Lou33

My owners manual says it should be replaced at 104k miles. The Audi dealer says no, it should be replaced at 60k miles. But then, of course it's in "their" best interests if I get my car serviced as often as possible.

Do the 2.8 engines have a known problem where the timing belts break at less than 104k miles?

2000 A4 2.8 68k miles.

slightly disgruntled

70 is my preference.... 60 is safe. and look at the FAQ.
Btw. selling you a rebuilt head is in their best interest.

4Driver4

...or rather: they almost never are the point of failure. Usually the waterpump or some roller bearing goes and takes out the belt.

FWIW, I like 75k as an interval for timing belt, auto trans fluid change, cam adjuster seals, etc. My 2000 A4 2.8 went 140k on the original belt, but I'd never recommend that. I'd figure out how long you plan to keep the car.
Keeping the car until 100k to 120k? Do the belt at 60k.
Keeping the car to 180k? Do the belt at 90k.

For the 2.8, 90k is a far as I would go.

Casablanca Avant

second - 75k is a good number. Just completed mine over the weekend

Reggie

there were a couple that broke under 60K that I remember seeing posted here. One also does the water pump, tensioner along with the belt - as the wp can go bad too. The newer wp have metal blades not plastic.

You can find independent shops for the work that will cost less. - Check you local forum for recommendations.

FYI I have 65K on my car and did the belts when they were six years old.

d1rt [A4 Pröjekt]

Is it your daily? Do it yourself. Save $ and learn something.

4Driver4

It works for me since we usually keep our cars until 200k, so I have to do 2 belt changes anyway.

thewatcher101

because first time they probably didn't do the water pump and the other stuff.

starting ...

i've always heard you can go a bit longer with the 2.8s

CTA4AVANT

The accessory belt however was showing signs of deterioration when I changed it for the 2nd time at 150K miles.