Q5 3.2 Oil Leak from timing chain cover. Cost to fix over $2,500???

[Racerrobb]

Help!! My daily driver is a 2011 Q5 3.2 with 92,000 miles. I was planning on keeping it for at least another 2 years but now not sure. I have just been told I have an oil leak from the timing chain cover AND the brake booster pump. The estimate is over $2,500. I was told the engine must be removed to do this service. The dealer actually called it a design flaw but no recalls have been issued and then of course he says with 92k on the vehicle it would not apply anyway.

Just to vent a little I feel ripped off by my dealer Santa Monica Audi because I bought the car with the intention of driving a lot and I bought a 100,000 mile warranty. However, I was just told the warranty expired at 4 years which I was not told at the time of the sale. This is a reminder to READ all fine print because I was clearly misled and now paying the price.

Does anyone have any advice on how long I can drive without fixing this and is there anyway to fix for less?

[Q5 Bob]

You should start looking around for an independent shop that works on VW/Audi vehicles. It sounds like it's going to cost a few bucks to repair, but you'll save a lot at an indy shop. Good luck...

[VroomVroom]

Sorry to hear about this. Definitely get another quote...or two, or three. A good indy shop can certainly do the job as well as dealer techs, but there's also a chance another dealer may come in with a better quote. Engine out or front clip off....one of the two, for sure, would be my guess, and neither is cheap. I can't speak to the design flaw comment...all three 3.2L-equipped Audis I had didn't have such an issue.

How much oil are you losing, and how quickly are you replenishing it? I think those answers will speak to the longevity @ status quo.

Good luck with everything...keep us posted if you would.