Does it not sound like a broken guide to you? It sounds exactly like apat’s car did
Don’t fool yourself, the timing components are a major flaw of this engine, and you can’t just overlook them because you think it’s a rare issue that only happens to a fraction of S4’s.
Definitely sounds like something is bouncing around in there. Good luck either way.
I think the ECMs used in the B7 and older cars use older technology so it is harder for Audi’s background software to realize changes have been done. If I remember right Audi’s TSB said something about the 2008 models were where they started the checking and other models would be added on later. Think about it this way: most all the 2007s should be out of factory warranty by now and CPO repairs have stricter guidelines so most of the warranty claims are going to be for B8 models and newer where their software can pick out the ones that try to squeeze by.
I wonder what the deal will be on this. I spoke to a tuner and they laughed at TD1 as it relates to the B6/7 saying that it can be made to show Audi whatever the tuner wants Audi to see.
But…as you pointed out to me, or reminded my senile ass, a quick log while driving an RS will determine right quick if it is tuned. Throttle posisition % below 5Krpm, I/M flap position below 5K etc. I realize a dealer probably won’t do this to determine if the car has a tune but it seems like an obvious somewhat quick check, no?
There was an engine torque test that I had to do like three times before I left the dealership. It made you drive the car WOT to see if the engine torque went over what it should be. None of those cars were modded so it didn’t show anything past the spec but it would be interesting to look at the measuring value block on a heavily modded car in turbo mode using a vag-com. I wonder how far off the measuring value block is from what you are actually putting down.
The reason for me not thinking its a timing failure is a couple of things. The sound isn’t rhythmic and it went away. My sound was consistent, rhythmic and much louder.
Who knows though. Its a very odd sound and I’m sure not all timing related failures sound or act the same. I was lucky enough to have a failure that didn’t even throw codes. Engine ran great just made a weird ticking noise after the oil was warmed up.