S4 B6 Worries

[S4JB]

Hi all

I'm fairly new to ownership of this incredible car. I have been stupid as I rushed into this purchase without completing the full research.

I did not realise these cars were cam chain as apposed to cam belt, these chains are also prone to failure apparently at around 100,000, my car is full service history with a book thick with receipts but I am driving it around in fear of failure rather than just enjoying it. Is there anyone on here to calm my fears or are you going to make me feel worse? My immediate thought is to sell it on but I'm not sure that I really want to let it go as it is great fun and the V8 sounds amazing. The Acceleration is mad and it looks so unassuming so you can surprise a lot of people from the lights

Please feedback as I am interested in all experiences, good or bad.

[Audi Owners Club.]

Hi John....welcome to the Forum

If you have a comprehensive service history then chances are that any recall work has been carried out by the Dealers already.

Quite whether the cam chain or associated components were replaced, you will need to ask the Dealers this question.

However, if it has had quality oil used during its life and serviced at the recommended intervals or sooner then there may be less likelihood of premature failure of these components.

Worst-case scenario, have the chains replaced before it becomes an issue and at least it will lift the doubt from your mind and it is a good selling point when the time comes.

Good to have you onboard

Cheers .   Trevor

[S4JB]

Hi Trevor

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

I took your advice an contacted my Audi Independent specialist to be told that to replace the cam chain is 26 hours labour! They only charge £50 an hour so god knows what it would cost at dealer?!?!

I think I will be selling on, I cannot justify spending that.

[Magnet]

Hello John,

I agree with Trevor's sound advice regarding checking with the servicing dealers if the chain has been changed. We must take it that your decision to sell results from having checked, and it hasn't, and that you have checked through the thick book of receipts - with the same result. 

If this was mine and I hadn't checked then I would be postponing my decision until I had. 

Kind regards,

Gareth.

[S4JB]

Hi Gareth

There is no mention of the chain being changed in the service history unfortunately. I absolutely love the car and it will only cover about 4000 miles a year so I might just enjoy it for a while before rushing into selling. 

Thank you also for taking the time to reply

Regards

John

[niedzial1983]

Usualy is the top tensioner goes first. You will hear a chain rattle 2-3second long on start up 

[S4JB]

I do get a slight rattle sometimes upon start up, not every time at all, very intermittent. Usually about a second long.