Mike141

Well, went to dealer today for other reasons and while it was there I'd figure I'd have them take a look at this drain plug. The threads inside the housing were stripped and they re-threaded them for me at the price of $250! I really had no choice once they removed the plug, it had to be repaired right there or get towed home. And they advise me to not use the drain plug ever again guess I'll just have to siphon out the housing or use a turkey baster. Can't believe that it was $250 to re thread a stupid hole and put a new bolt in there, oh yeah I forgot they had to remove the bottom plastic engine cover too.

jandreas

That drain plug should only be torqued to 10Nm (~7 ft.lbs) which is basically hand tight.

Mike141

Yeah, whoever worked on the car before I bought it must have tightened it way too much! But I'll never use it again, dont want to run into any problems.

s4master1

Sad day
a8 owner changing his own oil and worry about $250 repair.
the days we live

jandreas

The only thing that is sad are the circumstances that brought this situation about. After paying $150+ for a $10 filter and $48 worth of oil and 25 minutes of someone's time. The A8 owner has to pay an additional $250 to tap a hole. And all because the dealer mechanic saved 30 seconds of his time by not bothering to look up the torque spec or actually, using common sense.

The money I "lost" from having to take time off from work to bring my A8 back to Wagner Audi in Boylston, MA time and time again to fix problems they created over a one year period. Would more than cover the first 6-8 years of standard maintenance. And that includes the timing belt change.

Mister Bally

Why would you say that? I worry about every dollar. Save 90,000 and you can get another A8 or fund a kids education. I am an Audi demographic reject.

Brozee

It't not just an "A8" owner worrying about $250. You'd be an idiot. Not to care about money and finding the cheapest alternative. Think before you speak.

Mike141

What, you wouldn't worry about $250? It probably took the tech all of 30 min to do (rethread plug) and they charge $250? You think that's right? Their labor rate was listed at $110/hr

ccmnova

I have an A4 and posted in here by mistake but I would change my own oil even if I had a Rolls Royce - like to do my own maintenance and know its done right. Also the forums here are great for any DIY'er, regardless of income level, etc.

Mister Bally

Yep, I will think twice before ever taking a vehicle to Euro Tech Motors since S4master1 (personal name not used but is on his website) from there has implied that A8 owners have money to spare on repair services. I wonder if he charges more for A8 repairs than a similar repair on a VW such as say the front brake pad replacement? After all, A8 owners should not worry about a $250.00 repair (his words, not mine).

And yes, I used to work for a Company near his shop in El Segundo so I would be a potential customer. His comment rubbed me the wrong way.

It's a sad day when a Master Technician belittles the customers who are his bread & butter. I guess when you are *highly recognized as one of the best in all of North America by Audi AG*, you are entitled to say things like this.

Oh, by the way Mr. s4master1: we A8, A8L and S8 owners use Capital letters when we write about our vehicles.