Rock cracked radiator while driving; coolant leak

[funkymillah]

Had my car towed to the dealership this morning for a coolant leak and it turns out that a rock went through the grill and chipped/cracked the radiator and it needs to be replaced. They also said that the thermostat needs to be replaced and are quoting me $1,800 for the repairs. Wondering what you guys think about this quote.

[NCEstoril]

Is it your main radiator or your intercooling radiator? The latter got hit by a rock on my car and I got it covered by Audi. They started putting a protective shield over it with the 2014's I believe, so I argued they knew that had a design deficiency. Took some convincing, but it worked in my case. Quoted repair was something around $800.

[DGVR6]

Sounds like too much..

[UberBrute]

from another post a while back that I book marked in case this happens to me:

"TSB 2034439/2 - Low coolant warning on; stone damage to intercooler radiator

applies to 2010 - 2013 S4, S5, A6, A7.

Beginning with CW15 2013 a protective grill has been added.


The TSB was issued 9/3/2013 - 5 months after I spent ~$900 out of pocket for the same issue :(

PS. Yes, it includes warranty coverage for replacement of the intercooler radiator AND the addition of the protective grill P/N 8K0820746C and clips P/N 8K0867646."

Original post link:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post10718493

[funkymillah]

Thanks a lot for the link UberBrute. My next call is going to be to Audi Of America.

[theedge111]

This thread should be a sticky...


http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...oling-radiator

[B8-S4]

I had this same issue last summer. The dealer gave me a new radiator and installed a protective screen. He told me that Audi acknowledges this problem and I didn't have to pay for it. I remember seeing the paper work though and if I remember correctly it would have been around $900.

[xtremepsionic]

The quote sounds about right. But definitely look into the TSB and see if they can cover that for you for free.

I have a 2011 S4 here in Canada, they don't have any TSB for it here, so I just bought the plastic grille cover and installed it myself. lots of stones here especially in the winter time.

[sebgreen]

I had mine done here in the UK at a indi. The genuine Audi parts is only £150 is here. All in was about £300 to do it.


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[Uptick007]

Same happened to my 2013 S5, but I only had 5k miles on the clock. I was quoted $1,800 by the dealer, but they quickly stated that they would cover it under "goodwill", thus it didn't cost me anything. They even covered my towing fees. Quote doesn't seem out of line to me, but you could probably get it done for less by an independent shop.

[Dr GP]

I had the IC radiator punctured on my 2010. Cost me $480 to have it replaced. Others have reported paying over $800. I would think that the actual radiator would be more. FYI, you probably should consider putting some wire mesh protection over the radiator. After my issue, I have put wire mesh over my radiator on all 3 cars. Very cheap and easy to do. I have no idea why the thermostat would need replacement. That requires taking off the supercharger.

[jsh139]

I wonder if this is something your car insurance would cover? If it were me, I would call them and at least ask. Although, I have a $100 collision deductible and accident forgiveness, so it might not be everyone's best bet.

[Tweakophyte]

Does the dealer put the screen on at no charge proactively, now, or do they just wait for the damage?

[XLR8 Craig]

We just had a B8 in here for a pulley install and when our guys pulled the shrouds out from behind the grille the secondary radiator for the supercharger started leaking. It happens more often than most might think.

Thanks

Greg

[funkymillah]

I spoke with the dealership again and actually cited the TSB. Spoke with the service director about this and he was not happy that my service manager didn't do his research before quoting me the $1,800. They said it's covered under the bulletin and will take care of it at no charge. If you were charged by your dealership at some point for this, in the last couple of years, I would even encourage calling AoA and see if they are willing to write you a check to cover the costs.

I absolutely love the community at Audizine!

[Dr GP]

Does the dealer put the screen on at no charge proactively, now, or do they just wait for the damage?

You need to buy or make your own. Big design error by Audi.

[jfabes]

I took a stone to the IC, cost me $700 to have fixed. audi took care of all the towing. I did have a mesh on mine, put it on when I did the RS4 grill....the rock was just small enough and entered just at the right angle as the hole was near the top of the IC. one in a million...

[sebgreen]

I now have the cover on mine - indi fitted it when he fitted he new rad. No cover is going to fully protect it unless you put a solid sheet there, which totally defeats the point.


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[chaos2984]

You need to buy or make your own. Big design error by Audi.

not just Audi GM has done this with there S/C cars as well. They did the same thing with the cobalts they actually made it a recall to install a shield on their intercoolers. I believe Mazda came out with one for the Mazda 3 for the A/C condenser.