May be joining the Brotherhood
#1
08-18-2010, 12:30 AM
May be joining the Brotherhood
Hey guys my name is Mike and ive been on this forum for i think a yr and 1/2 now. Ive just been on the VW side. I currently have a B6 Passat 2.0T 6spd manual, and i love it. But im looking for raw power not inducted power. Ive been eyeing this A6 in GA for months now and im thinkin about jumping on it.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb
what are some of you guys experiences with the car? Positive and Negative please. What should i look out for? Will a 3.2 be what im lookin for or should i try and find a 4.2? Im only used too 200bhp so i would love a 4.2L
Thanks for all ur help guys, i think its time i stepped in to the big boy luxury performance time in my life.
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb
what are some of you guys experiences with the car? Positive and Negative please. What should i look out for? Will a 3.2 be what im lookin for or should i try and find a 4.2? Im only used too 200bhp so i would love a 4.2L
Thanks for all ur help guys, i think its time i stepped in to the big boy luxury performance time in my life.
#2
08-18-2010, 06:18 AM
The 4.2 is much more fun to drive than the 3.2. In addition, the 4.2 does not seem to be suffering the same carbon build up problem that the 3.2 has been experiencing. Since you are already driving a VW you already know that the Audi can be a bit of a maintenance *****.
#3
08-19-2010, 02:14 PM
oh yeah maintenance is not a problem. I prefer my car need maintenance than not need it. I went and drove an 08 4.2 but that V8 is one heavy mother! Its quick but i can see the sluggishness in it. I think a 3.2 would be perfect for me. Then hopefully i can run .:R32 software on and an evoms intake.
But as far as problems, other than maintenance whoring, is there anything other i should look out for like TB issues oil leaks. I know my 2.8 i had before had issues of oil leaks although mine wasnt affected. Thanks for your help Kevin.
But as far as problems, other than maintenance whoring, is there anything other i should look out for like TB issues oil leaks. I know my 2.8 i had before had issues of oil leaks although mine wasnt affected. Thanks for your help Kevin.
#5
08-21-2010, 02:13 AM
oh yeah maintenance is not a problem. I prefer my car need maintenance than not need it. I went and drove an 08 4.2 but that V8 is one heavy mother! Its quick but i can see the sluggishness in it. I think a 3.2 would be perfect for me. Then hopefully i can run .:R32 software on and an evoms intake.
But as far as problems, other than maintenance whoring, is there anything other i should look out for like TB issues oil leaks. I know my 2.8 i had before had issues of oil leaks although mine wasnt affected. Thanks for your help Kevin.
But as far as problems, other than maintenance whoring, is there anything other i should look out for like TB issues oil leaks. I know my 2.8 i had before had issues of oil leaks although mine wasnt affected. Thanks for your help Kevin.
A 3.2L won't be any faster than a 200 horse VW, in fact its slower, much heavier and all wheel drive (mechanical, not like the R32) which produces a lot of power loss thru the drivetrain.
R32 software? Are you even aware the 3.2L in the A6 isn't the same as in the R32 and TT? Its not a VR6 motor, its a V motor with FSI. Don't even get me started on the intake, unless you like losing power.
Im not trying to come off as an ***, but for trolling the forum for a year and 1/2, you really don't know anything about the A6.
#6
08-21-2010, 03:30 AM
No your actually 100% right. I know nothing about an A6. It was actually my fault. I originally started this thread on vortex and I didn't get any response from that A6 forum so I copy and pasted on this site. I am actually brand new to this site. Not trying to troll. Just trying to get answers because I know nothing about this machine.
#7
08-21-2010, 05:54 AM
I have pasted in two of my earlier posts, which I have slightly revised and updated.
I have an 05 4.2 that I purchased new slightly more than 5 years ago. She currently has 73k on the odometer. As far as reliability, she is ok, but she is no Lexus. But she is alot of fun to drive. Most of the problems have been nuisances.
