so I'm looking at buying an 06 a8 and was wondering when Audi switched over to the chain?

 

If you have the FSI engine you have a timing belt chain. I know for a fact 04-05's have a timing belt. Just pop the hood and check if you have the FSI. I know for sure thoug htath 07+ is a chain.

 

Should still be the belt in an '06.
How many miles on the car?

 

Generally on a well maintained car, especially since you have a 2006. I personally would change the timing belt at 100k. I changed my belt at 80k with a complete parts setup. Only reason I did this is because now I don't have any major services at all besides changing spark plugs, cleaning air filter (K&N), replacing cabin air filter; and thats it. Hopefully.

 

about 120000 km

ok so then it should have been done at 100000km?
I will need to ask if the cars I'm looking at have had the service done yet.

 

I'm not saying that's waht you should do, but that is definitely what I would do. Most likely your thermostat will fail before 100k forcing you to just do that service as well. If the car is under warranty you can have most of the expensive problems done for free. (Control arm bushings go bad around 50k for some reason, around $700. Tranny flush needed because of a hooting noise or small shudder $2k at the dealer, etc. Looking through my maintenence history I've had quite a lot of things fixed/ changed out on the car. Given the opportunity to rebuy or pass on it no matter how much I love it, I can't fully afford it and definitely would pass given another chance. Just because of all the minor crap that has broken on mine. Cupholders, window switch, DVD reader, Nav flip screen, etc.

 

Couldn't help but notice, but I think Brozee, being a Michigander(?), is talkin 100,000 miles (100K). Although the belts really didn't change from D2 to D3, Audi changed their T-belt maintenance schedule from 105K miles on D2 to 80K miles on D3....mainly to cover themselves, because of some early failures, but mostly on Audi models other than A8's. I changed mine at 100K miles (when putting in the car's 3rd thermostat) and the old belt was still in near perfect shape.

I believe there was a disappointing equipment change with the control arms (as I've read many times) from D2 to D3...D3's are famous for them failing by 50K miles. It's rare that they would go bad in a D2 that early. My '01 is at 102K miles, with all original arms in great shape...smooth tight ball joints and bushings all still intact. Climate, salt and other factors might change the life expectancy a bit...but it's definitely a sore spot in D3's...a shame.

 

haha michigander yes.
I just had my bushings, not control arms replaced. Real PIA, but now it drives a bit smoother. Didn't affect the alignment or tires at all though.

 

Don't happen to be a Uper, do ya? ...Love it up there....or are ya a mainlander?

 

Main-lander, although I do venture up there for vacations time to time. Where are you located?