I have three Audis and I really love them. But Audi service writers are outright rude, and quoted prices are astronomical. Examples:

(1) I broke something or other in the transmission of one of my TTs. Dealer matter of factly told me it would be $11,000+ to fix. The car was 98 miles out of warranty, and Audi of America wouldn't do anything to help me. I had the car flatbedded to a fantastic indie shop, and had the same work done for $2,300.

(2) Audi dealer's charge to replace a front parking light is $400+!!! They say they have to take the front bumper and grill and other stuff off to get to the bulb. Well, thanks to Quattro World online, I bought a bulb for $10.00, took off the cover at the very front of the engine, reached down and unscrewed old bulb holder, removed bulb and inserted new bulb Yep, $10 and fifteen minutes of my time, vs $400+ from dealer.

(3) Audi is so arrogant that they don't even publish a list of bulbs or any directions on replacing bulbs in their owner's manual. They just say something like cars are so electronically sophisticated today that only a trained Audi technician can change bulbs! They even say that only an authorized Audi technician can change the battery in the key fob!

(4) While waiting for bulb at Audi parts counter I was scanning some of the notices they had posted for customers. One said that they charge ONE HOUR ($130) to read codes and reset check engine light! How do they expect to keep customers when they so flagrantly rip people off?!?

(5) Some Audi engines have had premature timing belt failures, and because of a class action suit Audi will provide warranty of 105,000 miles IF I have the dealer inspect the belt within 1,500 miles of next scheduled service and then again at 80,000 miles. If they check it and determine that it should be replaced (as they usually do, duh), the charge is about $2,700! Indie shop charges about $1,200 for timing belt and upgraded water pump.

(6) My niece is using one of my TTs to learn to drive a stick shift. She managed to totally fry the clutch and flywheel. Dealer wanted $850 for parts plus 15 hours ($1,950) labor. I said to the guy that it looked like I'd have to leave the car for about three days, and he said oh no, they could fix it in one day. I said how could they fix if in one day if they charge $15 hours labor? He said that is what Audi MAKES them charge, but that they have a TT clutch specialist who works really fast and can do the job in one day. What a scam!

Now, a fun little MB tidbit:

A few years ago I had my MB S500 in for routine service. I asked the writer to also replace the lens that had a rock chip on of my headlights. I waited in the waiting room. Eventually the writer came and told me that the one lens can't be replaced because I would have to replace the whole bucket. Not only that, but the buckets are only available in pairs, for about $1,500. I said no thanks, forget it. I went home and stewed about it, then went back to parts counter at the same dealership. They sold me the new lens for $60 dollars and I easily installed it myself. This parts department where I purchased the lens for $60 is no more than 100' from the service writer. How can someone who bought a $105,000 car new from them treat me this way and expect me to be a loyal customer?? I was SO glad when the car was no longer under warranty and I could take it to a good indie shop.

Who do these people think they are? Who do they think WE are?

Bottom line: My Jag dealer service, while far from perfect, has been pretty good. I love my Audis and my past Mercedes, but the dealer service for those cars can't compare to Jag service at the dealer.

Go figure.

 

Hmmm, funny, but I've found the exact opposite from my Audi dealer, but then again there are just soo many variables to take into account I guess.

My Audi dealer had jumped through soo many hoops for me I've lost count. I've had discounts off what are already very cheap parts, much cheaper than I imagined prior to purchase, I've been given warranty on parts almost without question and more so than some other customers. I've had FREE MOT's and very cheap mini servicing at the delaer.
The service, sales and parts personnel have all been friendly, helpful and courteous........absolutely no issues here

I suppose that there may be International, national and regional variations, then of course there are the people to take into account.
I always make it my business to really get to know these guys as I'm entrusting my car to them and want the best possible service / qualtiy parts etc at the absolute best possible price.
My car is just approaching 4 years old and I've had 95% of all work carried out at the dealers and happy to do it

 

I hate the Benz Dealer here.. the Jag Dealer, although I rarely use them, is great.

 

Xistnn: It sounds as if you need a good VW mechanic. Excluding the AWD parts, aren't most Audi's driven with VW engines?

Welcome to the world of the luxury car dealers. As you now know, there are good ones and there are bad ones. This dealer would never see me again.

Service writers are your contact at dealerships. While they may seem like your best friends, they're commissioned salesmen, and often the most ruthless and unethical person you'll ever see. In this case, they may also be completely dishonest.

I never go into any car dealership service dept. unless the factory is paying for the repair. Because the car is under warranty is no reason to not use good outside shops, if needed.

On Item #4: Any dealer will charge you 1 hr. labor to hook up a car to their scanner. They take in consideration the time to write up the deal, physically move the car around, hook up the car, document the analysis and write up the final bill.
Suggestion: Take it to Advance or Autozone who will read any codes for free. Then, regroup and figure out what to do with the car.

Good luck!

 

Or buy an OBD-II reader for $100 and have one in the toolbox when its needed.

 

I would not generalize like that. I'm sure there are good Audi and MB dealerships as there are bad Jab dealers. I had one try to charge me $859 to replace the whole center console, when I had a broken clip on the arm rest - the part was $13 and 2 minutes of work - whe worst part there was a TSB for that part to be replaced for free under warranty.

I had different experience with dirreferent service advisors in the same dealership. One happily agreed to install air compressor I got from the interwebs, the other plainly refuzed to install any part not purchased from them.

These are individuals you are dealing with, talk to the service manager, if he is not willing to work with you take your business to the next dealer.

With MB and Audi my impression is that there are a lot more indie shops to choose from, not so with the Jag.

As for reading the codes, generic OBD-II readers will read only powertrain codes, if you have an issue with the air suspention, ABS or any other advanced system you need a special scanner which is $$$.

