How Much Is an Audi Intake Manifold?

An Audi intake manifold typically costs between $250 and $1,800 for the part alone, with total replacement at a dealership often running from $800 to $2,800+ including labor, depending heavily on the model, engine, and whether you choose OEM or aftermarket. This article explains the price ranges, what affects them, and how to budget realistically for this repair in 2024–2025.

Why Intake Manifold Prices Vary So Widely

The intake manifold is a major engine component that distributes air—or air-fuel mixture—to the cylinders. In modern Audis, these parts often include complex features such as variable-length runners and swirl flaps, plus sensors and actuators, making them more expensive than older, simpler manifolds. As a result, prices differ drastically across models, engine families, and regions.

Typical Price Ranges by Audi Model and Engine

Intake manifold prices differ by engine size, performance level, and whether the car is mainstream (like an A4) or high-performance (like an RS model). Below is an approximate guide based on recent market data from major parts retailers and repair quotes as of late 2024.

• A3 / S3 (1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI, MQB-era): OEM intake manifolds often range from $350–$800 for the part; performance or special versions can be higher.
• A4 / A5 (2.0 TFSI, 1.8 TFSI, B8/B9 generations): A common failure point on some 2.0 TFSI engines, OEM manifolds typically run $400–$900; aftermarket equivalents sometimes fall in the $250–$600 bracket.
• A6 / A7 (2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI V6): More complex manifolds, especially on supercharged 3.0 TFSI, often cost $600–$1,200 or more for OEM.
• Q3 / Q5 (2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI): Similar to A4/A6 pricing, with typical part costs between $400–$1,000, depending on engine and year.
• A8, Q7, Q8 (V6 and V8 engines): Large and high-feature manifolds can reach $800–$1,500+ for OEM parts alone.
• S and RS Models (S4, RS3, RS5, RS7, etc.): Performance or twin-turbo manifolds can be significantly more expensive, often in the $1,000–$1,800+ range, sometimes higher for specialized performance units.

These figures are averages and may vary by region and supplier. The key pattern is that higher-output and more complex engines command markedly higher intake manifold costs, especially in S and RS lines.

OEM vs. Aftermarket vs. Used: Cost Comparisons

Your choice of part type—OEM, aftermarket, or used—has a major impact on the final cost. Each route carries trade-offs in price, reliability, and warranty coverage.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Manifolds

OEM intake manifolds come from Audi or its official suppliers (e.g., parts labeled with Audi/VW branding). These match exactly what came on the car from the factory.

• Price range: commonly $400–$1,800+ depending on model and engine.
• Advantages: correct fitment, updated factory revisions, reliable quality, and usually a solid parts warranty when bought from a dealer.
• Disadvantages: often the most expensive option; older models may have limited availability or long lead times.

Choosing OEM is typically the safest bet for long-term reliability, especially on modern direct-injection engines where airflow and sensor integration are critical.

Aftermarket (Non-OEM) Manifolds

Aftermarket manifolds are produced by third-party manufacturers. These range from direct-replacement units to performance-oriented designs.

• Direct-replacement aftermarket: usually $250–$700, often cheaper than OEM.
• Performance / upgraded manifolds: can cost $600–$1,500+, especially for tuned S and RS models.
• Pros: lower cost, sometimes improved design over problematic OEM versions, availability for older models.
• Cons: quality can vary; some cheaper brands may have fitment issues or shorter lifespan; warranty terms differ widely.

For daily drivers, reputable aftermarket brands can provide solid value, but ultra-cheap options may end up more expensive if they fail early or cause running issues.

Used or Rebuilt Intake Manifolds

Used and rebuilt units offer another way to reduce costs, especially on older or high-mileage Audis where top-dollar OEM parts may not be justified.

• Used manifolds (salvage yards, eBay, breakers): typically $100–$400, depending on rarity.
• Rebuilt / remanufactured manifolds: often $250–$600, sometimes including upgrades to known weak points.
• Pros: lowest upfront cost; useful when car value is low or budget is tight.
• Cons: unknown wear, potential internal damage (e.g., worn flaps, cracked plastic); limited or no warranty; risk of installing another failing unit.

Used or rebuilt manifolds can make sense on older vehicles, but they add uncertainty. A thorough inspection and buying from reputable sources are essential to avoid repeated repairs.

Total Replacement Cost: Parts Plus Labor

The final bill for an Audi intake manifold replacement includes both the cost of the manifold and the labor to remove and reinstall it. Labor can be substantial because the manifold sits deep in the engine bay and may require removal of multiple surrounding components.

Typical Labor Costs

Labor is usually charged by the hour, and intake manifold jobs often require several hours, especially on V6 and V8 engines with limited access.

• Labor time (typical ranges): about 2.5–5.5 hours on 4-cylinder engines; 4–8 hours on V6/V8 or tightly packaged SUVs.
• Hourly rates (2024–2025):
  

  • Independent shops: roughly $110–$180/hour in many U.S. regions.
  • Audi dealerships: commonly $150–$260/hour, sometimes higher in major metropolitan areas.

