i did a search for "what to look for" but nothing came up, that was as
limited as i saw my search getting, so i decided to annoy the usuals
with a topic that I'm sure has been posted way too much.


I'm looking into buying a 1998 Audi A4 2.8 Sedan Quattro with a
manual. I'm not looking into modding this car (hence getting a 2.8)
but I am a little worried about the rumors I've been hearing around
my Tuesday night sewing circle. I'd like to know what I should look for
on the test drive, other than the normal things you check with every car.
Specific problems dealing with this model, really any information at all
would be a great help.

 

Search for "common problems", you'll find what you need to know.

 

There really aren't any common problems specific to a 2.8. Typical stuff common to all b5s are control arms, water pumps, ABS control module, gauge cluster pixels, and the oddball electrical gremlin. Overall its a solid drivetrain.

 

oh wow. you would think i would have thought of that. but i didnt.


thanks.

 

common problems with the 2.8---its slow
jk i had to say it

 

hahaha its no slow, just has less potential. Atleast its not a 4banger
I hope you didn't change your mine with that list (thats not all) lol Seriously, a well maintained 2.8 will have no major problems, but like ALL other cars, **** happens.

 

It's slow.

The 2.8 V6 itself is solid.

A4s have these recurrent problems. Think of this list as a "things to pay attention to/ask about" sort of deal.

control arms+tie rod ends
timing belt+water pump+thermostat
ABS module (sometimes)
sunroof controls (sometimes)
airbag light (sometimes)
front seats rock in their sliders (sometimes)

and 30 valve 2.8s sometimes have a cam chain issue, or some kind of oil leak from the cylinder head or something. Probably a 2.hater will tell you about that.