hi ive bought a 1997 1.9tdi does anyone know what the service intervals are? and anything in particular i should keep an eye on with this engine? also when is the timing belt due to be changed? any advice would be apppreicated

Not sure on the 97's. By 2000 model year most diesel A6 and A4 were on long service intervals (e.g. 30 000 km for my 2000 1.9TDI 110 A6).

IIRC timing belt is at 80 or 90 000 km.

I presume it is too old to have a service indicator. If so just call your local Audi dealer - they will know in an instant.

HTH
Andrew
Now with a 2.7TDI C6 A6

timingbelt interval is 80000km

the engine is pretty much bulletproof, no major issues