S3 coolant woes

[ShEp1.8t]

Looking for a bit of advice.

I have a 2014 8v S3 on 73k miles. Coolant bottle, and matrix replaced 2 years ago due to burst silica bag, car has been fine up till recently.

I am getting regular low coolant warnings on the dash, when I stop the car and check the coolant and take the cap off the coolant level rises to above the minimum level.

I tried running it with the cap off and the heaters on to try and get rid of any trapped air and it just spat a load of coolant out, it seems to be circulating but I'm not 100% against the thermostat being faulty or the radiator being blocked. Just seems a little strange. I guess worst case is the head gasket but it doesn't seem to be mixing and the coolant is a good colour. I originally thought I had a leak with the warnings coming on.

Anyone else had a similar issue? I've read some advice about replacing the cap/bottle but I replaced this around 2 years ago

 

[AlS3BE]

If you are losing coolant it’s most likely the thermostat/water pump housing. I had mine replaced at 3 year old and it’s looking like same thing is happening again at 5years old. It’s a common problem on all ea888 gen 3 engines so all the 1.8/2.0 with all different power outputs.
I think someone meant in on here that the part number revision is at L that’s says there’s lot of diff versions out there.

 

[Svenedin]

My car was doing something very similar (2016 S3). Had a low coolant warning. Topped up. Could not find a leak but could smell burnt coolant. Dealer says new thermostat and water pump required. £1,663 but fortunately the car has an extended warranty. A far cry from my 54 year old Morris Minor where a new thermostat housing, thermostat and water pump would be less than £100.

 

[AlS3BE]

My car was doing something very similar (2016 S3). Had a low coolant warning. Topped up. Could not find a leak but could smell burnt coolant. Dealer says new thermostat and water pump required. £1,663 but fortunately the car has an extended warranty. A far cry from my 54 year old Morris Minor where a new thermostat housing, thermostat and water pump would be less than £100.

It’s an electronic thermostat/water pump. Think the part alone is £500+ and at least 3-4 hours labour. From the looks of the location it’s a cow of a job due to the location of it. Not saying it’s justified at £1500+. It’s a known problem that’s why the part has had so many revisions.
should be a recall or campaign but Audi knows most likely the car will be out of warranty by the time it fails.

 

[ShEp1.8t]

So after doing some research, fairly confident it's the water pump/thermostat,

I can do this myself, and get the parts through trade, anyone else know if the audi part is of any better quality that aftermarket?