Leaderboard

Drive off the Eurotunnel and take the A16 east (last stop Vladivostok). Be aware of the variable speed limits along the A16, which also change in the rain. The limit is 130klm which is 80mph. French drivers have a tendency to (hopefully) indicate left then immediately pull out into your braking distance, so just be alert to this. It will take about 1.5 hours from Calais to Ghent mostly just on this motorway - mostly 2 lanes but less traffic than the UK. Park in Ghent as per the photo - it’s outside the emissions zone in an underground car park with music and green lights to indicate empty spaces. The centre of Ghent is about a 20 minute walk - turn left as you come out of the car park stairs. Not many cars in Ghent, a few electric ones but mostly bikes so be aware crossing the road and trams. Easily do-able for a day trip. The castle is well worth a visit and the 40 min river cruise.

Thanks Alan, Just watch them on consumables such as brake pads and discs, borderline MOT issues - all at silly prices to get done with them. Regards, Gareth.

Hello Alan, As Cliff says. The best advice ( with reasoning) will be found in a number of threads over the last year or so. I would be very surprised if the Service Manager, or anyone else at Audi would agree with the comments you will find on here in relation to cambelt changes, but might be worth looking at a recent post where a cambelt has snapped on a low mileage vehicle, and examine the consequences of that happening. Why a main dealer service plan on an out of warranty car Alan? If this were mine, I wouldn’t be entrusting this job to a main dealer, if you wisely decide to get it replaced. Always renew the auxiliary belt at the same time. Regards, Gareth.

My audi a3 8y is five years old and I enquired to two Audi dealerships regarding a cam belt change and the answer I received from both was that after extensive research Audi are saying it’s 100000 miles with no time limit!!? I feel that this is rather contentious

Hi everybody. New here but not my first Audi. You can have a guess at my age since my first was a 4 year old 1978 100 L5S and now I've just taken on a 2004 A4 Cabriolet 3 litre Quattro Sport. It needs a bit of cosmetic TLC - but so do I these days. It has done 110K, a full service history, cambelt at 66K, drives really well. The engine and transmission (5 speed auto) are good, very smooth as is the hood, bodywork and underside. The picky detail is in the interior. 110K has got the driver's seat bolster and the interior plastic door sill trim, along with a couple of the elastic tensioning straps for the hood liner. There also appears to be a problem with the glovebox hinge. Any hints and tips most gratefully received, pointers in the right direction most welcome. I've been mending and cherishing older cars for well over 50 years but you'll never be accused trying to teach this 'Granny to suck eggs'. No one knows it all - ever. 😃 Will

I would not trust dealers to say anything that did not line their pockets.

Diagnostics? No. It seems that by your last statement, you have (understandable?) concerns regarding the potential for belt failure. When this assembly starts making noises, it’s too late! I think all the pros and cons of following VAG’s latest recommendations have been clearly laid out, and are adequately presented to allow you to make a decision in regard to what you (in caps) want to do. Perhaps you would be kind enough to let us know what you decide to do John. Regards, Gareth.

It really does not matter how or why it happens, the fact remains it is a defect and should be fixed at no charge to you in a new car. In the UK the responsibilty for fixing that defect lies with the vendor, on your side of the Atlantic it may be different.

Did the seller say ‘it comes with a cat’?

Thomas. If you read the whole thread you will see that Paul Cairney had very similar warning messages to you and that he found a solution.

The reason cambelts are not routinely inspected is the need for significant dismantling of the engine for access to see it, which causes high labour charges. By the time such dismantling is done one might as well change the belt, because the cost of the belt is minor in comparison to the labour. Incidentally the water pump is recommended to be done at the same time as the belt for the same reason.

If there's no proof of it being done then I'd recommend having it done due to the age of the car.

So, if it’s a faulty temperature sensor, are they going to renew it for you under warranty then?

Update, I’ve started to take apart boot area and have found lying water within spare wheel/battery bay, within the spot welded structural body of this area, noted a previous comment on this thread about a voltage unit (not sure of the name) but needed drying ?? And source hole to plug. keeping people and thread updated on what I find so it helps future symptoms and diagnostics

Seeing as oil expands when hot , id expect to see it at temperature tbh. I see alot of this fault on the mercedes forums . It's not just Audi ..

Gareth, sorry, this is related to my post I started, didn't realize I was in a different thread here.

Magnet, now I understand why the forum has the rules about post and run. 🙂

Hello Anthony, You don’t have to concern yourself to any degree regarding the ins and outs, and reasons why with this under-warranty vehicle has an issue. Appreciating this has already been said, but your sole responsibility is to make contact with a dealership, book it in, explain the symptoms, and request ‘ Fix it please’ - ASAP. Regards, Gareth.

