Jumplead

Hi, Ive got a 2012 S Line A5 3.0tdi quattro. its been a good car and racked up 125k, but today my gearbox seems to have eaten itself... I was driving along quite happily when the car stuttered and then started marking a noise similar to wiper blades on a dry windscreen. This was followed by the gearbox warning light, but the accompanying message said ‘Gearbox malfunction; you can continue driving’ which I did, but within 5 miles the noises seemed louder, I could have imagined it, so I pulled over and got recovered. The mechanic was able to drive the car up the slide-bed, but it sounded like a tin of bolts and there was a strong oily/friction plate smell... I’m having garage take a look in the morning, but starting to feel like it could be expensive, very expensive... So the question to you fine ladies and gentlemen is this; is my gearbox toast? Any pointers/similar experiences gratefully received... Many thanks