S4 B8.5 timing chain issues

[Blown, BlownS4]

Hey, guys, I'm new to the forum and to Audis in general. Sorry in advance for the long read, just trying to provide context.
I purchased a 2014 S4 in July and have had issues from almost the beginning.
I live in Myrtle Beach, SC and found a decent deal in Fayetteville, NC. Bought the car, drove it home and got a "Coolant level low" warning, on cold start the next morning. The level was at max and my temp was 203° when warmed up (I immediately bought an OBD11 when I got the car) so I assumed it was a faulty level sensor. I drove it for a month or so and started to get some breakup at WOT. No codes, but I could feel it. Changed coil packs and plugs, and was back in business. Another month goes by and as I'm leaving work I get "Alternator not charging battery" warning. I immediately pull over, pop the hood, and see smoke coming from my harmonic balancer, and the accessory belt shredded. I ordered a new one from ECS and replaced the harmonic balancer and both belts. Car runs better than ever. (Gapped a 10spd 5.0 from a dig through 70 the night I made the repair.) The next day I drive the car to the store and back with no issues. I start it up maybe 30 minutes later and the timing chains rattle loudly, then make a rhythmic clink with engine speed. I knew it was the dreaded timing repair, but had Ken Baker's Originals verify the reality of my nightmare.
So far I've found 8 different "European repair specialists", and only 2 have even been willing to touch the motor. The 2 quotes were $3,500-$4,500 (Cynically wondering why the cost is so "low") and the other was a minimum of $6,500, but they expect it to be more, once they dig in and see what else shows excessive wear. Audi of Columbia quoted me over $6k just in parts. I can do the repair on my own, however, I understand it to be a 26 hr job, with access to help and a full shop. I do not have knowledgeable help, access to a shop, a lift, an engine jack or stand, or even all the tools for the disassembly/assembly, so it would likely be a 50+ hr job and $??? for me to do it on my own.
So my question is this: Do I buy a used motor with similar miles (95k) to swap in, pay one of the shops to make the repair, or order the Genuine Audi parts, Ultimate Timing Kit from ECS for $1200, do it myself and pray to the ghost of August Horch that I don't miss a tooth on the cam sprocket?
Also, if anyone has an EA837 motor for sale from a B8.5 S4 or S5 I'm interested in pricing. Thanks

[blackfunk]

If you do decide to replace the engine check out user Landfill on here. He's in your neck of the woods and runs a parts business so it might be financially feasible to source from him. Best of luck though.

[430hps4]

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...n-t-banned-yet


Stay away from that guy... unless you really wanna waste time and money....

[Blown, BlownS4]

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...n-t-banned-yet


Stay away from that guy... unless you really wanna waste time and money....

Thanks for the heads up. The last thing I need while my car is already dead is to deal with a scammer.

[onyxs4]

Pray to the ghost of August Horch. Lol. Praying for your sanity and wallet. In my opinion, at that point id slap a new motor in and call it a day. Hope everything works out!

[hahnmgh63]

Here is some action for a class action lawsuit on the 3.0t tensioners. Even if you get a new motor please give your information to them. Hopefully those of us without the issue yet will get an extended warranty and at least the ones who have had issues should get some kind of re-imbursement up to a reasonable mileage. Audi has a TSB for updated parts to fix a "timing chain noise", sounds like their way of admitting there is an issue.

[Blown, BlownS4]

Here is some action for a class action lawsuit on the 3.0t tensioners. Even if you get a new motor please give your information to them. Hopefully those of us without the issue yet will get an extended warranty and at least the ones who have had issues should get some kind of re-imbursement up to a reasonable mileage. Audi has a TSB for updated parts to fix a "timing chain noise", sounds like their way of admitting there is an issue.

I've been reading up on the TSBs, and have found some referring to chain rattle, like 2039995/1 that specifically states that all vehicles from 2011-2014 equipped with the V6 3.0 TSFI are subject to this issue. From what I've read, a lot of 2010-2012 models had this failure, and this problem still existed up to a certain production month in 2014, when Audi changed the actual tensioner altogether to eliminate this issue. I'm definitely going to reach out to Audi and see if there are any updates to this TSB in terms of repairs or reimbursement. I will make a new post when I get word from them outlining their feedback.

[jckm14]

Do you happen to know what production month in 2014?

[rsfpc05]

From what I understand is even if you fix the timing chain rattle, it eventually comes back

[Blown, BlownS4]

It's not just a rattle, it's a harsh ticking/light slapping sound from the driver's side can cover area. It isn't throwing any codes, and isn't adjusting timing by more than ½° between the 2 banks (only ran it at idle).This is a broken guide, stretched chain and/or collapsed tensioner, IMHO.

[Blown, BlownS4]

Do you happen to know what production month in 2014?

If Audi VINs decode the same as VW then it should be a February baby.(WAUBGAFL5EA011814). I'm curious, what is your line of thinking in regards to the month?

[Blown, BlownS4]

It's not just a rattle, it's a harsh ticking/light slapping sound from the driver's side can cover area. It isn't throwing any codes, and isn't adjusting timing by more than ½° between the 2 banks (only ran it at idle).This is a broken guide, stretched chain and/or collapsed tensioner, IMHO.

Cam cover*
Also worth noting that the noise is perpetual, not only at cold start then it goes away. I can post a clip of that will be helpful, but I'd be shocked if it's not a timing chain noise.

[jerseyboosted91]

I have a 13 MT and got mine done around the 53k mark back in 2016. 5 years later I’m at 103k miles and I’m pretty sure I hear mine rattling again, especially when I’m coming to a stop.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine