Buying Advice Audi A6 (C6) 2004 - 2011 Common Issues Engines Inspection

Buying review on the Audi A6, thirth generation built from 2004 until 2011.

[@warlock242]

Thanks for this, it's very comprehensive review. We've just about a 2006 A6 Avant SE Quattro 4.2 V8 with just 62,000 miles with full service history in excellent condition and have been learning about its idiosyncrasies. Your video is helpful.

[@cocazenta]

Allroad 4f 3.0 TDI ASB 600 000 km ✌ and its a hammer on the street til today!

[@jovankaravezic6695]

Wow! Just bought same allroad with 315.000km , I hope its gonna be good. Have you had any suspension problems?

[@M.L.R.Z.]

I've got a 2007 a6 3.2 Quattro for a couple of months now, I just love this car! Thanks for all the tips in the video mate!

[@M.L.R.Z.]

@Brennan Martini up untill the last minute I had the car it was running perfectly, however I had the opportunity to trade it in for a c5 4.2 v8 quattro😍... So I did

[@living9377]

@@M.L.R.Z. lucky dog. I’ve been looking for a 4.2 v8 great motor...they are rare.

[@billigerfusel]

Good video man. This needs more views.

[@medicalmike1289]

My opinion: I appreciate the time you take with these videos. Personally, I’m in the medical field and time isn’t always on my side. I find that your voice is clear and accurate. Your knowledge with this vehicle is on point, and I wouldn’t mind seeing more of your reviews. Thanks 👍🏼

[@EEPRODUCTIONSKLB]

Thanks a lot, i also do not have a lot of time but like to make content about cars, glad you like it.

[@zenden6564]

I'm driving a 2009 A6 3L TFSI Quattro. No inlet valve carbon build up yet: running 100% PAO ester engine oil to reduce oil vapour condensation build up and change the oil at 6,000kms. Prior to each oil change I use CRC GDI Intake Valve Cleaner. I've done 25,000kms over two years and the car has been perfectly reliable. The engine uses zero oil between the change the 6,000 km intervals. Fuel economy is 7.2km/litre on flat highways at 110km/hour; and 10.6km/litre around city driving. Complaints: 1. The ride on conventional springs is a tad firm at normal speeds. But i can live with it. 2. I wish the car had come with Bose sound system. The stock system is "just ok". In short the car is 10 years old now and still drives like new; in my 40 years of driving it is the best car I've owned.

[@dodododes]

so you got smaller fuel consumption in city than on highway ? thats a miracle !

[@dodododes]

@Alek Wolf just how primitive you are....

[@zenden6564]

@@dodododes to clarify fuel economy is very good for a 2000kg car + load, In US mpg that's ~32 mpg over a real 500 mile highway journey. The car's highway range limit is 650+ miles on a full tank. The other thing I didn't mention is I use Liqui-moly MOS2 engine oil additive to (I hope) extend the life of the cam chain tensioner system. For the AT I also follow ZF's advice on the ZFH19 transmission oil replacement interval not Audi's. I had the AT oil filter replaced at 50k miles and pulled the old one apart to see how it was going. It was perfectly clean. At 10 years old the original spark coils are working fine. The engine bay still looks fresh and new when you lift the hood. I am hoping for 10 years use and 160,000 miles out of the car. By then (in USD) the TCO will have been only $15/week for capital depreciation + all the much much higher running costs (fuel, insurance, rego, maintenance). From that POV buying a good example second-hand Audi has proven a very positive experience.

[@andreika6681]

anyone believes that this fella got a 240hp car just for making 110km/h on a highway ? :-)))

[@strxwberry4766]

Only an AUDI enthusiast can make such a video like this one. There could be a lot more problems than just what he mentioned. It all depends on how the car has been kept. Very good video mate.

[@tonnyonn4584]

hi all , my audi 3.0 tfsi past 200.000 km and its a beast :) never had those problems,,, just drive normal ,, change oil and take care of your Audi ,, nothing will happen .. Audi Quattro is the best car ever ..

