BKD turbo... sell or fix?

[rich080487]

Hi,

I have a 2004 A3 2.0Tdi with a BKD engine, 100k miles. The turbo has recently started making a siren noise, which after searching on the forum I thought was the turbo on its way out.
I took the car to 2 independent VAG specialists over the weekend to confirm, and both said the turbo was on its last legs.

I have warranty with the car (4* VGS Warranty) supplied by the small independent garage I brought the car from 5 months ago. After getting the VAG specialists to talk to the warranty company about my car in particular it seems as though they are going to wriggle out of any claim they can. The mechanic told me to "assume I would get nothing from the warranty company and to make my decisions based on this"

Option 1: Pay VAG specialist £750 for re-con turbo fitting.
Option 2: Pay VAG specialist £1000 for new turbo fitting.
Option 3: Buy a recon turbo and fit it myself. approx £150 for a new turbine/compressor core and reuse the housing.
Option 4: Sell the car and get a new one (suggested by my missus!)

I am reluctant to sell because my next A3 could have the same problem in a months time. Surely I would be better having a known new/re-con turbo in my current car.
If I opt to get a VAG specialist to fit either a re-con/new turbo I may get some of the money back from the warranty company once they have inspected the old turbo; if they deem the failure covered under their T&Cs (highly unlikely)

Basically, I wanted some opinions from other BKD owners about your experiences? Or anyone who has had warranty claims with VGS in the past? Or anyone with any useful info/ideas?
Any advice appreciated,
Thanks,
Rich

[mjhamilton]

Is there an option to get your existing turbo overhauled by a specialist?

And then fit it yourself?

Fitting a turbo is not a difficult job to do

These guys have been around for a while now

http://www.turbodynamics.co.uk/services/turbo-repairs/

[rich080487]

Is there an option to get your existing turbo overhauled by a specialist?

And then fit it yourself?

Fitting a turbo is not a difficult job to do

These guys have been around for a while now

Turbo Dynamics turbocharger repairs

I could remove it and send it off to get refined by someone like MidlandTurbos , suggestions welcome...

How easy is it to remove? I have searched but only found written guides. One with pics would be useful so I can judge whether I can DIY...

[NHN]

VGS have a terrible record of claims if you do a simple search, real shame.

[rich080487]

VGS have a terrible record of claims if you do a simple search, real shame.

I know! I googled and found a monster pistonheads thread about them. I don't hold out much hope...