How Much Does It Cost to Replace Motor Mounts on an Audi A6?
Replacing motor mounts on an Audi A6 typically costs between $600 and $1,500 in the United States, depending mainly on model year, engine type, parts quality, and local labor rates. In most cases, parts account for $250–$700 of the bill, while labor makes up $350–$800 due to the complexity of the job.
Contents
- What Motor Mounts Do and Why They Matter on an Audi A6
- Typical Cost Range for Audi A6 Motor Mount Replacement
- Cost Breakdown: Parts vs. Labor
- How Costs Vary by Model Year and Engine Type
- When Should Audi A6 Motor Mounts Be Replaced?
- Ways to Reduce the Cost of Motor Mount Replacement
- Is Motor Mount Replacement a DIY Job for an Audi A6?
- Summary
What Motor Mounts Do and Why They Matter on an Audi A6
The Audi A6 uses several motor mounts—often including hydraulic or electronically controlled mounts—to secure the engine to the chassis while isolating vibration. When these mounts wear out, drivers may experience increased vibration, clunking noises, or even drivability issues. Because modern A6 engines are tightly packaged and sometimes use active mounts, replacement is more complex and expensive than on many non-premium cars.
Typical Cost Range for Audi A6 Motor Mount Replacement
While prices vary by location and specific configuration, there is a consistent range that most Audi A6 owners can expect when planning for motor mount replacement.
- Low end: Around $600–$800 for one front engine mount on a simpler configuration, using quality aftermarket parts at an independent European specialist.
- Mid range: Around $900–$1,200 for replacing both main engine mounts (left and right) on many 4-cylinder and some V6 A6 models.
- High end: Around $1,200–$1,500+ when replacing multiple mounts (e.g., both engine mounts plus a torque mount), on higher-output engines, or at a dealership with premium labor rates.
- Dealer premium: Audi dealership quotes can run 20–40% higher than reputable independent shops, especially in major metro areas.
- Regional differences: Labor-heavy jobs are significantly more expensive in high-cost cities (e.g., California, New York) compared with smaller markets.
These figures reflect typical real-world invoices reported at independent European repair shops and customer estimates, but exact pricing hinges on the specific engine, number of mounts replaced, and local market conditions.
Cost Breakdown: Parts vs. Labor
Parts Costs for Audi A6 Motor Mounts
Motor mounts for the Audi A6 vary in design and price, especially between simpler hydraulic mounts and more complex electronically controlled active mounts.
- Standard hydraulic engine mounts: About $100–$250 each for quality aftermarket (Lemförder, Febi, etc.) and $200–$400+ each for genuine Audi/OEM-branded mounts.
- Electronically controlled/active mounts (common on some turbo and performance variants): About $250–$450 each aftermarket and up to $500+ each for genuine Audi parts.
- Transmission mounts / torque mounts: Typically $60–$200 each, depending on design and brand.
- Hardware and incidentals: Bolts, brackets, and related components can add $20–$60 to the parts total if replacement is required.
In most typical repair scenarios, the total parts cost to replace the two primary engine mounts on an A6 will land in the $250–$700 range, with higher prices associated with newer or higher-performance models and OEM components.
Labor Costs for Motor Mount Replacement
The labor cost is the largest portion of the bill, reflecting the time and skill required to safely lift, support, and partially reposition the engine in a tightly packed engine bay.
- Labor time for one primary engine mount: Commonly 2–3 hours, depending on access and configuration.
- Labor time for both main engine mounts: Usually 3–6 hours total, with some V6 and V8 models leaning toward the higher end of the range.
- Typical labor rates (U.S.):
- Independent European specialist: About $120–$180 per hour.
- Audi dealership: About $170–$250 per hour, varying by region.
- Overall labor cost estimate: About $350–$800 for a two-mount job, higher if additional mounts or related work are included.
Because motor mount replacement often requires engine support, subframe manipulation, and removal of multiple components for access, labor is inherently more expensive than many routine maintenance tasks.
How Costs Vary by Model Year and Engine Type
The Audi A6 has been produced across several generations with different engines—from 4-cylinder turbos to supercharged and turbocharged V6s and performance variants—each affecting mount design and replacement complexity.
Older Generations (Approx. 2005–2011 C6 Models)
For older A6s, especially high-mileage vehicles, mounts may be simpler and slightly cheaper, but labor can still be intensive.
- 4-cylinder and simpler V6 engines: Replacement for two main engine mounts usually costs around $700–$1,000 at independent shops.
