Hey guys I have an '03 2.7t. After driving around for a while, especially when I'm whipping it around fast and shifting at higher rpm's, I get a burning smell outside and in the cabin. I have read other posts where people say it is most likely an oil leak, but it seems to happen to me more when I'm pushing the car harder than usual. (by the way it has bout 88k on it)

thanks

 

The post you have read are correct change rear cam seals cam chain adjuster gaskets and seal and valve cover gaskets. If you plan on doing the work yourself you will need the cam chain adjuster tool.blauparts has an excellent gasket kit for around $75.00, and there are several diy articles on this subject, just did my 2000 A6 last week. good luck

 

I guess I should assume that models prior to '97 don't have a cam chain. That's good, one less thing for me to worry about if that's the case.

BTW: great eye-opener your suggestion, Histeel.

 

Cam adjuster chains is the only design present.

 

Ok great thanks for the suggestion- probably will do it myself, ive spent too much on labor for this things as it is, plus ive heard at this point (88k) i need to change out the timing belt, which is apparently not cheap!

 

If you drop the engine you could handle the turbos and the TC in one shot!

 

Ha yes i would do it myself, but unfortunately my repair experience doesn't extend beyond 2 years of Auto Tech in high school. Thankfully I found a shop that would change out the valve gaskets and control arm bushings (yet another issue) at the same time as changing the timing belt assembly for somewhat discounted rates.

 

I'm getting a burning smell inside the cabin and under the hood (seems like right in front or around the steering column) as described above. Got the car 2 months ago so of course the 30 day dealer warranty is gone. I must say that I'm not auto inclined especially on these German models where it seems everything is packed away so tight that you can't gt to them. It's a 2000 A6 2.7T. Been noticing the smell for about 2 weeks now. Do you think it's the "rear cam seals cam chain adjuster gaskets and seal and valve cover gaskets" as described above? Really trying not to go to the stealership on this so would be motived to do it myself if the fix is simple.

 

I've had a slight burning oil smell after high speed or hard driving since I owned my A6 (April 2005). I chalk it up to a little leakage from somewhere although I have never had to add oil between changes. Recently I was told that one of my turbos has a slight external leak, which could be contributing. But at 184k miles, this does not surprise me. I should also add that I garage the car which tends to concentrate the oil smell. When parked outside, it is not noticeable. I would not worry unless you see oil running down the block or puddling under the car.