2002 Audi A4 quattro, automatic. I bought the car with 114k miles, it now has 119k. It was in great shape (still is). I regularly change the oil and use Mobil 1 full synthetic 5w-40 with a K&N large capacity oil filter. I have been told that this sounds like my turbo is bad. It only does this on a cold start, once the engine is warm, it's absolutely fine. For this reason it sounds like a lifter problem, right? Im not sure, it doesn't really sound like the usual lifter "tick" that I have always heard. I spoke to my mechanic down the road and he said to put some Lucas oil additive with a "lifter quieter lube." Needless to say, it did nothing.

I'm not losing sleep over this but it is slightly embarrassing having a car that cranks up and sounds like this. Check out the video I put on youtube. Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

Audi a4 ticking issues - YouTube

 

It be better if you didn't rev the engine, but I don't hear anything really bad.

Did it just start? What's your temp where you live. Might be your sai.

 

Well my engine had only been off for an hour so in order for you to hear it I had to rev it a bit. In the morning it can be heard without revving. I live in north georgia so in the winter our average high is around 50 and our average low is around 30.