exactoroland

After 72k miles of ownership from brand new, our '03 ar needs a new Torque Converter and right airbag. The left bag had been replaced a year ago. The dealership is offering to do the TC for $4k and is quoting 3 hours time to replace the right front airbag plus $150 to align. I have the parts for the airbag through genuinevwaudiparts.com. My service advisor is looking into getting us some kind of a discount through the dealership. But we're also thinking of submitting a letter to AoA covering all the stuff we've had to repair since it has been out of waranty. I believe their amounts are a bit high to repair these items. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Roland

SKIroad'r

you can try fighting AoA on the TC given there is a technical service bulletin on it (ie known defect) but I'm not sure how sucessful you'll be.

paulroad

they can leak for many reason none of which have anything to do with a manufacturing defect. The TC on the other hand is a common problem.

If this were me... I wouldn't be at an audi dealer. The air springs are only 1-2 hours at their worst. I've done it and paid to have it done too.

The TC can be done by an indy as well.

Ex-PzKW Cdr

I'll do TC for 1800, and Airspring for 725, if you near the Phila PA area

Smarty39

and R&R is no where near $3k...take it to an indy or take the offer below.

dparnas

The TC is clearly a defective part. They should have recalled it a long time ago. I had mine done recently, but didn't contact AOA until afterwards. They told me that if I had it done at an Audi dealership, they "might" be willing to help with the cost. So, first thing to do is contact AOA. Then talk to the dealership about how they might help you. Ultimately it is at their discretion, but it is worth a shot. If they're not willing to help you out then take it to an indy. You can definitely find an Indy that'll get the job done for under $3k. The oem part is just under $1k and the book labor is 10 hours. You do the math. If you need contact info for AOA, let me know, I've got all that info.

mjposner

I had a local fix the tc for $1,5000 (Carmax paid under their warranty). It was like $800 for the part and $700 for labor.

exactoroland

So, my tech says AoA will do the TC for $2550. This includes an alignment + 3 hours labor to install the airspring. It seems fair to me.
Thanks for all your input. Now it's time to either hold on to it or sell.

Roland

Ex-PzKW Cdr

If they get down to 2200 for TC that wouldn't be bad for dealer.