I test drove another 2005 A6 4.2 yesterday, and I couldn't help but notice two things. When I popped the hood open, the ticking from the engine was very pronounced, similar to my old 2001 Maxima. Is this common on the V8s? I assume it's the injectors? Are they supposed to be loud?

Second, when I first started the car, there was a low-pitched whirring/whining noise from the car that went away after about a minute or so. It came back on when I started the car the third time, and went away shortly after again. When inside, you can't hear it, but from the engine bay it's evident. What can this noise be attributed to?

I drove the car and it felt perfectly fine. Transmission shifted like a dream. The engine screamed and moved like a banshee without qualms. The dealership said they were going to go over the whole car on Monday and inspect the noises before I take the car home.

Occasionally, I did feel the steering wheel get noticeably heavier during speedy turns, but I'm not sure if its a function of the car's handling characteristics or not? The car was clean inside and out, and I'll be getting an extended warranty on it, as well. Just looking for some final advice before I lay out the checkbook and drive this home on Wed.

 

Ticking - mine does it. (Absolutely normal from what I understand)

On initial startup my car makes some noises; possibly the fan and oil lubricating all the parts? Louder in colder weather initially, but goes away almost immediately.

These cars drive/ride amazingly well. Transmision is smooth and the engine has plenty of guts.

As for the steering wheel, it does have a speed-sensing servo that adjusts resistance/firmness. I would say if you're slowing down and making a hard turn the power-steering pump won't have as many RPMs powering it, so there may be some differences in feel based on that, but I'm not a mechanic either. **edit - if this is a real issue and you're driving aggressively you can better match your RPMs to minimize on a sluggish feel by using the tiptronic to moderate engine speed.

What year/color is this? Does it have the sport package? Give us detail so we can share in your excitement!

 

the whirring noise is a small fan that feeds warm air into the air cleaner box to help aid in getting the car to normal operating temp. most audis and VWs have this. You will notice that it last a bit longer when it is cold out side. As for the ticking it is the injectors, however if it increases in loudness with increased throttle it could be a valve, but this is not very common with this car. These NA 4.2s are close to bullet proof just make sure the timing belt gets changed if it is a 2000 - 2004.

 

I've got an '07 3.2 and also noticed how loud the engine is. You don't hear it so much when you're in the car, but standing outside with the engine running it's pretty damn loud. I haven't sorted out the source of the various noises but agree that the injectors are probably the worst offenders. I think most cars today have this problem, but it seems particularly loud on the Audi.

 

Thats cause you have FSI, both my parents GLI and GTI with it are noisy.

Our touareg has the 4.2('04, old style like in the C5 A6's), it does have some injector noise, and that whirring sound as well, and if it sits for a while, you get lifter rattle apon start up. The noises are much louder than my 2.8.

 

Oh sorry, I forgot to mention it was a 2005 4.2, so it's a C6. =)

So I guess all of that stuff is normal, eh? Well that's very good to know.

 

Nothing to worry about. My '04 A6 4.2 sounds like a '72 Buick with a bad set of lifters, but its all good. I wonder if you are hearing the electric fan on the front of the radiator. Mine has a very distinct wobble/groan/whirl and it has a noticeable "wind down" when the engine is turned off.

My Audi technician is very meticulous with my vehicle and he's given those ticking noises a clean bill of health.

Diggs

 

Yeah, it seems like it's nothing to worry about. I just test drove another 05 and it sounded pretty much the same.