Injector replacement - massive potential bill - any experience?

[Athers]

Hello chaps,
My car has developed the hot start issue where you have to prod the throttle to get it to start. My main dealer couldn't diagnose the problem and said they tested the high pressure fuel pumps which seemed to be operating normally - they found some other issues and changed the temp sensor and lambda probe and returned the car.
It was ok for a couple of weeks - then the issue returned every time i would re-start the car - high idle at around 1400rpm, smells of fuel and then the EML came on and it was running really lumpy.

Car has gone back in to the dealer - retested the fuel pumps which are reading normally and are now saying its an injector problem. They are proposing replacing all the injectors which they say required full engine and gearbox removal and a bill of about 10 grand.

Given all the previous problems i have had with this car - and the fact that the same dealer has done all servicing and maintenance for it's entire life - and it's been back in 3 times in 5 months for engine problems following them replacing the turbo which failed immediately after they did the oil strainer recall, the service manager is asking Audi UK for a contribution...

So my question is do they really need to take out the engine and gearbox to replace the injectors - which they suggest will be around 23 hours labour? Even if Audi meet half the cost this is another massive chunk of change for what's easily the most unreliable car i have ever owned.

Anyone had to do similar with their car - what was the cost for doing it?

Thanks

Matt.

[morski]

Unfortunately they are right its an engine out job to get to the injectors. Maybe worth getting a 2nd opinion from an audi specialist and what their costs might be for the same job. If it is the injectors on their way out maybe try running some decent injector cleaner through the fuel system, replace the filter in the tank and change your fuel supplier.

[Athers]

Thanks buddy - appreciate the answer, albeit not the answer i was hoping for!

[feeltheburn]

Got to be worth a try somewhere that does in situ cleaning….e.g. Rallytec? I would be pushing for Audi to contribute and then imo the dealer should foot the bill for the balance - after all they screwed up during the strainer replacement- not sure if your turbos disintegrated or just lost performance- maybe it has nothing to do with your current issues…. i’d be placing the onus on them to prove it isn’t related! I wish you luck.

I was seriously considering foregoing my extended warranty now that my car is approaching its 9th birthday @ 23,000 miles (owned from new) as I have never needed to use it however, your unfortunate situation reminds me just how involved and ultimately expensive an RS can be if there are gremlins so thanks for helping me make up my mind to keep making the renewal payments until Audi tell me I no longer can (+10years old iirc).

[Athers]

The car was faultless until it hit about 65k miles - from then on it's been a never ending money pit.
New wheels due to the originals cracking, thermostat housing, water pump, control arms, drop links, o2 sensors, temp sensors, wiring loom, rear wipers, new turbo - now its engine out and all new injectors and associated gubbins..

It's easily the most unreliable car i have ever owned - its been serviced and maintained by Audi main dealer it's whole life and i've changed to oil every 10k.

I've had an A4 and an A8 previously - i'd never have another Audi product after this..

[feeltheburn]

Sorry to hear all the problems you have had - hopefully you can hammer Audi and dealer down so this latest issue does not costing you anything. I always thought RS cars were designed to take a bit of a hammering now and again and not be as fragile as in your experience.

[Tadass910]

I also don’t understand: it’s rs car should be every item strong, did you bought new car or you are second owner?