A4 Avant 2.5tdi V6 issues / Worries

[joncro]

I purchased a A4 Avant 2.5tdiSE 155BHP in dolphin grey with black leather at the beginning of March this year,The car is 02 plate with 112000 miles, full service history with one previous owner + demonstrator for the first 6 months of it's life. I wanted the 1.9tdi but was not prepared to travel hundreds of miles to view one. so found a 2.5tdi locally. I've only covered a couple of thousand miles since I've owned it but have noticed the following things.

Unfortunately the car was on longlife service which I now know is not ideal.

When I first got the car I had a few issues with it not starting first time from cold when the temp was in minus figures. It always started first time when warm, had a scan and showed faulty temp sensor so replaced the sensor and the starting may had improved slightly plus the warmer weather arrived.

After reading on this forum I thought it may be due to having the cambelt replaced and throwing out the injection pump timing, had it checked at a local VAG specialist and was within spec.

One thing I did notice that if I wait not only for the glow plug symbol light to go out but also the self check OK light to go out, the car would start first time 9 times out of 10. Once started never have any issues, never goes into limp mode but it does sound very noisy/tapperty on tick over, once revved above 2-3000 sounds fine, any ideas?

Also I have been amazed/worried at the cost of parts for the 2.5tdi, up to the point I'm seriously worrying about things going wrong and wondering whether to get rid or not!

So what I'm asking is should 2.5tdi v6 with 100k miles on the clock sound silky smooth on tick over, or am I being paranoid? Please bare in mind this is the first diesel I've owned, my previous car was a BMW E46 320ci which sounded fantastic and was ultra reliable.

Thanks
Jon

p.s. Please don't mention the CAMS!

 

[Mike B]

I am on my second 2.5tdi both Quattros and agree they have their challenges but when sorted are great and outdo the 1.9tdi if you are able to accept the mpg costs.I don't think Longlife is as bad on these as other engines but best avoided.They are noisy after cold starts and not easy to time perfectly after belt changes.Mine was a lot better after it was done last time.Could be the glowplugs are failing.You will notice a big diff compared to a decent petrol engine and could be that the 2.5tdi is not for you.My wifes V5 bora seems silent and silky by comparison but I love the 2.5tdi for high speed cruising.

 

[joncro]

Thanks Mike, that makes me a feel a little better. Yes I was expecting poor fuel economy but i'm actually quite pleased, getting 32-37 urban and well over 40 on a good run. The ironic thing is, i really like the car, in my opinion they are the best looking older estate car on the road today. Just concerned about repair costs. I'm already putting some money to one side for glow plugs when the weather turns, so hopefully that will cure the cold start problems.

 

[Mike B]

Agreed that this is good looker and not too big for an estate.Over 100k is nothing for these both mine never used any oil and the mpg can be managed if you don't blast it too much.The torque from the V6 is good if you want to be lazy round town and the grunt great on the mway.Dont forget to check the drains in the battery chamber

 

[haytch75]

High mileage hypochodria and horror stories on forums are the cause of your worries. I used to be the same. Mines now on 187K and still going strong. I've heard of a few over 250k.
Save the money you would lose on changing your car and spend it on good maintenance, and if necessary good repairs.
Pound-for-pound, the best car i've ever owned.

 

[joncro]

Cheers lads, feeling more relaxed about the car now! Ive already treated myself to some 18inch rs6 summer alloys so now might buy some winter tyres for the standard 16 inch alloys in the next few months.

 

[quattrojames]

I love the 2.5, mines pretty sweet sounding (for a diesel). It's noisy when cold (but not unpleasant, just loud!) but when warm it's smooth and relatively quiet.