1. The airbag light came on two weeks after I purchased the car. It took them 10 days to figure out the problem. Audi then came out with a TSB on updating the computer software for the airbags.
2. The MMI "crashed" a year after I bought the car. After having the car for 8 days, Audi wiped the hardware clean and reinstalled the MMI computer software.
3. The MMI had a few bugs with not updating the satellite radio stations, losing surround settings and sometimes not automatically linking with my bluetooth phone. Audi had the car for a day and updated the MMI computer software. Audi has a TSB on this issue as well.
I have written those three problems off to having a very early computer software version. To give you an idea of the number of changes in the software, my car came with MMI version 10 and now has version 33. Since being updated to MMI version 33, about a year ago, I have not had any computer issues. I understand that there is now a version 41 that is available. Since my MMI has been stable with version 33 I have not upgraded to 41. From fellow Audi owners I understand that the differences between 33 and 41 are negligible.
As far as non-computer issues. I have had quite a few.
1. All 8 coil packs had to be replaced.
2. The lid for the gas cap would not open from inside the car. In order to open it I had to wedge my credit card inside the lid and open it from the outside.
3. The frame for the front passenger seat came loose and the entire seat had to be removed and the bolts tightened.
4. A rattle in the glove box area of the dashboard that required installation of additional insulation.
5. A bad tire pressure sensor had to be replaced.
6. A mildew smell from the air conditioner vents, which required the replacement of a ventilation duct.
7. A rattle from the rear fold down seats, which required a new clamp.
8. A rattle from the driver’s side of the dashboard, which required additional damping material.
9. The fuel-filter recall, which required a new fuel filter.
10. The fuel gauge started reading empty even though there is fuel in the tank, which required a computer software upgrade.
11. The transmission developed a chirping and the transmission software had to be upgraded.
12. The low coolant light would come on for no reason, which required an upgraded electrical circuit.
13. The power steering reservoir leaked and completely emptied itself, which required a revised clamp.
14. The front brakes developed a vibration at slow speeds and the brake caliper seals had to be replaced due to a re-design.
15. The motor for the power tilt/telescoping steering wheel had to be replaced because of a groaning noise.
16. The MMI **** fell off.
17. The motor for the rear power sunshade had to be replaced because that motor was groaning and clicking.
18. The coolant temperature gauge stopped working and the sensor had to be replaced.
19. The trunk latch ceased working and had to be replaced due to a redesign of the latch.
20. The adaptive headlight malfunction light came on and the dealer had to upgrade the software for the adaptive lights.
21. The air bag light came on and the rear air bag sensor had to be replaced for a second time.
22. The Parktronic broke and the speaker had to be replaced.
23. The coolant gauge broke again and the sensor had to be replaced.
24. The coolant gauge broke yet again and the thermostat had to be replaced.
25. The gas struts for the trunk were replaced.
26. The air bag light came on and rear air bag sensor had to be replaced for a third time.
27. The LED unit had to be replaced in the rear right because the brake and turn signal light would fail to fire.
28. The coil packs were replaced under recall.
Similar to the computer issues discussed above, Audi has TSBs on nearly all of these issues, seeming to indicate that the problems are not isolated to just my car. Audi has also issued dozens of other TSBs on issues that I have not experienced since I have the 4.2 engine instead of the 3.2 engine. In total, the 3.2 has over 200 TSBs. If you complain about these items while the car is under warranty, Audi will fix the problem for free, which sounds like a recall to me.
Despite the car being at the dealer for over 45 days for repairs during the last 65 months, not maintenance, I would certainly buy the car again because the 4.2 is alot of fun to drive, especially on the highway, and the dealer gives me a loaner. However, I would check which MMI software version is currently in the car. If it is below 33, I would take it to Audi and have it updated as soon as possible. In addition, I would check the car's VIN and compare it to the Audi TSBs and see what issues you need to keep an eye on. You can get copies of the Audi TSBs at eBahn's website. The dealer will probably give you the car's maintenance records. While the car is still under warranty, I would make sure you complain about any issues contained on the TSBs issued for your VIN. If you are buying an aftermarket warranty I would get an exclusionary warranty that your local Audi dealer accepts.
