I just did my 60K on my 03 1.8T w/ Tip. Did Oil/Filter change, air filter and cabin filter based on the 2003 owners manual. Theowners manual also states timing belt replacement is at 105K not 60K.

 

Id say lets get some of the experts in here but if you do a forum search you will see a ton of other Audi guys saying to do it @60K.

google it, almost everyone seems to have trouble with it failing prematurely.

The only reason the Service manual says 105K is because California Law requires all timing belts to last 100K miles, so they adjusted the manual accordingly, but never adjusted the hardware in the motor to meet that compliance(faulty tensioner is what I believe I have seen one of the experienced guys on here say).

There are literally dozens of class action lawsuits filed and WON against Audi for putting 105K when the vehicle was not capable.

I am into Miatas as well and they have the same problem. REFERENCE - The Miata timing belt must be changed every 60,000 miles. Although the California Owner's Manual says 105,000 miles, this is just to satisfy a state requirement that says timing belts should last 100,000 miles or more. Still, it should be done at 60,000 miles. The Miata engine is a non-interference engine, meaning that the pistons will not crash into the valves. However, if you neglect this major service, you risk being stranded due to a belt break.

The Big Diffrence is in a Miata you can break it and be OK, in an Audi you cannot.

also, Im really suprised no one else is speaking up.

 

Thanks. I'll be asking my dealer about havingthe timing beltchecked.

 

All newer cars have at least100k mile timing belt changes becauseCalifornia Law requires them to? When did that law go into effect?

 

A while ago, funny part is alot of cars, like the Miata will say 105K interval in the book for the timing belt if it was originaly bought in California, but 60K everywhere else in the world. There was no change to the motor, they just simply changed the service schedule on paper, its no wonder so many people are wrecking the heads.

 

the law dosnt say you will live forever or put a time limit on it?? that's how flexible the warranty is ( 1.8T driven hard ) dosnt equate to driving it as the dealer suggests so half the time on repairs if you drive it hard

 

yup, and with a stock HP of 150, whos not reving the crap out of a stock 1.8t....

 

Your 1.8t has the newer tensioner. You should be able to
change the belt at 90K mi.

 

Looking to do the 60 tuneup as well. Most of it I can do myself (oil doors, change oil, plugs, battery level, etc.) A few I'll take to Audi place (not dealer--quoted 1100 wherein 'my' place said $700.) My place said to check the timing at 65K--a safe interval, then every 5K. Along with oil sludge, I guess Audi's are infamous for timing warp chamber failure not long after 60K. I'll have mine replaced, good or bad, at 65K. Damn fancy Volkswagen.