[@jwj500]

I have a 2005 A6 3.2. Has 208,000 miles and has been the most reliable car I've ever had. None of the issues mentioned and maintenance is not that expensive, (unless you always go to the dealer). Only get a Quattro- Forget the front wheel drive. Buy a 2005 or newer. Use synthetic oil and do the maintenance. Coil packs were replaced by Audi in a campaign when the car had around 60K on it. Never had an issue and 148,000 miles later the coil packs work great. My car still looks good and runs good, (and I do most of the service). Safe car too.

[@shakimawilliams5826]

John I love my care too just having problems with mine everyone saying I need to change my timing belt but the engine code swing camshaft sensor and I changed that already

[@jwj500]

@@shakimawilliams5826 If you have the 3.2 engine you do not have to change as it is a timing chain. I have over 208,000 with original chain.

[@shakimawilliams5826]

John I honestly don’t know what to do anymore than to take it to the dealer but I don’t want to pay whatever it might be to fix it

[@jwj500]

@@shakimawilliams5826 Then find a good local mechanic as they will be able to pull the fault code and diagnose the problem. My local Audi dealership charges less for older vehicles too.

[@shakimawilliams5826]

John thank you 🤗

[@trenhaynes3362]

Nice video! Very informational thank you!

[@terrybarnett1317]

Excellent information thank you

[@tevinmars1801]

I just got an 2008 3.2 a6 awd with 158k miles , this video will come in handy but as of right now my car is running smooth!!!

[@icdante9581]

Tevin Mars how much did you pay?

[@tevinmars1801]

3200$

[@michawnholly791]

Tevin Mars dame how is your car running now?

[@michawnholly791]

Same***

[@onlydab5655]

Thank you sir, for this information. I have a 2010 3.0 tsfi I purchased in 2016 with 90 thousand miles. All maintenance records included with vehicle. Zero issues until this morning. It's looking like I need to replace the starter. There are 116,000 miles on it now. Maintenance is pricey and my starter is going to cost around $200 to replace myself. I was hit in the car in 2017, caused almost $12,000 in damage but myself and my toddler were unscathed. Yes, its pricey to own but nothing is too expensive to keep my child safe. If expensive maintenance and repairs are the price I have to pay for my son's safety, it is a bargain at any price. Thank you again. I am a new subscriber and will turn on notifications just so I can receive updates from your channel.

[@fireblade8905]

What car was you driving when you got hit?

[@onlydab5655]

@@fireblade8905 Sorry I mis typed when writing what year I bought my A6. I bought it in 2016 and that is what I was driving when we got hit.

[@fireblade8905]

Thank you. I want to buy A6 2009. Is it easy to steer?

[@onlydab5655]

@@fireblade8905 Extremely easy to steer and drive. I have the premium plus with the cold weather package. It handles well in all weather. Very enjoyable to drive. Also very safe and comfortable. There is recommend maintenance at certain milage mileage intervals. I've had no issues whatsoever until my starter started acting up. If you have any more questions I would be more than willing to try to answer them. There are plenty of reviews on KZbin of different engine options and the supercharged 3.0 is one of the highest rated. I'm not a mechanic so I do not have much deep technical knowledge but I have owned the car for 3 years and can probably help with ownership questions.

[@AJyfm700R]

I'm about to buy the 3.2 version tomorrow. Thanks for the video

[@methafuture]

Have a 2006 a6 3.2 look out for oil leaks from the oil filter housing gasket, valve cover gasket and timing chain cover rear seals, main engine seal and side seals. Huge oil problem. Also the electronic parking brake the wires can get corroded etc i just did rear brakes and my epb light is on the but the car was fine i just took out the 2 30amp fuses in the trunk. Also did the ac compressor. Just a heads up lol not tryin to depress u. The oil leak is the main problem i spent 1400 to fix it and its still leaking from somwhere. Check the idler pulley and idler pulley with tensioner. That threw my belt off. Cheers

[@AJyfm700R]

@@methafuture thanks dude ! I didn't buy the audi, i did not trust it.

