1.8t 163 advice - Things to look out for

[jamespheely]

Hi guys - finally decided that when I start looking for my b6 cabriolet I'll be getting the 1.8t 163 engine. Now after iv been browsing here for a few weeks there seem to be a lot of issues with the b6 engines... This might be down to age but what are the common issues to watch out for?

I'll be looking into remapping the ecu pretty soon after buying does anyone know how they respond to a remap? I'm hoping it will put out similar power to the 3.0v6 afterwards... Has anyone here remapped their 1.8?

Thanks
James

 

[quattrojames]

Oil pick up, oil pick up, oil pick up...

 

[Mike.M]

Only mapped my old S3 to 270bhp and it was strong, but had tensioner problems......but there are a number of differences to the A4 variant.

Oil pick up is an issue if the car has not had regular services, but you can only tell if you take the sump off to look at it.

 

[spirit]

Blown turbos
Airleaks
Leaking rocker cover gaskets
Dodgy electrics
Crap build quality


Had my a4 b6 turbo 3 months and a grand in bills already.I'm off back to BMW

 

[jamespheely]

Blown turbos
Airleaks
Leaking rocker cover gaskets
Dodgy electrics
Crap build quality


Had my a4 b6 turbo 3 months and a grand in bills already.I'm off back to BMW

Ouch! That doesn't fill me with confidence... Can't imagine BMWs are cheap when they go wrong either though

 

[spirit]

Ouch! That doesn't fill me with confidence... Can't imagine BMWs are cheap when they go wrong either though

Got a bad one others might be better.my 3 bmws only cost 800 in bills inc one clutch

 

[T0m]

James, don't let them scare you off I have this engine but in the Avant!

Ive had the car 7 years since 43k and its now on 110k its been serviced and regular oil change every year or 10k and mine has just been fine yeah ive had the odd leak but nothing you cant get fixed and wont cost you the earth....the only thing that has gone on me so far was a coil and lucky I was 2 mins from an audi dealer.

Providing they are looked after you should have no more problems than anyone and as for the oil pick up I w as advised by an audi independent to leave alone and if the warning for low oil pressure comes on the dash turn the car off and get it recovered to a garage for it to be fixed. The reason being due to the location of the sump and its not just bolted on there is sealant that they use to seal it so only get it done if you really want peace of mind or don't trust the history of the car.

The other things to look out for are what we all suffer from, broken catches on arm rest, seat lumber support breaking, rear number plate bulb holder has crap screws but we can all help you there so enjoy it and don't be put off......

Tom

 

[A4sportMrT]

Every car will have its problems.

buy one you won't regret it

 

[sic58]

Check for service history but look at the bigger picture there's a lot of these on the road and most people only post problems and faults common sense and gut feeling Good luck with you're search oh and I've got one

 

[moggs]

I bought one a year ago and haven't had any problems. I bought a new oil pick up but as stated was advised against changing it unless the history was dodgy. Mine had had regular oil changes throughout its life and I have changed it twice since I've had it. I would definitely get it remapped as it is a little sluggish tbh. But make sure the clutch is good before you do. Another thing to change would be the diverted valve. I did mine and it made a noticeable difference. Go for it, you won't regret it as it is a great engine with proven reliability.

 

[spirit]

Sold mine heap of crap and bought a bmw e46 330 m sport.would say I enjoyed it with Audi but I didn't total money pit imo.

Goodbye

 

[T0m]

I bought one a year ago and haven't had any problems. I bought a new oil pick up but as stated was advised against changing it unless the history was dodgy. Mine had had regular oil changes throughout its life and I have changed it twice since I've had it. I would definitely get it remapped as it is a little sluggish tbh. But make sure the clutch is good before you do. Another thing to change would be the diverted valve. I did mine and it made a noticeable difference. Go for it, you won't regret it as it is a great engine with proven reliability.

Hey fella what is the diverted valve?

 

[lewie]

Look for leaky roof(on outer corner of front seats)- if it's a auto make sure it's had the box oil changed as per the service recommendations (40k).
I've had my '06 B7 cab 3 years now done about 12k with no real issues.
As above have had new numberplate lights usual service etc but that's it.
Good luck- I found a low mileage(42k) one and have been very pleased

 

[moggs]

Was meant to read diverter valve. It controls the boost I think but has a rubber diaphragm that gets weak or breaks so the engine doesn't hold the boost at high rpm. Mine would go flat after 4k but after I changed it pulled alot stronger till the red line.