Dear community,

My 1999 A4 Quattro 5-spd sedan is suffering from the following issue: rear right suspension mount is broken, rear coil springs broken, thus the suspension is very soft, and has already caused damage to one tire.
Local mechanic (in Washington DC) says that the mounts need to be ordered from Germany (via the dealer), will take ~1 month. The entire job, parts + labor, was quoted at $1600.
Audi specialty mechanic in nearby suburbs (Eurowerks) said the same thing, but is able to salvage the mounts from another vehicle. Quoted $1600, based on cheaper parts but more expensive labor than the local guy.

My question to you guys is: are there analogous parts that I can find myself and supply to the local shop? I don't know what exactly to look for, so I appreciate some guidance (or at least a recommended parts supplier). I'd just rather not wait a month (or longer), and spend so much money.

Thanks in advance,
~S

 

I have bought items from the following places. You should not have to wait a month imo. I did the entire front end and the shocks/struts in the rear (non quattro). I also did many other items and bought 90% of my stuff from the following places. Longest wait time was about 1 week +/- for shipping.

The following 2 places you can actually call and speak to someone very easily if you choose.
GermanAutoParts.com These guys are good - they actually work on vehicles, if I remember correctly, and when I had some questions they asked a tech. Also they are in NY so not that far from you.
https://www.ecstuning.com/

I have also purchase from the following - and you can call but getting through to someone takes more time.
https://www.autohausaz.com/
European Auto Parts at discount prices | RM European
https://www.rockauto.com/

I checked out of curiosity (and unless I looked up the wrong part) GAP and ECS (first two places listed) had your rear springs.

Marc

 

To go along with the above post:

Mine main go-to's are:

https://www.fcpeuro.com/
https://www.europaparts.com/audi.html

and of course:

https://www.ecstuning.com

 

Thanks Marc. To clarify, it is the shock mounts, not springs, that are hard to find. One of the mechanics I asked said that he rarely has to replace them, but they can rust out and break.

 

Likely the two mechanics are telling you to order genuine audi parts, which you probably don't need. They'll need to come direct from Germany and cost a ton and take forever...

At this point there's so many 3rd party companies that produce parts that fit our cars, it's amazing. Most might not be quite the genuine audi quality, but some are or are better.

 

If you have the part number of the original I would be surprised/shocked that you could not find the part... like @elduderino200 said. If you have trouble, post the part number and I will help.