Hello there! Just picked up my 2001 TT (180HP) from the dealer after having experienced the breaking of the front left spring coil. I had told them the problem, asked them to fix it, and received a bill of 840 Dollars for the exchange of 1 shock!!! The shock was 141$ plus tax which is okay, but 5 hours of labor for $130 per hour? Does anyone know the Audi approved time to exchange a front shock here in the US? In Germany Audi takes 70 Euros for the shock and 1.5 hrs of time to change it. Is this due to Audi being considered a "premium brand" in the US?I am thinking of writing a letter of complaint to Audi USA.... Any thought? Thanks so much!

 

My 2c: that's a definite rip off. They should be able to change all 4 in under 5 hours. Was the bill strictly for the R&R of the strut or did they charge you for hours of "diagnostics" too? I'd take it to the service manager and then to better business bureau.

You could also contact a few audi independent shops and ask for their estimate. does your city have multiple audi dealers? If so, contact them for their estimate.

that being said, I believe dealers set their own rates and are not legally bound to the "book" recommended time limits. but, it is very poor business practice to significantly over charge.