2004 A3 1.9 TDI SPORT

[Dale]

Hi, my names Dale and I'm new to this forum. I need a drivers side rear light cluster for my 2004 A3 TDI 1.9 sport, just the bulb holder not the lens cover. I was quoted £50 from an online breakers yard search engine, seems a bit steep for a second hand bit of plastic. Anyone know of a breakers or whatever where I'll be able to get a second hand rear light cluster at a decent price. I did buy one for £5 off a guy on eBay but its gone missing in the post, !Removed! typical.

[James]

Hi Dale, have you tried using a site such as 247 spares where the various scrap yards quote you?

Other than that I was going to suggest being patient with eBay or whatever?

[Dale]

Hi James, yes I've done that but their quotes are no lower than most of those on eBay and amazon circa £45 - £50. Luckily I've managed to get two second hand ones on ebay for only £5:00. Unfortunately however, it seems to be a wiring problem not corrosion of the unit as I was told it was from a mechanic. A different mechanic has had a look and believes this sort of problem can be a fault on VW's and Audi's. The easiest fix seems to be to run a feed from the opposite rear lights wiring which is what I'm going to do. Has anyone else had rear light failure be it the break or reverse lights and if so what was the diagnosis and how was it remedied. Thanks, Dale.

[James]

Is it just one light that isn't working or the whole cluster?

[Dale]

Hi James, all fixed now mate but thanks for asking. It was the os reverse and break lights, obviously it wasn't the bulbs as that was the first thing checked. Now that I'm on here do you know anywhere that I can get an os rear break caliper, I need the full caliper, a repair kit is no good as mine is too far gone, that's according to my mechanic whos also a good friend so he's not pulling a fast one. He's trawled the local breakers today (around the Newcastle area) and all suitable Audi's have been stripped. He's going to check the part numbers because he thinks a ford galaxy or a vw sharan may fit. If you know anywhere else though that's cheaper than whats on ebay please do let me know. Thanks. 

[James]

What sort of prices are you getting at the moment?

[Dale]

Anything from about £40 upwards. There are cheaper ones on eBay but they all seem to be calipers for the rear near side and not the rear offside which is what's required. I'll keep looking, MOT is not until June however if you know of anything I'd be happy to hear from you. I'm on a tight budget as I've had to quit work through ill health. Cheers James.

[James]

£40 doesn't seem that bad to be honest for a full calliper. You might find something cheaper but I wouldn't think by much.

[Dale]

Hi James, I bought a new one for £40 on eBay, it came today and I'm happy enough because after further research they can be going for £50 plus for a new one.

[James]

That's good Dale, doesn't sound bad really. Hopefully you can get back to enjoying your Audi once that is fitted!