Cam belt advice for Audi A3 S Line (63 plate)

[Mandy Cowlishaw]

Hi all,

This is my first visit to this forum however I was recommended this site by another Audi owner so thought I'd give it a go!
My Audi A3 is now 5 years old (where does the time go?!) and Audi have therefore e-mailed me advisig that my cam belt is due a replacement. Having checked the manual I believe that the cam belt should be replaced every 5 years or 110,000 miles, whichever comes first. I've only done 40425 miles in my car!

So my question is, do you think I should get the cam belt replaced now?
I don't even know if I have a cam belt or chain on my car?
Also, in your opinion, should I go to Audi have this work done, or try using another garage or recommended mechanic, which should be cheaper? Audi have quoted £500!
Many thanks in advance for any advice that anyone can possible give me.
Best regards

Mandy

 

[Retroman]

As far as I am aware, the diesels have belts. Audi told me that they introduced the "first to come of handbook mileage or 5-years" a few years back to cover people who did lower mileage but a lot of urban stop/start miles. I guess there must have been instances of such lower mileage cars having problems. Personally, I used Audi for my cam belt change for reassurance on the use of top-quality OE parts and they also provide a 2-year guarantee for the work.

 

[Rideen]

Would definitely do it if car is 5yo. I'm thinking of doing mine in 2020 when the car gets 3yo if I keep it until then.

On the other hand I am the crazy type that does oil changes every 6000 miles even though car is under factory warranty.

 

[RichardT]

Definitely get the cam belt done. If it goes it can be expensive!

 

[Flying Scotsman]

That is not a bad price and yes get it done....very expensive if it fails. Up to you whether you go to an Audi dealer or a mechanic. I would not base the work based on price only. Warranty, parts and competence also come into the equation.
You might also look at getting the water pump replaced at the same time.

 

[Jimbo10]

Will Audi not price match this job against a cheaper indy quote (assuming they use all genuine OEM parts)?

 

[Ormesome]

Where does it say 5yrs? Mine states mileage and not yrs. Also, from my own experiences, iv seen that in Europe people mostly go on mileage and that UK is the only country that specifies such an early can belt change.

 

[Pickle1970]

Your A3 is 5 years old, sod taking it to the dealership to be ripped off. Try and find a VAG specialist nearby, will cut the costs in half and you'll be helping a local business.

I've been taking my 4 year old A3 to mine for a year now and they're great, just done a major service and air con recharge on mine for £260

 

[msdmjb]

Where does it say 5yrs? Mine states mileage and not yrs. Also, from my own experiences, iv seen that in Europe people mostly go on mileage and that UK is the only country that specifies such an early can belt change.

2 weeks ago I asked my French dealer about the belt on my S3, he said every five years if you don't do the mileage and also best practice to do the water pump as well.

 

[Chimpofdoom]

Odd. I had the email from Audi UK advising me that the belt was due to be replaced (my car turns 5), however called the dealer and they said I've got a chain in my car (1.4 TFSI).

Need to see if the build sheet is in the car later....