- V8 and higher-output trims: Costs can climb to the $900–$1,300 range due to additional labor and more expensive mounts.
- Age factor: Corrosion, seized bolts, and brittle components can increase labor time and, occasionally, the need for extra parts.
Owners of older A6s often find the job slightly cheaper on parts but may face added labor complications if the car has high mileage or rust issues.
Newer Generations (Approx. 2012–Present C7/C8 Models)
With more advanced drivetrains and active mounts, newer A6 models often push costs upward.
- 2.0 TFSI and standard V6 models: Two main engine mounts typically cost $900–$1,300 installed at an independent specialist.
- Higher-performance variants (e.g., S6, certain turbocharged V6s): Expect $1,100–$1,500+ due to more expensive active mounts and added complexity.
- Warranty and extended coverage: On relatively new A6s, some powertrain or extended warranties may cover broken mounts, potentially reducing or eliminating the out-of-pocket cost.
On recent Audi A6 generations, electronic or active mounts and tighter engine packaging tend to make mount replacement slightly more expensive than on earlier models.
When Should Audi A6 Motor Mounts Be Replaced?
Motor mounts typically fail gradually, and identifying the right time to replace them can prevent further wear on other drivetrain components.
- Common mileage range for wear: Many owners experience mount issues around 70,000–120,000 miles, though failures can occur earlier in harsh conditions or on tuned/performance cars.
- Symptoms of worn or failed mounts:
- Noticeable vibration at idle that improves when revving or driving.
- Clunking or thumping noises when shifting from Park to Drive or accelerating.
- Excessive engine movement felt through the steering wheel or cabin.
- Visible sagging, cracking, or leaking hydraulic fluid from the mounts.
- On some models, check engine light or drivetrain codes related to active mounts.
- Safety and drivability: Severely failed mounts can affect shift quality, increase stress on axles and exhaust components, and in extreme cases create safety concerns.
Proactively replacing worn mounts at the first clear signs of failure can preserve other components and improve drivability and comfort.
Ways to Reduce the Cost of Motor Mount Replacement
While motor mount replacement on an Audi A6 is not cheap, owners can make several informed choices to keep costs under control without compromising safety.
- Use a reputable independent European specialist: These shops often charge significantly less per hour than dealerships while maintaining strong expertise with Audi platforms.
- Compare OEM vs. high-quality aftermarket: Aftermarket mounts from known brands can be 15–40% cheaper than dealer-branded parts while still being reliable.
- Replace mounts in logical groups: If one main engine mount has failed and the others are the same age and showing wear, replacing both primary mounts together can reduce future labor duplication.
- Combine with other under-car or engine work: If the subframe, transmission, or exhaust is already being accessed for other repairs, labor overlap can lower the incremental cost of adding mount replacement.
- Get multiple estimates: Obtain quotes from at least two or three shops, ensuring each quote specifies the number of mounts, parts brand, and expected labor hours.
Thoughtful planning—especially choosing the right shop and parts—can significantly reduce the total cost while ensuring the repair is durable and safe.
Is Motor Mount Replacement a DIY Job for an Audi A6?
Although technically possible, motor mount replacement on an Audi A6 is generally beyond the safe skill level of most DIY owners due to access, equipment, and risk factors.
- Required equipment: Engine support bar or hoist, quality jack stands or a lift, and specialized tools for tight spaces and Audi-specific fasteners.
- Complexity: Accessing mounts may require removing covers, brackets, exhaust or subframe components, and carefully supporting the engine to avoid damage.
- Risks: Incorrect support of the drivetrain can bend components, damage hoses or wiring, or create alignment issues that are costly to fix.
- DIY savings vs. risk: Parts-only cost might be $250–$700, but a mistake can easily erase any savings and create major mechanical problems.
For most Audi A6 owners, having motor mounts replaced by an experienced professional is the safer and ultimately more economical choice.
Summary
Replacing motor mounts on an Audi A6 usually costs between $600 and $1,500, with most owners paying around $900–$1,200 for both primary engine mounts at a competent independent shop. Parts typically range from $250–$700, while labor—often 3–6 hours of work—runs about $350–$800 depending on shop rates and engine configuration. Newer models, active mounts, and dealership labor drive costs to the higher end, while using quality aftermarket parts and independent specialists can keep expenses more manageable. Early diagnosis of worn mounts and smart planning around other repairs help control costs and maintain the comfort and drivability Audi A6 owners expect.


