URQ build date

[quk@sievers.com (Phil Payne)]

In message <01BBD666.EA84CA80@dprv00-sh1-port19.snet.net> "Peter F. Smith" writes:

> Ok... enough of that. How about a real question or two??
> 
> I was recently in touch with my local local Audi service people  
> concerning the timing belt on my 1990 90... I had been reading all of
> the insightful material on the list in reference to what happens... 
> $$$$.... when one of these gives way while one is driving. They informed
> me that that they check the belt for wear during my normal service 
> visits and as long as I have been servicing the car on a regular basis, 
> I had nothing to worry about. For the record, I bring the car to the 
> dealer every 15k miles... I do the 7500 mile service my self, w/ the 
> help of a mechanic who lives down the bottom of the hill. Are they 
> giving good advice??

The optimum timing belt change point varies with the vehicle's age, how it's 
used, the environment, etc.  It's impossible to see the state of the internal 
cording (the structural bit) by examining the outer cover.  The odometer is the 
only reliable guage.
 
My personal maximum is 45k miles.  If you choose to rely on dealer inspections, 
I suggest that you request such an inspection "in line with the latest 
Technical Service Bulletins" explicitly in writing when handing the car over 
for its service, and that you ask for a written confirmation that they have 
inspected it.  You might find this tiny shift in responsibility will focus 
their attention.

--
 Phil Payne
 phil@sievers.com
 Committee Member, UK Audi [ur-]quattro Owners Club