CAMBELT CHANGE and SERVICE INTERVALS on Audi S3

[frenchie 1977]

I have just bought a 2001 225bhp Audi S3 with 63k on the clock. It is on variable service intervals and has only done 6000 miles since the last service but that was 2 years ago. I am wondering whether or not to get it serviced as the service indicator is saying that i should. Also, when does the cambelt need changing. I have heard different people saying that on the 225bhp engine, it needs replacing at 80,000 miles but someone else has told me it needs to be changed at 60,000 miles. Any ideas?

Also does anyone know if the CD changer cable is preinstalled on A3's as i can't find the cable on mine?

[51mon]

Hi Frenchie,

I'm in a similar situation with my 51 plate S3!

Just coming up to 60K and is due for a service in the next month or so, and when I rang up to book it in I was advised that I should have the oil / filter service done, and have the water pump replaced.

I was told that the standard water pump has a plastic impeller that is prone to failing at around 60K, obviously while the cambelt is off, it would make sense to replace the belt and tensioners too.

Sounds pretty sensible to me but was just wandering if anyone has had any experience of these failing (or not failing) and whether it is worthwhile having done, after all it turns a ~200 quid service into a ~500 quid service!

If anyone can help me (us!!) out it would be much appreciated!

Cheers

Si.

[monkeyhanger]

frenchie 1977 said:

I have just bought a 2001 225bhp Audi S3 with 63k on the clock. It is on variable service intervals and has only done 6000 miles since the last service but that was 2 years ago. I am wondering whether or not to get it serviced as the service indicator is saying that i should. Also, when does the cambelt need changing. I have heard different people saying that on the 225bhp engine, it needs replacing at 80,000 miles but someone else has told me it needs to be changed at 60,000 miles. Any ideas?

Firstly, the service interval. The car will tell you when it needs a service, subject to a maximum interval of 2 years. Therefore, it needs a service regardless of the mileage.

Cambelt is officially 80K IIRC. I wouldn't let a 1.8T cambelt go past 60K myself.

[targarama]

Agree - 60k. Plus change the water pump at the same time. Lots of stories of lunched engines due to impeller breakdown and early cambelt failure (www.tt-forum.co.uk for some examples).

[angrys3owner]

I'd get it done at 60,000 there is a fellow over on Audi-Sport.net that was a few days/weeks away from getting his done around 80,000 and the belt went - engine knackered.

Get the belt / pump / tensioners all done there no point in not.

Edited by angrys3owner on Wednesday 26th July 08:48

[51mon]

Cheers guys, thats it, you've scared me into having it done!!

Just booked in for standard oil service (not LongLife - the place i'm going don't reccomend it) and for the water pump, cambelt and tensioners to be done.

They've quoted just over 500 quid + vat for the lot, does this sound reasonable (its a local independant VAG specialist)?

Cheers for the advice

Si.

[targarama]

Price sounds good.

For a private car with a few miles on it I'd go with the annual/10k service interval. Do you really want the same oil in for 20,000 miles? I know oils are very advanced, but even so I think me engine will be protected more with 10k intervals on suitable oil.

[angrys3owner]

51mon said:

Cheers guys, thats it, you've scared me into having it done!!

Just booked in for standard oil service (not LongLife - the place i'm going don't reccomend it) and for the water pump, cambelt and tensioners to be done.

They've quoted just over 500 quid + vat for the lot, does this sound reasonable (its a local independant VAG specialist)?

Cheers for the advice

Si.

Think Jabbasport is near you, you asked them for a price to compare, looks good to me.