Hi everyone,

I’ve just come back from the Audi dealer after the engine warning light came on.

The dealer has said that the actuator clip for the turbo is broken. They can’t replace it without replacing the whole turbo assembly, which is £1900 just for that without labour. I’m out of warranty but have only 30k on the clock, so they maybe be able to look at ‘goodwill’ to reduce the costs. They are coming back to me tomorrow.

i have an Audi A6 Avant, black edition, 2l petrol TFSI, 2021 I’ve owned from new.

My questions are:

1. Could this be something as simple as the rattle clip or is it likely more than that? The turbo doesn’t activate when I’m driving because of the issue that the Audi garage has diagnosed. 
2. Is it worthwhile going to a local, non dealer, garage to see what they can do?

Thank you for your help and advice.

I will, of course, follow up.

Thank you 

Edited August 18, 2025Aug 18 by Cham
More info

I can't comment on the diagnosis, but if it is a matter of a simple clip it would be worth looking at a secondhand part from a breaker's yard or Ebay.

Thanks very much Cliff. 
I’ve bought a clip, less than a tenner. I’ve also got a local garage to contact, I’ll update tomorrow. 

Hi,

Audi have agreed to cover the costs of the replacement parts ans goodwill and I will pay the labour. To be fair the Audi dealer in Truro has been very helpful.

Thanks Chris,

What is the estimated Audi dealer labour costs vs. the cost of your local garage fitting the clip? 

To be honest if Audi are paying for the new turbo, take it. It's ludicrous though if it's just an actuator clip. Just make sure they renew the oil feed pipe too. More often than not - that oil union nut once undone will never nip up and it will leak if they are refitting a new unit. They change the oil and filter as a matter of course.

Anyone that finds themselves in this position - check out https://turbo-diesel.co.uk, genuine turbos, Garrett, etc. Half the price - for basically the same thing. 

Magnet - it’s a fair question, but I’m with Spartacus 68, if the car was a lot older I would’ve gone done the local garage route.

So they have agreed to fit a new ( in caps)  turbo rather than just the clip-? 
If so, then as Richard says, but I would want to know what the labour charge would be if it were mine. 

I know what the labour charges are, it's not horrendous, but for me it is peace of mind when I come to sell, which I may be doing soon. 

It's £2100 in parts, turbo etc. The Audi garage couldn't quite believe it either, all for a clip! 

So you are not sharing the labour cost with us then Chris - which may be helpful to others in the same situation at some time -? 

No, they are unique to me and my deal with the garage. 

Strange! 
But thank you for allowing the forum to offer you advice.