newby37919

I am pleased report that I bought a 2005 A8 short wheel base yesterday. It has 72k and appears near perfect. Unfortunately I am parting with my D2 - a 2000 model that still runs as smoothly as when I bought it six years ago even though it has 176k. (Original everything and no services on the transmission). I will miss my D2 even though my new D3 is fantastic. I note that the t-belt recommendation is 75k miles on the D3 rather than 105k miles on the D2. Is that correct?
Thank you and I will post a photo soon.

klm187

Whoa, Whoa! I am considering the purchase of a 2005 D3 Normal wheelbase too. I have a `99 D2 with 151K miles on it and was looking at upgrading. I may be very wrong, but I thought the D3 went to a timing chain as opposed to a timing belt. The timing chain addition was part of my argument to lower the cost of ownership. If it still has timing belt, then I can probably keep my D2 a while longer.

Hilden

Chain on diesels, or with the FSI from 07 on. Might be on the earlier w12 also but not sure

ModestW12

That is correct based on my knowledge. Gasoline D3 4.2's from US model year 2007+ are timing chain, have fuel stratified injection (FSI) and upped the horsepower and torque (from ~330hp to ~350hp and 317ft-lb to 325ft-lb respectively).

All D3 W12's are chain as well (and I believe the few D2 W12's that were produced were also chain).

Gasoline D3 4.2's US MY 2006 and back are timing belt.

Mister Bally

Many, many posts on this subject here. Search using the advanced function.

2004-2006 models with 4.2L engines have the dreaded belt with the recommended interval of 75,000 miles. And no, it's not a fun job to replace. I waited until about 118,000 miles to replace mine. I inspected my belt periodically and found it to be in good CONdition. I planned on waiting until 150,000 miles before doing it.

Many here chastised me and they presented some good arguments. I based my decision on the fact that I didn't abuse the engine and I kept looking for problems including water and oil leaks that could weaken the belt and the belt itself. That said, IMHO (follow my opinion at your peril) the main risk would be one of the many idlers seizing up. I feel that an idler would start to make noise before seizing up.

The only reason I replaced my timing belt was that the thermostat failed in the closed mode (that's the usual failure mode of them in the D3 timing belt equipped engine) in the Summer. Unfortunately, to replace the thermostat (a $20.00 part); the timing belt has to be removed. To remove the timing belt; the front of the car is supposed to be removed. I just slid it forward ten inches so I did not discharge the air CONditioner as it still works great an the car was built in March, 2003. I also replaced the water pump and all of the idlers and tensioner pulley.

Enjoy your A8. D2 or D3!

German Engineering at it's finest.

klm187

I'd like to thank all of you who responded and the originator of the thread. I would have made a purchasing decision based on data I received looking at a 2007 in 2007. I assumed that all D3's were chain driven. Yikes, that would have been a costly mistake for me and would have blown my whole upgrade justification right out of the water. Thanks again!