Audi A4 problems - garage recommendation required

[mikepistonheads]

Hi folks.

It's nice to meet you all, I need some help if it's available.

I own a 55 reg Audi a4.

While driving it (at motorway speeds) the oil pressure light came on.

I pulled over and inspected the level - but it looked fine. When I tried to restart it it would crank but not spark.

I had it towed to a garage who have explained they think the loss of oil, possibly due to a problem with the filter, has caused it to seize - meaning major repairs are needed.

Can anyone recommend a good Audi garage in the Hertfordshire area for this work?

Has anyone else bought a reconditioned or similar replacement Audi engine from a breakers (if it comes to that) and could recommend a company that would supply a reliable replacement?

Thanks

[mikepistonheads]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 10 July 2014 at 12:54

[va1o]

I've found Mark Tempest in Welwyn to be quite good - marktempestautocentre.co.uk

What engine does your car have?

[mikepistonheads]

Thanks.

It's a 2.0l turbo petrol engine.

[P-Jay]

Diesel?

They have a reputation for failing oil pumps which might cause the problems you're facing.

Can't help with a garage in your area - but I don't think replacing the engine will be cheaper than repairing the one you have.

[mikepistonheads]

Hi, thanks for the reply.

It's a 2.0l turbo petrol engine.

[bstw]

Where abouts in Hertfordshire are you?

Mine's booked in with Mark tempest in Welwyn garden city. They seem helpful on the phone but it's not been in yet.

How many miles has it done and what service intervals is it on?

[Adrian E]

If you end up looking for a used engine, make a note of the engine code and spend time with Google Chrome auto translating German ebay listings. For the top end Audi engines they have considerably more choice and the descriptions of mileage and condition are generally closer to reality than those from UK breakers. For the 2.0T there should be plenty of choice. May be worth investing some money in any replacement engine to ensure any known failure points are addressed while the engine is still out of the car, as it's much cheaper to work on and access any issues.

If the car is high-ish mileage it might be better to cut your losses if you can't be without a car while this is all being sorted out?

[morgrp]

When you say it is "cranking" is the engine turning over? I.e. are the cam pulleys turning whilst trying to start? If so, I fail to see how the engine is seized

[tuco12]

These engines can be prone to having sludge issues with the oil pick up pipe.

What service plan was the engine on? Fixed or variable?

Oil pump failures are not uncommon either.

[imran9999]

my a4 2.0Tfsi 06 petrol also had oil pump failure not so long ago.
Luckily my engine didnt sieze, but the chain had snapped on the oil pump.

Audi dealer estimated 3k total bill to investigate, and fix.
Local specialist done the job for 1.2k by refurbishing the pump. Took 3-4 weeks though.

This is a Common problem for all vag cars from year 05-07
Design fault in the oil pump, affecting mostly diesels but also some petrols.

[mikepistonheads]

Thanks for all the replies.

As I said, no history of trouble, just the oil pressure light then no restart.

I was limited with options as I was on the way to the airport at the time, so had it towed to m25 audi in watford.

They did three hours of diagnostics, which amounted to three different conclusions...

Ultimately they then admitted they hadn't even yet checked the head.

I've booked it into Russell Autos as they seemed well regarded, but have no idea what the damage might amount to.

Thanks for the tip about the German eBay, I'll keep it in mind (if/when it comes to that?!)

I'll post back with any update from Russell, but at this point all I can recommend is not to use m25 audi in watford :/

// sorry, meant to add it was on a fixed interval and has done about 75k - best part is it was booked in for a cam belt & pump service for when I flew back...

Edited by mikepistonheads on Thursday 10th July 12:56

[mikepistonheads]

So by way of an update...

Russell Auto took a look at the vehicle and listen to my description of the oil pressure light etc.

They've stated that it was almost certainly caused by the oil pick up pipe, which has caused significant damage to the engine. This will be expensive to repair.

Not an improvement on what I had feared, but at least unlike Watford Audi they admitted what likely caused the problem. Watford Audi claimed my cam belt must have 'just snapped'.

I've contacted Audi UK as I'm not very happy with the cause of the mechanical failure, nor with Watford Audi's performance at all to be honest, but I'm not hopeful that despite there being what is seemingly a very clear history of this type of fault due to a flaw in the mechanical design they'll contribute anything towards what will almost certainly be a large repair bill.

It's rather put me off Audis entirely if I'm honest. Ironically even though I had no trouble with the car, as I was moving to a part of the country that gets worse weather I swapped from an Alfa 'for reliability' - more fool me as clearly Audis aren't reliable in the slightest.

Again if anyone has had any experience of this fault, or wishes to recommed a garage near me, then please feel free to respond.

[Duke147]

I hope you get it sorted. I've just done the exact same thing as you with similar motivations. I swapped my beloved Alfa 147 Ducati Corse for an 05 plate Audi A4 2.0T FSI. I've had no end of bother with it, so I'm fixing it up to sell and go back to Alfa because I, too, found them to be more reliable.

Now THERE'S an unexpected plot twist!, Alfa considered to be more reliable than an Audi... Even my Fiat Croma was better...

[Chippo1]

Audi fare very badly in all reliability studies , JD Power, Auto car, warranty direct etc. repair costs are high to.

Of course they do have nice trim!

[Duke147]

Lower trim levels and quality than my old Ducati Corse...

[fatboy b]

Chippo1 said:

Audi fare very badly in all reliability studies , JD Power, Auto car, warranty direct etc. repair costs are high to.

Of course they do have nice trim!

No they don't. It's cheap st these days.