2015 A3 1.6 TDI ENGINE DRONING

[GYLD]

Hi,

It's been 2 months since I got my A3 Sedan 1.6 TDI and have done 1800 km.. Since the day I got, I have constant droning noise ( like aftermarket exhaust drone ) specifically starting 2000 rpm and disappearing around 2500 rpm. Droning sound amplifies when under load like giving a little gas or going up hill. On level road and just cruising with no load on the gas the droning sound is at its lowest. After 2500 rpm, road and wind noise take over the droning noise. I took it to 2 different Audi service and took a test drive. One said he could not hear any abnormal noise.. The other technician said he could hear the droning but not sure if that is normal or not with these models. He took it in to check engine bay and underside the car if any visibly loose parts etc. He also checked VAG COM for any error codes but he could not find anything abnormal.

He said he will contact with Audi center and return to me. Been 2 weeks and no news yet.

My engine is the 110 hp EURO 6 version.

On long trips on highway, this noise gives me headache and I dont want to think this is how all are same.

Does anyone else with same engine share if they have similar issue ?

thanks.

 

[Max-Robbo]

I've not noticed any drone with my 2014 SB 1.6tdi.. My commute involves a fair amount of 'cruising' and I've never heard anything worthy of a headache... not counting the Mrs..

Hope you get sorted!

 

[Scottyg]

As above. I'm 9.5k miles into ownership and haven't heard any groan. It's actually very quiet for a diesel.

 

[Max-Robbo]

I should note that I'm at 19.5k miles, well and truly 'worn in'..

 

[Ignition1]

Go for a sneaky test drive with another Audi dealer, or ask a friend to arrange one for you...in case they find you on their system. Then check out another 1.6 TDI.

 

[richinsoton]

I had a similar issue with my previous A1 1.6 tdi, exhaust drone approx 70mph / 2000 - 2200rpm more noticeable under load as you say (with the radio very low or off). I believe it to be a characteristic of the engine as it was there from 20k miles until I sold the car at 75k miles. I resolved it by driving either slightly slower or faster as it was a more limited rev range than what you're experiencing.

 

[Relliott6879]

19.5k on mine and no drone. The vast majority of my driving is motorway cruising and, as per Scottyg, I find it very quiet for a diesel. There's obviously something amiss, please let us know if and when Audi ever get to the bottom of it.

 

[GYLD]

I just went to another Audi service in my area this afternoon and the technician said it is the characteristic sound of the engine as soon as he heard the "droning like " sound. He said no need to dig further as he found the car totally normal.

I am not satisfied actually. I still feel this could be not characteristic of the engine. Weekend i will try to test a3 with same specs as mine and report here.

Richinsoton - it is exactly the same rpm range as you mention. Mine also most pronounced between 2000-2200 rpm and then lessens towards 2500 rpm.