S4_Cinci (I S'edTFA)

This is an update to the linked thread. I bought the 403 L version for an '00 Passat with the 2.8 litre 30V engine. I checked it against the expanison tank in my S4 (the 403 M version, supposedly) and it appeared identical. Much to my surprise, when I actually checked the part number on the expansion tank in my S4, it was the 403 L part number. >>The real point here is that the M suffix part goes for about $50, while the L suffix part can be had for only $30. It's not every day you can save yourself an easy $20 on an identical part!<<

The expansion tank on my S4 was replaced by the dealer a couple of months ago due to cracks, and this was the same reason for my replacing the one on the Passat, identical cracks in the same location on the tank. My dealer may have put in the "wrong" part (either on purpose, or knowing my dealer, by accident). Whatever the reason, I have noticed no performance difference; so they must be identical parts.

This should be good news for everyone who wants to change the expansion tank just because it turns a brownish-orange color after about 25k miles or so (yes, I'm talking to you 2k2S4); or even those people who actually need to replace the tank due to a leak or other functional reasons ;P

Good luck and Happy New Year!<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/s4/msgs/1470735.phtml">https://forums.audiworld.com/s4/msgs/1470735.phtml</a</li></ul>

QCRAZY

Some of those has a metal sleeve and some didn't. That's about the only difference I can think there would be. Just a thought.

S4_Cinci (I S'edTFA)

clamp and thus any overflow coolant is directed towards the left front wheel versus just being dumped on the rear of the block (like the VW application). I was thinking that the wiring connector for the coolant level sensor would be different, but they are identical. Again, I have the "VW" part presently on my S4, so I cannot compare the L suffix part to the M suffix part, as the L one is on my S4 and appears to work identically.

QCRAZY

...nipple but I'm not sure which version they did that with.

mpwolf

LOL!!! Thanks man!

S4_Cinci (I S'edTFA)

type of forums. You get usefull info. that many times is not disseminated any other way than if you worked in the dealer's parts dept. If I can save someone else a few bucks, all these hours wasted talking trash are worthwhile ;^)

S4_Cinci (I S'edTFA)

Has to be the "M" version, as the "L" doesn't have it - but they hooked my overflow tube up anyway.

S4_Cinci (I S'edTFA)

the S4. When I asked him why not, he said he didn't know for sure and didn't have one of each there in order to compare but his parts computer definitely specifies that the "M" version is to be used for the S4 and these two versions are not listed as interchangeable. When I then told him that his dealership put an L version on my S4, he said I need to talk to service and resolve it with them. He also confirmed the $20 price differential - with the S4 version costing more, naturally. Could it be $20 to install that metal sleeve, or is there a difference in shape to allow clearance for the overflow tube? I notice that the new tank on my S4 is basically smashing the overflow tube against the firewall/shock tower bulkhead or whatever you want to call it.

I know, I know - this is getting really **** about it; but my dealer is being a total ***** to me and if I can make them put in the right part, I will just to give them back what they are feeding me.

S4_Cinci (I S'edTFA)

actually installing the cheaper similar part is a good way to make a quick $20 or so of pure profit. (What makes this even more interesting is that I caught my dealer re-using an oil filter earlier this year when they had charged AoA for a new one...).

Can you say "profit center"? Sure you can...

This type of thing doesn't exactly INCREASE my trust for my dealer. My parts guy said he isn't allowed to make such a substitution when the computer system doesn't explicitly state the parts are identical or an update/replacement number; and the two expansion tanks are not equiv. per the EKTA parts system (or whatever it is called presently).