Engine blew-up after service

2009 AUDI Q5
50,000 MILES • 2.0L • 4 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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GUSTAF KRANCK
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My vehicle was for regular service at official Audi-service in Marseille, France (expat). Immediately after, when driving from the service, the engine had a strange noise with unstable sound. I recorded it and called the service. They said use 98oct gasoline. We drove it for 18 miles and then the 'engine' exploded. It was towed back to the service company and it was concluded that 2 spark plugs had broken and the cylinder was damaged. The whole engine needed to be replaced. The service company refused and now we have been in court 2 years without any finalization. The Audi defense is stating that they cannot be sure the fault was due to servicing so no compensation. Anyone had similar experience? Help?
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Sep 18, 2019 at 4:23 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Good morning.

Did they replace the plugs as part of this service?

The burden of proof is on you to prove they were at fault. What proof do you have it was there fault?

Roy
Sep 18, 2019 at 5:51 AM
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GUSTAF KRANCK
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Hi, yes they replaced the plugs. It was full regular service. The engine was normal when I left it for service and sounded like in the video direct afterwards.
Sep 18, 2019 at 9:18 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Okay, what was there response when you were told one of there plugs caused the failure?

Roy
Sep 18, 2019 at 9:41 AM
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GUSTAF KRANCK
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I am trying to find a plausible explanation for the sound. it was recorded directly after service and before the engine 'exploded'.
Sep 18, 2019 at 9:43 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Can you upload the video?

Roy
Sep 18, 2019 at 9:45 AM
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GUSTAF KRANCK
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I thought I already had but here it is again.
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Sep 18, 2019 at 9:52 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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From what I hear, that could either be a bad bearing or when they changed the plugs, something fell into one cylinder.

I would have an independent third party to examine the engine and determine the failure. Then can pursue legal action against them.

Roy
Sep 18, 2019 at 10:09 AM
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GUSTAF KRANCK
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Thanks, actually the cylinders were opened an measured - 2 having expanded and nothing was seen there. The sound I think could be wrong ignition timing - wondering what causes it and if it is such - then that could maybe cause too much pressure and hence plug breakage. Do you know if Audi is doing ignition software update when doing a regular service?
Sep 18, 2019 at 10:18 AM
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ASEMASTER6371
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Not that I am aware of. There is no TSB for it listed.

If the timing changed the valves would be hitting pistons. Was there any valve damage?

Roy
Sep 18, 2019 at 10:26 AM