pz

I've been told by a number of mechanics, including 2 audi dealers, to change my timing belt (2.8L v6, '96 A4, 100K miles) or the engine will blow and cost me $3,000+.

Trouble is, my manual from Audi does NOT suggest changing the timing belt, period. The Audi dealer and the Audi Cust. Svc. 800# couldn't point me to any Audi written notice that suggested changing the timing belt.

If Audi built an engine that self-destructs at 100K miles unless I do a $400+ maintenance job on it every 90K miles, shouldn't they mention that in their maintenance manual? Or a TSB or something? Why tell me to change the oil if my engine is going to blow up anyway at 90K miles?

A web search confirms that Audi has no recommended change interval for the belt. One site (www.skillcenter.com) specifically says the Audi engines are free-running (non-interference).

If the engine is free-running, I risk an awkward breakdown when the belt goes, but not a $3,000 engine repair. My Audi 80 is over 200,000 miles without a timing belt change.

Am I missing something here? I'm worried that the whole world knows something I don't. Please write -- is the 2.8L actually an interference engine and Audi isn't telling? Thanks!!

kcS4

If you go to Gate's website (they mnake the belts) they recommend replacement at 100 to 110,000 miles, used to be 60K, the belts have gotten better. My old 5 cylinder wnet 275,000 miles onthe original belt, but at some time it is a good idea. On my old Honda's I did it every 100K
If your owner's manual doens't ahve a recoommended change interval then I wouldn't worry about it, I believe my owners book for my V6 did recommend it (mine was a 98, my S4, 2000 doe s certainly have a change recommended)

EdP

It IS in there. You have to look at the maintenance schedule booklet.