High Milage S3?

[kadrek]

I'm looking at a 2015 S3 with 130K miles, what things should I make sure have been done to it? What should I ask a shop to look for during a pre-purchase inspection? Are these fairly reliable even at higher mileages?

The car does have the APR stage 1 93 high torque and transmission tunes.

[TreizeRXH]

I'm looking at a 2015 S3 with 130K miles, what things should I make sure have been done to it? What should I ask a shop to look for during a pre-purchase inspection? Are these fairly reliable even at higher mileages?

The car does have the APR stage 1 93 high torque and transmission tunes.

At the very least the maintenance intervals should have been halved (I.e. oil changes every 5000 miles or 6 months, spark plugs every 20k instead of 40k, etc).

Also I’d check on timing chain stretch and consider the possibility trust you might need bearings and or cv joints real soon


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[TreizeRXH]

At the very least the maintenance intervals should have been halved (I.e. oil changes every 5000 miles or 6 months, spark plugs every 20k instead of 40k, etc).

Also I’d check on timing chain stretch and consider the possibility trust you might need bearings and or cv joints real soon


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Oh and multiple DSG and Haldex services should be on record at that mileage also


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[kadrek]

Thanks! This is the listing: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...-0e0a21c8cb50/

It appears/sounds like it has been taken care of, 5500 mile oil changes, quality tires. Not sure about the service history though.

The timing chain is something a shop would have to take apart the engine to check?

Do you mean transmission/haldex fluid flushes?

[TreizeRXH]

Thanks! This is the listing: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...-0e0a21c8cb50/

It appears/sounds like it has been taken care of, 5500 mile oil changes, quality tires. Not sure about the service history though.

The timing chain is something a shop would have to take apart the engine to check?

Do you mean transmission/haldex fluid flushes?

Starting from the bottom up:

Yes, haldex and fluid flushes (filters should also have been replaced with each service).

Seems like he’s got some performance rotors on so I’d just ask what he used (would possibly consider changing them out myself depending on his answer but not a deal breaker by any means). Just wondering if it’s a good brand, that’s all…

2015 cars did not come with Apple car play so that leads me to the conclusion that he’s got some aftermarket kit in their. Ask him how it was set up (I’d be wary if he says they spliced wires to connect it directly to the car). Again, not a deal breaker, but if they did splice wires, I’d search for a new kit and factory wiring harness and install it. But that’s just me being neurotic (I’m personally averse to anything that isn’t a plug and play kit).

Lastly, take it to Audi for a full inspection. A hundred dollars now could save you thousands (possibly tens of thousands) later


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[kadrek]

Starting from the bottom up:

Yes, haldex and fluid flushes (filters should also have been replaced with each service).

Seems like he’s got some performance rotors on so I’d just ask what he used (would possibly consider changing them out myself depending on his answer but not a deal breaker by any means). Just wondering if it’s a good brand, that’s all…

2015 cars did not come with Apple car play so that leads me to the conclusion that he’s got some aftermarket kit in their. Ask him how it was set up (I’d be wary if he says they spliced wires to connect it directly to the car). Again, not a deal breaker, but if they did splice wires, I’d search for a new kit and factory wiring harness and install it. But that’s just me being neurotic (I’m personally averse to anything that isn’t a plug and play kit).

Lastly, take it to Audi for a full inspection. A hundred dollars now could save you thousands (possibly tens of thousands) later


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Ty for all the info! I will check on those things.

Does the tune concern you? I'm not sure how reliable these engines are at higher mileages, how long do they typically last?

Would you expect a dealer to check the timing chain during a pre-purchase inspection or would they charge extra for that?

[TreizeRXH]

Ty for all the info! I will check on those things.

Does the tune concern you? I'm not sure how reliable these engines are at higher mileages, how long do they typically last?

Would you expect a dealer to check the timing chain during a pre-purchase inspection or would they charge extra for that?

Yeah no worries.

As far as the tune , nah not for a stage 1. I know guys pushing 170k on stock motors and transmissions with stage 1’s.

As far as the timing stretch, that’s a bit tough to call. Honestly, it’s probably fine. Would a dealer check this? I dunno. There is definitely a window that they can access to view where it’s at, but I do believe it’s probably beyond a regular inspection and would cost money.


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[TreizeRXH]

Yeah no worries.

As far as the tune , nah not for a stage 1. I know guys pushing 170k on stock motors and transmissions with stage 1’s.

