E39 M5 Chain Tensioner DIY, Why couldn't Audi make it this simple or is it?

[gablks4]

http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e52-z8-discussion/150042-chain-tensioner-change-diy-pics.html

I hate to say this but it seems like Audi follows BMW....?!

[B6JoeS4]

Hate to say this but it would actually seem Audi follows pretty much every manufacture. Timing chains are not something new and exclusive to the S4.

Looks like it's and easy fix with the M5 though

[gablks4]

I'm just saying, BMW always had the oil filter canister at the top of the engine for easy diy maintenance. There were many unfortunate owners of the B7 A4 2.0T with the oil filter canister on the bottom of the engine requiring a special tool to just take the filter out. For people that don't like to get their hands dirty and just pay $100-200 for a oil and filter change this does not apply but for people like me that enjoy DIY, especially something as simple as changing the oil were very turned off by the particular design decision. I think Audi heard because on the new B8 2.0T the oil filter is on top of the engine and they also went back to the metal spin off canister oil filter....blah blah blah....

Anyways, just hope Audi will work on engineering cars that are not such a PITA to work on.

[biyitch]

To be fair though, there's probably a lot more space to work with in an M5's engine bay.

[gablks4]

True, just saying Audi could make it easier for DIY's if they tried...happy customers get repeat buyers and loyalty instead of a fast emotional one stop sale and dump.

[ChrisFarleyGuy]

True, just saying Audi could make it easier for DIY's if they tried...happy customers get repeat buyers and loyalty instead of a fast emotional one stop sale and dump.

Audi's main target market isnt DIY'ers. Hence, prioritizing engine bay layouts for optimum ease of maintenance isn't their number one priority.

[gablks4]

I know I know, your absolutely right, just saying....I have 3 Audi's and looking to get a 4th....just wish these were easier to maintain. Some of the simplest things are turned into too many hours that with other designs could be done in minutes....

[GarrettReid]

I know I know, your absolutely right, just saying....I have 3 Audi's and looking to get a 4th....just wish these were easier to maintain. Some of the simplest things are turned into too many hours that with other designs could be done in minutes....

Well get a BMW then. But if you're moving on to your 4th Audi, it seems like they've already won..

[JimmyBones]

I know I know, your absolutely right, just saying....I have 3 Audi's and looking to get a 4th....just wish these were easier to maintain. Some of the simplest things are turned into too many hours that with other designs could be done in minutes....

I think if Audi could make it so the hood required a special tool to open it they would - just kidding. Seriously though, these cars are so complicated that almost a quarter the customer pay work I see is stuff that other people messed up trying to DIY.

Just to prove my point here is a picture of the timing chains and camshaft adjusters on the back of a 3.2 V6 which is a little more involved then a S4 4.2 V8.
http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll37/Jimmybones777/254485_1754056016251_1384455893_1448716_7709382_n. jpg

[dmaxben]

True, just saying Audi could make it easier for DIY's if they tried...happy customers get repeat buyers and loyalty instead of a fast emotional one stop sale and dump.

I hope you are joking with this statement. How many audi owners work on their own vehicles, honestly. Thats probably the main reason why my $52,000 S4 is worth maybe 16k now, despite the fact that its not even 7 years old. Because people who dont know how to work on their own cars are afraid to buy an audi that doesnt have a warranty.

And for that matter, how many people work on their own cars in this day and age regardless of whether its an audi or a yugo???? I can do a full teardown and rebuild of a Duramax diesel blindfolded, but that doesnt mean I cant possibly understand why guys bring their trucks to my shop for something as simple as an oil change.......

Ben

[B6JoeS4]

Hey Ben, do you have a build thread or anything with info about your truck? I'm just curious to see it. I've always had a soft spot for diesels. Looking to buy a MK3 Jetta TDi beater