2013 S5 - Question about timing chain longevity

[Rusty Axle]

Curious about the longevity of the timing chain in my '13 S5 3.0T motor.

I bought the car new and have changed oil well before Audi recommended intervals.

My wife's Q5 2.0T timing chain was stretched (97K) and valves kissed the pistons. So it now has a new head, timing chain/tensioner/guides.

My 2013 S5 has 78K and aside from a high pressure fuel pump, has been trouble-free.

Searching the forum I don't see issues with the timing chain on these motors.

But given what just happened with the wife's Q, thought I'd see what others on the forum have experienced with the supercharged 3.0.

[2by2handsofblue]

Curious about the longevity of the timing chain in my '13 S5 3.0T motor.

I bought the car new and have changed oil well before Audi recommended intervals.

My wife's Q5 2.0T timing chain was stretched (97K) and valves kissed the pistons. So it now has a new head, timing chain/tensioner/guides.

My 2013 S5 has 78K and aside from a high pressure fuel pump, has been trouble-free.

Searching the forum I don't see issues with the timing chain on these motors.

But given what just happened with the wife's Q, thought I'd see what others on the forum have experienced with the supercharged 3.0.

From. What I've read in the past it can well over 100k.

we are the borg! resistance is futile.

[Hitekauto]

Mine blew on bank 2 (right side head) at 144k and I’m on 187k and I hear one of them on startup already , very annoying issue to deal with

- - - Updated - - -

Mine blew on bank 2 (right side head) at 144k and I’m on 187k and I hear one of them on startup already , very annoying issue to deal with

[Rusty Axle]

Thanks for the info. I'm at 78K and don't drive the S5 for days at a time, and even then under 100 miles. So I'll speculate that I won't have an issue for the next few years. Will definitely keep an ear out for any start up noise.

[LGHT]

What year was the wives Q5? I currently own a 12 Avant 88k miles and a 13 A5 cab with 36k miles. How do you test the timing chain stretch? Considering letting go of the Avant for a new wagon, but haven't decided yet.

[old guy]

If you own a 2.0TFSI you can check the intake cam phase adaptation. Once it gets to -5.0° you should take a look at the tensioner extension. This can be easily accomplished via the inspection port on the front of the engine.

There are 11 spring clip adjustment grooves in the tensioner. Once you get to the 9th groove you should consider replacing the chain and wear pads.

[Rusty Axle]

Wife's Q5 is a 2011. Trans flushed and new fluid at 70K. Replaced torn boots on front drive shafts at same time to keep contamination out. Updated chain tensioner was replaced around 60K under warranty. Had new pistons/rings installed under warranty (excess oil consumption) at 65K. Recent dealer visit included new chain, chain tensioner and associated parts. new head, new turbo (wastegate was leaking) and water pump (was starting to leak) installed on this last dealer visit. $9K for the head, turbo, water pump, chain related parts and labor. Sad part is had I realized the dealer was not going to add a fresh timing chain at 60K when the tensioner was replaced under warranty, I would have gladly paid the $100 or so to have a new chain installed in place of the old one. I'm expecting another 60K or so from it without issue given all the fresh motor parts.

[LGHT]

If you own a 2.0TFSI you can check the intake cam phase adaptation. Once it gets to -5.0° you should take a look at the tensioner extension. This can be easily accomplished via the inspection port on the front of the engine.

There are 11 spring clip adjustment grooves in the tensioner. Once you get to the 9th groove you should consider replacing the chain and wear pads.

Wow great info. Unfortunately I'm not a mechanic and honestly not very mechanically inclined.. Could the above be down with a scanner or would the steps have to be done by a mechanic taking the car apart?

[hahnmgh63]

Can't be done with a genaric OBD scanner, must be done with a more specialized like Vagcom.

[old guy]

I use VCDS. It can also be read with OBD Eleven.

You can pick up a three seat VCDS for $200. It pays for itself the first time you use it.

You can easily check the tensioner extension with simple hand tools. Just remove the belly pan, pop out the inspection plug and take a look.

[LGHT]

I use VCDS. It can also be read with OBD Eleven.

You can pick up a three seat VCDS for $200. It pays for itself the first time you use it.

You can easily check the tensioner extension with simple hand tools. Just remove the belly pan, pop out the inspection plug and take a look.

Thanks I need to get a VCDS as I also own a B4 Avant. Do you know if the same machine also works with Mercedes or is it limited to just audi? Would be nice to cover the Mercedes as well.

[old guy]

VCDS is specific to VW/Audi/Skoda. You can use it to read the generic ODB codes on your Mercedes but no in depth diagnostics.