S&R

When I went in for a time-oriented (not mileage) oil/filter change, the Dealer's Service person "suggested" I get the 75k check including replacement of the timing belt. I asked if it could be done while the car is there, and he said it was a two-day project and would have to be scheduled. That triggered me to ask the cost. I woke up with smelling salts after I heard the $2,600 "approximate" number.


I asked why my A-4 Cab 3.0 with extremely low mileage (21k), that has been maintained meticulously by the same Dealer/Service since new, needed a 75k checkup. He went from "suggesting" to an ever-increasing form of pressure including that my engine will be destroyed if the timing belt isn't changed. In the process of our ownership, we were convinced to get the progressive mileage checkups (50k was done two years ago) even though the car was not driven much at all. I KNOW - - BELTS, AND OTHER RUBBER THINGS CAN GO BAD OVER TIME AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS. Each of these checkups resulted in no work done because the car is kept in perfect condition and has always been kept in a clean garage.


So, I told him I would think about it, and they finished the oil change.


When I got home, I read the worksheet/statement, and saw a note saying the customer was informed to have the 75k and timing belt work but "REFUSED"!! Now, a few weeks later, I received a fancy post card that warns of not complying with the service center and the possibility of disaster. The ominous letter did not mention the 75k check - but instead named the timing belt, drive belts, and water pump replacements. The only one mentioned to me by the service person was the timing belt. a short few weeks went by and already my Audi is getting worn out without even having the engine start.


Do any of you who have technical background on the 3.0 'B' engine have an opinion besides what I have been told by the Audi representation?


A good friend and long-time Audi owner/aficionado told me I should hold off and not worry. He DID say that if the timing belt on the 3.0 loses a tooth or two, the engine will be severely hurt.


I would really appreciate your thoughts.

david9999

I realize that this is an old post but here are my thoughts for others
Timing belts get old and brittle with age.
!0 years is about where I start to get worried.
I purchased a 2003 cab 3.0 with 124K miles in 2016 with the original belt.
I immediately had it changed along with the water pump, front cam seals, tensioner, roller and serpentine belt, new coolant for 900 dollars including parts and labor at a non dealer.

The big question is why you are taking the car to the dealer?.

S&R

ltooz_a6_a8_q7

My sis is still driving my 04 cabriolet with 100k miles on them. If it works, don't fix it. My 06 A8L with 122k miles, still has original belt. I believe original belt is the best. Just remove the cover to check the condition of the belt. If you need who I took care of my cabriolet and other Audis
http://www.dognmonkey.com/audi/category/a4-b6-cabriolet
Cheers,
Louis

RoMan709

david9999

Those of us who owned B5 A4 1.8T remember when Audi had a suggested change interval of 120K miles to try to keep the perceived cost of routine maintenance down Unfortunately, there were a lot of tensioners and belts breaking at 80K.