I've got an 05 A-6, 3.2, quattro. We got rear ended, which caused us to hit the trailer hitch of the car in front of us. About $5000 worth of damage. No biggie, I guess. But when we take it to get fixed, they call us to say it's done, but they can't get it started. So, car is towed to dealer and after much investigating, find out the timing guide rail is cracked, causing bent rods. Not good, huh? I have no idea how this happens. No problems before! They say it couldn't have been caused from the accident.
Any thoughts on this? It's a huge repair with big $$$$ coming out of my pocket.

Car has approximately 45,000 miles on it. Recently had the idle pulley replaced and the camshaft solenoid, but other than that, no major repairs done.

 

If the car was running before the accident and not running after the accident....

probably happened when the trailer hitch went into the front of your car or possibly something they did at the body shop (possible but doubtful). either way it doesn't sound like something you should be on the hook for.

also, not that I'm an expert or anything, but I'm not sure what a "timing guide rail" is