Cool, it makes sense now.
Those engines have two separate pinions that are the "intermediary" links between the cams and the crank, instead of the direct connection the timing belt omologues have. The more complicated they are, the more chances for early failure.
It looks very difficult for the/a owner to do maintenance (lubrication) or service for all those chains... mamma mia...
thanks

 

What an f'ed up design! Way too complicated outside of Formula 1. I'm surprised they can do the job for $8000!

First, you are not so far out of warranty that Audi should not cover it IF you have done all maintenance as scheduled AND can document it. This part SHOULD have lasted the life of the engine, 150,000 miles minimum. Ask to meet with the Audi rep personally to discuss. Audi has entered negotiations with a 50% offer, which means they have more at their disposal. Be willing to accept paying for fresh coolant, spark plugs and oil, but no more. Consult a lawyer but DO NOT THREATEN TO SUE. That will harden their stance. Be professional, be polite, be respectful, hold your temper and stay after them. It will take a few meetings, but I bet they will come to you with a better offer if not 100%.

Another option is to ask them to give you full Kelly Blue Book Trade In value for your car against a new one. I'm not sure if you are upside down on your current loan or if you can afford a new car payment, but this solution works well for both of you and they might go for it.

A third option is to find a used engine and have a indy replace it. Call Shokan and see if they have one available. This might wind up being as costly as the rebuild at 50%, but you should investigate the option nonetheless.

Good luck,

Bob

 

I am going to be the devil's advocate here. Technically your car is out of warranty and **** happens. You should be glad that the dealer is willing to split the cost. Yes $8700 is eye popping cost, but given the complexity of one of these, I don't think it is unfathomable. I would recommend 2 things.

One, ask the dealer to show you the damage. Obviously they must have pulled the valve covers at least to diagnosed the issue. Ask them to physically show you the damaged parts. Then ask the dealer to itemize the repair in both parts costs and hourly rate. Then question them about every little items. I would inquire with other mechanics to see if the cost is justifiable. Then negotiate down as much as you can.

Two, I would ask the dealer to cap the cost. Be clear that you have a limit, and can't pay beyond the set amount. FYI, this does not hold in reality. If they find more stuff that is wrong with it once they open it up, then can technically charge you more. But at least you are setting up a negotiation approach by telling them up front that you have a limit.

If what the dealer is telling you is true, then I wouldn't mind forking out $3500 or so on the repair. I really doubt that you can get any better price from an independent shop for the about of damage you are talking about. Unfortunately Audis are expensive. As my signature says, I wonder why I still drive the darn thing...

 

I would avoid "One" like the plague. The question is not what the problem is, it is who pays to fix it. You want Audi to pay. Not the dealer and not yourself. The dealer is a middle man. You need to negotiate with Audi directly. You want the dealer on your side. Keep him there! Don't go in questioning their expertise and micromanaging their solution. That is the most efficient way of getting them off your side that exists.

Two is a good idea and should be brought into the negotiations gently.

Good luck,

Bob

 

I'm wondering if the thermostat and/or water pump are on the back of the engine as well?

IMHO- in the event of pistons hitting the valves -> not just the upper parts are damaged, but the piston's and crank's journal bearings sustain damages that could shorten dramatically their life.

 

And it makes you wonder why other manufacturers stand behind their product (powertrain warranty) for 100,000 miles, while Audi does it only for half that long?
When you make such a huge investment in a car -regardless if you're a millionaire or an average blue collar person- that's worth a house in many parts of the country, you should be entitled to expect (and receive) a better "truth in" the coverage of their "engineering".
I would go with Bob's idea of first dealing with Audi, directly. Let them know you can prove that you took the car religiously to the dealer for maintenance, therefore Audi should pick up the tab for this extensive damage due to an adjuster that should last at least the life of the chain, if not the engine's.

 

How soon on German engineered cars a tire replacement will require engine pull?

Or at least - dealer performed ECU/management of some kind reset?

Where is the thermostat?

 

IMO if they are willing to accept some blame for the failure why not all.
Is it possible to be partially to blame for a cam adjuster failure?
Also you will need to know...
What caused it to fail? and what they plan to do about that.
Is it a bad part (adjuster,sensor,wire...), sludge buildup, low oil pressure?

Sort of amazing how repairs on an Audi always have you balancing the options of getting a new car or trying to repair it yourself.

These cars should come with a big yellow sticker next to the stereo.

WARNING!!! Do not attempt to operate this vehicle without proper warranty Insurance!!!

I wonder...

Could I become a millionaire...

If I opened an Audi repair shop and paid for the repair insurance for all my customers as long as they had to bring the car to my shop for the repairs.

 

I think you are on to something. I have $20 to chip in.