I found so many threads here re noises from the engine compartment that it's hard to connect this with any really.

Here's the thing - my Audi dealer says the air conditioning compressor in my '06 A4 2.0 TDI S-Line multitronic is buggered and so the car needs a new one. It's not repairable, they say, and only a replacement will sort things out.

The car had a major repair last week - a new flywheel which I've talked about here - https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...d.php?t=114254 - and I'm happy with the work the dealer (Reading Audi) did.

So the compressor issue came up because of a noise that started last week., Actually, I think the noise was there all the time, just masked by what was wrong re the flywheel. The car was in for diagnosis yesterday which is when Reading Audi confirmed it was the compressor. The noise happens when the aircon is switched on, and goes away when it's switched off. It's particularly noticeable when the engine is idling.

Reading Audi say the total cost to replace the compressor with a new one will be about £900 all in. Ouch! They told me they'll ask Audi for a goodwill contribution; I'm waiting to hear the result of that request.

Does that sound reasonable to you - both the notion that the only solution is to replace the compressor as well as the £900 price? I would appreciate some knowledgeable insight, thanks. Plus if anyone can recommend a really good indie Audi specialist somewhere within, say, 40 mins drive of me (Wokingham, Berks), I'd really appreciate that.

Thanks.