As far as the timing stretch, that’s a bit tough to call. Honestly, it’s probably fine. Would a dealer check this? I dunno. There is definitely a window that they can access to view where it’s at, but I do believe it’s probably beyond a regular inspection and would cost money.


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To add to my last point; if you’re not hearing excessive rattling from the engine on start up, it’s probably ok (but budget for a timing chain job at some point over the next couple years just to be safe).


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[MikTip]

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...1#post14946564

[MikTip]

but budget for a timing chain job at some point over the next couple years just to be safe).


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This in my opinion is really poor advice.

The timing chains can easily be inspected to see if they are stretched.

Go ask an Audi dealer how much to do a timing chain. Then ask yourself if you really want to simply change the timing chain for "safe" reasons?

Or change it after its found to fail inspection?


I can diy change my timing chains. It pretty simple with the specialized tools! and the manual.

My 2015 Audi S3 had 180,000 miles and its timing chains were not stretched.

[TreizeRXH]

This in my opinion is really poor advice.

The timing chains can easily be inspected to see if they are stretched.

Go ask an Audi dealer how much to do a timing chain. Then ask yourself if you really want to simply change the timing chain for "safe" reasons?

Or change it after its found to fail inspection?


I can diy change my timing chains. It pretty simple with the specialized tools! and the manual.

My 2015 Audi S3 had 180,000 miles and its timing chains were not stretched.

Budgeting for potential future work so that the OP has a reserve in place for an emergency (regardless of whether or not it happens), is prepared financially, and can get work done if needed, is bad advice?

Ok…


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[kadrek]

Ty guys!

[MikTip]

Budgeting for potential future work so that the OP has a reserve in place for an emergency (regardless of whether or not it happens), is prepared financially, and can get work done if needed, is bad advice?

Ok…


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No one "budgets" for future work on their cars...cause no one knows what future work will need to be done in the future! Unless they can see the future!

10 times out of ten in so called emergencies, people will sell the several years old car vise spend a fortune on repairs!

I'm saying the advise of "budget for a timing chain job at some point over the next couple years just to be safe" is pointless when all a person has to do is pop the tiny cover off and see where the tensioner is!



This way a person "knows" in minutes if the chain is or is not stretched!

Buying a used Audi...pull the cover! Inspect the tensioner! Now you will know!

Who's to say its gonna stretch??? Stretch in a couple years?

My 2015 S3 with 180,000 miles had not stretched to required the timing chain to be changed!

Have you ever seen the timing chain?



This is a 2015 Audi S3 timing chain. Chromoly Steel! Its not a timing belt! Tell me how this stretchs in two years? At a certain mileage?

Now the person above is all worried about the timing chain might be stretched...

Solution: Pull cover inspect tensioner.

Thats my point!

[MikTip]

In this post:

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...1#post14946564

The car was taken to a shop and the shop told the driver the tensioner is on 8....

Yet the shop didn't tell the driver the chain was stretched beyond what the manual calls for....why not?

Too many people are miss-informed about allot of maintenance items on these cars and advise poorly to unknowing people.

Would you drive a car with a stretched timing chain 2 more years?

Why would you buy a used high-mileage car and not inspect the tensioner?

If it was your car wouldn't you want the shop to accurately inform you of issues? Especially since you pay them allot of money and trust them?

This is why I DIY my own Audi maintenance!

If I fuck it up...its on me!

[obGLI]

Budgeting for potential future work so that the OP has a reserve in place for an emergency (regardless of whether or not it happens), is prepared financially, and can get work done if needed, is bad advice?

Ok…


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Read who posted that and then tell me if you’re still surprised lol


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[Surf2602]

My timing chain tensioner broke and just got quoted $5200 to replace the timing chain from my local Audi dealer


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[ReggieNoble]

My timing chain tensioner broke and just got quoted $5200 to replace the timing chain from my local Audi dealer


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How many miles?

[ilikecookies]

Yeah no worries.

As far as the tune , nah not for a stage 1. I know guys pushing 170k on stock motors and transmissions with stage 1’s.

As far as the timing stretch, that’s a bit tough to call. Honestly, it’s probably fine. Would a dealer check this? I dunno. There is definitely a window that they can access to view where it’s at, but I do believe it’s probably beyond a regular inspection and would cost money.


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What tunes are these guys running?

[MikTip]

My neighbor brings me his 2013 Audi A4. 106,000 miles

Says turbo makes no boost. He took it to the Audi dealership. They told him its a bad turbo...$4000.