So your prepared to just live it from a 2025 motor ?? Instead of using the Audi warranty and book it in. ?

Hi Folks, Bought a 2012 A5 2.0tdi 177, 54k miles in white. Wanted one of these for ages, lovely car to drive etc. I've had the timing belt done and all serviced etc. Driving home from work this morning and could her a strange whining noise quite similar to a clutch slipping but the clutch is fine. There's a slight loss of power, so on my way to work tonight the car lost all power and eventually died with the glow plug symbol flashing. The car would do it's best to start but instantly died . There's no engine management light on. It's not getting scanned until tomorrow. I know there's some very knowledgeable people on this owners club who could possibly shed some light. My !Removed! stress levels are through the roof. Had a heart attack in May at 44 this year so stress is the last thing I need. Thanks in advance

Hello Ryan, My suggestion:- Do not touch the car, but get it transported back to the garage(?) that renewed the cambelt. Any attempt to DIY diagnose the cause may invalidate the guarantee you have with the belt fitment. Did you supply the parts by any chance, or were they supplied by the garage? Was the water pump and auxiliary belt changed at the same time? Regards, Gareth.

The service plan came with the car when purchased

It is indeed, as you will find if you look through recent discussions on the forum. I, and several others here, suggest you ignore the official Audi line and change the cambelt sooner. What mileage has the car done?

Hello again John, Before moving on, what is your skill set in terms of motor mechanics? Do you have a substantial good quality socket set and long extension bars etc., an impact wrench, torque wrench , substantial Jack - etc.etc. since the engine will need to be jacked to remove its mounting? I would class this as an A level experienced mechanic job, so if you are not well versed and/or don’t have all the necessary tools, then I would suggest you just don’t attempt it. If you do, you may well end up with an unusable car. You should find You Tube videos on this and/or similar VAG engines. Regards, Gareth.

Hi, anyone else had timing belt issues ? I feel like this is a known fault across the VW group having done some research online. i noted a thread from last year from a Paul. A year on reading his threads I’m having the exact same response. Audi Uk advise this should be ok to 140,000 not that I’d wait half that time, but 39k doesn’t seem right. Audi are being very dismissive of it all as there’s no warranty. My cars been serviced by Audi and had no other warning signs or issues with my Q2 (ex demo) 2019. an independent Audi specialist with 30 years experience advised the valves bent. Audi Uk advised to take it to Liverpool Audi who have informed me they would not be able to establish bent valves without first attempting a cambelt change at cost of £1k? is this the correct procedure? Audi Liverpool also advised once they try change cambelt of it’s something bigger they’ll then be able to approach Audi Uk. Who are already washing their hands! Am I just better off going elsewhere to repair and taking the hit? I’m absolutely disgusted by Audi’s customer service and will not be buying another again.

You'll be lucky to get a straight answer. I meant more about their goodwill contribution towards repair. Timing belts will continue to snap unfortunately, but recommending 140k miles is disingenuous, considering all factors, temperature, driving style, start-stop, etc.

Welcome to the real world.

Thank you Gareth, I really do value the forum expertise. I’ve enquired a few places and we are talking 5-10k. Even if I repaired my car I’ve lost total confidence and then there is the fact it’s 6 years so what cost next? I brought it just before lockdown so like many I wasn’t going far! it was the service manager and another main manager I spoke to and who advised I HAD to get the cambelt changed to proceed forward- even though I argued how this would resolve the valves. Anyhow the calls are recorded so hopefully this is a call they can retrieve- all that aside it’s in writing to Audi UK too. it’s disappointing to read the threads of a lack of trust and faith in Audi UK.

I’d like to know what the intervals are because it’s not in the book and I’m trying to get a clear understanding from Audi. I’ve found varying info and recommendations online. If it’s recommended 5 years well the average person would be doing some mileage a year to get towards 140,000 and if it’s one or the other, then it needs to be clearly stated and consistently across dealerships. Thanks for commenting

Thanks Steve cars are getting more and more complex and therefore expensive upfront but for repairs. Gone are the days when things were built to last. currently my complaint has reached the Exec office so will see. The owner’s manual mentioned nothing about cambelts and or intervals.

