John Elway

After about 6 months of research on what my next car will be, I decided to go with a 2011 A4 with prestige package. It has 138k miles on it. When should the timing chain tensioner fail? And do the chain guides or chain itself ever fail on this engine? It already had the repair covered by the lawsuit and a really good service record which is why I'm even considering buying it at 138k. By the way, how long does the turbo's last on this generation of a4's?

treilley

I have heard of them going as early as 60k mi. I had mine done at 115k just after I bought the car. Ticking time bomb. My chain and guides were in good condition so did not do them. Tensioner, chain and guides designed to last lifetime of engine. Tensioner obviously missed the mark but the chain and guides are better.

What lawsuit related service was covered? Oil consumption?

Not sure about the turbo. Mine is original but has some minor wastegate arm slop and throws P0299 codes on occasion.

John Elway

Yes I was referring to the oil consumption lawsuit. Thanks for the info I'd definitely be sure to change that tensioner as soon as I purchase!

jfo

If the stage 2 oil consumption fix was done...pistons and rings...it's possible the tensioner was replaced at that time. Some dealers include it and some don't, or the previous owner may have had it done. The service records will show the Tensioner part if it was done.