Infinity Q50 - Mechatronics unit broken & options for repair

[Mandat]

This is a query for a close family member, and I'm hoping that the collective knowledge of PH can provide some help with this.

They have a 2016 Infiniti Q50, which has only covered approx. 40,000 miles.

The mechatronics unit in the auto gearbox has failed, according to the garage where the car is now located.

The diagnosis is that the mechatronics unit needs to be replaced, and that the new part will cost £2,700 + labour to install + coding to new part to the car. The total bill is looking to be around £4,000.

They are being told that the new mechatronics unit can only be supplied by Infiniti and that there is a long lead time for parts from Japan (3-4 months).

Also, they are told that the coding of the new part has to be done via the official Infiniti computer / software.

Apparently, it is not possible to buy a used mechatronics unit (say from a crashed car) as they can only be coded once in their life, therefore a used part won't work anyway.

Does anyone have any experience with Infinity gearboxes, and can anyone recommend a specialist in this field? The car is based in the Reading area.

Thanks.

[Mandat]

As an aside, I don't know if there is any mileage in pursuing a claim under the Consumer Rights Act on the basis that the mechatronics unit should last the life of the vehicle, particularly as it s not a service item, etc.

The problem is that the car was bought privately, so there is no dealer to pursue, and I think that they would need to take this up with Inifiniti HQ (in Japan), which probably won't get them anywhere.

[Mr lestat]

Blimey that sounds expensive, gearbox on eBay for a few hundred however as you say there could be issues, maybe worthwhile talking to a breaker and see what they say.

[Limpet]

Mandat said:

As an aside, I don't know if there is any mileage in pursuing a claim under the Consumer Rights Act on the basis that the mechatronics unit should last the life of the vehicle, particularly as it s not a service item, etc.

The problem is that the car was bought privately, so there is no dealer to pursue, and I think that they would need to take this up with Inifiniti HQ (in Japan), which probably won't get them anywhere.

If you want any goodwill from Infiniti (as with any other manufacturer), you will need to get the car to a dealer and have them inspect it and confirm the diagnosis, then take up the case with the manufacturer. Even then, there's no guarantee they will come through, or even enter into a dialogue, and they do not offer any goodwill, someone (i.e. you) will have to pay the dealer for the labour involved in the diagnosis.

With regard to a claim, as a consumer, your contract is with the retailer of a product, not its manufacturer. As this was a private sale, it's unlikely you'll get anywhere.

Maybe worth a phone a call to your local Infiniti dealer to gauge their thoughts. It can't hurt. Otherwise, talk to an automatic transmission specialist to find out your options, perhaps with good used parts.

[mickyh7]

These Mechtronics units go wrong on Audi STronics quite regularly. Up to 2015 I think.
My A7 suffered.
Dealer wanted 7k to repair
My independent Gearbox guys replaced with a recon unit all in and 2 years warranty for £1400 inc.VAT
Done in a few hours.
They can be repaired.
Just a load of Solinoids and Hydrolics.
I bet there will be a cheap fix somewhere.
I don't believe about the coding. They are still Nissans!
I do believe Nissan have stopped selling them in the UK
I'd look deeper into this before dropping 4k on it.

[Novexx]

Milta have a good reputation on mechatronic repairs, they only advertise as doing VAG products but may be worth a call. A link for them & some unknown others;

https://milta.co/

https://www.stephensengineering.co.uk/mechatronic-...

https://www.autogearbox.co.uk/dsg-gearbox-repairs/