V10 Engine replacement in my S8? Really?
09-13-2010, 04:28 PM
#1
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V10 Engine replacement in my S8? Really?
I have an '07 S8 with barely 22k miles. The car is perfect in every way. Last week I started hearing a strange ticking/scraping noise coming out of the engine bay. Not quite a knock, but definitely noticeable. Speeds up as engine revs rise. Sort of like the sound of mechanical lifters in an old '60s iron block American V8 going bad.
I took it to the dealer for investigation, and they kept it for a couple of days before calling to say they couldn't figure it out but they think I NEED A NEW ENGINE. (!) WTF???!!! They were kind enough to add, "of course it will be under warranty..." She said they were going to check with Audi USA to clear it.
Does anyone on here know engines well enough to understand what could lead a technician to that conclusion, just from a little ticking noise in the engine bay? The car was still running strong, bellowing loudly under acceleration, not spewing oil or anything. In fact, the "check engine light" had not even come on.
Is the Stealership trying to rip off Audi USA at my expense? This is a reputable dealer and the best Audi dealership in Denver (Prestige Imports). Should I accept this without a firm diagnosis?
And...is a new engine going to hurt my car's resale value?
I took it to the dealer for investigation, and they kept it for a couple of days before calling to say they couldn't figure it out but they think I NEED A NEW ENGINE. (!) WTF???!!! They were kind enough to add, "of course it will be under warranty..." She said they were going to check with Audi USA to clear it.
Does anyone on here know engines well enough to understand what could lead a technician to that conclusion, just from a little ticking noise in the engine bay? The car was still running strong, bellowing loudly under acceleration, not spewing oil or anything. In fact, the "check engine light" had not even come on.
Is the Stealership trying to rip off Audi USA at my expense? This is a reputable dealer and the best Audi dealership in Denver (Prestige Imports). Should I accept this without a firm diagnosis?
And...is a new engine going to hurt my car's resale value?
09-13-2010, 04:35 PM
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Don't think the dealership is running a scam here...especially since Audi is footing the bill (they have to justify it to them I'm sure).
Also, a new engine would help resale value I would think (less miles on it).
Also, a new engine would help resale value I would think (less miles on it).
09-13-2010, 05:44 PM
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And dealers are subject to...
...audits like any other business. Depending on the type of warranty that is covering the repair, the parts must be kept so they can be examined.
Also, some manufacturers only replace "assemblies." That means that if there is an internal engine (or transmission) problem they replace the entire assembly. They do this because 1) an engine R&R is usually less labor than than an overhaul, 2) the repair is more likely to satisfy the owner, 3) there is less risk of error, and 4) there is less risk of a mis-diagnosis resulting in a return visit where it may need to be torn down again.
Also, some manufacturers only replace "assemblies." That means that if there is an internal engine (or transmission) problem they replace the entire assembly. They do this because 1) an engine R&R is usually less labor than than an overhaul, 2) the repair is more likely to satisfy the owner, 3) there is less risk of error, and 4) there is less risk of a mis-diagnosis resulting in a return visit where it may need to be torn down again.
09-13-2010, 07:05 PM
#4
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Don't complain about a new engine. Graciously accept it. VW did a rebuild on my '01 Beetle Turbo when the timing belt snapped before the recommended 105,000 mile replacement interval. Happened at 92,000 miles. I did not expect that deal. And a deal it was.
09-13-2010, 08:51 PM
#5
AudiWorld Super User
Yeah hell I'd love a new engine, especially if it is prone to existing problems, such as a timing chain instead of a timing belt. I know the S8 has a chain, but just saying for explanatory purposes. And if they are ripping off Audi USA lol, well all I can say is LOL. That makes up for them ripping us off all the time.
09-14-2010, 11:10 AM
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I have an '07 S8 with barely 22k miles. The car is perfect in every way. Last week I started hearing a strange ticking/scraping noise coming out of the engine bay. Not quite a knock, but definitely noticeable. Speeds up as engine revs rise. Sort of like the sound of mechanical lifters in an old '60s iron block American V8 going bad.