[@Kraliosa]

@@AJyfm700R why not

[@AJyfm700R]

@@Kraliosa hij had 310K gelopen dus dat is wel een flink risico. Ik spaar even door voor een S5 met minder km

[@Kraliosa]

@@AJyfm700R ow oke bovn de 200dkm wil ik zelf ook niet kopen laat staan 300, ii denk aan een a6 tfsi maximaal 180dkm

[@yyz125]

The 3.2 is very reliable, as is the zf 6 speed trans, keep tires matched to protect awd system, the cvt is not popular on these cars, the coils are cheap easy fix. The zf trans is sealed and needs to be serviced by someone equipped to do so. The steering fluid is pentosin 11, so only top off if low with proper fluid

[@timothychienyunchew8365]

What about the 2.0 tfsi fwd version? The maintainance is not as high as the quattro

[@alexksplamenov5170]

So true BMW 5 serries=sport, Mercedes E class= comfort. Nice video👌

[@julianmukerji9371]

alexks plamenov and audi is a good combination of both

[@DaytonCarCare]

There are additives for fuel and or oil to clean carbon deposits build up though may mean running a few cycles or bottles of it to really work.

[@living9377]

Nope. This is a direct injection car the fuel additives will never reach that far up to remove the carbon buildup. This is why you have to remove the intake manifold and scrape the carbon build up out yourself. Lots of good videos on KZbin on how to do this.

[@lkce1571]

just bought a 2005 2.4i V6 gasoline manual transmission with 215.000km, car still drives like new... Audi forever

[@ydinmuna4488]

do you still have the car and has it got any problems!

[@SafariY0]

I have a 08 A6 C6 2.0TFSI , I cant figure out what transmission I have. Im 90%sure its a CVT transmission as you dont hear the gear changes

[@spykar7015]

I am between a 520 e39 and a a6 c6 2.0 tfsi. What about fuel consumption?

[@mistyhillsplantation651]

What about the engine oil capacity for 2010 year 2.7 tdi. How many litres will come for this model?

[@rocdaneweracap]

The car is good and I like working on cars. And this car is missing twin turbo which I'm putting in, changing the injectors, already change the water pump, timing change.

[@living9377]

Go to Audi one and audiworld forums great write ups for diy work. KZbin has great videos too.

[@XboxOriginz]

2010 Audi A6 3.0 V6 Supercharged. Burning a quart or so of oil every 1200-1500 miles after 100,000 miles. Other than that it runs so nice. Having the Prestige package is also worth it.

[@vincentv1790]

Anything to worry abouy below 100k miles? A friend just drove me home with his borrowed uncle' A6, I dont know which engine he has but I really love the build. Its a well built tank I think... so lmk what am I'm looking at

[@XboxOriginz]

@@vincentv1790 not gonna lie I pounded mine pretty hard every once in a while for like 20-25k after 90k with no issues what so ever. Just burning oil now

[@jwj500]

I have 240,000 miles on my 2005 A6 3.2. Been very reliable. Not one issue of the timing system. Forget the BS about the maintenance. Do your own oil change. There are no issues with the Quattro system and I change plugs every 80,000 miles.

[@mendocinorider]

Have you ever changed the transmission fluid?

[@johnjerrehian4642]

@@mendocinorider Yes. As well as the filter too. Fill and drain plug are the same. Drain and then fill, (computer needs to be hooked up to make sure trans fluid is at a given temp.). Only did this once around 110,000 miles. Would advise on doing the rear diff too. Car now approaching 250,000 miles.

[@johnjerrehian4642]

@@mendocinorider Yes, once. Car had 111,000 miles on it. Now it has over 250,000 miles and put new back brakes on it yesterday.

[@Todd.T]

Just got rid of my 2006 A6 4.2 and now have a 2016. Is it wrong that I still miss the 2006? As a side note, I paid $947 for new rotors, pads and caliper service on the 2006 using OEM parts. I have never lost a coil pack in 18 years of Audi. WOW, 18 years, that a long time, but it's been luxuriously fun. I feel that I can now die because I have truly lived. Please bury me in my multi hundred horsepower leather lined, luxury steed so we can be together for ever.

