Hi All,

I apologize for likely asking a highly discussed topic (I hope not), I did do searches. I'm on the verge of buying a 2003 I35 from a local dealer, pretty decent dealer service history, only 80k miles, good shape overall. I had a pre-purchase inspection done and aside from a couple normal things that I'm not stressed about, the mechanic did find some oil (leaks). Without cleaning, driving, and re-checking (which isn't really an option during a pre-purchase inspection), he wasn't able to pinpoint where they're from.

I'm not worried about valve cover gaskets, oil cooler O-ring etc.. As an Audi guy, what I'm worried about is timing chains. Odds that the leak is from the timing chain cover is not super likely, but possible. And that bodes another question, how are the timing chains on these cars? From what I read, replacement is few and far between, but these cars are getting older. Do I have any material reason to be concerned about I35's in general with respect to the timing chain? This specific car didn't exhibit any rattle on startup, nor did it have any strange noises.

Thank you all for the advice/input, much appreciated !

 

My 2003 I35 has 177,000 miles on it. I took it to the dealer to get airbags replaced due to recall. They identified oil leaks in my car. Most of the them, I have fixed over time (lower oil pan gasket, oil cooler gasket etc). The only one that I have left alone is the rear main seal leak. Dealer wanted over $2000 to fix. LOL.

The timing chains are built to last the life of the car. But the plastic guides are the ones that get brittle with age. They will fail and cause timing chain rattle noise. While my neighbors had Home Depot projects, fixing plastic timing chain guides was my stuck at home COVID project at the start of the pandemic.

My I35 runs like a champ because I take care of it and I do most of the work myself. I have a corporate desk job, so I enjoy getting my hands dirty as a change of scenery.

 

from what i remember, the U.S. built FWD VQ35DE had issues where the chain wore out the plastic guide. I have an 02 with 310,00 moles and it's been having 1 send chain rattle since I hot it in December of 2012. so far no issues, the car runs like a champ! so far my biggest engine issue was valve cover gasket leaks. only other serious issue has been Throw out bearing ans aftermarket 6 speed cv ackes that don't seal perfect on OEM seals. I have to ad 1/4 cup every 3 months maybe, I never see drips on the driveway but i see stains on transmission under the driver side axle...