fuel filter change--when?

[Phil Rose <pjrose@servtech.com>]

Audi does not appear to be very specific concerning the interval for
changing the fuel filter in my car. About a year ago (81K), an Audi dealer
informed the PO of my '91 200q that (a) it was _way overdue_ for timing
belt service, and (b) the car appeared still to have the _original_ fuel
filter.

Well, the PO had the dealer do the timing belt/water pump service, but
there is no record of a fuel filter replecement. I can't tell if it's ever
been touched. So--I wonder:

(1) Does the dealer really have a clue if the original filter is still
installed? And

(2) How often _should_ the fuel filter be replaced; what are the
symptoms/problems caused by an overdue fuel filter? Will it cause obviously
poor running when in need of replacement, or are there more insidious
effects?


Phil Rose		Rochester, NY
'89 100
'91 200q		pjrose@servtech.com