Are Audi Parts Expensive? (with Exact Costs)

Audi parts wear out just like Mercedes and Lexus’s parts do. Despite the quality engineering and luxury of these cars, something always breaks. Are Audi parts expensive? Keep reading further to determine if Audi parts are more expensive than aftermarket parts?

Are Audi Parts Expensive?

Essentially, Audi parts, or their OEM parts, are more expensive when compared to aftermarket varieties. For instance, OEM brake pads from the dealership cost $146.15; a Carquest brake pad made of ceramic would be between $57-$64. It is not uncommon for Audi dealership parts to be more expensive.

Also read: Are Audis Expensive to Maintain? Here are the Facts

Who Supplies Parts to Audi?

The Audi brand belongs under the umbrella of the Volkswagen AG parent company. Therefore, many Audi components are interchangeable with Volkswagen products, but not all. For example, TMD Friction supplies parts, like brake pads, which houses many brands like Textar, Pagid, Don, and Mintex.

I will touch on several parts you should replace in your Audi to keep your investment in top shape. Please note:

While it’s easy to believe aftermarket parts could be cheaper and better, they may not be under warranty if they fail prematurely.

Aftermarkets are also “reverse-engineered and approximately 85% similar to originals.

Brake Pads

The brake pads stop the vehicle’s motion by using hydraulic pressure to clamp down on the rotors. This action creates heat and friction, which slows the car.

Brake pads are made of organic material, semi-metallic compounds, or ceramic. Due to this repeated friction, you should expect to replace your brake pads every 30,000-70,000 miles.

The table below describes how much brake pads cost.

	OEM	Carquest Professional	Textar
(NEW)	$262.24	$62.99	$144.95
(USED)	$131.17	$32	$73

I choose OEM brake pads since they take your Audi’s specifications in mind. Many experienced Audi drivers know that replacement parts must meet strict expectations. Mechanics will typically charge $99-$125 to replace the brakes for you. However, I recommend changing the brakes on your own as it isn’t complicated or time-consuming.

Also read: 3 Best Audis for the Money (with Best Engines)

Filters

Car engines use a method of combustion to power your Audi’s engine, and the vehicle needs a clean mixture of fuel and air. That is where various filters come into play.

Air Filters – These filters can come in various shapes and sizes of cotton, foam, or synthetic paper. The pleated material in the filters keeps dust, insects, or other debris from entering the engine. You should replace them every 20,000 miles.

Oil Filters – These filters keep a continuous flow of oil throughout the engine and filter out the dust and metallic particles. It’s safe to replace these every 10,000 miles.

Fuel Filters – These filters remove harmful impurities like dust, grit, and rust from the fuel you add to your vehicle. Fuel filters usually last for the vehicle’s life; however, it’s a good idea to change them once your Audi approaches 150,000 miles.

The table below describes how much you should expect to pay for each of these filters. I don’t recommend buying used parts because of their diminished quality.

	OEM	Mann-Filter	Purolator One	Carquest Premium
Air Filters	$31.67	$20.49	$30.49	$30.49
Oil Filters	$25.08	N/A	N/A	$14.59
Fuel Filters	$95.00	$18.59	N/A	$18.59

I would purchase OEM parts for the filters and avoid aftermarket parts. Mechanics will charge you $60 to change your air filter, approximately $330 for oil changes, and $284 to replace your fuel filter.

You can do these tasks on your own, although the fuel filter can be tricky due to the location under the vehicle.

Also read: Are Audi Cars Good? (Pros and Cons)

Battery

The car battery starts the engine and provides power to various electronics such as lights and radio. There are two types of batteries:

Standard wet-cell – these batteries are known as conventional batteries. They can vent gas and leak acid. These batteries usually have caps to add fluid.

Absorbed Glass Mat – these batteries are best known for short recharge periods and handling harsher climates. They can go for longer periods of disuse as well.

I’ve included a table below that describes the pricing for batteries. Before buying a used battery, do some research, but plenty of companies offer used batteries with warranties.

	OEM	Diehard Gold	Diehard Plat. AGM
(NEW)	$430.00	$169.99	$219.99
(USED)	$215	$85	$110

Car batteries usually only last about three to five years; I would go with the Diehard Platinum AGM since these types of batteries could last longer. A mechanic will charge $15-$115 to replace your battery; I advise doing this yourself.

Starter and Alternator

Your Starter is an electrical motor that requires a fully charged battery to start your car. The Alternator regulates the electrical energy flowing through the engine and charges the battery.

