S3 slow to warm up, needs new thermostat, any advice?

[neckarsulm]

Hi,

My 2001 S3 with 97k miles appears to be slow to warm up now weather is a little cooler.
Seems like a typical thermostat stuck open causing the radiator circuit to operate before the engine reaches the 80 degrees - the temp at which a normal thermostat will open.
My question is has anyone replaced theirs and if so, could they offer some advice on what's involved?
I did it on my wife's 1998 A3 1.8 SE 20V which wasn't too hard but can't even see the elbow where the thermostat lives on the S3.
Thanks

[neckarsulm]

Update - got the part from Audi - £10 with seal, took my mechanic 10 mins to fit and 1 litre of G12 coolant later it was fixed.
He's got a special tool to get to the allen bolts that hold the flange on otherwise you need to move alternator and compressor - zzzzz and ££££
Needle now hits 90 degrees quickly just ready for the winter - BRRRRRRRRR

[david7m]

Nice one

Dave

[JonnyX]

have the same problem. Wonder if it's that quick on the S4?

[david7m]

Fingers crossed eh

Dave

[neckarsulm]

No idea on S4 but you may find it easier - Mk2/3 Golf with PAS is a real PITA - it can't be worse than that!!