A3 2.0 tdi sport 2005, what to look for?

Coolant loss is a common problem. This is generally caused by one of two problems :- leaking radiator (the relatively cheap one to fix ! ) and porous cylinder head. Earlier models of the BKD engine had a cylinder head problem caused at manufacture. There are no leaks as such, it's just that water sort of dissipates into the head, and sometimes the cylinders, and then evaporates. Check for any white smoke coming out of the exhaust which is usually a give away. There is no real cure cure other than replacement. Audi don't want to know generally although there have been isolated cases of a 'contribution' to repair costs.

My 2005 reg (Aug) is actually a 2006 Model Year with a BKD engine and that is ok, thankfully.

If you're buying from a dealer ask him to provide you with a diagnostic scan report (of recent date) which will tell you of any faults thrown up by the system. Many faults are neither here nor there mind you, so you could always come back on here for an opinion on them (if any). If you are not buying from a dealer then tell the seller you want a scan doing before purchase. It will cost £50 from a VAG specialist. Do the exhaust and radiator check as well of course !

Apart from that just see if it's got the bits you want !!

Good luck !

Check AC Works - Also look at the operation of the fans, both should spin when aircon is in Auto.

Check the car starts well when warm, sometimes the starter starts to fail and you need to crank it a bit.

Knocking rear shocks

Coolant leakage, shine a torch down between the engine and radiator, look for water pooling on the undertray.

Look for any traces of radweld or similar in the header tank, usually a powdery scum builds up just above the water line, avoid like the plague if you see this.

Also if the head has ever been replaced under warranty, if it hasn't it probably will at some stage in its life require it.

Body is galvanised so I would be surprised to find rust on 15 year old examples to be fair.

Cyrix said:

Check AC Works - Also look at the operation of the fans, both should spin when aircon is in Auto.

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Surely this only happens in summer Cyrix ? My A/C works perfectly well but the A/C fan doesn't come on at the moment because not too much cooling is necessary !!! lol

Heres how to check the head code.. its adviseable to take a small torch with you! Get the dealer to remove the engine cover if you dont want to do it yourself (its not hard at all to do, its just some people doing it for the first time are daunted by it becuase it takes more force than you think and ppl think they'll break the cover!)

http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/new-a3...ur-cylinder-head-will-crack-if-hasnt-yet.html

Jonay said:

Heres how to check the head code.. its adviseable to take a small torch with you! Get the dealer to remove the engine cover if you dont want to do it yourself (its not hard at all to do, its just some people doing it for the first time are daunted by it becuase it takes more force than you think and ppl think they'll break the cover!)

http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/new-a3...ur-cylinder-head-will-crack-if-hasnt-yet.html

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Mine is a 'B' version Aug 2005 (2006 MY) as is ok (so far touch wood ! )

Oh - and I forgot to mention excessive turbo whine !

I gave mine a bit of welly in 2nd last weekend (something I don't normally do ! ) and the whine got immediately worse and didn't go away.

New turbo being fitted on Tuesday !!!!!