Hi all, I have a 2013 A6 Quattro that has been leaking oil. I've gotten three diagnosis in the last week. My regular shop is going out of business due to a family issue - but before closing, he advised that the cambox was leaking. He could not do the repair as they were closing up shop earlier than planned. Went to a second shop who said the rear main seal was leaking, and but could not guarantee that the rear timing chain cover also needed to be repaired. Price quote for rear main seal was $2300 and $6k for the rear timing cover. Both costs estimates seemed high, so I took to a third place. After two days of having it in their shop, I had to call and was told the upper and lower timing chain covers was where the leak was, and not the rear main seal. His estimate was 20 hours of work - don't have a price or more info as he has not called me back yet (which is another issue unto itself. I am assuming by his hours estimate that he needs to drop the motor, as the second shop also told me.

My concern is twofold - One - I've gotten different diagnosis from each place - none cheap. Two - if cause is upper and lower timing chain covers, is there no other way to repair other than drop the engine? Are these guys rebuilding and replacing parts such as timing chains, etc...as well? Seems crazy to spend $3-6K on an oil leak. I live in Atlanta area. Anyone have similar issues and if these estimates are truly only way to fix?

Thanks in advance all!