Hi all,
I recently purchased an '02 A6 Avant wagon with the 3.0L engine at around 125K. I was wondering if any owners could comment on the following observations in case they indicate something common...
•Car idling at 750-850 RPM makes a very low frequency vibration that goes away with a slight increase in RPM.
•In hot weather engine temp gauge drifts up about one tick from center in stop and go.
•At stop or after turning engine off, smell of oil burning is noticeable.
Thanks in advance.

 

Did the previous owner say what repairs, maintenance were done to the car, especially if the timing belt (with other components) was replaced, temperature sensor replaced, thermostat replaced? It looks like there is an oil spill from the camshaft cover area right onto the exhaust. This most likely would be a reason for burned oil smell.

 

The idle seems fine, my 2.8 (older version of the 3.0) idles around 800-850 and there is a slight vibration once I had my snub mount changed to a stiffer one. The temperature reading is fine, and just get used to the smell of burning oil. Look up leaking cam seals, valve cover gaskets. Normal. Just accept the smell and move on. You can fix the cam seals/valve cover gaskets, but they'll just start to leak a year later.

Enjoy the car, I love my 00 Avant. It's been one of the most reliable Euro cars we have ever owned.

 

The car has had a timing belt and water pump and PS pump at around 120. It is throwing a couple emission-related codes that of course did not show up until about 2 weeks after purchase.

 

If there are some temperature related issues, a temp sensor and thermostat should have been replaced as well. Audi has a recall on the temperature sensor. It's worth checking with a dealer if that was done.