I bought my b5 1.8t used with 122k miles on it, with no maintenance records of any kind. My question is, What needs to be checked and/or replaced? I'm guessing the timing belt would be high on the list of priorities, is there a good way to check to see if needs replacing? Are there any other likely upcoming mechanical failures I need to worry about?




Thanks in advance.

 

yes yes!! first thing on the list... do it ASAP then the tune up, filters, oil, spark plugs etc...

good luck

 

Is there a way to check it? or does it need to be replaced regardless?

 

you can check it by pulling off the timing cover, but if you're gonna do that you might as well replace it anyway. There's links to DIY's in the stickies, or if you don't feel comfortable with that you can take it to a shop, but be prepared to drop $1k, between the t/b kit and labor, plus any other misc. stuff you need to take care of shortly thereafter.

 

Check out the DIY threads if you want to save $500-$600 on labor. BLAUparts has a very good kit for less than $300.

 

There is nothing more hardcore than buying into a recordless Audi.

Check the valve cover gasket and spark plug well gaskets for oil leak (have to take coil packs off).
Change plugs (NGK bkr6e gapped .028)
Air filter and Full synthetic oil only 5w40 or 5w30. Make sure to get the bigass oil filter. Check the oil cooler (oil filter screws onto it) for coolant leaks (redish crusty stuff)
Tranny fluid use redline MT90 or any synthetic 75w90 if manual. Pentosin ATF1 if auto.
You'll do a coolant flush with the timing belt stuff use Audi G12 pink coolant
Check the bottom of your engine mounts for leaks (redish color)
Replace your 02 sensor even if you don't have a CEL or fault unless it looks brand newish. They get real lazy before they die and should be replaced every 100k regardless of anything else.
Other stuff. If your control arms arent noisy now, they will be and yeah just read the noob guide.

 

aint that the truth.

btw theres no real way of looking at a belt and telling how many miles untill it snaps. if its dry and cracking that could be a good indication but even if its not that doesnt mean it wont break tomorow.

 

Just found out that the timing belt, chain, and water pump were replaced at 105k miles. I'm in the process of performing all the rest of the precautionary maintenance tasks, makes me rest just a little bit easier each night.

I heard that using racing fuel will mess up our O2 sensors too, even with a chipped program for it. Is this true? If so, how much more often should I be replacing them?

 

I heard that using racing fuel will mess up our O2 sensors, even with a chipped program for that type of fuel. Is this true? O2 sensors should be replaced every 100k miles or so normally, so how often should they be replaced if using race fuel for a few races every month or two?

 

what type or racing fuel? c16?

racing fuel normaly contains led to prevent knocking and what not, which is fine for OBD1 cars with no O2 sensors or cat. converters. however led will clog up these things pretty quick. as long as your racing gas is unleaded theres no problem as long as your software calls for that much octane.