EEWW!!! NO FRAM!! EVER!!! The oem updated filter is larger to reduce oil sludging through better circulation.. That and using fully synthetic oil is the "remedy" to reducing/eliminating sludge problems the 1.8t had. Available at the dealer or websites in bulk if you want. I think its $13 at the dealer..

 

There is no dip stick for the transmission, it's sealed.

 

How do you check the tranny fluid if its sealed. The reason I'm asking is because there is a very small tranny fliud leak coming from the bottowm (leaves a small spot on the driveway). This is unrelated to the tapping noise.

 

I'm having similar problems as you AK. Mine sounds like a diesel truck and idles really rough when you start the car until you rev it, and then is smooth. And then when I rev thru 1st, it makes the noise again like a loose heat shield. I brought it to the guys at RennArt a few days ago, and they said it was a bad Cam Chain Tensioner... just like everybody is saying about yours. Then I went to an Audi stealership to get a quote on parts and for everything and it came to about $500 in PARTS ALONE. Luckily I'm doing the job myself... does anyone have a write up on how to change the cam chain tensioner???

 

UPDATE. I just talked to the auto shop and its the Cam Tensioner. $500.00 for parts + $500.00 for labor! I don't have that kind of money and they said it wouldn't hurt to drive it that way for a while so I'll be putting this off for a few months at least. The noise isn't as loud as before the oil change and when I drove over to the garage it didn't make any noise at all.