S4 timing belt change-share my experience

[Scott Bermes <scottb2460@earthlink.net>]

Just wanted to share my experience with my first, and local dealers,
first experience with this timing belt change. Acutally had planned on
taking to a good local independent shop, Autobahn Performance, but
logistic (i.e., availability of a free dealer loan car for two days
combined with my work schedule) forced me to use the dealer one mile
from the house.. The service manager is really nice and gave me
discounts on the part I didn't buy from Carlson (v-belt) and labor
discount based on the description below. This service manager knows
about this list and the prices Carlson & Clair offer.

They quoted me a four hour job to change the timing and v-belt. Since I
had the water pump, this went into unchartered waters. None of the
mechanics had done the complete job on an S4 before.  The independent
shop had told me it was longer than 4 hours so I knew the dealer was
going to be eating some labor time, or I'll get that call at work. For
those of you not familiar, they need to take the front bumper and
radiator off to get to the area to change the water pump, that means
extra charges like  $30 for replacing coolant.. Changing the belts is
actually a four hour job, add the pump and your talking more time.  As
it turns out, they charged me for six hours, but was told it took the
mechanic eight hours.

Appreciate any others who had experience with a shop doing this job.

Scott