Audi transmission problems

[Ravi Halappa Konchigeri <ravik@CS.Stanford.EDU>]

I've been having recurrent transmission problems and I'm trying to find the
right person to contact at Audi.  Here's the story:

I have a 1989 Audi 80 (purchased new).  At 3.5 years and 30,000 miles some
transmission bearings had fallen apart.  The service technician advised a
transmission replacement since the busted bearings could have damaged other
parts.  Under extended warranty I got a replacement rebuilt _factory_
transmission.

Recently, around 60,000 miles, my regular mechanic diagnosed a busted pinion
bearing.  I took the car to a dealer and he diagnosed what he calls a damaged
transaxle (though I still suspect it is a bearing problem) It would take $2000
to fix with used parts or $3-5000 for a replacement.

Now, I have had a number of other problems with this car, including a cracked
cylinder block (factory defect).  Considering all the problems I have had with
the car, not to mentino going through 2 transmissions in 60,000 miles, and am
trying to contact Audi to see if they will cover some or all of the expense of
the transmission.  I've gone through the dealer and Audi district service
manager with no luck, and Audi's customer service number is useless.  So, does
anyone know where else I can seek help for this problem?


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   Just like everything else in life,          Ravi Konchigeri.
   the right lane ends in half a mile.         ravik@cs.stanford.edu

                U.C.Davis School of Medicine

              http://xenon.stanford.edu/~ravik
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