Hi new to the board over from the BMW side. Bought my kid bro a 99 1.8T today 5 spd... immac.. 78K Miles. When is timing belt due

From what I have read this is an interference motor, so I want to get it done ASAP.

Any other issues to look for on this beauty

And last but not least, what is avg bill to have belt changed on this car by private import mechanic?

Thanks
Kurt
LI, NY

03 M3 Cab
99 A4-1.8T

 

Hi, in the interest of safety, the belt should be changed now. Check if the previous owner had it done.


Timing belt change should be 5-6 hours of labour. Cost for labour runs in the 4-500 dollar range or so. Make sure that you change the associated components, idler wheel, tensioner, water pump and thermostat. Might as well do front engine seals and all the accessory belts as you are already there.


Might want to do an aftermarket snub mount
Check ECS tuning for parts.

After this is done, and if your brother has saved up some $$$, look into a chip. For about 500 dollars, HP can be boosted from 179 to 205.

 

Hi prohairsvc, welcome to the forum. As David said, get that timing belt done now!

 

Hey welcome to the forum we just need you to sell that POS M3 u have there and get yourself into a nice S4 cab

 

Nice post!

Here I am asking for advice among Audi fans.. And I get this in the middle.

Grow up

Anytime you wanna take the M in a str8 line or the curves let me know

 

leave the straight lines to the americans

 

lets get her done where and when and i am just sayin this because why would anyone buy one of these POS's I hate every about BMW's there out dated styling ugly interior only thing they have going is they are powerful cars but if that is what you are paying $80,000 for you could pay a lot less and get a lot more power buck up pal u know i'm right

 

I just got my '99 A4 Avant 1.8T the other day, 84k miles. Unfortunately I don't know if the belt has been changed or not either. Is this something that my mechanic can figure out without taking everything apart? Thanks so much for your help!

 

Ya, like david said, timing belt should be done now along with a few other things that are in the area. Don't mind CL, he's a beamer hater but not all of us are. I personally like the BMWs and the M is a nice car. Also check the front control arms...there is a dealer recall out there if you have a certain model.

-T

 

Check the previous owner. check with Audi. If you are lucky and it was done, the mechanic may have put a sticker somewhere in the engine compartment with the mileage when done.