Timing Belt - impossible to replace?

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AvH

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Joined
Aug 5, 2019
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My 2016 e-tron is getting due for timing belt replacement. The ICE engine is EA211 series 1.4l TFSI engine CUKB, which is used in VW Golf and regular Audi's... BUT in the e-tron it seems completely impossible to access the timing belt, as the engine is moved as far as possible to the passenger side to fit the electric motor and gearbox - it is a super tight squeeze. Also, a lot of other stuff is sitting in front, like a heat exchanger and various pressurized lines.

The question is: is replacing the timing belt a possible DIY job? Would a "regular" mechanic be able (and willing) to pull it off? I asked various Audi Dealers to provide a (firm) quote - and none have responded. Online quotes show cost for regular A3's, not A3 e-trons...

Did anybody have this done by an Audi dealer or regular shop - and what did they charge for it? Did they have to lift out the whole engine+gearbox+electro motor (and remove all electronic boxes above it)?

I would like to continue to drive the car - but if the timing belt blows - the engine will be pretty much shot (it is an interference engine!) - effectively (economically) totaling the car I guess.

Thoughts and experiences are welcome - I am sure many A3 e-tron drivers are facing this issue now also.

Thanks!
 
Thanks, great video, but it doesn't address the timing belt. But the complexity of this car scares me, especially compared to the 1991 Toyota Landcruiser which I have been able to fix and maintain with relative ease. Very bad mpg though...

I'd really appreciate if anybody can share any Timing Belt experiences for the A3 e-tron. Thanks!
 
My local Audi specialists said that they could not do it because of the reasons you mentioned. I took the car to the local dealership and they said that they only ever replace the timing belt if it looks frayed! (－‸ლ)
 
AvH said:
Thanks, great video, but it doesn't address the timing belt. But the complexity of this car scares me, especially compared to the 1991 Toyota Landcruiser which I have been able to fix and maintain with relative ease. Very bad mpg though...

I'd really appreciate if anybody can share any Timing Belt experiences for the A3 e-tron. Thanks!
Click to expand...
If you're under warranty. I would suggest having an Audi certified EV dealership do it. The PHEV mechanics of the electric motor,and the ICE engine are "sensitive,"and a non Audi could be used against you if a warranty claim appears during your warranty. Do research on local european third party garages who may have certified EV techs.for maintenance/repairs that go out of warranty. I have one such place near me,and they have the software, along with the trained EV tech. Trustworthy ,when they said no to a general maintenance item due to not having the current software due to the newness of that current BEV.
 
I had the cam belt on my 2015 model changed in 2020 at an Audi franchise/dealer here in the UK, labour was £237, plus another approx £140 of parts, so £375 plus 20% tax, total £450.
 

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