I plug in VCDS to his A4...P0299. Bad Diverter. I replace the diverter. Turbo makes boost! He's happy!

Really pissed off at the Audi dealership!

[ralphie_43]

My neighbor brings me his 2013 Audi A4. 106,000 miles

Says turbo makes no boost. He took it to the Audi dealership. They told him its a bad turbo...$4000.

I plug in VCDS to his A4...P0299. Bad Diverter. I replace the diverter. Turbo makes boost! He's happy!

Really pissed off at the Audi dealership!

Wish you were my neighbor!


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[Surf2602]

How many miles?

116,000 miles.


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[Surf2602]

116,000 miles.


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I’m thinking I should get the carbon cleaning done if I keep the car. I’m not sure I am since these cars aren’t worth much now with mileage especially if I take it to 150,000 miles. Or just drive it til it dies. It still looks new


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[facasi]

No one "budgets" for future work on their cars...cause no one knows what future work will need to be done in the future! Unless they can see the future!

10 times out of ten in so called emergencies, people will sell the several years old car vise spend a fortune on repairs!

I'm saying the advise of "budget for a timing chain job at some point over the next couple years just to be safe" is pointless when all a person has to do is pop the tiny cover off and see where the tensioner is!



This way a person "knows" in minutes if the chain is or is not stretched!

Buying a used Audi...pull the cover! Inspect the tensioner! Now you will know!

Who's to say its gonna stretch??? Stretch in a couple years?

My 2015 S3 with 180,000 miles had not stretched to required the timing chain to be changed!

Have you ever seen the timing chain?



This is a 2015 Audi S3 timing chain. Chromoly Steel! Its not a timing belt! Tell me how this stretchs in two years? At a certain mileage?

Now the person above is all worried about the timing chain might be stretched...

Solution: Pull cover inspect tensioner.

Thats my point!

Hello,
To remove the timing chain cover the engine oil need to be drained or not ?

[MikTip]

Hello,
To remove the timing chain cover the engine oil need to be drained or not ?

Where's the oil when the engine is not running?

[DumpsterRatz]

Where's the oil when the engine is not running?

seeps down and collects in the oil pan.

I have a 2016 s3 and it has 200,001 miles. I've had it running stg2 since 130k miles.

I was unaware and have never heard of this engine having issues with the timing chain or the tensioner, but maybe they do, Ive just never seen that become a common issue at higher mileage.


things i had go on me were

Water pump began leaking, dying around 150k miles
low pressure fuel pump 165 k miles
1 fuel injector 150k miles

thats it, and i really abuse my s3.. they are very sturdy little cars.

[MikTip]

seeps down and collects in the oil pan.

I have a 2016 s3 and it has 200,001 miles. I've had it running stg2 since 130k miles.

I was unaware and have never heard of this engine having issues with the timing chain or the tensioner, but maybe they do, Ive just never seen that become a common issue at higher mileage.


things i had go on me were

Water pump began leaking, dying around 150k miles
low pressure fuel pump 165 k miles
1 fuel injector 150k miles

thats it, and i really abuse my s3.. they are very sturdy little cars.

Mine has 210,000. Replaced the low pressure fuel pump not long ago. The fan motor under the dash died. I removed it...the brushs of the motor were gone. Completly worn away.

My 2 rear wheel bearings were making noise...replaced those.

My DSG is showing signs of age...

Over all its held up well.

[trebec]

Mine has 210,000. Replaced the low pressure fuel pump not long ago. The fan motor under the dash died. I removed it...the brushs of the motor were gone. Completly worn away.

My 2 rear wheel bearings were making noise...replaced those.

My DSG is showing signs of age...

Over all its held up well.

You gonna rebuild the DSG/clutches and see how much longer you can push it? I just hit 105k miles with the only real problem being the water pump so far.

[MikTip]

I have a set of new clutchs



and a new mechatronics valve body that I am gonna swap out the solenoids.

[MikTip]

Look who makes the DQ250 Valve body....

[trebec]

Look who makes the DQ250 Valve body....

Nice, thought about a wavetrac while you're in there? I would like to wavetrac mine one day, maybe I'll go big turbo too, guess we will see how the car holds up in the next couple years.

[MikTip]

Nice, thought about a wavetrac while you're in there? I would like to wavetrac mine one day, maybe I'll go big turbo too, guess we will see how the car holds up in the next couple years.

I have not considered such, the car drives fine as is for me. Maybe if I ran it on track...