I have a 1999 A8 4.2 which I bought newin the fall of 1999.
It has 85k miles. The ride has becomes rough and I assume it is from the shocks.
I went to my dealer today and was quoted: $1530 for 4 shocks and $1140 for labor plus alignment.
This seems excessive - I was surprized to say the least.
What is special with the shocks? Any suggestions? A quick web queery gave Bilsteins at half the price.
What do think about the labor?
The parts department mentionned that it may be the springs as the shocks typically last a long time.
Any thoughts?
Thanks for your help.

I think whenever you go to the STEALERship for parts & work, you should keep two words in mind:
RAPE CHARGE!!!

__________________
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If you can't install them yourself, I'd suggest two things.

#1 - buy the parts yourself. with some research, this is easy and will save you money.
#2 - find a good audi / vw / porsche mechanic in your area. there are many who are just as good as the stealership, but for literally half the price in labor.

However, you may want to bring it back to the stealership for the alignment.

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2001 Audi A4 1.8t

you assumed it was the shocks...? and they quoted you for them... or did they diagnose the problem to the shocks...?

cause i've never seen a situation where all 4 fail at the same time.

if i am correct you have an air suspension...? which would explain the price... and would explain the rough ride all the way around. cause a fault in the air suspension would effect dampning.

I'm not A8 certified, but I am familar w/ them

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Audi Technician

http://www.shox.com

They have Bilsteins for $499 a set. B&G springs for $280 and Eibachs for about that too. Dont waste your time at the dealer for this car...they treat you like a 94 golf owner but expect you to pay porsche prices. The price they gave you is for OEM shocks with their markup. ignore them and spend some time on the internet getting a good price for what you need.

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1998 A8

Wow, I saw another post where someone said it cost $1,000.00 to change the transmission fluid.

The more I think about it, the more it looks like these cars out of warranty can get as expensive as my Porsche.

I may have to stick with ACURA for a daily driver long term car, although I do love the look of the new A8L.

I guess if you want to play you gotta pay.........

now im hoping your joking and if your correct list the garage so I can close them down

Check it out:

http://www.audiforums.com/m_635126/m.../tm.htm#706052

that has to be a joke but if you intend to do it ill give you the how 2 for tree ( how embarrassing ) robin hood did better

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