Hello Ingrid, I too am very sorry to hear of your issue, but surprised? No. It’s of no consolation, but you will find numerous threads on here on the subject of VAG’s modified dictate on cambelt change intervals - which is now limitless on a time basis. You will find that all my responses point to - do not follow their advice - in clear terms together with my reasoning. Low annual mileage vehicles ( such as yours) take a hammering in terms of stop/start ( an engineeringly adverse system), short runs and gear changes and obviously the cambelt becomes more highly stressed than a vehicle running at 70mph on the motorway. What to do from here? Some valves will (in caps) be bent, due to valves hitting the pistons, so just fitting a cambelt is pointless. Worse possible case is conrods may also be slightly bent. Stevey Y is your man here, and as pessimistic as it is, getting anything out of VAG will be a more trouble than the worth of it route. Even if they do offer any degree of compensation - and it’s a big if - you will find that the whole job via an Audi dealer will cost you far more when they discount VAG’s compensation, than it would do at an independent. You need to find yourself someone who you can trust, and above all talk to, not receptionists at an Audi dealership. All the forum can offer you Ingrid, is all the support and advice you will need - we are on tap for you. Please keep in touch. Regards, Gareth.

I think that'd be your best bet. Putting a cambelt on it won't help in my opinion and could do further damage. They removed the 5 year rule a few years ago which I think is ridiculous. Also £1k for a cambelt is very expensive too.

Thanks Steve, I think that’s my thought right now. Granted I’m no mechanic but I’ve done some research online on bent valves and it doesn’t look like fitting a new belt will resolve this! So why are Audi the ‘experts’ suggesting this? I’ve queried this with Audi Uk and they won’t even comment yet they’re the customer services and go between customers and dealers. I’ve spoken to a engineering specialist who builds the robots that JLR use to build engines. He advised that this seems to be a common fault across VW group associated with the start stop function. These cars should have chains not belts. I’ve gone on the Vw Tiguan forum and there lots of similar complaints. I feel the forums need to come together to hold VW accountable. My car never had a 5 year timeframe and my owners manual gives zero guidance- all that aside I had one email from Kyle in Audi Uk advising it’s 120,000k.

Sorry to hear of your situation, it's appalling that Audi remove the time marker off the cambelt changes which used to be 5 years. The way I'd look at this, you pay £1k to Audi for them to fit a cambelt and then tell you it's worse than just a cambelt. Or you spend that money on having the engine stripped to confirm it's the valves. Audis response is disgraceful but not surprising

Thanks John, No pressure, but if it were mine, I would be having the cambelt assembly changed without delay, since the car is now approaching 10 years old. The six month warranty is fine, but this car will end up as ‘beyond economical repair’ if the belt goes.

I echo that. Recently the change intervals were vastly extended without any changes, as far as I know, to the belts themselves. I would certainly factor in a change into your calculations. I don't know but I'm sure it should have been changed in 2021 under the old regime as I thought the intervals were extended in 2023. If it was changed then it's not yet due.

They are likely to inform you that the belt doesn’t need changing until it’s covered in excess of 125K miles, without any specified time limit. The car you intend buying is now approaching 9 years old and has covered just over 3k miles a year on average. When you say it has service history, has it been serviced annually? If it hasn’t, it hasn’t been serviced properly. Whereas low mileage appeals, it has to be considered that vehicles are likely to have been used on short journeys, with stops starts ( where the belt will be stressed) and increased wear on clutches etc., and can potentially be as worn as a vehicle which has covered treble that mileage operating under optimum running conditions on the motorway. It’s obviously your choice John, but by previous recommendations on time limits, the car should already be due for its second belt change as it approaches 10 year old. I my book, there isn’t any debate, and I would be changing it now, to minimise the risk of it being rendered beyond economical repair should the belt decide to part company. As Richard says, renew the auxiliary belt at the same time. In case it helps, I use Gates belts and tensioner kits. Regards, Gareth.

Which is why so much emphasis was put on service history in your other topic.

Hello Terry, Before buying any secondhand car, I would:- Check the on-line MOT history. Check the on-line DVLA Vehicle Check. In addition to giving you the registration dates etc. it will also tell you when the last V5 was issued. This may ( just may) be relevant if it’s had a recent change of ownership - possibly suggesting short term ownership. If you are happy with what you have then found, contact an Audi dealer and ask them if they could provide you with a print out of the on-line service history. It’s surprising how often seller-claimed FSH disappears into the ether when proof is asked for! If everything adds up at this point, get the car independently inspected before committing to buy, unless you are totally competent at doing this yourself. Perhaps you could come back to us with your findings ( pre inspection) Terry. Kind regards, Gareth.

NB 2019 Q3 Petrol. I decided to email them to get it in writing, they confirmed: Good morning, Thank you for your enquiry - I can confirm that the timing belt is due 140k the five year interval has been removed. Regards, Suzanne Redding Service Advisor Plymouth Audi Eagle Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 5JY T: 01752 202515 W: www.marshall.co.uk

Hello Terry, It seems you are commenting on a response posted about a year ago, and I really don’t think it answers the question of when the goal posts were moved. As I understand it - whenever the dictate changed- it was changed retrospectively, so the date doesn’t really matter. What you do need is a copy of the service history print out for your car - should be available from a dealer, as opposed to the current ( non Audi ?) seller. This will confirm whether the belt assembly was changed in 2021 or not. If it was, fine. If it wasn’t, then you have to read the responses on here and decide whether you are going to abide with the new recommendations ( and the potential pitfalls that go along with that), or stick with the better-safeguard old recommendations. Perhaps you could let us know what decision you come to Terry. Kind regards, Gareth.