• Estimated labor cost: approximately $300–$1,500, heavily dependent on engine layout and shop type.

Because intake manifolds are surrounded by critical sensors, fuel lines, and sometimes the high-pressure fuel system, experienced labor is important to avoid damage and ensure correct reassembly.

All-In Replacement Estimates

Combining parts and labor gives a more realistic picture of what you might actually pay at a shop or dealership.

• 4-cylinder models (A3, A4, A5, Q3, some Q5):
  

  • Independent shop: about $700–$1,600 total.
  • Dealership: about $1,000–$2,200 total.

• V6 models (A6, A7, A8, Q5, Q7, Q8 with 3.0 TFSI, etc.):
  

  • Independent shop: roughly $1,000–$2,200.
  • Dealership: roughly $1,500–$2,800+.

• S and RS models (S4, S5, RS3, RS5, RS7, etc.):
  

  • Total costs frequently reach $1,500–$3,500+, especially at dealerships and with OEM or performance manifolds.

These numbers are broad ranges, but they illustrate how the same component can cost much more on higher-performance or more complex engines, particularly when dealer labor and OEM parts are involved.

Key Factors That Influence the Price

Several underlying factors drive the final price you will pay for an Audi intake manifold. Understanding them can help you predict costs and negotiate more effectively with shops.

Engine Complexity and Design

Modern Audi engines often use variable intake geometry, integrated actuators, and molded plastic construction that combines multiple functions in one unit.

• Integrated swirl flaps or runner control: added mechanical complexity and electronics increase both parts and diagnostic cost.
• Direct injection systems: the manifold may integrate ports for fuel system components and sensors.
• Turbocharged / supercharged engines: packaging constraints and boosted airflow demands tend to drive up manifold design complexity and cost.

In practice, the more features built into the manifold, the more expensive it is to replace and the more critical correct installation becomes.

Model Year and Availability

Whether your Audi is a current-generation model or an older platform affects both availability and pricing.

• Newer models: OEM parts are usually readily available but often command premium prices, especially in the first few years.
• Mid-age models (7–12 years old): often the best mix of availability, choice (OEM and aftermarket), and price competitiveness.
• Older models: certain manifolds may be discontinued or back-ordered, making used or aftermarket options more common and sometimes driving up niche prices.

Checking multiple sources—dealer, online OEM retailers, and established aftermarket suppliers—can reveal significant price differences for the same application.

Region and Currency

Intake manifold pricing is also affected by where you live, due to taxes, import duties, labor costs, and currency fluctuations.

• North America: a broad market for both OEM and aftermarket, with relatively competitive pricing.
• Europe: strong supply channels for Audi parts; VAT and country-specific taxes can raise consumer prices.
• Other regions (e.g., Australia, parts of Asia, South America): shipping and import duties can add a significant premium to both parts and labor.

Because of these regional variations, an intake manifold that costs $900 in one market may be several hundred dollars more or less elsewhere, even before labor is factored in.

How to Get an Accurate Quote for Your Audi

Given the large range in potential costs, the most reliable way to learn what an intake manifold will cost for your exact Audi is to gather specific information and request written quotes.

Information You Should Have Ready

Before calling a dealer or shop, it helps to collect key details about your vehicle and its symptoms. This information allows parts departments and technicians to provide accurate, model-specific pricing.

• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): this identifies the exact engine code, model year, and equipment level.
• Model and year: for example, “2018 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI Quattro.”
• Engine type / code (if known): such as EA888 2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI, or the specific engine code listed on service documents.
• Symptoms: check-engine light codes, rough idle, loss of power, unusual noises, or confirmed diagnosis of manifold failure.
• Warranty status: remaining factory or extended warranty details, which might cover part or all of the repair.

Providing this data upfront lets service advisors and parts counters quickly confirm the correct manifold and any associated components that should be replaced at the same time.

Where to Request Quotes

Getting multiple estimates can reveal large price differences for essentially the same repair. It also gives you leverage to choose the best combination of cost, warranty, and expertise.

• Audi dealership service departments: offer OEM parts, factory-trained technicians, and full diagnostic support.
• Independent European-specialist shops: often cheaper labor rates, with experience in common Audi intake failures.
• Online OEM parts retailers: can provide lower prices for the same factory manifold if you or a shop are willing to order and install separately.
• Reputable aftermarket parts stores: useful for comparing OEM and aftermarket pricing, reviews, and warranties.

By comparing at least one dealer quote, one European-specialist independent shop quote, and online parts prices, you can quickly see what’s reasonable for your specific intake manifold replacement.

Can You Repair Instead of Replacing the Intake Manifold?

In some cases, the entire manifold may not need replacement. Instead, specific components such as actuators or swirl flap mechanisms can be repaired or replaced individually, depending on the engine and part design.

Common Partial Repairs

Certain failure modes allow for targeted fixes that may cost less than a full manifold replacement. However, not every engine supports these options in a reliable way.

