A3Nogaro

I've got a '99 A3 with 55K miles on the clock. The next service is due in 1000miles and I am expecting to get the cambelt changed as its recommended at 60K. Has anyone had it done recently? I was just wondering what the UK Audi Dealer price is and am thinking its probably worth getting it done after the service at a local garage I use that will probably be a lot cheaper. Anybody got any experience or idea of the costs involved?

chris seymour

mine cost £120 inc. parts at a local non-Audi garage.

wouldn't like to think of the cost from an Audi dealer...!

btw make you sure you also replace the tensioner pulley as well.

bk1

120 is a good price. Very good.
I used a local Audi specialist and it cost me 300 or so I think.
Most of the cost is labour because getting at the belt means removing front bumper and a whole load of other kit.
Most people get the water pump replaced at the same time as the belt and tensioner. Tensioner is about 45 pounds alone. Reason for getting pump done at same time is because if you don't, and the pump later goes, you have to pay all the labour again to get at it.

I had mine done at about 64,000 miles; 55 seems a little early, and Audi will say it won't need doing until 120,000. I think it's meant to be 80,000 on the S3 and 120k on the A3.
Most people play safe and do it around 60k though.

MacSub

It's about £450 from Audi dealer - £70 per hour - bargain!

A3Nogaro

Thanks for everyone's input. Can't believe the prices they charge - if its £450 for the cambelt change, and £220+ for the Service not to mention the water pump & belt tensioner, then its gonna be damn expensive. Think I'll be shopping round!

Diablo25

it may be expensive, but its small change compared to what you will fork out if the belt goes. my tensioner failed and as a result the belt slipped and trashed most of the valves. (gets expensive when you have 20v!!) my bill came to £1860 :-( i have a A3 1.8T Quattro. it had only done 51k. 8 months out of warranty.......life's a b%$*&....moral of the story... don't tempt fate... that's my pennies worth

zong_yaniv

I have been putting this off for quite some
time now (since i drive it less and less now)
and i am at 130000km (80miles) with no harm done yet....

Does anyone know if a belt failure causes
permanent engine damage ? some japanese engines seem to survive this with out any damadge

p. I was quoted the equivalent of $1000 before tax ... but this should include the water pump

A3Nogaro

I've got my A3 1.8i Sport (55k miles)booked in for a service at the audi dealer next week. When I rang to book it I asked about the cambelt and was told its not until 80K miles that its needed on a petrol engine. I'm sure the handbook says 60K miles though. Will speak to the mechanic next week when I get the service done, and post what they say.

Dave Class

If your belt does go, valves meet pistons. At least bent valves, possibly damaged pistons too! Probably a good move to change it now.

Dave