I took it to the dealer for investigation, and they kept it for a couple of days before calling to say they couldn't figure it out but they think I NEED A NEW ENGINE. (!) WTF???!!! They were kind enough to add, "of course it will be under warranty..." She said they were going to check with Audi USA to clear it.
Does anyone on here know engines well enough to understand what could lead a technician to that conclusion, just from a little ticking noise in the engine bay? The car was still running strong, bellowing loudly under acceleration, not spewing oil or anything. In fact, the "check engine light" had not even come on.
Is the Stealership trying to rip off Audi USA at my expense? This is a reputable dealer and the best Audi dealership in Denver (Prestige Imports). Should I accept this without a firm diagnosis?
And...is a new engine going to hurt my car's resale value?
I took it to the dealer for investigation, and they kept it for a couple of days before calling to say they couldn't figure it out but they think I NEED A NEW ENGINE. (!) WTF???!!! They were kind enough to add, "of course it will be under warranty..." She said they were going to check with Audi USA to clear it.
Does anyone on here know engines well enough to understand what could lead a technician to that conclusion, just from a little ticking noise in the engine bay? The car was still running strong, bellowing loudly under acceleration, not spewing oil or anything. In fact, the "check engine light" had not even come on.
Is the Stealership trying to rip off Audi USA at my expense? This is a reputable dealer and the best Audi dealership in Denver (Prestige Imports). Should I accept this without a firm diagnosis?
And...is a new engine going to hurt my car's resale value?
09-14-2010, 01:50 PM
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Update re: New V10 Engine
My dealership called back to say that they have determined that my V10 developed "piston slap" causing a loss of compression in cylinders 8 and 9. Indeed, Audi wants them to swap out my engine with an entirely new long block unit -- complete with all new parts (basically everything under the hood will be brand new). As someone keenly pointed out, this is the easiest thing for them to do. So, I guess that's good for me, as it gives me a brand new engine and all other parts, plus it extends that warranty another 12 months/12,000 miles.
My understanding is that this has happened to a few V10s throughout the model cycle. For anyone contemplating a V10 S8 without a warranty - I imagine this repair bill would run in the tens of thousands of $$$$.
In the meantime, I get to drive an A4 Avant 2.0T loaner around for a month. Yay. Actually, it's a pretty sweet little car.
My understanding is that this has happened to a few V10s throughout the model cycle. For anyone contemplating a V10 S8 without a warranty - I imagine this repair bill would run in the tens of thousands of $$$$.
In the meantime, I get to drive an A4 Avant 2.0T loaner around for a month. Yay. Actually, it's a pretty sweet little car.
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09-15-2010, 05:21 AM
#8
AudiWorld Super User
My dealership called back to say that they have determined that my V10 developed "piston slap" causing a loss of compression in cylinders 8 and 9. Indeed, Audi wants them to swap out my engine with an entirely new long block unit -- complete with all new parts (basically everything under the hood will be brand new). As someone keenly pointed out, this is the easiest thing for them to do. So, I guess that's good for me, as it gives me a brand new engine and all other parts, plus it extends that warranty another 12 months/12,000 miles.
My understanding is that this has happened to a few V10s throughout the model cycle. For anyone contemplating a V10 S8 without a warranty - I imagine this repair bill would run in the tens of thousands of $$$$.
In the meantime, I get to drive an A4 Avant 2.0T loaner around for a month. Yay. Actually, it's a pretty sweet little car.
My understanding is that this has happened to a few V10s throughout the model cycle. For anyone contemplating a V10 S8 without a warranty - I imagine this repair bill would run in the tens of thousands of $$$$.
In the meantime, I get to drive an A4 Avant 2.0T loaner around for a month. Yay. Actually, it's a pretty sweet little car.
