Six weeks later I discovered why the bill was so low as the gearbox was literally hanging off the back of the engine on loose bolts incorrectly fitted by the incompetents at Herts and Beds Transmissions. The result was a blown turbocharger which AmD made good with a new pair of turbochargers (replacements need to be fitted in pairs) at a cost of £2500.
Although Ian Gibbins the MD who met Scott Evered and me at AmD’s premises back in February 2003 readily admitted liability when he inspected the engine and gearbox (which had been removed from the car as a unit by AmD) when it came to time to pay up Herts and Beds refused. Yesterday, Monday 9 August 2004 after numerous delaying tactics by Herts and Beds Transmissions the case finally came to conclusion with a hearing at Milton Keynes County Court.
The evidence was overwhelming and the judge found in my favour for the £2500 plus costs. However, the judge refused to accept that Herts and Beds were in breach of contract for the £688, which I was also claiming. I thought that was a little unfair but that’s British justice for you – the judges decision is final. Nonetheless I am delighted that justice has been done and relieved that this long running dispute has been brought to a close even if it did cost me a fair few bob to win the case it was worth every penny.
Classic lines from the case:
“Does the S4 have a 6 speed gearbox – I don’t know” Ian Gibbins MD H&BTL
“I’ve never seen the manual before (from the official Audi manual for S4 gearbox removal)” Ian Gibbins
When the judge declared H&BTL incompetently refitted the gearbox Ina Gibbins replied:
“Can’t argue against that”!
So a word of warning if you need gearbox work give Herts and Beds Transmission in Baldock, Herts a very wide berth indeed.
I wonder how many cars there are running around with loose gearboxes on them!!!And of course not forgetting a HUGE THANKS to Scott at AmD for coming along to court to give evidence.
