Just bought a 2000 a6 from a dealer and there were no probems except a quirky LCD in the center of the dash, that tells temperature, MPG. After a few days, I began to get the smell of oil in the cabin and when I took it back, they said it was a leaky oil filter(since they had just done an oil change). This seemed to solve the problem until 3 days later. The oil smell was noticable outside, but not inside. Today the LCD starts fine, but when I put the car in gear it goes blank except for shifter settings. The car has 88000 and I am the 3rd owner. Does anyone think my oil problem is the valve cover gasket or something else. Also, any suggestions about the lcd display.

 

Your oil problem is probably either the valve cover gasket, cam tensioner seal, half moon seal or cam seal. Of these, the cam seal is the worst to change. At 88,000 miles you need to start thinking about a timing belt change, at which time you shoud replace your cam seals.

The blank LCD is a setting. Check your Owner's Manual.

Bob

 

I agree with Bob look around for leaks and seaps a little oil can smell a long way.

Try pressing the button under the wiper control arm it turns the display on and off.