not all) R8s are fairly low mile vehicles compared to the RS4 and I would guess that there are more RS4s than R8s?

[KfabR8]

Doesn't the RS4 have a different intake setup - dual runners or something like that? I'm sure the programing is different too. Little things like that probably can add up after a while.

I wonder what fuel was used? I've always run Shell's highest octane and have never had any issues w/fuel systems or have ever had Audi inform me of carbon deposits on spark plugs. (not that the R8's plugs have been changed yet...)

[mngolfer]

I think Mothertucker and Bodhill probably have the most track miles on their cars. Any feedback on carbon build-up? See the post on Audizine. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...S4-Carnage-%28

[gazza1]

Carbon is a problem on all 4.2 and Audi FSI engines

The picture below is of my first engine that had 20k on it.I only ever used high premium BP Ultimate fuel.

The plugs that came out were clean

Unfortunately gentlemen all your engines will have carbon build.Denial is futile.

[hmp10]

I had 17,000 miles on my V8 before I traded it for a V10 (on order) and no known carbon build-up problems.

You have to be very careful to pay attention to the Top Tier gas list for this car (info is in the owner's manual). Premium brands of gas do not necessarily equate to the best levels of detergent additives, at least in the the U.S. For instance, Mobil and BP gas detergent levels do not meet the criteria for use in an R8, while some "budget" brands actually do.

Apparently, U.S. regulations on detergent additives were relaxed a few years back, and some brands reduced their detergents while still being able to advertise themselves as meeting the government's most rigid gasoline standards. (And it wasn't always the cheapest brands that did this.)