i was thinking of buying a 2002 a4 over a bmw 330 until i read this lil thing

"A periodic problem on this vehicle, 1.8L Turbo only, is failure of the Timing Chain Tensioner. Failure of the Timing Chain Tensioner may prevent the vehicle from starting. Occasional problems on this vehicle, 1.8L Turbo only, are failures of the Oil Pump Pickup Tube and the Ignition Coils. Failure of the Ignition Coils is identified in TSB # 010301. The cost to repair the Timing Chain Tensioner is estimated at $500 for parts and $195 for labor. Failure of the Timing Chain Tensioner may cause further engine damage that will increase the cost of repair. The cost to repair the Oil Pump Pickup Tube is estimated at $200 for parts and $385 for labor. The cost to repair the Ignition Coils is estimated at $23 for each coil and $65 for labor. All prices are estimates based on $65 per flat rate hour and do not include diagnostic time or any applicable sales tax. "

I was just curious if anybody here has ever had the problem.... or if even a problem to worry about thanks...

 

All of us must worry about the timing belt issue. It's just part of owning an interferance engine. They must be changed at approx 70k miles (the water pump, idle pullies, accessory belt and tensioners must be changed too). It's really not a big deal though, you just have to plan for it. I thought the ignition coils was a problem of the older 1.8 engines.

 

Thanks for the reply. Are there any other problems I should consider too?

 

the coils were a prob on 99s I beleive because of a temperature issue durin manufacturing

 

My 2001 A4 1.8T had the ignition coils replaced under warranty. I believe the problem exists with 2002's.

 

From what I heard - the problem was how they were being assembled - they were putting them together with a mallet and it was cracking some of the wiring. They changed the assembly line process.

But coil packs still fail, just not quite as often anymore. The bad coils were manufactured for the 2001, 2002, and some early 2003 cars.

 

So if i just replace the coils as soon as i get my car would i be good to go and not have to worry about replacing it later? I'm sorry i'm a car newbie. Thanks

 

we also had a few annoying recalls

 

I wouln't worry about changing the coil packs unless they actually fail. From what I remember they are a little pricey. I wouln't worry about it, it's not like it happens to eveyone.