Fix or Replace Failed Suspension

[bencronin04]

According to my shop both front air shocks are collapsed and need to be replaced as well as the Air Suspension Compressor on my 2016 S6.

With the quote coming to around $7,000; I wanted to get input from you all on what you would do. Replace the front and compressor, upgrade/change out for a different suspension setup, etc?

Also with the suspension already coming apart, is there any other preventative or otherwise maintenance you all would suggest doing at the same time (105K miles)?

Thanks in advance!

[vavJETTAw36]

The parts can’t be more than a good set of coilovers. Ones worthy enough to put on the s6, at least. Sounds like labor is the killer here. Whether you replace or fix, sounds like it’s going to cost you around the same. I’d probably do it the right way and stick with the factory airbags. I’d also see if there’s an Indy shop that could do the work a little cheaper.

Where are you located?


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[gk1]

What is their parts / labor quote breakdown?

Here are the Audi genuine parts:
Front air shock - 4G0616039AQ - $1600/each
Compressor - 4G0616005D - $1500
So $4700 is MSRP parts alone. (Assuming the rest is labor... $2300 labor)

You can get rebuilt air shocks from FCP and the compressor too for $750/each, although I cannot attest to their quality or longevity.
So that would reduce the parts total to $2250. If labor remained the same that is a much more reasonable $4550 job.

To switch to coilovers may technically be possible, (you'd have to scour the forums) but requires some extra work over just replacing the existing air parts.
A nice coilover kit would cost $2000-$3000 but I'm sure would have extra labor costs due to the rears also being done and the retrofit away from air.

If $7000 was the only choice I'd be tempted to flatbed it to a dealer and ask them what they'd give on a trade.

If you do decide to proceed I'd for sure replace the control arms as well.

[Valpo A7]

You can get the air spring from rock auto for under $300 each if you want to go that route. Compressor is $500 to $800

Bargain route would be $1100 - $1400 in parts. Add $2300 for the labor makes the job $3400 to $3700.


Now if you are in the market for trading in then see what they will give "as is" vs repair then trade in.


The path forward depends on what you want to do with the car, keep or trade. Your shops repair bill would be about 20% of what you could buy a similar equipped 2016 S6 used.