[jan-jaap]

why did it cost $4000 to fix?! That's what bakes my noodle! I suspect 70% of that is 'Audi' or brand tax, 25% is labour and 5% is cost of the parts.

Problems with the timing chain means the valves open at the wrong time and the pistons can hit them. An engine rebuild and/or a new cylinder head can easily cost that kind of money.

VW/Audi have a history of TSi engines with chain problems. The 1.4 TSi was particularly bad I believe.