• Actuator replacement: on some Audi engines, the runner-control actuator can be changed separately for $150–$400 in parts plus labor.
• Sensor replacement: manifold pressure or temperature sensors, usually $50–$200 plus diagnostic time and labor.
• Cleaning carbon deposits: especially on direct-injection engines, cleaning can restore airflow and proper movement of internal components, though this is labor-intensive.

While these options can reduce costs, a cracked or internally damaged manifold typically cannot be reliably repaired, making full replacement the safest long-term choice.

Is It Safe to Drive with a Failing Intake Manifold?

Continuing to drive with a damaged or malfunctioning intake manifold can range from mildly risky to potentially engine-damaging, depending on the exact fault.

Risks of Delaying Repair

Some symptoms may seem minor at first, but underlying issues can worsen and increase the eventual repair cost.

• Reduced performance and fuel economy: misdirected airflow harms combustion efficiency.
• Check-engine light and emissions issues: can lead to failed inspections and potential fines in regulated regions.
• Internal damage risk: in rare cases, broken internal flaps or hardware may enter the combustion chamber, risking severe engine damage.
• Secondary component wear: running rich or lean can stress catalytic converters, O2 sensors, and turbochargers.

If you suspect manifold issues, especially with fault codes or pronounced drivability problems, professional diagnosis should be treated as urgent rather than optional.

Summary

An Audi intake manifold typically costs $250–$1,800 for the part, with installed prices often totaling $800–$2,800+ once labor is included, depending heavily on model, engine, region, and whether you choose OEM, aftermarket, or used. High-performance S and RS models often sit at the top of that range. Labor is a major component of the bill because intake manifolds are complex and difficult to access on many modern Audi engines. To get a precise figure, you’ll need your VIN, exact model and engine details, and written quotes from both a dealer and at least one independent specialist. While limited repairs to actuators or sensors can sometimes reduce costs, a cracked or internally failing manifold generally requires full replacement to protect engine performance and reliability.

Is it worth replacing an intake manifold?

If you find any cracks or if the sealing surface (where the gasket mates with the intake) is corroded, then the intake manifold should be replaced. If there are no cracks or corrosion, etc then the intake is suitable for reuse.

How much does it cost to replace intake manifold?

The cost to replace an intake manifold gasket is typically between $80 and $400, while a full intake manifold replacement can cost anywhere from $200 to $800 or more, with the majority of the price being labor. The gasket itself is relatively inexpensive ($30-$100), but the high cost comes from the labor required to remove the old one to access the new one. Factors like your car’s make and model, and labor rates at different shops, will affect the final price. 
This video explains what an intake manifold is and what its replacement can cost: 52scar PROblemsYouTube · Jul 21, 2025
Intake manifold gasket replacement

• Cost: Typically $80 to $400.
• Gasket cost: $30 to $100 for the part itself.
• Labor cost: Significant portion of the total, as the manifold must be removed to replace the gasket. 

Intake manifold replacement

• Cost: Roughly $200 to $800 or more if the manifold itself is cracked or damaged.
• When it’s needed: When the intake manifold is cracked or leaking, in addition to or instead of the gasket. 

What affects the cost

• Vehicle make and model: Different cars have different labor rates and parts costs. 
• Shop labor rates: Hourly rates vary between independent mechanics and dealerships. 
• Extent of the damage: Whether only the gasket or the entire manifold needs replacing will change the final price. 

This video explains how to diagnose a bad intake manifold gasket: 52sEasyAutoFixYouTube · Nov 26, 2022

Can I drive with a bad intake manifold?

No, you should not drive with a bad intake manifold, as it can lead to engine overheating, poor performance, and long-term engine damage. A bad intake manifold or gasket can cause coolant leaks, a lean fuel mixture, and other issues that can result in a breakdown or severe engine damage like a damaged head gasket. It is best to have the problem fixed as soon as possible. 
Risks of driving with a bad intake manifold

• Engine overheating: Leaking coolant can cause the engine to run hotter than normal, leading to overheating and potentially damaging the engine. 
• Poor performance: A vacuum leak from a faulty gasket can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to rough idling, stalling, poor acceleration, and decreased fuel economy. 
• Engine damage: A lean mixture from a vacuum leak can cause high combustion temperatures that lead to engine knock or damage exhaust valves. In some cases, coolant can mix with the oil, causing damage to internal components. 
• Safety concerns: Stalling or poor performance can be dangerous while driving, especially in traffic. 

What to do instead

• Get it inspected and repaired: It is best to have a mechanic diagnose and fix the issue promptly. 
• Check for leaks: Look for signs of coolant leaks under the car or around the manifold, or check for a milky appearance in the engine oil, which could indicate a leak. 
• Look for other symptoms: Be aware of the “Check Engine” light, rough idling, poor acceleration, or unusual noises like hissing or whistling. 

How expensive is it to fix an intake manifold?

The cost of replacing an inlet manifold gasket typically ranges from £200 to £400, depending on your vehicle’s make and model, as well as labour time. On some engines, the intake manifold is easy to access, while others require more disassembly, which can affect the total cost.