I have just bought a (used) 2008 Audi A6 Avant with the 2.7 litre V6 diesel.  Very happy with it but would like to know if it has a timing belt that needs to be replaced periodically? 

Thanks

 

Michael G

 

I believe it has a timing chain but don't know how often it needs changing. Providing you service correctly at correct intervals with correct spec oil I believe chain won't give you any need to change for long time.

Thanks - what I hoped for.

Hello Michael,

I'm sure Rob's advice is sound, and I'm afraid my lack of experience of these engines is not going to be of any help. For peace of mind, what I would do if it were me, is to ring up - or better visit - your local Audi dealer parts department and ask them to check their system against your registration number and that will positively confirm whether you have belt/s or chains. 

Again, although I would not want to contradict the importance of regular oil changes being the main factor for the life of a chain, personally I would not want to put my complete faith in this in terms of the serviceability of a chain and it's associated tensioners etc. I think there is sufficient evidence on here to beware on certain engines even with cars which have full service history. It might be worth considering taking specialist advice about getting chains and tensioners policy changed - as with belts- depending on service and any potential for problems with certain engines.

Above all Michael, I think you are wise in at least thinking about these issues and taking advice.

Kind regards,

Gareth.

Thanks Gareth - will do.

As far as I can see chain is supposed to be for life but auxiliary belts need changed at about 80 thousand mile or 4 year ish.

I wouldn't want to appear to be labouring the point Rob, but I would not necessarily go with the idea that chains are for life -. Well of course, they are for the life of the chain! - which may not be the same as what the life of the engine would have been if the chain and tensioner wear had been attended to ! 

Have a look at other threads where such wear has resulted in catastrophic engine failure. 

4 year time interval for changing belts? Agree it would be good  - but erring on the side of caution, and perhaps more like..... or 5 years which ever comes first ...normally.

Kind regards,

Gareth.