Part of how I’m paying for help with fixing my Porsche 944 is by staying on stand-by when repairs need to be made on my cousin’s cars. So far, that list has been just one Mini Cooper Countryman that needed a water pump, timing belt, and a clutch. But the call I’m trembling at the thought of receiving is for a 2012 Audi Q7 in need of a timing chain.
The job isn’t as simple as removing a few bits from the engine. That would be too simple for a German-engineered sports SUV. Instead, the engine needs to be pulled out so you can access the timing chain at the back of the engine. Don’t get mad at me, I’m just here to share my research.
How Does A Timing Chain Job Cost $10,000?
2012 Audi Q7 engineBring A Trailer
That total might be a little inflated, but a handful of dealerships wouldn’t blink at giving an estimate close to that figure given the amount of labor required and other “while you’re in there” fixes that might arise. At an Audi dealership, prices can range from $3,500–4,000 depending on the parts ordered, plus another $3,000-4,000 for labor. Private mechanics could cut that estimate in half with cheaper parts, but labor rates will vary depending on the shop.
The Q7s in question span from 2011 to 2019 with the 3.0-liter supercharged V6. These engines have been known to suffer from timing chain stretch and other tensioner failures which start to rear their faces as early as 80,000 miles. Or, in other words, right around the time when the next owner takes over. Even before a trade value can be provided for one that’s being swapped for a newer one, the cost to the dealer for replacing it is coming out of the owner’s pocket. Trade values tend to be docked in this manner, and conservative estimates for dealer repairs are around $6,500.
If you’re looking to purchase a used Q7 with high miles, chances are the work might already have been done despite Audi’s claims of the timing chain lasting between 150,000–200,000 miles. Mechanics and owners alike recommend having the timing chain inspected after 100,000 miles, especially if the vehicle has not been maintained with the right viscosity oil or has suffered oil leaks, and replacing timing chain guides as preventative maintenance for a few thousand dollars depending on the shop.
The DIY Route Is Ill-Advised, But Possible
A front three-quarter shot of a 2010-2015 Audi Q7 drivingAudi
Think you can handle the job at home? Here’s what you can expect after you pop open the hood. Removing the air box, throttle body, wiring harness, fuel system, and all other connections to the engine is step one. Step two is getting it out, which means removing frame cross members, to remove the exhaust and suspension bolts from the body to free the powertrain. Then, you’re able to drop the engine, transmission, transfer case, subframe, and exhaust as one unit.
2012 Audi Q7 engineBring A Trailer
Once that is out, the engine needs to be unbolted from the transmission, so all four chains can be replaced, each around $35–99 a pop depending on where you source the parts from. Online parts stores like FCP Euro and Autohaus AZ sell chains separately, as well as full kits ($1,100–1,500) that include chains, guides, tensioners, gaskets and O-rings, along with oil, coolant, and other gaskets to ensure the next set of chains last another 150k miles. Again, the issues that cause timing chain ware stem from oil pressure issues, wrong viscosity oil, and overheating, all things that should be addressed while this service is being performed.
This is something we advise against trying to work on in your driveway, let alone your garage if you don’t have a lift at your disposal. If you have nearly every tool conceivable but not the one needed for a few bolts, check out what tools are available to rent from local auto parts stores. Many offer tool rental programs or even loan them out for free with refundable security deposits after the tools are returned.
What To Look For When Buying A Used Q7
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The dead giveaway to a failing timing chain is rattling and clanging noises when the engine starts, as well as the check engine light going on, misfires, reduced power, and overheating or other odd engine behavior hinting at the same issue. Scan tools can also report the health of the timing chains. Look for codes P0016 (crankshaft/camshaft correlation), P0011 (camshaft position timing over-advanced), and/or P0341 (camshaft position sensor performance), which all pertain to timing issues.
Metal shavings in the oil are another giveaway of internal ware, especially with engines using timing chains, as that can be a result of timing chain and guide ware. Make sure the vehicle you’re considering comes with a full reported history of repairs from the owner, though used vehicles at dealerships likely will be able to provide that unless they’re an Audi retailer that sells models through a certified used program.
On a broader scale, other issues to look out for across all Q7 models pertain to other powertrain issues and luxury features. CarGurus reports the models to avoid are first-year 2007/2008 models, and 2017/2018 models when they were redesigned. Oil burning and blown air suspension are two issues to keep an eye out for on used models. Prices for first-generation models in solid condition range between $15,000–17,000, whereas poorly maintained examples are between $4,000–8,000. Later models from 2016-on trade between $20,000–75,000 depending on the model, with higher mileage examples as cheap as $15,000.
As for certified pre-owned models, Audi has two separate incentives currently on offer. The first is for model-year 2021–2024 cars, which Audi offers 3.99% APR financing for 72 months, with 2025–2027 models getting 5.49% APR for 72 months for “highly qualified customers.” Warranties for certified used Audi cars last 1-year or 20,000 miles and begin after the factory warranty period ends. In order for a used Audi to qualify for its certified program, it must be at least 5 years old, have driven less than 60,000 miles and its vehicle history report passes all other stated guidelines.
Are First-Gen Q7’s Worth The Price And Pain?
2007 – 2009 Audi Q7 – front 3/4 profileAudi
After looking at the prices of new Q7 models, you’d think they were. But if, after learning about the labor-intensive repair that is a timing chain job, you have cold feet, you won’t be blamed for it. The Q7 debuted for the 2007 model year pretty late in the luxury SUV game, arriving after the BMW X5, Mercedes M-Class, Volkswagen Touareg, and the Porsche Cayenne. The latter two utilized the same platform and the Audi—which was supposedly developed at the same time as the Porsche and the VW—would come along at the same time the other two were being refreshed.
The Q7 wasn’t dated in the slightest when it came out, especially with its round looks and suave, soft interior that all other Audis shared. It was familiar to Audi owners who needed a bit more space or were looking to haul things in Audi fashion (AKA, tailgating). They’re certainly not the best choice for reliable family transportation, but they’re narrowly cheaper than the Cayenne they’re based on and return similar driving dynamics when the right engine is up front. Speaking of which, there are a few others that employ the 3.0 TFSI/EA837 engine in question. From 2009 to 2018, VW Group brands that used this engine include Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche in specific models: the Audi S4, S5, A6, A7, A8, Q5, SQ5, and the Q7. Porsche and VW models are limited to the hybrid variants of the Cayenne, Panamera, and Touareg.
If you have the money, a newer Q7 might be better suited to your needs, especially if you can get one still in warranty. New Q7s depreciate 36% after 1 year and 57% after 5 years according to CarEdge, which means if you’re patient and let the first owner take the hit, you could grab one for a song. But if you’re a glutton for punishment and think about the literal ticking time bomb, which is a used Q7 in need of a timing chain, then you just might be able to land one for a bargain. Now, if you’ll excuse me, my phone is ringing, and I’m reluctant to answer it.
Sources: Audi, CarEdge, FCP Euro, Autohaus AZ, Southside Euro
