Audi S5 2019 Thermostat Replacement and Repair Guide

Water Pump Replacement with Vacuum Line

Labor: $832.50
Labor rates in Pasadena run $85-$115/hr. At $832.50, they're charging for about 7–10 hours of work. Water pump replacement on a 2019 Audi S5 can take 5–7 hours due to complexity, especially if a vacuum line is replaced.
It’s a bit on the high end, but not unreasonable for a dealer or premium Euro shop. An independent shop might be $150–$300 less on labor.

Parts:
- Water Pump: $377
     Audi OEM water pumps retail for $200–$350; $377 is a dealer price with likely markup, but not outrageous.
- Vacuum Line: $619.97
     Red Flag: This is pricey. Unless this includes a full vacuum pump module or a complex assembly with sensors, $600+ for a vacuum line is high for an OE part. Basic vacuum hoses cost much less. Ask for part details and clarification.

Potential Upsell: The vacuum line price stands out. If it isn’t a full assembly or integral to the pump replacement, this could be unnecessary or overcharged.

Thermostat Replacement

Labor: $1,017.50
About 9–12 hours at local rates, which seems high. Thermostat replacement on an Audi S5 is involved but usually not this involved unless combined with other jobs or access is tough.
Labor for thermostat and water pump should overlap—charging full labor for both may be double-billing. Shops usually bundle these jobs and offer discounted combined labor.

Parts:
- Thermostat: $206.03
     In line with Audi OEM pricing; aftermarket options can be cheaper but you want quality here.
- Coolant: $28.00
     Reasonable.
- Coolant Valve: $176.02
     Not a typical replacement every time. Confirm if this is necessary, faulty, or just suggested preventive maintenance.

Potential Upsell: Unbundled labor and an unnecessary coolant valve replacement unless proven faulty.

Total: $3,257.02

• This bill represents about 10% of the car’s value—not unreasonable for major cooling system repairs.
• Paying a premium for dealer or high-end Euro shop labor and parts.
• Independent Audi specialists could save $700–$1,000 on labor and possibly parts.
• DIY is challenging and best left to experienced enthusiasts with proper tools.
• Upsell risks mainly involve the vacuum line cost, unbundled labor, and possibly the coolant valve.