Most reasonable service in Chicago area?

[Mike B]

I have purchased a 2002 allroad. It has suspension issues (surprise, surprise). I have purchased the Arnott GenII and Bilstiens and now I need them installed. The guys on the allroad forum say $100-$150 per corner for installation. McGrath wants 10 hours @ $160ea to do the install. This seems to me to be at least 2x what it should cost. What do you all think? Any recommendations? If my son wasn't stuck off in CT, I'd just get his help and we'd do it together. TIA, -Mike

[audijim113]

I just purchased an 2000 A8 in Chicago. I'm picking it up next week and bringing it to Michigan. In the course of the transaction the PO told me of work done by at a shop in Arlington Heights. I inspected the car and found a leak (surprise, surprise) in the transmission tailpiece (transfer case). This is not a deal breaker and I don't expect the PO to pay for the fix. It's not so bad that fixing it fast is an issue but it drips on the exhaust and stinks. So I called the mechanic and asked how much he would charge. He is less than 1/2 what my shop here in MI wants.

I never met him and taking the PO's word that he is not a crook. The PO is taking the car to him and I will pay the mechanic when I pick up the car next week (at his shop) I know this may be risky but I'm a good judge of character. Talking to him, he knew exactly what needed to be done. He is a Rumanean and predominantly works on Audi's, Bennies, BMWs, etc. I think he is a good guy. He does not own his shop but works for a dealer (fixing dealer cars) and is allowed to use the garage for his own jobs. His overhead is low and that probably affects his charges.

When I get my car, I will tell you whether I put my trust in the right guy.
On a related note, I am looking for a one-way ride from West Michigan to Chicago on the 15 or 16. I can take a train but it leaves here earlier than I normally get out of bed. Anyone know anyone traveling that route?

Originally Posted by Mike B

I have purchased a 2002 allroad. It has suspension issues (surprise, surprise). I have purchased the Arnott GenII and Bilstiens and now I need them installed. The guys on the allroad forum say $100-$150 per corner for installation. McGrath wants 10 hours @ $160ea to do the install. This seems to me to be at least 2x what it should cost. What do you all think? Any recommendations?
If my son wasn't stuck off in CT, I'd just get his help and we'd do it together.
TIA,
-Mike

[Mike B]

My brother, who is GM at Lake Forest Sports Cars (Ferrari, Aston Martin, Maserati), recommended Rauch Performance in Lake Bluff. I'm going to have him install my Arnott Gen II/Bilstien kit on Tuesday. The only problem with him is that Lake Bluff is a 30 minute drive and his hours are 8-5 and he has no waiting room. My wife works in the opposite direction and from 7-5 so I can't have her help dropping off and picking up. So someone in Arlington Heights would be a good alternative.

[audijim113]

If you haven't found anyone yet, I've got a great guy for you. His name is Mike (actually Meeshu or something hard to pronounce). He is Hungarian or Romanian. His does repairs for Admiral motors at 400 W. Northwestern Highway in Arlington Heights.

He does not work for Admiral Motors though and the Admiral people don't schedule him or keep track of him. The door to his shop is on the right side of Admirals door, next to the glass place. His number is 773-957-4833.

Basically, he works on cars for Admiral and can use the shop for his own jobs. Here's an example of what he did for me:

Replaced leaking seals in transmission tail piece (transfer case)
Replaced rear differential seals on both sides
Replaced a tie rod end.

Total cost: $350. Cash only, no checks, no credit cards. No fancy waiting room, dirty shop and he is hard to reach, doesn't return calls right away. He worked on high end cars in Romania and knows what he is doing.

If you go to him, tell him Jim sent you, (guy from Michigan who bought the white A8)

[Mike B]

Thanks.

[DoubleA4]

I cannot say what the cost should be for the suspension work BUT I can tell you that I bought my car from McGrath and their service center is a cash cow (somewhat understandably)! But they tried to rob me more than once by exaggerating the problem or fabricating the problem. Do not use them for service, please. Reported them to Audi of America I thought it was so bad. I have tried a few indie spots and am just starting with VFC Engineering on the NW side of Chicago (Leland and Ravenswood). So far, so good. Very good communication and understanding of the car. Pricing is reasonable and they apparently do track prepping and have several cars in their shop being fitted for racing if anyone is looking for that.

[Mike B]

Not including the allroad which I bought somewhere else, I have bought my last 6 Audi's at McGrath. I originally started doing business there because I felt that Schaumburg Audi was robbing me.
Regrettably I have to agree that they do try really hard to sell expensive repairs that are probably not needed, and of course, they charge way too much money for repairs and parts.
I have tried Rauch Performance in Lake Bluff and have thus far, been very satisfied with both the quality of their work and with their pricing.

[skabaru]

I would call Al at Chicago Performance and tuning ... gocpt.com he does all my audi work no question. I can't say he is the cheapest guy in town, but it will be done right, honest, and you won't have to come back cause it was screwed up.

[Mike B]

Thanks for your response. I know that a lot of guys use CPT. I was trying to find someone closer to home, and I did.
Thanks again.

[t0pnotch1@gmail.com]

Check out Integrity Auto Repair in Chicago
3933 N Elston Ave Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 267-6514

The Owner and manager of the place are Audi Certified Specialist and worked for Audi for more then 5 years. Good guys and the price and labor is a lot lower then the dealers.

http://integritychicagorepair.com/