Does An Audi A3 Have A Timing Belt Or Timing Chain?

Overview

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.

Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

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.

Timing Belt Basics

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.

Curious How Much An Audi A3 Depreciates? Click here to see our depreciation forecast

2020 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2020 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2020 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2019 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2019 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2019 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2018 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2018 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2018 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2017 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2017 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2017 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2016 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

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.

2016 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2015 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

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.

2015 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2013 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

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.

2013 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2012 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

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.

2012 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2011 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

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.

2011 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2010 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

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.

2010 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2009 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2009 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2009 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2008 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2008 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2008 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2007 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2007 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2007 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2006 Audi A3 - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2006 Audi A3 models have a timing chain and an interference engine. See the data outlined in the table below.

2006 Audi A3 Timing Belt Or Chain

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