S-Tronic Gearbox Failure

[h3lp]

Hi All,

Just had some devastating news from my local Audi dealer. My B8 S4 needs a new gearbox at a cost of £12 000.

We had issues 2 months ago and took it to Audi Oxford who carried out glycol tests on the gearbox which came back OK. They diagnosed the mechatronics unit had failed and recommended it be replaced, which we did at a cost to us of £3200. We pushed Audi UK and the dealer for good will but got nothing. (The car is 2010 with 77k miles).

After the repair the car drove fine for 3 weeks then the same symptoms returned.

We took it to our local dealer in Plymouth who have been testing it for the last week or so. 2 days ago they rang and told me the mech unit had failed again but also the "oil cooler" needed to be changed. Seemed to make sense as the gearbox failed twice only after long journeys, so maybe it was overheating.

After hearing nothing for a while I chased Plymouth Audi who said they were in contact with Audi UK technicians for a solution. I've just received a phone call saying that they are now recommending a new gear box at a cost to me of £12 000.

I have an invoice from Audi Oxford stating "Investigated vibration / judder from the vehicle. Carried out Road Test and verified the fault. Carried out Glycol Testing which came back all ok, advised replacement of the mechatronic unit".

I am going to email Audi UK tonight to see if they are willing to step in (not that they offered any assistance when the mech unit failed the first time). If I have no joy I will be considering my options legally as my gut instinct tells me they're not sure what the issue is so are just recommending a new gear box.

I'm also suspicious of whether Audi Oxford damaged the gearbox during their repair of the mech unit. I suppose I will have to take the car to a third party for a second opinion on that, if I end up having to pursue Audi legally.

I'd be interested and appreciative to hear anyone's thoughts / experience on the subject.

[h3lp]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

No, they haven't confirmed the source of the problem. It's almost as if they have just given up on trying to fix it so have just said you need a new gearbox.

I emailed Audi UK last night so I will update once I get a response.

Been a life long Audi customer, so it's a kick in the teeth to get treated like this.

[h3lp]

Hi All,

Another update :

After escalating to Audi UK, they have "reduced" the gearbox replacement cost to £5500

The trouble is I've already spent £3200 on a mech unit so the total cost to fix the car will be just shy of £9000.

I've spoke to Bristol Gearbox Centre who can drop in a 2014 reconned gearbox with new clutches for £2500 so I will probably take it to them instead.

The problem is I strongly believe I spent £3200 for Audi to fit a mech unit when the gearbox had gone all along. I've asked for my money back but was told by Audi to approach a third party ombudsman so they've essentially washed their hands of the whole affair.

Audi are saying that the mech unit the fitted was fine (for 3 weeks) but my gearbox failure caused the new mech unit to fail so there's no warranty.

Obviously not a happy bunny and I will be considering my options tomorrow. Am strongly considering the small claims court as common sense would suggest that Audi incorrectly fitted a mech unit when gearbox failure was the actual fault.

[h3lp]

Hi all,

Just a quick note to say thanks for the input on this.

I've decided to sell the vehicle on eBay - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&am...

Never wanting to experience this again, I've now got a 2 year old A7 Black Edition which I'm really happy with, so as long as I can shift the S4, I can put this all behind me!

Thanks again.