[@nkatekosiweya]

I own a 2007 A6 2.7 Tdi and was considering getting the recent model A6 but I also dont have much issues besides the usual wear and tear. Would you recommend it since you have done it or you would have stuck with your previous A6 now that you know both?

[@Todd.T]

@@nkatekosiweya There is no way that I would stay with my 2006 4.2. I only miss it because it was very low (S-line) and had sport buckets. It handled well, brakes were excellent and had good power. I now have the 333 hp 3.0T with the 8 Speed ZF. I have the S-Line. Pretty much the same car like the last, S-Line with tech package. The 4.2 doesn't stand a chance in a drag race and cannot be modified. The new S suspension is waaaay less "crashy" although this car doesn't have the sport buckets. The new car is smoooooooth with many shifts happening rapidly in comfort mode and without you feeling them. The old car was fatiguing on long runs where I went into the city with potholes and lots of stop and go traffic. There are new useful features like 360 degree camera (I back the car out into the street without cleaning the windows and knock the snow off because I can see without windows. The SD slots allows me to bring a lot of music and videos (watch videos while girlfriend is taking too long in store). My phone integrates with the MMI and the old one didn't interact at all. Heated steering wheel. 20 inch rims. motorized trunk and rear blind. Blind spot monitoring (something came at me last night so fast, I couldn't see it, but the car did!). The car has launch control with the ZF, but it isn't advertised. Yes, I tried it. The car gets great gas mileage, especially if you are in stop and go and the engine turns off. The ZF is a dream with a gear for every occasion. I could put the car into auto to get it to go to dynamic mode by aggressive driving or I can just tap the paddle shifter and it goes full manual and ....switches back once you stop driving aggressively. The car is quieter, maybe because it is new. There is space under the hood. With the 4.2, there was no space anywhere and when you worked on it, you should grease up your arm so you can get it back out. I think I want to APR the car. With a stage 2 APR, you would surprise many people with sports cars by either beating them or by being beside them the whole race. No regrets.

[@bikerboy2k142]

@@nkatekosiweya great info

[@Todd.T]

@Audi8 New 3.0T with APR Stage 1 (2 weeks ago today) showed 41.1 MPG last night on a highway run of 43 miles. Not at conservative speeds either

[@zenden6564]

@@Todd.T thanks Todd for explaining the differences, it's appreciated.This car is actually quite rare in Australia, while there are plenty of the V8 S6's. I've got the C6 edition. I wouldn't dare Apr the supercharger for the loss of fuel economy is heavy and you'll bring on the exxy epic Cam chain tensioner/guide maintenance job. Cheers.

[@soniccash1up]

Audi A6 4.2 with super 44’s with the peanut butter guts

[@kondedimara5636]

I have the 2.8 Benzin 2007 Avant 209 HP...best car

[@Jtkapsar]

i bought an 09 a6 and now it doesnt start due to a steering column issue and had parasitic draw :(

[@jaezynnotnl3473]

Was thinking about getting this 2003 audi a6 4.2 quatro that's for sale with 200k miles but after seeing this... Lotta bad talk about the previous gen and I'm second guessing why it's only $2800 USD now.

[@ahmmaz5369]

i think you forgot to.mention the steering column electronics problems

[@ali1t]

They can be fixed though, if you buy the switches and have someone open the box to resolder the new switches. But yes that is a $1200 problem if you're going down the change the electronic steering column entirely because the steering column lock actuator is having a problem. If you ever get stuck in such a scenario and the car is fully locked down, can't turn it on or anything. Get a vagcom cable, turn the hazard lights on, high beams on and connect with the vagcom and clear the codes that come up, it will disengage the lock and you will have control over the car again until it catches the fault again. You can keep doing that until you get the switches replaced.

[@aaditya9090]

Bro i have a 2008 a6 2.8fsi the car is fairly in good condition only 69000 km i'm driving it for the past 1 year it never gave me any issue now the battery on it blows up every 2-3 days 1 day if i dont drive is it fixable or should i trade it?

