2001 Audi Allroad Immobilizer trouble

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

www.MartinBartloff.com