A persistent buyer worry borrowed from the S4 4.2, but owners repeatedly correct it: the RS4's 4.2 uses metal chain guides and better tensioners, so the S4's notorious chain failures are not an RS4 concern. Chain service is engine-out if ever needed, but it rarely is.
Timing chains are NOT an RS4 problem (unlike the S4)
Audi RS4 (B7) · mechanical