2011Q5_us

Just checking to see what labor cost would be for replacement - feel like I'm getting jerked around by the local dealer (Audi has agreed to provide the turbo free of charge). Thoughts on what it should cost at the dealer to replace - got an initial quote of $1500 for labor only...

Thank you!

2011Q5_us

And should have added - in the US.

motoguy128

That sounds about right. I think for most major work, most of the front end of the car comes apart, so there's a lot of labor involved. To access other parts, you might need to pull some of the sub frame below the engine off.

I don't think the engine needs to be pulled however.

This does seem a little high. That's roughly 20 hours @ $75/hr

sszyma

Stay away from the dealer and go with a local shop. It is a fairly easy install and you don't have to remove that much. We upgraded a high mileage 2013 Q5 to a k04 turbo in four hours Realistically add a few hours to be safe but, it is not that bad.

str77

I agree, It should not take more than 4-5 hours at a local shop @75$ an hour.
It's fairly easy for an experienced VAG mechanic. I also had a K04 installed on my previous car and saw the guy do it.

Redd

Unless you're in rural Montana, a dealer is more likely to have a shop rate of $125-150 an hour. Any dealer, not just Audi.

Is it worth that much to turn a wrench? Hell no, you can often cut dealer rates in half elsewhere BUT only the dealer is going to warranty the whole job. If Audi is supplying the parts and the dealer doing the labor, and the new turbo fails under warranty, the dealer probably eats the replacement labor cost. The indy shop won't. So the differences begin there.

If the new turbo fails, Audi will say "Well the indy shop didn't prelube it...didn't torque it..." whatever. With a dealer, there's no argument.

Not saying it is worth the dealer's charge at "book" time, because that's not always carved in stone either. Costco members and others often get 10% off all dealer service fees, and most shops will match that if you politely say "Look, I'd like to do the job here but I get 10% off by going to the next dealer..."

And sometimes if you just point out "Look, I know the book is ten hours, but any good tech can do it in five...can't we do something on the whole price?"

Everyone is hungry for business, never assume the "rack rate" can't be substantially discounted. Heck, if they won't discount, ask 'em for an oil change and an alignment. Or, try to find a GOOD indy shop.