gas man

While driving to work yesterday, my Audi suddenly died. I was barely able to limp out of traffic (engine lost almost all its power). At the dealers, they found that there was no compression in three of my cylinders, and that a camshaft had broken. Just like that...it broke. No evidence of premature wear or abuse. No explanation, just a broken camshaft. Estimated cost to fix was about $4,000 (plus towing and rental charges).

The car has always been maintained properly. All services performed at dealerships and well documented. No modifications, never raced.

Oh...did I mention only 35,000 miles on the engine, and just 8 months out of warranty. I'm surprised and disappointed that the engine would have died after so little use, but it was a 1998, the first year the 30-valve engine was introduced.

I called AOA...I'm waiting to hear back from them. Interested to know what they intend to do.

Anybody had similar experience or any suggestions about what to expect?

I'm obviously disappointed...additionally because I was planning a purchase of a A6 2.7T (PST) soon, but I may have to reconsider pending the outcome of this incident.

Any comments would be appreciated.

AK_ALS

I would find a different shop that one is crooked

Seattle Scott

That's for a '97 2.8 12 valve. You have a 30 valve engine. With 2 camshafts versus my one I think. ($$$$????)

Oh, just noticed you have an A4 too, the labor will be probably be more. I'm sure "they" are looking at re-timing the engine, that means working on the front of the engine. On my car (A6) there is about 8 inches of room to work with.

On your car it's going to be slower or they will have to remove some things (slower again), like your radiator possibly. (Just guessing but I'm pretty sure).

Post this on the Misc Forum. There are people over there that have replaced their 12V camshafts with performance 12V camshafts. They can give you a good idea about the hours involved.

You can search the Internet for prices on camshafts.

I wouldn't be suprised if AOA does stand behind the car and at least help you out with the cost. You obviously "drew the short straw".

I'd have my service history documents lined up and looking good. You may want to summarize them in a spreadsheet. It might be smart to get some evidence that you didn't run the car out of oil or some other thing. I assume it is partially torn apart at an Audi dealer somewhere now.

Don't be afraid to try, try again. I lost an injection pump in a diesel once just out of warranty. On the forth phone call I reached a person that was smart enough to realize the pump failing just wasn't right, instead of just asking if it was in warranty or not.

Sorry to hear about it.

Stu B

and kick in a percentage of the repair. Good luck and keep us posted.

brian 4.2

I've been in this situation twice (non Audi). Important to keep calm till they outright say no help. both times I was asked to pay for parts while manufacturers paid labor. Both times I was highly modified, so paying a portion seemed fair. Worked out to around 30% out of pocket for me. Who knows this is still low milage, you may do much better. They have no desire to have you pissed off.ie never buy an Audi.badmouth every chance you get.
Good luck and dont let the local dealer get you unhinged, get the AoA rep involved.

MellonC

With only 600 miles on the odo. my left camshaft broke. My entire left cylinder bank basically died. the dealer replaced the entire head.

I thought I was the only one but this raises some serious questions about keeping my car after the lease is up.

Mine is a 2001 2.8.

Wish you luck in your pursuit with AOA.

April

Make appnt to have factory rep inspect. I would expect them to cover something this basic. After all, the Passat has a similar engine ( Audi has two stage timing via a solenoid on the cam sproket chain - no, cam lobes do not move ) with a 100K/10 year warranty.

gas man

Thanks for all you help and comments. The car is at the dealership right now and needs a new cylinder head plus a bunch of other parts and labor.

Still waiting to hear from AOA...will call them this AM. I'll post their reply.

Thanks again

Bollinger

$4K is still too much for all that stuff. IMHO.