Really sorry to hear this bud. Hope you somehow sort it out.

Again, thanks guys for all your support. It really does mean a lot.

The only gearbox I found online with the same PIR code as mine is this one for £3079.

It's from a car that's done enough mileage (86k) for it to need a service too. Also, the seller's feedback has a few people complaining about late deliveries and non-working parts, so I'm not sure they're tested before they're sold. I also think it's horribly expensive for a used part, considering the tiny target audience.

Other than having (yet another) four-figure bill, my worry is that as soon as it gets fixed, something else is going to go. Mackie told me the reason it's so expensive to replace is because the whole front end of the car has to come out, engine included, to fit a new gearbox. If that's the case, I may as well get a new power steering pump & aux belt fitted at the same time. I'm still not happy with my steering and the lack of feedback through the wheel makes me think it's on it's way out.

Where does it end? (other than a trip to webuyanycar.com)

In another post I spoke of a problem I recently had with a 7 Spd s-tronic DSG gearbox on an A6. Audi wanted £10.5k for a new one but I managed to get it rebuilt and fully reconditioned (new clutches etc.) for £2.5k. I had it done here: http://www.bristolgearboxcentre.com/

Might be worth a phone call... They have boxes on the shelf ready to fit (sameday). But if you are not in a hurry, they will rebuild yours and keep your casing. They specialise in VAG auto boxes. In fact I think they only do VAG

Wow, I certainly didn't expect to be reading those kind of figures in relation to this problem, but I echo what other people are saying, have a look at the second hand/broken car market. There is bound to be a cheaper option then the prices they have quoted.

That said, I understand the fear of a never ending bill - sometimes it is right to let a car go instead of having all the horrific outlay. That is a decision only you can make, but in any case I hope you feel whatever decision you make isn't tinged with regret.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-S8-D3...gAAOSwNSxVFzME

£699 - but not sure if its compatible with yours?

Thats a great deal and from the forum sponsor too, so you know there will be no messing around

Sorry to hear of this also :(

When my D2 gearbox packed up a few years ago I ended up plumping for a new Gearbox through TPS and managed to get mine for £2600 as a new box with mine in exchange to go back in the crate. It even came with all fluid already in and ready to go for that price

At £699, the gearbox from the forum sponsor is the way to go if it is compatible with your car or can be made to work by swapping over some components. Mackies would surely be able to this if its possible.
Hope you get sorted.

The £699 gearbox was the first one I saw and my heart jumped when I saw it, but sadly, it's the wrong type. Also, it's from a car older than mine, so I'd be worried about it's longevity. :(

I'm going to ring around and see if there's anywhere that has one off the shelf. I've not called Mackies back yet... I'm almost afraid to hear answers to my questions because if the fluid doesn't fix it, I'm really up against it.

Some (fairly) good news at last!

I called Bristol (thanks for the recommendation) and I gave them the code for my gearbox. They actually have one in stock (albeit in Poland). It'll take a couple of weeks to get here, but they can exchange it for £2700, all-in. They did seem really friendly and knowledgeable. I described the symptoms and he also suggested the mechatronics were at fault.

So, I called Mackies and they said changing the fluid won't make any difference. They have, in my absence, been busy trying to get it working. They reset it to factory adaption but it made no difference. They very generously aren't charging me for any of this work. I also told them about the possibility of a reconditioned gearbox and, although they couldn't do it, they had good things to say about Bristol, so that's a really good sign.

I've got a recommendation for a car transporters, so I'll look into having the car transported from Mackies to Bristol... if I decide to go ahead.