Just got car back from APS after cambelt/thermostat fix

[Doug_S2]

that may undercut but we replace the aux belt and tensioner and the seals and a full health check is included

[Bigstu]

I'll vouch for APS as well as they've done all the work bar 1 service since I got the car 20k miles ago. Great bunch of people, helpful, friendly and happy to offer advice which doesn't always break the wallet...

[neckarsulm]

that may undercut but we replace the aux belt and tensioner and the seals and a full health check is included

I think the aux belt is included, as for the tensioner is this the aux belt tensioner? Not sure which seals you mean.
To quote Ed, everything that could need replacing is replaced.

Doug, what does a health check actually consist off? I've heard it mentioned a lot but don't know what's checked.

Both APS and MRC had approx 2 week waiting lists so both obviously have a band of loyal punters and justifiably so

[Doug_S2]

not included on this car sitting here!

I am not trying to compare us with other companies but you are out of order comparing non like-for-like services that include different parts. I respect what ed and the guys do - I use them and they use us - but you have had good service from them, but then have a go at us - you not mentioned any other garages prices or services - is that becasue we don't offer discounts for trade?

[rs2315]

After this forum helped me diagnose a faulty thermostat I immediately started looking around for someone to do an early cambelt change and incorporate this work.

Having met Ed at APS before and getting a prompt email reply from him and a good quote I decided to book it in there. They aren't solely 2.7T specialists but they do know their stuff and Nathan who worked on my car was with AmD for many years.

I added a few other little jobs and checks (check for oil leaks, adjust Milltek, pressure test) to the list by emailing Ed to which he responded promptly.

I dropped the car off at Brackley (which is much harder to get back to Bham from than Banbury!) and had a good chat. Ed offered to take me to the station which from Brackley is actually Bicester North a 30 min+ round trip.

On collecting the car today the bill was actually less than was quoted which was a pleasant surprise.

I know there are other more obvious specialists and I have no doubt they offer excellent service too but I have not heard much about APS on this forum and I can't fault them - I work in the motor trade and it's the first time in 5.5 years that I have had work done outside of my usual circle of local mechanics.

BTW Ed spent the last year commuting from the South Coast to Brackley in his B5 RS4 which is now owned by Ash318 and misses it dearly.

Thanks guys

Like the prompt email reply.
First point of contact for customer.
So many of these so called specialists fall at the first hurdle, by not making contact with the customer quickly enough.
That workshop looks spot on.
For any so called specialists out there that are not quite getting it together.
Read this post, and take note.
rs2315.

[Virdee Autos]

that may undercut but we replace the aux belt and tensioner and the seals and a full health check is included

Do the aux belt tensioners fail commonly

I have a strange clicking sound from the front of the engine bay, but only in the morning, and more in the cold mornings that we're having know. BUT goes away after 2-3mins of warming up

Could it be this? I had a quick look, and it seems to be coming from the PAS pump, but can't think why it would be that.

Any pointers?

[Doug_S2]

yes - they seize and you get a slipping belt. Or the bearings go noisey. The last thing you want is for the belt to come loose as i have seen one takeout the visous fan and wrap it self round the PS pump - and damage the seals in that.

A mechanical clicking can be tensioner in a head no2 sticking. Or is it a aolenoid clicking (1.8ts are bad for this - but is normal)

[Virdee Autos]

Done the timing belt around 5k miles ago, with a new belt, new tensioner, new roller, new roller on the damper tensioner, new aux belt aswell.

It's definitely not any ACF solenoid, or injectors, etc. Like i said; apparent for first few mins at the max. Then goes away and totally quiet. I don't think the RS has any solenoid which clicks on start-up(?)

TBH I wish I had done the aux belt tensioner then, as I have to take off the bumper again, and move the front panel forward!

[neckarsulm]

I am not trying to compare us with other companies but you are out of order comparing non like-for-like services that include different parts. I respect what ed and the guys do - I use them and they use us - but you have had good service from them, but then have a go at us - you not mentioned any other garages prices or services - is that becasue we don't offer discounts for trade?

Doug, I hardly call quoting your price having a go, I have throughout this thread avoided saying anything negative about any other specialist and even said that there were more obvious specialists who no doubt offer excellent service too...

Maybe APS have now decided to replace this part when doing this work?

Yes APS were cheaper but then so are Audi Centres, what tipped the balance was that they replied promptly to my messages, I PM'd you for a quote and heard nothing.

I didn't mention any other garages because I wouldn't take my car to any others - I do know that Stoke Audi were quoting something like £435 for an RS4 cambelt change via an Ebay ad but felt this was academic considering that it wouldn't include pump and 'stat.

Both you and Ed stated all required parts (i.e. I couldn't specify any more) would be replaced so I assumed this was like for like, it still could be!

[JonnyX]

I'm glad you got good service from APS. Things must have improved quite a lot since they were at AMD. The few times I took my car to AMD they
never did everything they were supposed to in the time they quoted or for the price they quoted. For instance, they quoted me 8 hours to change
motor mounts (and still didn't do it) whereas Doug did it in two hours. I do intend to give them a try (they have a Beissbarth after all) but it's
not fair to state they undercut another trader when you don't even know what they have done. Besides, I don't see anyone from APS on here
giving free technical advice

Like I said, it's great that you had a good experience (and thanks for telling us , choice is always good) but in hindsight, it probably would
have been better to have left it at that.

[neckarsulm]

APS staff may have worked at AmD but that's like saying someone who worked at an Audi Centre then goes it alone is going to treat everyone like an Audi Centre would, I can only speak from my experience of efficient enthusiastic service and good value.

As for giving out free advice, a prompt quote for work I can pay for by email/pm would be even better

[jeffw]

I also had some bad experiences with AmD having spent large amounts of money.....I'm sure APS are a great company but I remember AmD to well to go there. As had been said comparing a company who don't sponsor the site and don't offer advice on the forum with APS is probable not a good idea regareless of the service you received from APS and isn't necessary to make your point.

[VARSITY]

APS staff may have worked at AmD but that's like saying someone who worked at an Audi Centre then goes it alone is going to treat everyone like an Audi Centre would, I can only speak from my experience of efficient enthusiastic service and good value.

As for giving out free advice, a prompt quote for work I can pay for by email/pm would be even better

Some advice, go to a good bookstore and get yourself a copy of How to win friends and influence people.

[rs2315]

I also had some bad experiences with AmD having spent large amounts of money.....I'm sure APS are a great company but I remember AmD to well to go there. As had been said comparing a company who don't sponsor the site and don't offer advice on the forum with APS is probable not a good idea regareless of the service you received from APS and isn't necessary to make your point.

Yep but when one trader doesn't respond to your mail, and another does, I know who I'd try first.
To many touchy people on car forums
rs2315.

[jeffw]

Thanks for your insight into the subject. As I said I'm sure that APS are a fine company, there is no need to have a pop at MRC just because you might prefer APS.....

To many touchy people on car forums

You are just so right, espcially newbies