Cam belt change interval

[A6S]

Hello B5NUT,

I'm in a similar position re age and warranty but I don't understand your reference to "... another 2 years ...".

How would you get this benefit?

My nearly 5 year old car has 37k on the clock and my dealer says that the cambelt change interval recommended by Audi is 70k or 5 years despite what the service manual says (130k no time limit).


The price quoted for the work is £599 so this inconsistency would in theory, in my case, add up to an additional £1797 of cost before the manual's recommended change date.


Taking into consideration earlier comments, one does wonder whether the dealers have introduced their own individual recommendations that play on their customers natural fear of a catastrophe.


I shall no doubt bite the bullet and play safe despite a feeling that I'm being "played" - but this does introduce a negativity that Audi should resolve one way or another.

Is £599 include all the pulleys, tensioners and water pump?
if it does it's not too bad for a dealer job.

[Watsonone]

Includes water pump but I did not ask about pulleys and tensioner- didn't know that these items were usually changed as well.

[B5NUT]

Hello B5NUT,

I'm in a similar position re age and warranty but I don't understand your reference to "... another 2 years ...".

How would you get this benefit?

If the work is done by an Audi dealer then all the parts have a 2 year warranty on them, so if a belt related fault happened then the engine would be covered. I would also have them change the tensioner & water pump & thermostat at the same time.

[grisslehomer]

Hi,

I had my done on 70000 miles and five years for £599. Don't forget if Audi do it you also get free MOT's for the car, keep it 12 years and it's paid for itself!!!!

[Watsonone]

I have now found in Audi.co.uk/owners-area a reference to the 5 year limit and confirmation of the £599 cost (inc water pump).


There is also reference to free MOT's for life but none to a 2 year cambelt "warranty".

Maybe one incentive has replaced another or maybe both apply.

I'd certainly prefer the 2 year warranty given the choice.

I'll ring the local dealer tomorrow for clarification.

[Watsonone]

Hello grisslehomer,

I was composing my posting when your posting arrived so missed your comment re free MOT's.

Were you told also of the 2 year cambelt/engine damage warranty when you had the works done?

[B5NUT]

All Audi parts have a 2 year warranty. Look at Audi warranty terms and conditions - Audi UK under "Replacement parts warranty"

[robes401]

I've just received the following response from Audi UK:

"Thank you for contacting Audi UK regarding your vehicle and when the cambelt change is due.

The cambelt change is due at the mileage of 140,000 miles or five years whichever comes first.

The five years is based on a UK recommendation."

[Watsonone]

Hello B5NUT,

Sorry if I seem to be relying on others to do my research but this is not intentional.

Am I correct in interpreting your posts on the subject of replacement parts warranties that in the event of failure not only the part but also collateral damage is covered?


I have read the link you provided and believe the terms to be silent on this point.


If they are, then the value of a warranty on any replacement part that has the potential to wreck an engine on failure becomes a moot point.

[Tripletrouble]

I've just received the following response from Audi UK:

"Thank you for contacting Audi UK regarding your vehicle and when the cambelt change is due.

The cambelt change is due at the mileage of 140,000 miles or five years whichever comes first.

The five years is based on a UK recommendation."

Thanks.
Your car is a 2.0Tdi 177 BHP C7 model?