Yeah, that kit really does sound like a good deal. It comes with everything but the thermostat. Even step-by-step directions. Of course, this job would be a huge undertaking (I watched a time-lapse on YouTube...yikes!)

I just got two quotes from dealerships here in the DFW area...one was at $2600 and the other $1850 for the same work.

Still really curious if any other forum members have actually performed this at home???

 

If you're mechanically inclined and you have the special tools for the 3.0L (cam lock tools and crank holder) its not that hard. It will take you anywhere from 10-15 hours to do if you have never done it before. The serpintine belt also needs a special tool to release the tension on the tensioner.

 

Audi tech79 is correct,you need all the tools,and it takes a long timebut if you take your time and invest in your tools it can be worth it.
I have done a lot of timing belts in my life ,and this one was a hard one to do.
its right up there with a Ford Probe V6.
You can by the belt kit for around $500.00 plus,and the tools for $200.00 .
So you can see that you can save some money.
My Audi dealer would have charged me around $1500.00 that includesthe waterpump.
I did not think that was to much,considering mechanics want to make a decent living too.
My timing belts tools are for sale if anyone is interested.
Good luck

 

I bought my 3.0 A4 with 85k on it, and wasn't sure if the t-belt had been replaced, so I ordered that kit from Blauparts (and rented their tools). I am fairly mechanicly inclined and didn't have any trouble completeing the job. It did take me 2 days, taking my time but made sure it was done right.

 

The Blauparts.com kit seems fairly comprehensive. For $400 + $50 for the t-stat and another $45 to rent their tools, it seems like a good deal. Thanks for the input everybody. Looks like I'm going to be blocking out two days on my calendar soon!

 

I recently bought the tb kit + thermostat + tool kit, but the directions they provide are not the best directions. I would recommend purchasing the Bentley Manual too if you don't already have it.

 

I took a chance and replaced my timing belt without using the Bently manual. All that I used for instructions is what blauparts supplied with the kit (which was just OK), but I used this how-to forum for most of the steps:http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng110.shtml

 

we charge 1100 for the service retail. right now it is on special at 850. who ever got charges 3000 for it got ripped. it takes me personally 6 hours to do the service. the 3.0 is a great motor. i have 154k on my own car (wifes fault). did one t belt service so far. im going to have to do the other soon. other than that the car is a champ. rides great and ive done minimal maintenance. as one person said before the cats go up which did happen to mine but i was able to remove the secondary o2 sensor from the mapping and pass it on rediness. so all is well now. the other things that are common fail on avk's are valve cover gaskets and coilpacks. other than that, they are solid.

 

Doing the timing belt doesn't look too difficult, I'll personally find out in a couple days. Try using this website... www.repairpal.com in case you would rather have someone else do the job, remember though, the prices given are for labor in particular...well i think.

 

In my area, if you just want to have timing belt, water pump, tensioner, rollers, thermostat and serpentine belt service for <$2000 is about right (labor rate here is $190/hr)