Melchior

Got lucky. Timing belt tensioner went bad, but at slow speed, so damage was minimal. $4K.

Vegas-roadster

Time mileage since it and belt was replaced?

Geomeo

I’m not sure I’d call that lucky...Maybe the person you gave 4K away to is.

Melchior

I don't know. Bought it used, was inspected thoroughly by my mechs, but it failed after a year. I was almost stationary when it happened, otherwise it could have been far worse. I think the cost was very reasonable.

Melchior

What do you think an engine replacement goes for? At least 6k, I suppose.

hagakurejunkie

It depends what you get. The TT and the VW MK4 and several other audis share the same engine, you could get lucky.

Melchior

I own the 225 HP. Unique engine

Vegas-roadster

Sorry it happened to you but how can you be a long time member of Audiworld and not know about the timing belt issues on the Mk 1? I caution a noob here almost every month to get it replaced on their new, to them, Mk 1 TT. Inspections are worthless for a potential TB failure, as you found out.

J. Patterson

Sorry it happened to you. You are not the first. Sounds like it had bent valves and had to have the head rebuilt. Timing belts on these cars should be changed at about five years and 60000 miles. This along with the tensioner and water pump. I bought a 2001 roadster three years ago with 52,000 miles on it. I bought it in Texas and flew out to get it. I held my breath all the way home driving it back to Alabama. Changed the timing belt, tensioner and water pump the very next week. I also have a 2001 coupe. It’s timing belt was changed 40,000 miles ago but it’s been seven years. I need to get to that. Glad you got it repaired. Fewer and fewer nice ones out there.

Melchior

Yes, bent exhaust valves. Not bent badly, but enough!