Ferrari Mailing List: A8 service experience [NFC]

[Martin Stark (MStark]

My 1998 A8 developed a pin hole leak in its a/c evaporator.  I first 
called a local Audi dealer and he quoted 15 hrs @ $102. + parts and 
supplies - figure $$$ somewhat north of $2K.  After that quote I assumed 
that the interior required removal to get at the evaporator.  I did a 
little research and found that the evaporator is removed and replaced 
from the engine compartment.  I went to a local a/c & radiator shop and 
they said they would do the job, but preferred that I supply the 
replacement evaporator.  I ordered one from an auto parts supplier on 
the internet for $217. and received it two days later.  (The replacement 
is German, the defective oem one is a Denso from Japan!)   I just picked 
up the car and the bill from the shop was $405. for 5 hrs labor plus the 
recharge. Total cost of the repair came to $622.  that's about 70% less 
than the Audi dealer wanted to charge. There is a lesson here.