split intercooler on a6 - is this a known fault?

[ticktock]

car been losing power, stuttering and started making hissing noise when my foot's on the accelerator. local garage has told me the intercooler is split - they said it's very unusual for this to happen (car 4 years old and 43,000 on the clock) and that it could cost up to £1000 to replace. Anyone got any advice? garage said i should take it up with audi as this just shouldn't have happened.

[pon]

Tut tut tut. Did'nt read the rules did you.

Post here;)
http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=25

[paul b]

I think it may be the intercooler pipe, rather than the intercooler itself. Intercoolers usually don't fail at such low mileages, and the symptoms you suggest sounds like an intercooler pipe problem. The pipe may be split, or the metal connecting lugs may be worn out, resulting in a seal that isn't air tight, hence your lack of power and whistling noise.

Intercooler pipe shouldn't cost more than £50 from the dealer.

Hopefully a moderator will shift this into the A6 section, where you should have posted.

[ticktock]

thank you v much! car is now at audi garage so hopefully they'll find it's just a pipe and not the intercooler itself.. sorry for posting in wrong place.