I'm going to check out a couple B5S4's in a couple hours. The dealer doesnt have service records, so I'm wondering if there is anyway for me to check to see if the timing belt has been done already. If replaced mine on my 2.8 so I know they are a bitch to get to.

Any suggestions on being able to see the belt? How much different is it to change the S4's compared to the 2.8?

 

If the seller will let you under the hood with a wrench, you can loosen the passenger side charge pipe and remove the two bolts that hold the timing belt cover over the cam sprocket. You can then pry the cover back enough to see the stamp on the belt. You may need to have someone else turn the key to spin the motor without starting it to get the numbers to line up in your view. I was told that my belt was original. I had light yellow numbers with an Audi symbol on the left and a Dayco stamp on the right (still not sure if that is OEM). The new belt was a Dayco belt with blue numbers and no Audi symbol.
Aside from the charge pipes, I don’t think the job is anymore difficult than a 2.8. Not that bad if you take your time.

 

thanks man, yeah I should be picking it up on friday. Just gonna go ahead and do the TB, Tstat, water pump and all that good stuff. I'd rather spend the $300 now then the $4000 to rebuild the motor later.

 

Really there are so many companies making belts, that it's almost impossible to tell by looking at it through a little window. Also the belt wears from the inside out, so the top will look fine, but the teeth under it can be broke, or cracked.

 

I'm not 100% sure but if it is a 2004 4.2 v8 or newer the belts were replaced with a timing chains.

 

Negotiate a $300 discount on top of your offer. They may counter and offer to service the tbelt and other items you listed in the their shop, and if it's a trust worthy shop, then you're golden. If they say no no no, you may be able to negotiate discounted service work.

Take 'em down!