What did you pay - Thermostat & Water pump replacement

[Riley2011]

I had an overheating situation yesterday with my 2013 S5 while driving on the highway away from home. Luckily I found a local dealership 4 miles away and was able to limp there (stopping frequently to allow the engine to cool down). They found codes for a problem with the thermostat and are recommending that they replace it, along with the water pump. They are claiming it will save money doing them together in case they have to go back in later to replace the pump.

I usually do my own work but with being away from home, this was the only workable solution at the time.

The total bill is estimated to be around $1900... ugh.... I have a feeling they are going by the book for labor hours, for each item and not taking into account 1/2 the work is the same once the car is in service mode and the SC is removed. The only good news is that they gave me a loaner for a few days as they wait for parts. I guess there is a crossover pipe ($135) that tends to break and they wanted one in stock before they start the work.

Wondering what others have paid (dealership vs independent shops) for each item or combined. And is it common to replace both items even if the car has the newer metal water pump?

Thanks
MR

[MacFady]

I've seen the water pump and thermostat together (OEM) for $461. Personally in other cars, depending on the mileage when I've had a thermostat go, I've replaced the water pump at that time, they are attached to one another. I saw in another post an independent shop noting book cost there was 4hrs.

[Sazexa]

That sounds like a high price, but I usually do my own work too. I replaced the thermostat and housing (comes as a piece), but not the waterpump. I got an OEM thermostat/housing for around $90, I believe it was. You'll need coolant too. Did it myself in about an hour and a half, maybe two, taking my time. Just needed to jack the car up and remove some belly pans, then refill the lost coolant.

[Sazexa]

I believe waterpumps can be found cheap, but, not sure the entire process in changing them. My local dealership charges $155/hour, so, that must mean they're quoting it around 10 hours? I don't see it as a ten hour job.

[Riley2011]

Update...

The total came to $2k, with 9.5 hours of work. I was a bit taken back by the amount of labor time even after being told they should both be changed together to save on labor. The person checking me out was the service manager so I asked for his input on how two similar repairs, that take about 4.5 hours each, that have 50% shared tasks (service mode, removing SC, etc) comes to 9.5 hours????

As he was looking up the labor estimates for each repair, I commented that it's too bad my CPO just expired.... he stopped to look up my end date (a few months ago)... paused and then handed me the keys... "looks like AoA will be taking care of this one.." WOW.... didn't see that one coming....

Gave him a nice tip to cover his dinner, thanked him and went on my way.... I have never been treated so well by a dealership. From the greeting, finding me a loaner car (a brand new A5), fitting me into a busy schedule and pushing back on AoA to cover something that has been an issue for some of us who run the 3.0T.

[namvar]

Update...

The total came to $2k, with 9.5 hours of work. I was a bit taken back by the amount of labor time even after being told they should both be changed together to save on labor. The person checking me out was the service manager so I asked for his input on how two similar repairs, that take about 4.5 hours each, that have 50% shared tasks (service mode, removing SC, etc) comes to 9.5 hours????

As he was looking up the labor estimates for each repair, I commented that it's too bad my CPO just expired.... he stopped to look up my end date (a few months ago)... paused and then handed me the keys... "looks like AoA will be taking care of this one.." WOW.... didn't see that one coming....

Gave him a nice tip to cover his dinner, thanked him and went on my way.... I have never been treated so well by a dealership. From the greeting, finding me a loaner car (a brand new A5), fitting me into a busy schedule and pushing back on AoA to cover something that has been an issue for some of us who run the 3.0T.

all is well that ends well. Nice to actually read something positive about a dealership. I was going to reply on the cost and saw your update.

[BuyTheWarranty]

Nice to hear they looked after you. I had the exact same repair done on my 2012, and it was covered under the extended warranty I had purchased. When looking at the repair bill it was around 460, which was billed through the CPO coverage. Part of my thinks if I had to pay out of pocket, they would have doubled that price ...

[Benzo1133]

Took 3hrs to replace my thermostat, but we were bullshitting a lot. Paid my guy $200 and bought the part. I can see how the pump could be more intense, but not $2k intense. They shouldn't even charge extra labor for thermostat if pump is coming out.

[11S5V8]

I paid $300 for thermostat only but he also did an oil change with filter...I think he said 3 hours total labor

[MacFady]

Took 3hrs to replace my thermostat, but we were bullshitting a lot. Paid my guy $200 and bought the part. I can see how the pump could be more intense, but not $2k intense. They shouldn't even charge extra labor for thermostat if pump is coming out.

Yes, they should just charge labor for the waterpump.

[PCL7565]

I have a 2010 B8, having overheating issues. The shop says is the thermostat. However I changed this water pump and thermostat (1 unit) in early 2017.
Can anyone say if changing the thermostat alone is an option. The part number purchased previously was 079121012T.

[11S5V8]

I have a 2010 B8, having overheating issues. The shop says is the thermostat. However I changed this water pump and thermostat (1 unit) in early 2017.
Can anyone say if changing the thermostat alone is an option. The part number purchased previously was 079121012T.

If you replaced them 2 years ago it's unlikely both would go bad within such a short time frame. I'd start with the thermostat and go from there.