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Why Audi TTS are daytime running lights expensive to repair?

I own a 2009 Audi TTS, mileage just over 30,000 with full Audi service history. The nearside running lights (LEDs) have failed and I contact my local Audi dealership regarding a fix. The car is out of warranty by nine months. The dealership told me that as the lights were LEDs they were not expected to fail. What I thought would be a simple bulb replacement is not. It seems the LEDs are an integral part of the headlight and so the whole headlight needs to be replaced. Initial estimate from the dealership was £800, now reduced to £560 as a gesture of goodwill. It seems incredible to me that for a simple bulb failure this sort of expense is required to fix it, on something the dealership itself acknowledges should not fail.

Asked on 23 March 2013 by IL, via email

Answered by Honest John
The problem of LED daytime running lights integral to the headlights was highlighted a couple of years ago. When one or two of the LEDs fail it means an MoT fail. So like 'bling' wheels, they may be fashionable, but they are hardly practical. Better to buy a car with entirely separate DRLs.
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Enjoyable to drive. Nicely detailed cabin. Impressive engines. Frugal TDI available. TTS is a great performance car. Very few reported problems over seven years.
 

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