Dare I mention timing chain tensioners

[julianb]

I have the "cold-start rattle" problem on my 2004 S4 cabriolet. It's 6 months out of warranty and Audi Chester is quoting me over £3000 to fix it! The proposal is to change the cam tensioner.

It seems to me this is a common problem -- at least from the number of posts on the subject -- that Audi ought to remedy at cost. Has anyone got a technical bulletin (is this the same as a recall notice and, if not, what force does it have?) for the UK? I've a copy of the US one (http://www.dejong947.com/audi/tsb/audi.tb.13-04-03.pdf) although I'm not sure this pertains precisely to the 'rattle' as opposed to the 'whine' and Audi UK is being extremely awkward about it.

Help appreciated as I'm not keen on spending 3 grand on a known issue!

[BlingBling]

The rattle is OK. Mine does it everytime. the whine is of more concern though.

[julianb]

If anyone who has had this fixed and has a reference number (and ideally is prepared to supply their dealer name and reg number) I'd really appreciate it as I'm having a nightmare getting Audi to recognise this as a common problem -- demanding some evidence of it occuring elsewhere. Thanks

[Spoof]

I hadn't noticed this untill reading this thread, but mine has a whine (like the video) when cold, I have 78k on the clock now so not sure how much help I'll get from the dealer with the TSB, but I'll give it a go. I'll let you know how I get on.