These parts work in sync and don’t always have any apparent issues. I’ve included a table below describing the costs.

	OEM	Carquest
(NEW) Starter	$520.57	$159.99
(USED) Starter	$261	$80
(NEW) Alternator	$1,170.38	$382.99
(USED) Alternator	$585.19	$192

Alternators and Starters can last approximately 150,000 miles on your Audi. A mechanic will typically charge $285-$360 to replace your starter and $189-$260 for the alternator. I wouldn’t perform these repairs on my Audi, and neither should you.

Spark Plugs

Essentially, spark plugs supply a spark of electricity that causes the air/fuel mixture to ignite. This spark happens repeatedly, so your spark plugs must be up to the specifications of your vehicle.

I have included a table below describing the cost of spark plugs. Don’t buy used spark plugs as the conditions vary, and new ones are not expensive.

Per plug	OEM (NGK)	Champion Racing Plugs
(NEW)	$20.50	$4.29

I recommend changing your spark plugs every 45,000 miles, especially if you notice rough idling or engine misfires. Bad spark plugs can drain your battery as well. If you purchase a higher-grade spark plug, it may not need to be changed as often.

You don’t need a mechanic to charge you $118 to change your spark plugs; it’s a job anyone can do with a little help from YouTube.

Also read: Are Audis Reliable After 100k Miles? The Truth

Engine Oil

The motor oil in your Audi lubricates many of your engine’s moving parts, which reduces the wear and tear on your engine components.

The automaker recommends using 5W-40 and 5W-30 synthetic oil, but usually, 5W-30 is readily available. Synthetic oil cleans engine parts, reduces acid build-up, and keeps the engine cool.

Below is a table that describes oil pricing. I suggest choosing aftermarket synthetic varieties because they are readily available and meet manufacturer specifications. For instance, Audi recommends using Castrol Edge motor oil.

Oil is recycled, and I do not recommend using it in your Audi because of the contaminants likely contained within it.

5QT	OEM	Mobil1 FS European Car	Castrol Edge Euro Car	Pentosin
Cost	$57.10	$35.99	$34.99	$68.99

I would purchase the Castrol Edge because it’s the closest to OEM specifications and the most affordable option. Save yourself $70 and change your oil at home.

Tires

Car tires are a cushion of rubber constructed to fit over the metal wheel of Audi vehicles. They create traction and allow the car to drive safely on the road. However, car tires require some maintenance to keep in order, such as tire rotations. The table below describes the brands available for Audis.

Per Tire	OEM Pirelli	Continental Extreme Contact	Michelin Pilot AS	Goodyear Eagle F1	Pirelli Cinturato P7 – AS
(NEW)	$153.99	$147.99	$107.49	$127.41	$153.60
(USED)	$77	$74	$54	$64	$77

Many tire options are available for Audis, especially in the aftermarket sector. Generally, I choose tires based on quality-tested reliability and go with the Michelin or Goodyear tires.

I suggest replacing your tires every 40,000-60,000 miles, but regular rotations will prolong the life of your tires. When buying used tires, thoroughly inspect them for dry rot, nails, or holes before purchasing them. It’s best to take your vehicle to the shop to have your tires professionally changed, as most DIY garages do not have the necessary equipment.

Also read: Audi Depreciation: 11 Popular Models Depreciation Charts

Wipers

Wiper blades are imperative to keeping the windshield on your vehicle clean and clear of obstructions.

Wipers blades are usually made of metal and rubber and come in different styles. Temperature fluctuations such as winter and summer can affect the lifespan of your wiper blades. Therefore, you should change your wiper blades every year, no matter what type you use.

Below I’ve included a table for various pricing on wiper blades.

(R + L)	OEM (Bosch Aerotwin)	Trico Classic	Trico Heavy Duty
Cost	$28.00	$20.58	$20.58

Used wiper blades aren’t worth the risk. They could scratch your windshield or not perform as intended. I suggest changing your wiper blades at home unless you’re already in the shop for another repair. Otherwise, it requires little to no experience. I recommend choosing either Trico wiper blades because they will last all year.

Conclusion

Audi dealerships upcharge their parts and services, making Audi parts more expensive than aftermarket parts. Often, aftermarket parts are easier to source, although it would be safest to research each brand thoroughly to ensure fitment and quality. Therefore, I suggest choosing aftermarkets for batteries, filters, spark plugs, oil, and tires.

While Audis are more expensive to maintain, like many German models are, choosing aftermarket parts should help you save money without compromising quality. However, only use trusted and reliable brands when selecting replacement parts for your Audi.

References: