can anyone tell me when my a3 16 sport needs timing belt done 40k service due but dont want to take it to audi you know why

.. In the 3.2Q there is a timing belt instead of chain, as well as Iron block instead of Aluminum. Lots of weight and lots of timing belt hassles due to the excessive labour required to change the belt.

And VR6s are known to need changes more the average car needs a belt.

the 3.2 VR6 uses a timing CHAIN... its metal, it has links... like a bicycle uses.

The 3.2 V6 also uses a chain... but its an aluminum block like the 3.0 V6 however the 3.0 V6 was a belt driven motor.

Timing belts are not that hard to change. I just did the one on my avant this past weekend at home.

and the parts people that sell those chains which are likely to be a lot more expensive than a timing belt.

with speciffic exception to teh RS6 which is every 35k.

... seeing the technical specs that the dealership got directly from Audi, then yes, I did my research.

Says right on it. Iron block and belt timing. can't get any more clear than that.

Haven't priced them out at a dealer but yes aftermarket they are definity more.

Just thinking about doing them though gives me chills. Last car I did timing chains on the trans slipped out of my hand and sliced my right ring finger almost too the bone.. Still don't have all feeling back in my finger.

He is a parts guy.. I think he's got a little more info.

VR6 has always been a timing chain motor.. I don't see where the heck they would fit a belt and be able to work on this engine. And I dno't see why they would change it just for the A3 since no previous 3.2 VR6s have belts.

Iron block is correct though. Not really a big deal though its got 6 big holes in it.. REally doesn't weigh all that much.

otoooooo much information chris... oversharing.

raeding that made me recoil in ghast.

do I need to post the part number for the timing chain? I looked it up before making that reply, so please dont act like my post wasnt qualified.

this is what a VR6 looks like. please note the timing chain on the rear of the motor. That would be the driver's side of your A3.

I like the VR6 about as much as I dislike the chain drive V8's.

<img src="http://media.corrado-club.ca/media/VR6.jpg">

<img src="http://www.autozine.org/technical_school/engine/vr6_insight.jpg">

<img src="http://www.turbomagazine.com/features/0103tur_golf04_zoom.jpg">

<img src="http://www.cdpautomachine.com/images/engines/web/vr6.jpg">

<img src="http://hitechgti.50megs.com/audi/HPA/Removal/day2_007.jpg">

<img src="http://www.neatrv.com/wb04/04sengine.jpg"><ul><li><a href="http://www.autozine.org/technical_school/engine/tech_engine_packaging.htm">http://www.autozine.org/technical_school/engine/tech_engine_packaging.htm</a</li></ul>

All W engines are as well. In fact, the only new engine from VAG that retains the timing belt on the front of the engine is the 2.0TFSI.

Whats even better was when it happened the customer was here.. he left I waited for my GF to show up to take me to one of those little emgergency room places and I kept calling my DR telling her I could feel it a little better trying to convince her to just let me go to the office for stitches instead of the ER. The little medimerge place worked out though much much cheaper then an ER and I was in and out in under an hour. Price even included a free check up after like 2 days and tehy would have removed them if I didn't get annoyed with them and took them outmyself.

I do have access to all the repair information you know. Read my signature and you'll see why.

I got a copy of the A3 product info from my dealership.

The product info says "DOHC, belt driven, hydraulic lifters"

Yet he also gave me a blow-away diagram that illustrates the cams being chain driven.

I guess they copied over the specs from the 2.0T which is belt driven.

Sorry for doubting you, but I was right; so were you :):)