I have not had my timing belt inspected yet. I have about 34,000 mi on a 2003 225. I also have an extended third party warranty that goes out to 70,000 mi for 7-8 years. The warranty was purchased well before the settlement and before expiration of the original warranty. If Audi tells me that the belt needs replacement I'm thinking that it should be covered under the third party warranty. Any laywers out there?

Disclaimer: I am NOT a lawyer.  Phew! Thank goodness for that

I hope you are right, but if the CPO does not cover timing belts (wear item) then it is very unlikely that a third party extended warranty will.  Please keep us posted on what the dealership tells you.  You only have until the end of this month (even though it says '60 days or 2,400 kms - Canada) they seem to have adopted the 60 day stance and are saying it ends at the end of September.  Why, I don't know but when I called one of the dealerships they told me this on top of they couldn't get my car in until Oct 3'rd, saying too bad too sad.  

This issue from what I can tell (talking to others at the service department yesterday) has given Audi a very bad reputation.  I'm upset enough about it that I'm considering selling the car.  It just seems very wrong to be treated like this especially after Audi portrays this image of loyality and quality assurance.  

If you decide to get your belt inspected (free) take a good quality camera and ask to see the belt once they open up your engine.  Because a second opinion even at another dealership will cost you as the inspection is only covered once.  Good luck and keep us posted on this one... 

Oh, another thing.  Audi service at Richmond Audi told me that "90% of the belts they have inspected have required replacement."  I knew I was done even with 30,000 kms. when they said that.  That would sure sound like a 'defect' to me, but they're arguing time and heat also dries out belts.  Soooo, even if you let your 2000-2003 Audi sit in the heated garage most of the time, apparently we're to change the timing belt and assembly every five years... 

I love my TT, the way it looks and the way it drives.  But timing belt situation makes me think I'll be thing BMW next time.   I think that the lawyers who "settled" this should be sued by those of us who are getting messed over now.   If this belt is breaking at these low mileages then it is defective and it should be replaced for free.   What was the law suit all about if it wasn't to establish that the belt is defective?  Maybe the "class" they represented was only the people who already had the belt break?  This is really poorly done.

Previously jfxm wrote:

I have not had my timing belt inspected yet. I have about 34,000 mi on a 2003 225. I also have an extended third party warranty that goes out to 70,000 mi for 7-8 years. The warranty was purchased well before the settlement and before expiration of the original warranty. If Audi tells me that the belt needs replacement I'm thinking that it should be covered under the third party warranty. Any laywers out there?

yes, this timing belt issue is very disappointing.  audi has screwed us over pretty well on this one.