Yeah have seen it, about a cup full, 200ml or so. How far would it have run on that and is it likely all of it is still liquid or would any still be in the gearbox conjealed?

Hi Helios, Many Thx for your response, really appreciate that. Have spoken to the previous garage and reviewed the inspection sheets. They have not charged for additional oil or in fact removed the oil as it is not part of the service inspection. I actually spoke to the technician who undertook the work and was fairly competent in terms of his actions. The garage has provided additional documentation and a covering letter which states clearly that no part of the gearbox was touched or needed to be touched. I would have thought that vehicle technicians for this type of vehicle know the difference between the block and the gearbox. I have reviewed the car in its current location on the ramps at the Audi garage and taken some photos. It is fair to say that no oil had been gradually leaking from the gearbox throughout the period since service. No previous service records show any signs of oil leaks. Further to this today I have spoken to Audi UK customer service who have advised they will open a case file. They also backed up the Audi main dealer comment that the service manager has the final say on warranty claims. I find this hard to believe as they are not in a position to know the full technicalities of the issue. For example what is the running life of a gearbox with the amount of oil that was removed from the engine. Actual cost for replacement from Audi £2300 (parts , labour and VAT). Interestingly enough the independant garage had a quoted price of £2100 for the gearbox alone. That at least gives me the best route for the repair whilst also trying to recover costs afterwards. Cheers Grint

Help!!!!! Please!!!!! I have got an Audi A3 and the gearbox failed today after 64,000 miles and only 22 months . The warrant allows for any milage up to 2 years and a max of 60,000 after 3. It has had 2 proper Audi garage services and the 59,000 mile service was an approved service centre. Audi are telling me "they cannot honour the warranty as the gearbox drain plug appeared to be loose and their were no signs of oil leaks. Therefore somebody must have drained the oil out". So there are several scenarios, the right amount of oil was never in the gearbox, the last service drained it out, malicious damage (unlikely) or it is nothing to do with this. Further the service centre manager tells me that he has the last say and will not refer it back to Audi. Its going to cost £2200 to replace which is a big fee but regardless of the cost I shouldn't have to pick up the bill. I need a car and am either going to have to fork it out and then reclaim back the cost or go somewhere else cheaper where I may then struggle. Does anyone know if I have a leg to stand on or can offer any advice on pursuing the right result fairly quickly to make Audi pick up the bill. Got married last month and am now totally broke (although have a luvly wife) so any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Many Thks Grint