Two weeks ago I replaced my 2002 Passat Wagon 4motion GLX with a 2001 Audi Allroad 2.7 Twin Turbo 6 speed. The only flaw the Audi has is the pixels in the center of the cluster.
So I ventured out, found and bought a used Allroad cluster on ebay. Of course you know what comes next. I installed it (I own a Mercedes Shop) and the car wouldn't stay running. I googled the issue and found out that I have the immobilizer generation 3 and that only the Audi dealer can program these clusters.
I called Checkered Flag in Virginia Beach, dead end, they refuse to install a "used cluster." Mad as hell I called the direct Audi of North America phone number in my paperwork. They told me installing a used cluster is at the discretion of each dealer and that they can't warranty parts I bring in myself.
They finally gave me phone number to the nest dealer in my area which is Audi in Richmond VA (over an hour away) I called them and they are happy to assist me with the installation of the used one.
Unreal, any thoughts on this ?
--Martin Bartloff