Differences Audi 2.5 V6 TDI Engines

Hello everyone!

Since I plan to purchase an Audi A4 B6 in the near future, I would like to know the differences and weaknesses of the 2.5 TDI V6 engines.

There are indeed four "different" engines.
2.5 V6 with 150 hp
2.5 V6 with 155 hp
2.5 V6 with 163 hp
2.5 V6 with 180 hp

Has anyone here had experience and can share some information about it?
I haven't found anything using the forum search.

Thank you!
Maxx

Basically, I've been advised by MKBs AFB, AKN, and AKE to stay away from the camshafts. They believe there are issues with the camshafts (I think this problem will only be resolved with roller-chain actuators, but which MKBs are affected?). Then the Multitronic (at least the first versions) is probably not so reliable.

There are, however, significant differences, how much money do you want to spend, or what year model are you looking for?

Basically, the V6 engines are not economical (consumption, taxes). The 150PS versions are also hardly faster than the 1.9L versions with 130PS.

search for "camshafts"

/viewtopic.php?t=3687&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=nockenwellen

/viewtopic.php?t=1975&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=nockenwellen

Thanks for the responses!
Year of manufacture: 2002 - 2004, I would estimate.
The price limit is 20,000 EUR.
Absolutely essential extras: Xenon headlights, navigation system (Plus), and cruise control.

I am also particularly concerned about the smoothness of the engine's operation while running.
Is a V6 better than the 1.9 PD?
I'm also a bit worried about the defective PD components, as they are quite expensive.
But if the V6 also has such expensive potential failure points, then the 130 PS PD engine is definitely the better choice.

I will carefully review the posts related to the camshafts during my lunch break.

Thank you!
Maxx

Running is a bit quieter now. However, it is still quite loud. Just drive both ways.

Maxx1278 wrote:

But if the V6 also has such expensive potential failure points, then the 130 PS PD engine is definitely the better choice.

Take a look at the forum. This means that the PDs (don't necessarily have to be damaged) won't cause further problems.
- Timing belt replacement every 120,000 km for V6 engines and for the "Friendly" brand between 1,000 and 1,200 km.
- NW, Stößel and Hydros to the friend, approximately 2,200 (excluding rib belt, timing belt, etc.)
- ESP (VP44, please search in the forum) EUR 1.500 excl. installation

Naviplus: Constant drive issues and very slow (mine). Current CD per country > EUR 130,00

Quote:

But he's already cold

Here, I need to clearly distinguish the models with V6 TDI engines based on my experience as an "observer" on the street.

The A6 is significantly quieter than the Passats and A4s. I myself have driven a 2002 A6 150hp Multi several times. For example, the A6 has completely covered the entire metal in the engine compartment with soundproofing mats - I haven't seen this on the A4 or Passat.

m;

But he's already cold

Here, I need to clearly distinguish the models with V6 TDI engines based on my experience as an 'observer' on the street.

The A6 is significantly quieter than the Passats and A4s. I myself have driven a 2002 A6 150hp Multi several times. For example, the A6 has completely covered the entire metal in the engine compartment with soundproofing mats - I haven't seen this on the A4 or Passat.

m;

That's right, because my A6 with the V6 TDI is much quieter than the 140hp PD in my brother's Passat.

The V6 runs smoothly, it's simply much more refined, but this is not necessarily due to the combustion principle but rather to the number of cylinders.
150PS: The first version AFB, then AKN
155PS: Improved boost pressure control, slightly better NWm (AYM?)
163PS: Roller clutch lever, pre-injection, EuroIV compliant, B..
180PS: Initially, they weren't much better than 150-155PS, but later they were around 163PS.

If there is enough money available, one can start from 2003, with significantly fewer error sources.
Always a bit more expensive than a PD, but also much better to drive.

So, it really makes my hair stand on end when I read about all the things that "can" happen with the V6 TDI and what it all costs, especially.
These PD elements are relatively inexpensive, especially at around {PRICE} (I think it's 500 EUR).
I guess they probably won't all fail at once, right?
I don't want a Multitronic gearbox anyway, because I've only read negative things about it in combination with TDI engines.
The reading problems with the Navi+ are, of course, also not very good.
But can you live with that?

If I read Christian's post carefully, then I could buy the 163 hp engine with a clear conscience, right?
It seems like some of the common childhood illnesses have been cured.

Greetings
Maxx

Maxx1278 wrote:

1) The reading problems with the Navi+ are, of course, also not very good. But can you live with that? 2) Wenn ich den Post von christians durchlese, dann könnte man aber den 163 PS Motor mit ruhigem Gewissen kaufen oder? It seems like some of the common childhood illnesses have been cured.

1) Yes, I can also function completely without. Eventually, the CDs will no longer be readable and it will stop working. In an emergency, this means a maximum of EUR 140.00 for a new drive (in my case, a cleaning solution helped after 4 years). But the CDs (per country!!) are very expensive, which you should know.
2) Yes, it is significantly better, especially due to the roller-based lever. That's what makes the difference. However, it is still more expensive than the 1.9. And more expensive because of their age.

Navigation CD's are not exactly cheap.
Maybe they're also a bit cheaper at e**y.
I've always wanted a navigation system, so there will probably be one installed.
Hoping that I won't have such serious problems then.

Okay, the 163 horsepower version is very rare, and when you do see one, it's usually quite expensive.
So, I'm actually considering whether it might just be a 130 PS PD engine.
Let's see

Thank you very much for all the information!

Greetings
Maxx

In which aspects do the 163 hp and 180 hp engines differ?
Can the 163 be potentially tuned risk-free to 180 to 190 hp?

The differences between the 163 and the 180hp engine of the same model years should be very small. The problem is more likely to be the gearbox. For example, the 163hp engine in the A6 with manual transmission is limited to 310 Nm, while the 180hp engine with 370 Nm only comes with Quattro or TT. Of course, you can also only increase the maximum power, but this is actually not typically offered.

Hello!

Okay, first of all, I think the V6 is also really cool, but I would still advise against using such an engine. Since I'm a car mechanic at Audi/VW, I can tell you that 80% of V6 engine problems are caused by this!

Here are the most common, and often almost always present, sources of errors:

1. Camshaft worn or even cracked
2.VDD leaking
3. Timing cover leaking
4. Both oil trays are leaking.

The worst thing is that you can hardly get these engines to seal properly!
So, if you have a lot of money for repairs, then you can buy one, otherwise I would really advise against it.
But it should be mentioned that there are exceptions where these problems do not occur, as always!

I hope I was able to help you a little!

Best regards, Schmidi

It's good to finally get information like this firsthand. Since the forums are mainly used for reporting problems, it's difficult to make any statements about percentages.

I really enjoy driving my AKN, but I would never recommend it, especially the earlier model years.
Reasons as mentioned. Also, additionally, the fuel pump and turbocharger.

VDD's wear out at the nozzle connections. One must also work carefully during assembly. Otherwise, many leaks can occur due to excessive crankcase pressure, which many owners and workshops do not control. Once a leak develops, it will continue to develop.
Since I've installed the new VDD's, my [device/component] is now functioning properly. This has resolved all other issues. So far, the parts cost around 5000€. Of course, at regular intervals.

@ Schmidimz:

"Geplatzte NW" bedeutet, dass bei der neuen Bauform der NW (New Wave) die eingekapselte Nockenstruktur beschädigt wurde? I've recently heard about that.