S4 Timing Chains

[jmn]

An S4 Cabrio is one of the cars that I am thinking of buying but I have noticed a lot of posts about potential timing chain problems.

Are all S4's regardless of age affected?

If not from which year or VIN was the problem rectified?

Is it just a problem of noise at start up or is the noise an indication that the chains and/or tensioners have failed and need replacing?

I have been told that Audi will charge about £3k for the work-is this right? Could a good independent do the job?

Are Audi still making a goodwill contribution for cars out of warranty but with a full Audi SH?

Any other things to watch out for on the S4?

[nail_it]

Year of s4 needed?
Timing chain does not need replacement on later models

[jmn]

Car I am looking at is late 2004.

[nail_it]

s4's always have a "rumble" at start up...no probs but no time at the mo to explain the tech reasons why this occurs.
It is perfectly OK
Very little else goes wrong with the s4 just the usual stops for fuel
Check the hood on the cab moves ok. Earlier models had probs with the hood cams not aligning on closing leaving the hood jammed half closed.
This can be over-ridden manually, if it occurs, but make sure it's had it's fix. Service docs might show this.

HTH's

[Fort Jefferson]

Read this thread on RS246.

You can PM me if you like, I've had the problem and had it sorted.

[mel]

When you're at the dealers get a spare coil pack (circa £25) and keep it in the glove box because sooner or later one will pack up and you'll have a lumpy V7 that sounds like an Impreza.