S-Tronic Gearbox Failure
Discussion
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.
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.
Can't help with the broader issue, but shouldn't the mechatronics unit be under warranty given it was replaced by an official Audi dealer only 2 months ago?
In which case you could have it replaced again FOC, maybe replace the oil cooler at your expense, and hope that solves it once and for all?
In which case you could have it replaced again FOC, maybe replace the oil cooler at your expense, and hope that solves it once and for all?
My B8 RS4 gearbox was replaced a month ago under warranty. It was clunking when engaging 4th and they went straight in at replacement. I asked what failed and had no luck getting an answer. I was told by the woman at Audi UK that the dealership hadn't taken the gearbox apart they'd just replicated the fault and then asked Audi to recommend a course of action.
Speak to Audi UK and press the point about being given s
t advice and a £3k bill already. At the very least they should be knocking the cost of the mech off the gearbox cost. If you have no luck can you not source a used/refurbed gearbox for substantially less?
Speak to Audi UK and press the point about being given s
t advice and a £3k bill already. At the very least they should be knocking the cost of the mech off the gearbox cost. If you have no luck can you not source a used/refurbed gearbox for substantially less?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.
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 said:
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.
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.
This is awful news, and sorry to hear this.
Its also a disgusting level of service from Audi UK, and not a position you should be left in with only a 6 year old car with average miles on it.
It also sounds like the dealers are doing you no favours, as they can easily approach Audi on your behalf and ask for goodwill.
Write to the motoring press, car mags, and someone like watchdog give them the bad publicity they deserve, and furthermore never buy another Audi.
Silly question (and maybe not something you want to consider) but can the car be converted to a manual box cheaper? or could you source a 2nd hand S-Tronic box at a sensible price? (and i say sensible as £12K is surely best spent towards a new car?)
And finally are there any specialists who can repair these boxes? i'm sure Audi UK are not capable of doing major rebuild/repair work, in fact i worry about the abilities of many of these main dealers (not just Audi) as its simple for them to 'just swap it out' at the customers expense...which is terrible no one seems to repair/rebuild things its just oh you need a new unit etc etc.
Wish you luck.
Andy
shtu said:
Interesting he had 'Audi' assist him, and it was a non standard car...lucky for some.
Also noticed the mileage on his was similar to the Op's 70K of usage does not make these S-tronic boxes look very good does it.
Lets hope the Op gets some Audi assistance.
Andy
I think all main dealer service departments suggest replacement gearbox by default when problems arise.
6 year old car out of warranty and 70,000 miles = goodwill contribution unlikely.
Have you considered going to an independent gearbox specialist? If they're able to repair it might save you a couple of grand.
6 year old car out of warranty and 70,000 miles = goodwill contribution unlikely.
Have you considered going to an independent gearbox specialist? If they're able to repair it might save you a couple of grand.
Personally i'd be speaking to these lads before doing anything else.
http://www.bristolgearboxcentre.com/
From my own experience they'll give you good advice and a run down of the issue and likely costs.
£12k bill from Audi is a piss take, did they break down the parts and labour for that?
http://www.bristolgearboxcentre.com/
From my own experience they'll give you good advice and a run down of the issue and likely costs.
£12k bill from Audi is a piss take, did they break down the parts and labour for that?
Dr G said:
Do you know if the gearbox oil was changed to schedule?
I have heard of Audi stepping in with goodwill on early S4s (assuming serviced correctly).
+1I have heard of Audi stepping in with goodwill on early S4s (assuming serviced correctly).
Assuming oil was changed on time originally and was presumably done again with the new mechatronic unit then you're all good there
Full main dealer history and long history with the marque will also help
Dealers don't care who picks up the bill and will often fail to engage effectively for you without a prod direct to Audi from you. Had the same with a dash cluster replacement which originally I was just presented with a £1k quote for
And asked if I wanted to go ahead, turned into a 90% Audi contribution after Audi uk went to the service manager and prompted the discussion that should've happened in the first place
Dealers have more scope to agree goodwill on their own but for a job this size it'll be Audi uk making the call
Anything less than 100k on the box should be covered under goodwill if the history stacks up and no serious mods in my view (as a manufacturing engineer working in automotive)
A £12k bill writes the car off, frankly
Try 3d Transmissions in Reading, I've seen them mentioned on an Audi forum as one of the few that can repair the 7 speed longitudinal S-Tronic box, and they'll be far cheaper than an Audi replacement. (http://3dautomatictransmissions.co.uk)
Having said that, S-Tronic failure in the B8 S4 is sadly a bit of a known issue / common falure with pre facelift (~2012) boxes so I'd be kicking up a real stink with Audi. I agree with some of the earlier comments that as the Mechatronics unit was replaced 2 months ago, at the very least the cost of that should deducted from any subsequent new gearbox cost as that will come with another new Mechatronics unit. In fact I'd be arguing the toss that if the box has failed completely now they either didn't actually replace the part they said they did 8 weeks ago, or they mis-diagnosed the fault giving you an unnecessary £3k bill. I think I'd push for getting your money back for that mis-sold repair regardless of whether you decide to have a new box fitted or not, then you can persue the independent options as well without being unnecessarily out of pocket.
Having said that, S-Tronic failure in the B8 S4 is sadly a bit of a known issue / common falure with pre facelift (~2012) boxes so I'd be kicking up a real stink with Audi. I agree with some of the earlier comments that as the Mechatronics unit was replaced 2 months ago, at the very least the cost of that should deducted from any subsequent new gearbox cost as that will come with another new Mechatronics unit. In fact I'd be arguing the toss that if the box has failed completely now they either didn't actually replace the part they said they did 8 weeks ago, or they mis-diagnosed the fault giving you an unnecessary £3k bill. I think I'd push for getting your money back for that mis-sold repair regardless of whether you decide to have a new box fitted or not, then you can persue the independent options as well without being unnecessarily out of pocket.
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.
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.
Sorry to hear of your pain but what were the symptoms? I'm only asking as I have purchased a stronic for the 'boss' and the revs fluctuate when cold and driving up and down hills first thing when the car is not warmed up. Tetbury Audi state there is no fault however all test runs from the dealership are on flat roads? Thoughts appreciated
Bluesmurff09 said:
Does anyone know how common this is on early B8 S4's?
I have a 2010 model and the first s tonic oil change was 10k miles late as it hadn't been done by the previous owner so the dealer I bought it from sorted it.
Thanks
Mat
It seems to be more prevalent on cars where one of the oil filters isn't changed when the oil is. Although all boxes apparently have 2 filters, only on cars from 2010 on is one of those a cartridge job that can be replaced. All replacement boxes are the later type.....I have a 2010 model and the first s tonic oil change was 10k miles late as it hadn't been done by the previous owner so the dealer I bought it from sorted it.
Thanks
Mat
One way to confirm is to check with the garage that serviced the box to confirm if they changed a filter. My local dealer didn't list the filter as a part, because of the way they do the fixed service quoting to meet the advertised prices (it's easier to remove some parts rather than discounting the labour to zero!)
A late change will mean trouble IF you have a fault, so assuming the car came through a main dealer I'd be expecting them to cough up if the worst happened.
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