[@kountryyankee]

Unplug the battery when your not using

[@jimmyjimmy7532]

Is this Arnie? “ Let’s get the A6 to the CHOPPA!”

[@TFfan75]

Look for rust in the doors.

[@IAMFOOZY]

List of Issues I had 3 owner 3 years 1. Crank Pulley Replacement DYI $400 2. Belts replaced because of ^ DYI $100 3. MASSIVE COOLANT LEAK DYI $120 The coolant leak is the biggest pain of the ass. Its still leaking.

[@kadeemdixon5563]

Would you buy a used 2005 Audi A6 with 117 on it

[@kidsavage86]

I have a oil on top of the motor idk if intake valve gasket

[@bobby-bk9sw]

i got coolant leak too

[@ShadowKSG]

I am looking at a 2009 Audi a6 3.0T supercharged with 77,000 miles. Would this be a good buy at $8,800? How long would it last me? What are things I should look for to tell its current status?

[@robloxfan4271]

I just got an 2008 a6 avant 2.0 ltr tdi with 125k miles

[@ShadowKSG]

@@robloxfan4271 let me know how it goes reliability wise? Has the timing chain, tensioners, or turbo been replaced?

[@muhamadq1744]

When i turn on my audi a6 2007 its very loud and it has a loud humming sound

[@hamwicbi1265]

Hey really appreciate the pointers, I have a 2007 A6 2.4L V6 Multi CVT. Can you please let me know your opinion on its reliability/issues?

[@willdavis5105]

hamwic BI the cvt transmission is the biggest problem

[@living9377]

Get rid of it ASAP. You will regret owning it. Cvt are very problematic.

[@robloxfan4271]

Yep, my 2008 a6 avants automatic gear box failed

[@msinna6433]

At what mileage did it fail? And how often did you change the transmission fluid?

[@Mucka240]

The 4.2s eek

[@exeposed1976]

How much is it ?

[@marysolpantoja8677]

i never had an issue ,just needs a fuel filter ,and I think i going to buy a 2005 1.8liter quattrro

[@kadeemdixon5563]

Did you buy yours used?

[@EtherealNikki]

I have a 2009 Audi A6 3.0 Quattro and I was wondering what the gear malfunction display means? Any help?

[@asapricramirez9931]

Did you get it fixed ?

[@EtherealNikki]

@@asapricramirez9931 Nope 😪 Went to two different mechanics and they both ran diagnostics and said it was the transmission...especially pissed bc I think the dealer I purchased from messed with the code to hide it bc the day after I got it that message occurred, when I first recontacted the dealer about it they said “just let the car warm up” which was bs and then they proceeded to not answer my calls, texts, or email about it which leads me to believe they knew they did wrong and were aware of the issue beforehand

[@living9377]

@@EtherealNikki more than likely it is the Tom. Not the transmission itself. There should be a error code that comes up. Usually the car goes into limp mode and flashes prnds. Get the code and reply and take it from there.

[@EtherealNikki]

@@living9377 The mechanic ran codes and said it was transmission still, I’m currently lookin to sell the car though

[@living9377]

@@EtherealNikki what code did he say it was? Some mechanics will lie to make more money. Ask specifically what the code was...he can say whatever he wants.

[@anteup75]

JC! I’m definitely not getting one now

[@EEPRODUCTIONSKLB]

Got one in the meanwhile ?

[@genekelly8467]

Looks like a used Audi would get neglected, due to the very expensive service required. Most second owners don't have the money for this, so many of these cars die from neglect.

[@EEPRODUCTIONSKLB]

Depends on the second owner, but if the new new owner does not invest, the car will slowly fade away

[@eren5995]

I’m looking at a A6 C6 2.8 FSI from 2008 with a multitronic. Its done 133k kms. Do you guys think its reliable?

[@eren5995]

@@no-yy1qg lol i didn’t. I really like the design, but don’t want an unreliable car.. Bought another car. Thanks for answering tho

[@nikolafx3923]

3.0 quattro 313hp

[@fsdffdsgfdg8295]

Das automobile quacker

[@sannyabacha4025]

What's good on this car? Looks like you've degraded it inside-out.

