C
chris432626
Guest
Hi all. Bought an 02 S3 6 months ago 66k miles. Due a cam-belt change but was waiting for a company bonus in February before getting it done. Unfortunately the car had other ideas and broke down on the M25 the other night while I was doing around 70mph.
Symptom: Engine dies, management light comes on and no response from the engine when trying to start.
Phoned round a couple of independents and decided on 4 rings in Dartford. The guy there is ex Audi and seems to really know his stuff also comes across as a really nice guy so I'll forego the free cup of coffee and the 100% increase on the bill at the dealership. Initial investigation by 4 rings shows 16 valves bent and slight piston damage, the valve guides may also need some work but an x-ray of the top end will show full extent of the damage. The estimate is around £1700 (worst case) which includes all the cam-belt change etc.
The damage was done (as best they can tell) by a problem with a tensioner which stripped the belt. To be honest it's just one of those unfortunate things that happen but I'm also a bit hacked off that a company as large and reputable as VAG has produced a vehicle where a single component failure that can cause so much damage.
Now looking forward to getting the car back and letting it put a smile back on my face. My advice to anyone who has doubts or is dithering about changing a cam-belt or associated component.....get it done now!
I'll post a reply here once I get the car back next week.
Symptom: Engine dies, management light comes on and no response from the engine when trying to start.
Phoned round a couple of independents and decided on 4 rings in Dartford. The guy there is ex Audi and seems to really know his stuff also comes across as a really nice guy so I'll forego the free cup of coffee and the 100% increase on the bill at the dealership. Initial investigation by 4 rings shows 16 valves bent and slight piston damage, the valve guides may also need some work but an x-ray of the top end will show full extent of the damage. The estimate is around £1700 (worst case) which includes all the cam-belt change etc.
The damage was done (as best they can tell) by a problem with a tensioner which stripped the belt. To be honest it's just one of those unfortunate things that happen but I'm also a bit hacked off that a company as large and reputable as VAG has produced a vehicle where a single component failure that can cause so much damage.
Now looking forward to getting the car back and letting it put a smile back on my face. My advice to anyone who has doubts or is dithering about changing a cam-belt or associated component.....get it done now!
I'll post a reply here once I get the car back next week.