do not follow the manual. change by 80k and you should be fine. such a great investment. i waited and paid 3500 instead of 1000 at most! that 2k would be great to have, if my timing belt didnt break i would have upgraded to an s4 long ago.

 

I have a 2001.5 A4 (2.8L) and I replaced the timing belt at 72K. The belt looked to be in great shape, as did the tensioner, water pump, etc. I don't regret the decision (it was about $900 and that is never an easy check to write), but I certainly could have gone much longer. I was heading out across country and just didn't want to take the chance.

 

I bought the car with 87k and no timming belt replacements, then I came on here, and immediately (not joking) took my car to audi and payed 1,200$...but at least I don't have to worry about it for another 60K, I have put 10K on the car since...I would say do it now, if you wait to long you may end up with a way bigger issue....gl