Despite the issues with the car, I think that it is a great driving car. However, keep in mind that I am an original owner who paid close to $60,000 for my daily driver and who according to my wife is the President of the "More Money than Brains" club. For example, changing the transmission fluid costs over a $1,000 just for the fluid (the fluid is $57 per liter), not including labor. Also keep in mind that the 55,000 mile service is the "major" service for the car. If money is an issue, you may want to look for a car that is cheaper to "maintain". Regardless of your decision, you will enjoy driving an Audi, but you may not enjoy the maintenance. Good luck.
Kevin
Here is my post in response to a related topic:
I am afraid that Audi has TSBs on every one of the problems that I experienced indicating that I am not alone with these issues. As far as not hearing about these issues on the forum, I point out that I am one of the few original C6 owners on the forum with the corresponding 5 years of experience in owning one of these cars. I doubt that when these cars are purchased used that the original owners are so honest with the buyers. In contrast to my 5 years of experience, many of the C6 owners on this forum only have a few months of experience with the "maintenance" on these cars. With that said, I think that the C6 is a great driving car and is alot of fun on the highway. I would also buy it all over again. You just need to make sure that you are carrying some type of warranty coverage.
Kevin
I have an 05 4.2 that I purchased new slightly more than 5 years ago. She currently has 73k on the odometer. As far as reliability, she is ok, but she is no Lexus. But she is alot of fun to drive. Most of the problems have been nuisances.
1. The airbag light came on two weeks after I purchased the car. It took them 10 days to figure out the problem. Audi then came out with a TSB on updating the computer software for the airbags.
2. The MMI "crashed" a year after I bought the car. After having the car for 8 days, Audi wiped the hardware clean and reinstalled the MMI computer software.
3. The MMI had a few bugs with not updating the satellite radio stations, losing surround settings and sometimes not automatically linking with my bluetooth phone. Audi had the car for a day and updated the MMI computer software. Audi has a TSB on this issue as well.
I have written those three problems off to having a very early computer software version. To give you an idea of the number of changes in the software, my car came with MMI version 10 and now has version 33. Since being updated to MMI version 33, about a year ago, I have not had any computer issues. I understand that there is now a version 41 that is available. Since my MMI has been stable with version 33 I have not upgraded to 41. From fellow Audi owners I understand that the differences between 33 and 41 are negligible.
As far as non-computer issues. I have had quite a few.
1. All 8 coil packs had to be replaced.
2. The lid for the gas cap would not open from inside the car. In order to open it I had to wedge my credit card inside the lid and open it from the outside.
3. The frame for the front passenger seat came loose and the entire seat had to be removed and the bolts tightened.
4. A rattle in the glove box area of the dashboard that required installation of additional insulation.
5. A bad tire pressure sensor had to be replaced.
6. A mildew smell from the air conditioner vents, which required the replacement of a ventilation duct.
7. A rattle from the rear fold down seats, which required a new clamp.
8. A rattle from the driver’s side of the dashboard, which required additional damping material.
9. The fuel-filter recall, which required a new fuel filter.
10. The fuel gauge started reading empty even though there is fuel in the tank, which required a computer software upgrade.
11. The transmission developed a chirping and the transmission software had to be upgraded.
12. The low coolant light would come on for no reason, which required an upgraded electrical circuit.
13. The power steering reservoir leaked and completely emptied itself, which required a revised clamp.
14. The front brakes developed a vibration at slow speeds and the brake caliper seals had to be replaced due to a re-design.