 

Even an honest dealership will charge a lot of money for service! But this is the same across the board. The worst is when you get a dealership that tries to scam you AND charges a lot for service.

Honestly, I don't think ALL the examples you posted were "scams". Sure, you'd think changing a light bulb would be cheap, but clutches and things like that generally cost an arm and a leg, especially for a premium car. Why are you letting somebody learn how to drive stick on an expensive Audi, and then complaining about how much it costs to repair?

To me, scams occur when they charge you for work they don't actually do. Like you tell them to do one thing, they agree to do it, and then when you pick it up, they said they did something else instead. Bait and switch! I hate it!

At least when they give you lines like "we have to replace the whole bucket", you have the option to walk out and shop around. It's capitalism!

 

It's true that service advisors come in a w-i-d-e variety of flavors in terms of knowledge, integrity, helpfulness, technical expertise, etc etc.

Different dealers have different operating philosophies but, broadly speaking, service advising a high pressure, high-turnover, numbers-driven sales position. Seasoned pros, though, know the value of loyal, repeat business and have learned that "you can shave a sheep a hundred times but you can only skin him once".

Cheers
DD

 

I usually do my best to avoid dealers, however, there is/was an MB dealer in Austin, TX, who gave me an additional 15% of parts 'cause the car was older than 15 years (this was with the '89 W126 I had at the time).

They wanted to keep 'em on the road. Nice.

Though, there is less to fail, electronically, on the W124 I have. Hell, the power locks, and this is a 1995 mode, are vacuum-controlled by a small pump in the boot. Though, they do still work.

 

I've never bought a new car (or a used car that was still under manufacturer's warranty) so I've stayed away from dealer service departments. Here in Denver, we have over 20 Audi, BMW, VW, Porsche and Mercedes Benz specialists -- all most every one is excellent. There is only one Jaguar specialist in the metro area. That's pretty much the Jag problem here.

 

No competition won't help prices / service I'd guess?

Quick story on my Audi dealer....I added some drl led's to my A6 and they suffered from condensation so decided to remove them. I needed replacement front fog light housings for either side of the front bumper.
I posted on an Audi forum I use and asked Audi owners what they thought the price for these would be?
Now bearing in mind these guys own / operate the same type of vehicle as I do and frequent the dealers here n there, so you'd think they'd be close.
I got answers back ranging from £30 each side to £120 each side!!

In actual fact the price for both was around £9.00

The post caused a lot of comments because people just didn't know...

The problem???

People just ASSUME that the dealer is ALWAYS expensive...yes they can be but sometimes you might get a surprise, if you bother to call them that is

 

I have no idea why dealers represent their brands quite so badly . I think if you brought your car right to Bobby Rahal Dealerships you will be quite pleased with their service quality and customer satisfaction . I know him from his Indy Car days lots of success in racing career and it seems such a lustre career also continues at his business .I have no read any negative comment in his MB Dealerships .
As for the Jaguar , Nalley and JPAM are helping a lot and our members are very pleased with their service as well .

 

Have nothing against Audis except their ridiculous repair costs due to goofy engineering. Its like graduating from VW's and their idiosyncracies to bigger idiosyncracies. Notice how many VW's and Audis on the road have burnt out lights BTW??

 

I am lucky to have two Jaguar specialty shops within 3 miles of my house. One is in walking distance. I like the prompt service, no BS, being able to see it on the lift, and good part prices or self-supplied parts.

My local Jaguar dealership should not be one with their showroom and service area. They haven't spent a nickel in decor in 25 years and it shows.

 

Yes I noticed that too. I had a 99 Jetta 4 when they first came out and the headlights always kept burning out. I have an 07 Audi Q7 and it has been a great car, bought it new. No issues, knock on wood.

Last year the brake light came on because pads were low and went to a certain Audi dealer and they wanted $2,300 for a brake job on all fours. Got it done at an independent German car specialist for $600.

Another Audi dealer is the total opposite went in for an oil change once and they didn't even charge me for it, even though the car has no maintenance plan left. Very nice of them. Plus they washed the car spotless inside and out.

Dealers regardless of brand are really hit or miss just have to keep an eye out where to go. But for work on an out of warranty car an indie shop is best, and least expensive.

 

+1 for JPAM,

I ordered an air compressor from them, the guy (Dave) called me and said "You know, we have a reman part that's even cheaper, do you want that instead". Awesome service.

 

A few years ago I had my MB S500 in for routine service. I asked the writer to also replace the lens that had a rock chip on of my headlights. I waited in the waiting room. Eventually the writer came and told me that the one lens can't be replaced because I would have to replace the whole bucket. Not only that, but the buckets are only available in pairs, for about $1,500. I said no thanks, forget it. I went home and stewed about it, then went back to parts counter at the same dealership. They sold me the new lens for $60 dollars and I easily installed it myself. This parts department where I purchased the lens for $60 is no more than 100' from the service writer. How can someone who bought a $105,000 car new from them treat me this way and expect me to be a loyal customer?? I was SO glad when the car was no longer under warranty and I could take it to a good indie shop.

Xistnnn

well, you were driving an S.......one of the top of the line Merc's.....
stuff isn't cheap......and neither is the labor...
I've never had any concerns at my dealer....yet.....
but then again, I try not to put myself in awkward situations...

good luck in the future

 

I always keep one in the toolbox. ($65 at Advance Auto.) I was just referencing how high the dealer's cost to read the codes seemed to me. I understand, of course, that they have many items of overhead for which they have to account.

 

I couldn't agree more!

 

I'm not quite sure how you think I might have put myself in an awkward situation, but your points are well taken. I think in this one case that the service writer put himself in an awkward situation by quoting a 4-figure price when I could walk down the hall in the same building and buy the part for $60. Go figure. Each company is certainly entitled to its own business practices.