Can anyone tell me what the tailgate/boot actuator is for? My tailgate would not close properly, and when I took it apart I found this little item (Part No 8E9 827 833) away to the side that was holding the catch open. I took it out, the tailgate now closes properly and locks when I push the remote button, so do I need this thing? Everything I have seen on the web shows units that do not match the one in place, so if it's going to be hard to replace I may not bother.

Not sure what it does but have you asked Audi for a price? May not be as bad as you think?

seems strange that it all seems to lock ok...the component is a securing plate positioning motor which in theory 'locks the tailgate'