I purchased a 1998 A4 2.8L 30v as a second vehicle. Bought it knowing the vehicle had a small oil leak. I figured it was the normal cam seal and ½ moons that were leaking. To have it verified that it wasn’t something else, I brought the car to the local Audi/VW specialist. Literally all they do is Audi/VW work. They are one of the two knowledgeable VAG indies around besides a dealer.
They threw it up on the lift and went over the entire engine. They confirmed that the gaskets and seals need replacing and that the burning smell is indeed mostly coming off the passenger side rear and dripping on the exhaust.
So I had them work up a quote and get back to me. Couple days later here is what I got:

All gaskets – VC, cam seals, cam gaskets + ½ moons, end caps - $239

Labor - $955

Total – over $ 1,200

The funny thing is in their quote write-up they even mention that they are going to do the “cheat” method of raising the cam adjuster just enough to sneak out the seals and ½ moons. Plus the guy said he will look at the cam seals/caps and if they aren’t leaking, then they wouldn’t replace them. They claim 9-12 hours to do the job.

For giggles I called the “other” Audi/VW specialist in the area and he figured 3-4 hours to do the job. That quote for labor was around $300-400 which is about what I expected. I figure I can do in 8-10 hours with enough limited knowledge of what I am doing.

I actually purchased the complete kit from ECS for less than $80. I need to get the cam adjuster tool for another $40 (if my buddy can't find his). I’ll spend a weekend doing it and still save over $1,000 from the original guy’s quote. Plus if the cam caps aren’t leaking, I will leave them in. I know the leak is coming from the cam tensioner/half-moon area on both sides as I can see the build-up of gunk.

 

Took me about 6 hours, but I pulled the cams. Don't overtighten the cam adjuster tool -- it will snap.

 

$1200 is about book value of a full VC job. The shop will charge you for the 8-10 hours the book says it takes and a good mechanic will be able to do it in less than half of that time. Shops need to make money, and we all know its cheaper to DIY a B5 Audi.

 

You're making the right decision to DIY. It's not a difficult job at all.

 

I am all for helping the little guys out, but to have a quote that is more than double of what other comparable guys are asking is a bit high. Plus if it gets done in 6 hours, you know I'm not getting a discount or reduced total. I have done them on a 1.8t so it should be very similar. Just x2!

Really getting to TDC, going easy on the tool, counting the 16 teeth and just making sure the metal/gasket surfaces are perfectly clean is the key. I would have paid for the $300-400 but almost a grand? Nope I'll spend a rainy weekend doing it and enjoy the time to myself.