A6 Avant Quattro 2.5 TDI 180 (What to look out for)

minimadmotorman

minimadmotorman

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I posted a few months ago about going to look at a 2.4 Quattro Avant and the general opinion was that the TDI models were a better option.

Well me and the OH have found ourselves looking at Petrol B6 A4 Avants but I can't help but stick my nose in here as one of the garages we are going to has a nice looking 04 A6 2.5 TDI Avant Quattro Sport in.

I've done a bit of googling and have come up with a few horror stories about the 2.5 V6 TDI engine. Can anyone shed any more light on these and what else to look for when viewing A6 Avants?

I am looking for a buyers guide/things to look out for list, from googling around I have found the following trouble points (along with general stuff you look at when buying a used motor)

1. Look out for clutch slip in high gears
2. Driveline judder when pulling away can indicate Quattro/DMF issues

Things that really worry me are that I find a large number of the following:-

1. Clutch/DMF failures (may be more FWD than Quattro) £600-£1k job.
2. Fuel Injection Pump failures £1k+
3. Camshaft failures £2-4k???

Can anyone comment if these issues are lessened on the later C5's or are they equally as common?
Can anyone tell me specific points on these cars to look into?
 
03 on don't have cam issues anymore, fuel pumps can be repaired for about £700 by dieselbob and some others, clutch can be expensive, parts are about 500 quid then most places will charge £200-250 for the job. Clutches are not common failures- only if the car has been towing extensively...or driver's abuse !
 
audi upgrades
Its going to be around 14 years old so unless you get lots of history...
Cambelt, tensioners, water pump and thermostat (around £300 parts) highly recommended....
Suspension Control arms, bushes etc (pattern around £400 in parts) (knock at low speed for the uppers and lots of play on a jack for the lowers)
In fact any wear parts as with any 10+ year old motor....
Make sure you get a good VCDS Vag Com scan before you hand over any money......
 
The one I have my eyes on is a mid 04 model so approx 10yrs old with 120k on the clock.

I agree that suspension components should be considered consumables. According to the history it's had the requisite cam belt service but I will have to check when and what was done with it.
 
As far as I know, the camshafts were a problem on engine code that start with A : AFB, AKN and AKE. On the newer models the engine code starts with B.
 
Big bucks is that !
Wouldnt mind the whels though !lol
 
myth said:
As far as I know, the camshafts were a problem on engine code that start with A : AFB, AKN and AKE. On the newer models the engine code starts with B.
Click to expand...

Exception to the rule makes it the BFC engine, old design heads with rocker arms but fitted onto new style stronger block !
 
Feeling my project car could be of real value!

Chris don't suppose you have the wheel spats/trim on the engine undercover for the one your breaking do you?
Looking for the large right hand and small left hand trims.
Take the gearbox cover (auto) as well if you have one ....
 
TYphoon GB said:
Chris don't suppose you have the wheel spats/trim on the engine undercover for the one your breaking do you?
Looking for the large right hand and small left hand trims.
Take the gearbox cover (auto) as well if you have one ....
Click to expand...

Can you be a bit more specific ? Pictures will help...
 
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