Engine Damage: 2.5 TDI Failure Due to Timing Belt

Hello,
A few days ago, while on vacation, the timing belt broke on my A6 2.5 TDI (5-cylinder, 1996, 100,000 km) -> resulting in engine damage.
The inspections had all been completed, so Audi, at least, provided a rental car through their mobility guarantee for the remainder of the vacation.
Does anyone have experience with what Audi covers under goodwill warranty?
Are there any specific points (e.g., regarding the cause of the damage) that I should pay particular attention to?
I am very grateful for any tips and suggestions.

Greetings.
Rainer.

Hello Rainer,

If I remember correctly, the timing belt was only due for replacement at 120,000 km.

You can find information about the goodwill policy, for example, here:

Community (on the left side of the directory) >> Error Database >> Problem and Solution >> Audi A2 to A6 Good Will Policy, Engine Area.

Otherwise, a specialist retailer will certainly be able to help you. They will have the warranty policy in writing and will likely show it to you. That way, you'll have it in black and white.

Please be kind enough to post the outcome of the matter as well. I'm sure that would be interesting for everyone.

Regards,
Wool

After almost a week, I now know for sure that the valves, pistons, etc. are damaged. The workshop says that a replacement engine costs approximately 6,500 - 7,000 EUR (including the clutch, which should be replaced at the same time).
According to the workshop, there is a 0% goodwill allowance for this issue.
To be honest, I wouldn't buy a car in this price range for that reason. I find it outrageous that even though I have all the inspections done, the timing belt has a prescribed replacement interval of 120,000 km, it still breaks beforehand, and now Audi wants to completely disclaim any responsibility.
I would understand if they didn't accept 100% for a 6-year-old car, but not even a little bit...

Hello.

My condolences. It's depressing to have to deal with design flaws caused by the manufacturer.
Consider contacting Audi directly and writing them a factual and calm letter, explaining how disappointed you are that your otherwise good vehicle has such quality defects (*don't forget the "g" in the letter*). It's worth a try for just €0.56, and you're unlikely to receive a completely useless response.

AUDI AG
Customer support.
Germany.
P.O. Box 100457
85004 Ingolstadt.

Best regards, Rainer.

Otherwise, a specialized dealer can certainly help you. They have the warranty policy in writing and will definitely let you see it. That way, you have it in black and white.

Hi.

According to my mechanic, there may have been goodwill coverage for engine damage (V6 TDI) in the past. However, he can't be certain or check it definitively because Audi has switched to a computer system for managing goodwill information, and older goodwill regulations are being removed from that system (he doesn't know the reasons or motivations behind this change).

It's likely that Audi wants to avoid situations where old goodwill policies are invoked ('but they used to offer goodwill in the past, why not anymore?'), especially if a defect occurs.

I don't know if that's the case at every workshop.

Regards,
Felix.

First, thank you again for your tips and support .
It took a long time to get clarity, and now I want to inform you about the final result:
After much back and forth, Audi has agreed to cover 30% of the material costs, or alternatively, offer a 'purchase assistance' of €1,500 when purchasing a new Audi. This was certainly facilitated by our company's large customer contract with Audi and the efforts of two dealers.
Overall, an acceptable result, but considering the long duration between the damage and the decision (almost 8 weeks!), I expected more from Audi...
Well, yesterday I sold my A6 (without getting it repaired), and I'll probably buy an A3 TDI (96 kW). Am I being optimistic or foolish to buy another TDI?

Best regards,
Rainer.

Am I now being optimistic or foolish to buy another TDI car?


To be honest, I wouldn't buy another Audi!

I find Audi's behavior scandalous. You follow all the inspection schedules and adhere to all regulations. Then, a component fails, not just a wear item, but even one that should be replaced on a regular schedule, and Audi was even aware of the problems with this component BEFORE the scheduled replacement date.

and then such a ridiculous excuse?

This is a defect of the highest order...

CU Gremlin.

Gremlin wrote:
To be honest, I wouldn't buy another Audi!

Well, after 8 weeks, I was just fed up. I could have either tried to get more out of it (by initiating new correspondence, etc.), or I could have had the car repaired and then sold it. So, I chose the solution that would allow me to put the whole thing behind me as quickly as possible.
'But of course, I also posted this so that everyone can form their own opinion about whether this is what they expect from Audi. In my opinion, the higher price should also be justified by generous policies in case of problems.'

Best regards,
Rainer.

Oh yes... Audi apparently still has a lot to learn, especially the so-called authorized workshops! First, they build a new car dealership, then they create a class system (VW in one hall, Audi in another hall) – a two-class society??? And when it comes to service, the dealerships suddenly don't seem so fancy anymore! Then the question arises: where does the money for the new car dealership come from? Or, which customers used to be good customers and are now just tolerated? --> Your A4 Avant is a 2000 model year??? *sarcasm* The fact that the dealership made money selling the car in the first place is suddenly completely forgotten *grrrrrrrr*.

merlin

. . . have all maintenance performed according to schedule, spending a fortune on it over the years, and then hoping for "generous" goodwill coverage when defects occur after the warranty period.

...or save money from the start by performing all maintenance and inspections yourself whenever possible, and in doing so, you certainly won't receive any goodwill or special treatment.

I prefer the latter approach, and I personally inspect the timing belt of my TDI car about twice a year (instead of relying on what "qualified" mechanics tell me), and so far, I've been driving my cars and generally staying in the "profit zone."
The story of Erka completely confirms my understanding of the course material...

Ulf is probably not entirely wrong about the inspections, especially since, apart from oil changes and various 'visual checks,' not much else happens (and of course, the obligatory diagnostic computer).
Regarding the timing belt, I would be cautious. Mine, apart from the crack, also appeared normal, according to the opinion of a friend who is an expert. And, for example, the tensioner pulleys are not easy to inspect.
In the future, I would probably change it sooner, especially if, like with my A6, I probably wouldn't have driven the car long enough to reach a second change.
Best regards,
Rainer.

At my Audi, the authorized dealer replaced the timing belt, but they didn't replace the water pump as required (the timing belt runs on the water pump). The consequence was a timing belt rupture and engine damage. The workshop refused to acknowledge any responsibility and offered to install a replacement engine for 5800 euros. I politely declined and didn't want to deal with any further hassle.

'The damage was evident: the water pump bearing was worn out, causing the timing belt to run at an angle and rub against the timing belt cover. Eventually, it tore. Surprisingly, the water pump itself wasn't leaking. This suggests the problem likely occurred suddenly during a drive, rather than developing gradually. Fortunately, only the valves were bent and a few hydraulic lifters were broken. The pistons weren't severely damaged. Now, the car is running smoothly with the same, repaired engine, and the cost of approximately 1000 euros at an independent workshop. I avoided the hassle and frustration of dealing with the dealership.'