2021-2022 Audi Q7 Q8 Valve Spring Return Notice SM 35-2022

Audi has released Special Notice SM 35-2022, a parts circular dated April 18, 2022, for 2021-2022 Audi Q7 and Q8 models. This notice, directed at Parts Managers and Inventory personnel, provides critical instructions to dealers regarding the return of certain valve springs. The primary goal of this Audi valve spring return initiative is to enhance parts quality and ensure that only valve springs representing the latest state of development are available in inventory for customers.

This special notice specifically addresses valve springs with part number 0P2-109-623. Dealers were instructed to return their inventory of these materials to their facing Parts Distribution Center (PDC) by May 4, 2022. This proactive measure helps prevent older specification parts from being installed in vehicles.

Identifying Latest Development Valve Springs

The Audi valve spring return program relies on specific color markings to distinguish between the latest development parts and those that need to be returned. Valve springs that correspond to the latest state of development are identified by particular color combinations. Crucially, all valve springs featuring a blue marking for the calendar year 2022 are considered the latest state of development, irrespective of any other color combination present.

All other combinations of color markings must be returned to the PDC. The circular provides examples of color markings found on the good (latest development) springs, with each color signifying a specific attribute:

• White (Manufacturer), Blue Purple (Month), Red (Year 2021)
• White (Manufacturer), Turquoise (Month), Red (Year 2021)
• Blue (Manufacturer), Red (Month), Blue (Year 2022)

Important Warnings for Dealers

Audi explicitly stated a strict deadline for this return process. "Items returned after the above-mentioned date WILL NOT be accepted on any type of return/buyback." This warning underscores the importance of adhering to the May 4, 2022, deadline for returning older valve spring inventory. Dealers were also advised to re-order required new materials using the same part number, 0P2-109-623, to replenish their stock with the updated components.

Dealer Return Process Summary

To facilitate the Audi valve spring return, dealers were provided with a detailed, five-step claims procedure to ensure proper credit and inventory management:

1. File a Claim with Return: Dealers were required to file a separate "Claim with Return" by selecting "Dlr Sup. Req. Return" under the item type. This claim needed to include specific dealer comments referencing the Special Notice Number SM 35-2022 and the Parts Circular number.
2. Review Delivery List: The day after filing the claim, dealers were instructed to review "Parts On Command" for the Delivery List document. Any problems or delays encountered during this step required immediate contact with their facing PDC.
3. Enter Delivery Document Number: Dealers had to enter their specific 40000XXXXX delivery document number onto a YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label.
4. Adhere Return Label: The YELLOW DEPOT REQUEST RETURN label, with the delivery document number, needed to be securely adhered to the package(s) containing the returned valve spring parts.
5. Include Delivery Document Copy: Finally, one copy of the Delivery Document had to be included with the returned part(s) inside the package to ensure proper reconciliation and processing.

This meticulous process was designed to ensure accurate tracking and credit for all returned valve spring parts, maintaining inventory integrity and customer safety.

NHTSA ID: 10210517