What matters in an Audi and Audi RS mechanic for Marbella drivers is knowing a five-cylinder from a twin-turbo V8. VAG cars are what we see most at SRM Performance in La Línea, and Audi makes up a big share of that work.
The RS3 with its 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder practically asks for an exhaust: it sounds good as standard and better through a made-to-measure stainless system. The RS6 and RS7 with the 4.0 TFSI are heavy, fast cars that get through brakes and tyres, while the B9 RS4 and RS5 swapped the V8 for a 2.9 twin-turbo V6 with plenty left in the software. Further down the range, the S3 and TT S use the EA888, with its familiar water pump and thermostat housing leaks.
The drivetrain needs looking after too. S tronic dual-clutch gearboxes want their fluid changed on time, and the Haldex coupling on transverse quattro cars (S3, RS3, TT) has its own servicing that often gets skipped. With so many short trips around Marbella, it pays not to stretch those intervals.
Exhausts and remaps are built to your spec. They can affect the ITV, and keeping the car legal is the owner's responsibility.
≈ 56 min
by car
≈ 72 km
Driving route to the workshop
The route from Marbella
Head out on the A-7 or AP-7 towards Cádiz, past Estepona, Manilva and Sotogrande, and turn off for La Línea at San Roque. About 75 km and roughly 55 minutes.
Typical Audi work
S tronic and Haldex servicing
Fluid changes for the dual-clutch gearbox and the Haldex coupling on transverse quattro models.
EA888 water pump and thermostat
Coolant leaks from the plastic housings, very common on the S3, TT and A3 2.0 TFSI.
RS3 and TT RS exhausts
TIG-welded stainless systems with valves, made to bring out the five-cylinder.
RS and S remaps
Bespoke maps for the 2.5 TFSI, 2.9 V6 and EA888, with the engine checked beforehand.
Models we see
- Audi RS3 8V and 8Y
- Audi TT RS
- Audi RS4 / RS5 B9
- Audi RS6 / RS7
- Audi S3
- Audi S4 / S5
- Audi Q5 / SQ5
- Audi A3 and A4
Frequently asked questions
How often does the S tronic need a fluid change?
It depends on the gearbox. The six-speed wet-clutch units are typically every 60,000 km; others differ. We'll check the interval for your car.
What exhaust would you fit to an RS3?
That depends on what you want. Some owners just want a deeper note on start-up, others want valves so they can choose. We build it to measure in stainless and agree the details first.
My Audi is losing coolant. What could it be?
On the 2.0 TFSI the usual suspects are the water pump or thermostat housing. Get it looked at before the engine overheats.
Are you an Audi main dealer?
No, we're an independent workshop specialising in VAG cars. We'll quote before touching anything.
Does a remap on an RS affect the ITV?
It can, particularly alongside exhaust changes. We'll do it to your spec and explain what's involved; keeping the car legal is the owner's responsibility.