21st May 2010, 12:51
In my experiences of owning the Audi TTs I have never had a problem; I had even bought some that were "Salvaged" and fixed them up to be a great car.
Personal input is I think everyone has had their own experiences. Whether it was good or bad.
Normally I use a mechanic who is not from a dealer. Dealerships just want to rip you off.
I would go out and buy a new top, leave everyone out of it and use it as a tax write off. A lawsuit against Audi would not be worth it, you would spend more money in court costs, than to replace it yourself.
11th Oct 2010, 00:10
Audi TT Roadsters have an obvious design flaw with the drain system for the convertible roof. The drain tubes are flimsy plastic tubes lined with foam and a spring. This design means that anything that gets into the tube (that isn't water) will ultimately cause a blockage. That means the tubes back up and flood into the B pillar causing electrical failures in the car.
After my local dealer used an airgun to "blow" the tube clean I discovered that they had actually blown the tubes off. This was only discovered with a video inspection camera.
Even after having the tubes replaced and the car dried, I am still suffering electrical failures and will ultimately get rid of this car.
15th Dec 2010, 08:04
Same issue. 2004 Audi TT and the water does not drain properly, backing up into the car.
In the past year, I have had the battery replaced once and the central locking unit/convenience control module replaced twice. This has happened a third time and rather than replace the unit, I am replacing the car.
What "engineer" designed a system that would allow water to backup and get into the electrical system? Despite this design flaw, the dealer says that it is my fault, not theirs. I guess I designed the car. It seems to be a problem for this car for all years.
15th Dec 2010, 20:05
"I would go out and buy a new top, leave everyone out of it and use it as a tax write off."
Exactly how would you justify a new top for your convertible as a tax write-off? This IRS agent would like to know...
4th Oct 2015, 21:32
Hi, I am Mr Fix It, and have just bought 2005 Audi TT Cabriolet, with both drain tubes leaking. So replaced with John Guest plumbing pipe. Remove the rear wheels and liners; you will see a black grommet in bottom of wheel arch - pull out and pull until the tube has all come out. Cut a 22mm diameter pipe longer than what came out by 150mm; make sure the pipe is curved as it comes on a roll (this is perfect for the job). Cut off the ends of the old tube, tape back on to the new pipe, and add a little silicon on the inside to seal. Remove the plastic trim at the back of the seats, and prise off the middle speaker grille; this reveals 4 screws, then pry the plastic to unclip, then pull the plastic trim near the doors, starting at the bottom. When the bottom is pulled out, pull down the plastic to remove the top clips. You can now see through a small hole where to put the new tube. Two people are needed to put tube back, one outside feeding the pipe up inside the wheel arch, while someone guides it onto the hole on the drip tray. It is tricky but not hard. Then trim off the excess pipe at the wheel arch and put the grommet back.
13th Mar 2016, 17:31
Have a 2004, always leaks, yup now the electrical issue computer can't communicate to be scanned. Have had it cleaned repeatedly, seems to not get better, just worse. Condensation. Messed up the tints, took them off. Even replaced the windshield when a tiny crack was diagnosed after having the wiper motor replaced and possibly the cowl not being replaced properly. Tired of cardboard under my all weather mats. Love this car, best car I ever owned, but what a pain.
10th Dec 2008, 10:53
I am having similar problems with my newly-purchased 2003. The wetness shows up in the top storage well behind the seats, and migrates into the trunk, causing condensation. No trouble in the footwells. I have seen trails of water from the joint between body and cloth top... does this mean my drains are clogged? Did they ever fix it satisfactorily?