flat rate.

[Ed Birch]

 Brett Dikeman wrote......

> Perhaps if you had said "I asked the dealer for a quote and they
> said...", people wouldn't have suggested you should.  Most people
> assume that if it wasn't mentioned, it wasn't done........

Now, how many people that you know would phone the dealer first for a quote,
next call an independent shop for a price, and then post a question on the
list?   Is it really necessary to explain a common sense move?

> If you're so smart and know the service writers are adding in fluff,
> etc, why did you ask the list in the first place?  It's obvious,
> seeing as you got -really- nasty at the only two people to reply so
> far, that you'd already made up your mind.....

After reading a few wise ass responses, as a matter of fact, I have made up
my mind!  I have a new transmission coming from Germany for 1/2 the currant
price of a factory rebuilt unit.  An independent Audi/MB/VW mechanic who's
in business for near 40 years will do the work.  His labor rate is $45.00
compared to $75.00 dealer rate.  He'll offer me a loaner to drive in the
meanwhile, something a dealer refuses to do.
>
> I -also- question your going to a dealer for what is obviously better
> handled by a transmission repair shop or a VW/Audi independent
> mechanic.  You'd be lucky if 25% of the shop mechanics have even been
> under the hood of any type 44, and I can damn well guarantee you none
> of them are even remotely qualified to work on a transmission
> teardown+rebuild; why?  Because none of them have ever done something
> like that.  Under-warantee car has a broken tranny, they order a new
> one and drop it in.  Done.

One dealer I spoke with said ALL of his technicans were qualified to
successfully overhaul an Audi 5sp transmission.  Well, after
driving/maintaining various makes of automobiles and motorcycles for over 45
years and after repairing VW transaxels for a living, I knew his statement
was nonsense!

> I doubt anyone will help you further on this or any other problem.
> Certainly stop posting until you've had a fairly large attitude check.

With all due respect to those who do offer technical help: After wading thru
countless messages like "Waved at a silver S4 on main street yesterday,
awsome car, is it anybody on this list", I find little valuable technical
information on this list.


Ed Birch.......93-100S.