15. The motor for the power tilt/telescoping steering wheel had to be replaced because of a groaning noise.
16. The MMI **** fell off.
17. The motor for the rear power sunshade had to be replaced because that motor was groaning and clicking.
18. The coolant temperature gauge stopped working and the sensor had to be replaced.
19. The trunk latch ceased working and had to be replaced due to a redesign of the latch.
20. The adaptive headlight malfunction light came on and the dealer had to upgrade the software for the adaptive lights.
21. The air bag light came on and the rear air bag sensor had to be replaced for a second time.
22. The Parktronic broke and the speaker had to be replaced.
23. The coolant gauge broke again and the sensor had to be replaced.
24. The coolant gauge broke yet again and the thermostat had to be replaced.
25. The gas struts for the trunk were replaced.
26. The air bag light came on and rear air bag sensor had to be replaced for a third time.
27. The LED unit had to be replaced in the rear right because the brake and turn signal light would fail to fire.
28. The coil packs were replaced under recall.
Similar to the computer issues discussed above, Audi has TSBs on nearly all of these issues, seeming to indicate that the problems are not isolated to just my car. Audi has also issued dozens of other TSBs on issues that I have not experienced since I have the 4.2 engine instead of the 3.2 engine. In total, the 3.2 has over 200 TSBs. If you complain about these items while the car is under warranty, Audi will fix the problem for free, which sounds like a recall to me.
Despite the car being at the dealer for over 45 days for repairs during the last 65 months, not maintenance, I would certainly buy the car again because the 4.2 is alot of fun to drive, especially on the highway, and the dealer gives me a loaner. However, I would check which MMI software version is currently in the car. If it is below 33, I would take it to Audi and have it updated as soon as possible. In addition, I would check the car's VIN and compare it to the Audi TSBs and see what issues you need to keep an eye on. You can get copies of the Audi TSBs at eBahn's website. The dealer will probably give you the car's maintenance records. While the car is still under warranty, I would make sure you complain about any issues contained on the TSBs issued for your VIN. If you are buying an aftermarket warranty I would get an exclusionary warranty that your local Audi dealer accepts.
Despite the issues with the car, I think that it is a great driving car. However, keep in mind that I am an original owner who paid close to $60,000 for my daily driver and who according to my wife is the President of the "More Money than Brains" club. For example, changing the transmission fluid costs over a $1,000 just for the fluid (the fluid is $57 per liter), not including labor. Also keep in mind that the 55,000 mile service is the "major" service for the car. If money is an issue, you may want to look for a car that is cheaper to "maintain". Regardless of your decision, you will enjoy driving an Audi, but you may not enjoy the maintenance. Good luck.
Kevin
Here is my post in response to a related topic:
I am afraid that Audi has TSBs on every one of the problems that I experienced indicating that I am not alone with these issues. As far as not hearing about these issues on the forum, I point out that I am one of the few original C6 owners on the forum with the corresponding 5 years of experience in owning one of these cars. I doubt that when these cars are purchased used that the original owners are so honest with the buyers. In contrast to my 5 years of experience, many of the C6 owners on this forum only have a few months of experience with the "maintenance" on these cars. With that said, I think that the C6 is a great driving car and is alot of fun on the highway. I would also buy it all over again. You just need to make sure that you are carrying some type of warranty coverage.
Kevin
#8
08-21-2010, 12:43 PM
No your actually 100% right. I know nothing about an A6. It was actually my fault. I originally started this thread on vortex and I didn't get any response from that A6 forum so I copy and pasted on this site. I am actually brand new to this site. Not trying to troll. Just trying to get answers because I know nothing about this machine.
If you want performance in a vehicle that weighs as much as the A6 you want the 4.2L, or you can wait a couple of years for the 3.0T (supercharged) model to come down in price, which offers identical (if not better) performance as the 4.2L. The V8 model does have less problems and lower maintenance than that of its supercharged cousin, primarilly due to less moving parts. In addition the 4.2L engine has been used since around 2000 with some minor changes to the engine, the current engine uses a chain to drive timing, which theoredically shouldn't need to be replaced untill 300,000k or so, if ever.
If you want it to feel more sporty, test drive the 3.0T.
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