CamBelt Change

[Sanj]

Hi guys, wonder if I can get your thoughts on this.
Just purchased a 2003 S3 (will post up pics as soon as i get it washed!) done about 45k on the clock, and been told to get the cambelt changed, as its more costly if it snaps......

Just went to my local audi dealer and they quoted me, £550 fitted, for the kit (2belts tensioner pulley and something else) and with the water pump an extra £40.

This price seems extortionate to me, any thoughts on how much i should be looking at?

I got told by a mate to get it done by audi, do i really have to at this price?

 

[alijames]

Why take a 5year old (out of warranty!) car to a main dealer for basic work like this. There are plenty of VAG specialists who do this day in day out, for much less money.

I took mine to APS in Brackley for cambelt, tensioner etc + waterpump, thermostat, coolant change, haldex service, and a basic service all for £550 including VAT, done in ~5 hours, with a courtesy car.

Where are you located, as I'm fairly sure there will be a VAG specialist someone will recommend near you.

Cheers,

 

[Mr.G]

As above really. I've a 2001 S3 and don't take mine to the Stealers, Audi Specialists all the way. You'll probably find the specialists do a better job.

G

 

[benr]

You should be able to get the cambelt kit inc tentioners and waterpump done for approx £250 at an independent garage.

Doesnt even have to be a specialist either just general recommended garage will be ok

 

[voorhees]

think that six hundred is a snip





"mine was 1k"

 

[jojo]

You should be able to get the cambelt kit inc tentioners and waterpump done for approx £250 at an independent garage.

Doesnt even have to be a specialist either just general recommended garage will be ok

£250, I've never seen it done for this price before! Independants usually charge around £350 inc vat for the Job with the Waterpump. But of course the cheaper the better.

 

[benr]

I think mine was £250. I paid £455 cash for cambelt kit, service and front pads. does that sound about correct??

 

[fingermouse]

parts are about 120 then labour costs

 

[Wernlas]

I had mine done at a Main Dealer Friday, quoted me £471 but that included the Auxillary belt which I replaced meself along with the tensioner a couple of months ago after it came apart!

So that bought it down to £445 but I had the Waterpump done too which was £70

Also had the front ARB replaced which has made an unbelievable difference to the handling, my original must have been badly corroded and slipping or something because I get so much less understeer now.

Mines a 51 plate with 63K on the clock

 

[gmanwrx]

Got mine done today at my local garage £260 all in.

 

[Andy_S3]

Recently had mine done, cambelt, pulleys, tensioner and waterpump 250 all in from a VAG specialist

 

[Sanj]

ok kool so £600 is way too much.... im in the Barnet (North London) area, ill look for some speacialist around here. Any one recommend anyone from around here???

 

[Matt T]

Not amazingly close to you but im taking mine to VAGTech in Leyton Buzzard, quoted around £330 for cambelt inc. waterpump.

For what its worth, Audi recommend 80k for the cambelt, but most people on here say 60k. Although its over 5 years old now.

 

[Sanj]

Ok cheers for that... ill check em out.

 

[Clach]

Dean at 4 rings mate....top service, you will not regret it. 07906581394. He is mobile as well.

 

[Sanj]

Dean at 4 rings mate....top service, you will not regret it. 07906581394. He is mobile as well.

Funny that, i just got his number from a mate of mine who just had his audi serviced by him! two recommendations, will buzz him tom.

 

[Clach]

tell him Craig 'the scottish lad with the Automatic A3' sent ya...