
Post Written By AutoPadre
In North America, from model years 2009 to 2020, the 2.0L gas and hybrid Audi A3 engines along with the A3 3.2L V6 gas engine have timing chains and interference engines. From 2006 to 2008 there are some A3's with belts. The 2.0L TDIs (diesel) have timing belts and interference engines.
For example, the 2020 Audi A3 2.0L 4 Cyl. 184 hp option has a timing chain while the 2016 Audi A3 2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel 220 hp option has a timing belt.
Model Years | Engine Option | Timing Belt Or Chain | Interference Or Non-Interference |
---|---|---|---|
2006 - 2020 | 3.2L V6 & 2.0L 4 Cyl. (gas) | timing chain | interference |
2006 - 2008 | 2.0L 4 Cyl. (gas) | timing belt | interference |
2010 - 2016 | 2.0L TDI (diesels) | timing belt | interference |
Scroll down for detailed information on your particular Audi A3 model year.
Check the belt or chain for other makes and models here.
The primary purpose of the timing belt or timing chain is to maintain the timing (syncronization) between the crankshaft and the camshaft(s).
A timing belt is made of a rubber compound while a timing chain is made of chain similiar to a bicycle chain.
A timing belt wears out over time and must be replaced at the manufacturer's specified interval. Timing belt failure can result in serious engine damage.
Although a timing chain will wear over time it is usually good for the lifetime of the engine but it should be routinely inspected.
Timing Belt Questions? See Our Educational Timing Belt Articles
Note: Replacement intervals are broad recommendations and can be affected by age, weather conditions, running conditions etc. Check with the owner's manual/ manufacturer/ dealership.
All 2020 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.
Engine Option | Belt Or Chain | Interference or Non-interference | Replacement Interval |
---|---|---|---|
2.0L 4 Cyl. 184 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
2.0L 4 Cyl. 228 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
All 2019 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.
Engine Option | Belt Or Chain | Interference or Non-interference | Replacement Interval |
---|---|---|---|
2.0L 4 Cyl. 184 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
2.0L 4 Cyl. 228 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
All 2018 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.
Engine Option | Belt Or Chain | Interference or Non-interference | Replacement Interval |
---|---|---|---|
2.0L 4 Cyl. 184 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
2.0L 4 Cyl. 228 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
1.4L 4 Cyl. Hybrid 204 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
All 2017 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.
Engine Option | Belt Or Chain | Interference or Non-interference | Replacement Interval |
---|---|---|---|
2.0L 4 Cyl. 184 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
2.0L 4 Cyl. 228 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
1.4L 4 Cyl. Hybrid 204 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
All 2016 Audi A3 gas and hybrid models have a timing chain and an interference engine. The 2016 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel has a timing belt and interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.
Engine Option | Belt Or Chain | Interference or Non-interference | Replacement Interval |
---|---|---|---|
2.0L 4 Cyl. 184 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
2.0L 4 Cyl. 228 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
1.4L 4 Cyl. Hybrid 204 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel 220 hp | timing belt | interference | 130k miles |
All 2015 Audi A3 gas models have a timing chain and an interference engine. The 2015 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel has a timing belt and interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.
Engine Option | Belt Or Chain | Interference or Non-interference | Replacement Interval |
---|---|---|---|
2.0L 4 Cyl. 184 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
2.0L 4 Cyl. 228 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel 220 hp | timing belt | interference | 130k miles |
The 2013 Audi A3 2.0L gas engine has a timing chain and is an interference engine. The 2013 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel has a timing belt and interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.
Engine Option | Belt Or Chain | Interference or Non-interference | Replacement Interval |
---|---|---|---|
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel 140 hp | timing belt | interference | 130k miles |
The 2012 Audi A3 2.0L gas engine has a timing chain and is an interference engine. The 2012 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel has a timing belt and interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.
Engine Option | Belt Or Chain | Interference or Non-interference | Replacement Interval |
---|---|---|---|
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel 140 hp | timing belt | interference | 130k miles |
The 2011 Audi A3 2.0L gas engine has a timing chain and is an interference engine. The 2011 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel has a timing belt and interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.
Engine Option | Belt Or Chain | Interference or Non-interference | Replacement Interval |
---|---|---|---|
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel 140 hp | timing belt | interference | 130k miles |
The 2010 Audi A3 2.0L gas engine has a timing chain and is an interference engine. The 2010 Audi A3 2.0L Diesel has a timing belt and interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.
Engine Option | Belt Or Chain | Interference or Non-interference | Replacement Interval |
---|---|---|---|
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
2.0L 4 Cyl. Diesel 140 hp | timing belt | interference | 130k miles |
All 2009 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.
Engine Option | Belt Or Chain | Interference or Non-interference | Replacement Interval |
---|---|---|---|
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
3.2L V6 250 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
All 2008 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.
Engine Option | Belt Or Chain | Interference or Non-interference | Replacement Interval |
---|---|---|---|
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
3.2L V6 250 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
All 2007 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.
Engine Option | Belt Or Chain | Interference or Non-interference | Replacement Interval |
---|---|---|---|
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
3.2L V6 250 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
All 2006 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.
Engine Option | Belt Or Chain | Interference or Non-interference | Replacement Interval |
---|---|---|---|
2.0L 4 Cyl. 200 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
3.2L V6 250 hp | timing chain | interference | lifetime |
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