[@andreika6681]

he's just told you - it's a great reliable car during its first 30.000km , that's already good, isn't ? :-P

[@living9377]

Great car if you can do the work yourself. Very luxurious and wonderful ride.

[@TonyTube407]

I hear Arnold Schwarzenegger.

[@7.62entertainment4]

TonyTube407 😂

[@anteup75]

Beautiful cars but I’ll pass

[@living9377]

Yes not for the faint at heart for sure

[@stewartgrindlay9760]

I think you are way off with your prices!!!

[@71Serai]

Wasted a ton of money on inferior Audi, premature transmission failure CVT, premature oil burning under acceleration - then the Auto failed, contacted Audi dealer they suggested $8k to $11K. Do yourself a favour buy an Alfa Giulia or a Mazda and you'll save a ton of money and still have a highly reliable and sporty car to drive. Good Luck people

[@ClaytonInman]

Or just stay away from the auto boxes

[@hamwicbi1265]

You didnt mentioned model/variant/age. Like most people mentioned on this thread you need to do a certain amount of regular maintenance to keep the car reliable and im sorry I don't believe an Alfa would do that better (even with maintenance)

[@andreika6681]

just get a girlfriend with a car, she'll drive you and fix her car problems :-P

[@henryjohnson1505]

@@andreika6681 LMAO!!!! Lol!!! Lol!!

[@DennisHughes]

thirth? it's third

[@SuperUsman1997]

Dennis Hughes stfu

[@MrKushmaster29]

Should have bought an Infiniti lol (VQ Unit)

[@justscenes4126]

This guy is trying to put people of from buying an Audi

[@EEPRODUCTIONSKLB]

That is not correct, just pointing out weaker points of this particular car.

[@zenden6564]

@@EEPRODUCTIONSKLB i think all your points are very solid and important to know for an older car. Does anyone think a German sports sedan ten years old won't need some love and attention to be its best? My only worry are those V-6's fancy triple Cam chain tensioner/guide system - taking the engine out to change those is a very expensive big deal. Perhaps AUD$5,000 to $7,000 as the labour charge is very expensive in Australia.

[@yg78t76t7]

He's being realistic. Something almost no one does these days.

[@andreika6681]

Houssain, go watch car ads for houswives, they are made for you

[@living9377]

He is telling you the truth. He spit pure facts out to you so you know the deal your getting into if you buy this car

[@teamawesome2171]

Endless money pit...

[@kirmunna762]

Damn

[@orlylo660]

From a current a6c6 owner, at the sight of one Run, please, run fast, don't look back, like if your life depended on it. These cars suuuuuuuuuck!!!!!!!

[@living9377]

Just bought one...it is beautiful, smooth and not afraid of taking care of it. You have to be mechanically inclined or know someone. They are a dream to drive. If you think it will be like owning a Toyota....yeah run like hell.

[@orlylo660]

@@living9377 post ur experience in a year

[@living9377]

@@orlylo660 I’ve been driving VW’s and Audi’s for over 20 years. I work on them and do maintenance myself.I frequent forums and know who to go to when I’m way over in my head. I know how to buy them cheap and also know when to dump them. I’ve driven many cars out there and nothing compares to Audi’s in my opinion for the value you get if you know how to feel them out mechanically and pick the right one. Had a Passat last me 300,000 miles and gave it away but the motor and tranny were still strong. The things that get you are the electrical issues and plastic things that just crumble over time. Door actuators and regulators that get stuck, sunroof leaks etc. They were never designed to last long. I see them in the junk yards all the time and pick off parts to repair them cosmetically. People think I paid $56k for the car as it looks so new and ages so well. Look at the C6 and the newest model....they look very similar. Most people can’t tell the difference. I’ll be fine in a year cause I knew this one was good after test driving a bunch of them. To get involved with these cars you have to know them inside out and have a back up ride. They’ve been a treat for me.