2006 A3 2.0T - loud engine tapping noise help! (video link inside)
 

I recently bought a 2006 A3 2.0T, build date is 06/05.
The car is from Arizona but I live in NJ, I never brought it to the dealer here.
Original warranty expires 12/31/09.
It has 31,000 miles on it.

1) Is this noise normal?
2) What is it?
3) If it's not normal, Will it be covered under the warranty?
I have a feeling the dealership will try to avoid the repair it since the warranty will expire soon and the check engine light is not on.

Any advice on what I should do?

Thanks all for you help it's greatly appreciated!

I posted the video in 2 formats in case one does not work.
http://www.automatedvps.com/joe/a3tap/a3tap.divx
http://www.automatedvps.com/joe/a3tap/a3tap.wmv

Thanks again for the help.

Joe

It sounds like the injectors...
 

They're high-pressure injectors so they make sounds like a diesel engine. You might want to let a service guy listen to it and see if it's lounder than it's supposed to be.

Mike,
Thank you for the information. I'm glad to hear that it's a normal sound. I'll have them check it out and now I'll trust them more if they tell me it's normal.

Thats how my car sounded from day 1 new. It's the injectors... they're loud but thats normal.

Good information. I've often noticed that with mine and wondered if I should have it checked out but I think I remember it from Day 1 (bought mine new) and it runs great....thanks!

Take that, you sweet thing!

That's the sound of the high pressure fuel pump & cam follower, the cam follower needs to be replaced. I just did mine today now it's nice & quiet.