You make your own decision Brian. It’s your car and your chances. Just give the posts a good read, and make your decision either to follow VAG’s current recommendation - which it seems you favour, or Vag’s earlier recommendations. You are a free spirit and can decide what suits you.

Indeed, as we would say around here Brian - except VAG stand to make very little money from selling you a cambelt kit, but belt snaps, bang goes your engine - beyond economical repair - and VAG entices you to buy another one at great expenditure to yourself, but don’t worry, think about the profit you will then be giving to VAG. To me, it’s still every 5 years, but we are all different. Expensive item to replace is a 2014 A6 with previously much wear left in it.

Just checked mine via all the paperwork I have and mine was changed pulleys, pump etc on 28/08/20 with 87500 miles. It’s now 4 years later and the mileage is sitting at around 120k that’s 32500 miles since the last belt change was carried out. Reading the above and all my paperwork that says the next belt change is at 140k. Am I ok for the next 20k and for me that’s another 2 years of use. Dont fancy another bill today just had my car back after changing the Cooler, EGR and pipework with its service at a cost of £1500.00. Thanks.

Update from me, my local (independent) service guys first alerted me to the possibility of a 5 year requirement but do not have the bit of kit required to change the timing belt. I called Audi in Plymouth to try and confirm and having taken my reg number they advised the interval was 140k miles and NOT five years. Frankly, I am still concerned.... Does anyone know of a good independent near me that I can try? TIA.

I’m having the same issues with my A6 C7 Allroad. Multiple faults and warning lights. I recharged the battery, which seemed to cure the issue for a while, but when it came back I decided to replace the battery as it was 6 years old. However, a 2 months on and the problem has returned. New battery, all coded to the car and installed, and one cold morning the issues have returned. Interesting to hear that it could be related to moisture in the car as I recently noticed that the panoramic roof had been leaking (in the common way that they do!) but I’d solved this. I wonder if the battery issue is due to residual moisture still in the car? I did notice moisture under the spare wheel.

This is illogical to me, and I believe it is engineeringly unsafe, and wouldn’t be for me. While noting David’s - Itspointless- comments, I’m afraid I would have to counter the view that …’so age isn’t an issue’. It can, and is indeed an issue. The ongoing serviceability of a completely unstressed belt stored in a box for say 5 years, cannot be compared with a fitted belt which has been subjected to hundreds of highly stressed stop/ starts every week, sometimes in sub zero temperatures. If (in caps) Audi U.K. and I then guess Audi Global ( rather than a dealer) are saying there is now only a mileage limit, then how many of us doing short but regular low mileage trips around town etc. would be prepared to chance our engines ,when running on a 20 + year vehicle? Darren’s dealer’s phone call is interesting, and I’m not sure whether it was an out-of-the-blue call, or it was as a result of Darren having made a prior enquiry -? Audi economics?? Profit is made by the Audi dealer when fitting new belts and VAG make a profit on resale of the belt kits manufactured for them. However, if a belt fails, the potential for revenue is considerably higher where the vehicle is declared beyond economical repair and has to be replaced, or a very expensive engine replacement arranged - potential for far more profit! Now the Audi Economics makes logical sense - to Audi!! Sorry folks but it still doesn’t to my pocket. Additional point to consider - renewing the auxiliary belt -? I can see this timing belt scenario becoming an ‘inherited issue’ for buyers in the future, as the baby is passed on as the purchaser’s responsibility. Kind regards, Gareth.

Oh wow, not heard of that. Don't know if I'd trust it especially when the old schedule was at 5 years. However I must admit my daily ford Kuga is 10 years 🤔

Hi I hate to say this but these are ALL classic symptoms of a failing battery, I don't know how old your old battery is but if it was not readapted to the car when fitted it will fail in record time, do you have access to any diagnostics as I am sure these lights are communication fault caused by inconsistent battery voltage, in the old days a car could run on a knackered battery mostly on whatever the alternator puts out but later vehicles won't as the alternator currents always fluctuating. I would start in the boot and check all the wiring and plugs that were anywhere near that water the easiest way to check would be connect the car to a slave battery and run the car on and off a few times to see if any of the lights disappear but TBH plugging in is really the only definitive answer. Steve.