2000 - 2003 A4 Timing Belt Settlement

[Spike]

I don't understand this settlement at all. It seems that Audi dealerships cannot possibly be objective during the timing belt inspections - it would decrease their liability for reimbursing costs of wrecked engines due to timing belt failures if they simply told everyone at the newly mandated inspections that they need new belts. That is what they did to me. I have a 2001 Audi with only 23,500 miles on it. I've been told I need a new timing belt due the age of the vehicle. Has anyone else received this advice on a car with similarly low mileage? Should I really pay up to have a new belt installed? Any chance that a different dealership will give me a different opinion? I obviously hate to shell out this money if it is unnecessary. Thanks.

[RobMorgan]

thats a tough 1 really
your belt can degrade/perish even when not in use although not as quick as it would do normally, so i guess they are just covering there back, whilst lining their pockets at the same time
do you plan on having any major work done in the near future that you could fit it in with?
i would look at changing it, as you have a very low milage engine, and if your belt snaps, that is a good engine goosed!
i have never used audi garages due to their hourly quote of £110/hour
where are you from?

[JRo3408]

i have a 2002 a4 with 45,000 miles on it. audi is replacing my engine absolutely free because my timing belt ripped up while i was driving.

[JRo3408]

p.s.
will my car drive differently with a new engine. my friend had her engine replaced and couldnt tell the slightest bit of difference.

[RobMorgan]

Originally Posted by JRo3408

i have a 2002 a4 with 45,000 miles on it. audi is replacing my engine absolutely free because my timing belt ripped up while i was driving.

was that on the original belt?
if the engine has been well looked after, it probably still runs like new anyway, so you might not be abe to tell

the engine in my 2.8 is 11 yrs old and standard, and its kicking out 200.5bhp, and its only meant to have 193bhp, so even if the RR it went on was out a bit, its still not lost any power