Hi,
I wonder if anyone can help / has advice they could offer.
My son was given his grandmother's 1997 A3 1.6 Sport - 1 owner from new - 65,000 miles on the clock about 4 months ago. It has developed a fault with the driver's door - it can open when the car goes over a bump. Our local independent garage who have serviced the car for 20 years have identified the part needed - 8L2837016B - now no longer made and difficult to find. Audi Tradition in Germany have one - DOOR LOCK > Tradition Shop (audi.com) but are refusing to sell to us saying they only deal with commercial garages and main dealers.
Our independent garage contacted them to be told they only deal with main dealers.
I contacted our local Audi main Audi Bolton - Approved Audi Dealership | Official Dealers (jardinemotors.co.uk) who said they weren't allowed to buy from Audi Tradition as this was classed as 'After Market'. So, whilst Audi Tradition will only sell to Audi main dealers in the UK - it appears Audi main dealers aren't able to buy from them - all a bit Kafkaesque!
Dave in the parts department at our local Audi dealers suggested I try the Audi Owners Club – hence my post.
If we can't fix the lock then the car will have to be scrapped which, given its condition, is borderline criminal.
Any suggestions would be gratefully received.
Best wishes,
Graham