Audi V6 TDI: Reviews and Experiences

Currently, I have an Audi 100 2.8l Quattro as my winter car (with only 126,000 km on the odometer). When you drive this car a bit faster in the mountains, those horses under the hood really start to drink up the fuel.

I'm now considering switching to a used Audi A6 V6 TDI Quattro (manufactured in 1996/97). I've noticed in several advertisements that it says 'new engine installed at mileage x.'

Therefore, my question is, what's wrong with the V6 TDI? Is it a particularly unreliable engine, or are there similar issues like with the T4 TDI, where the water pump tends to seize? And from which production year does the V6 TDI have 150 horsepower?

Hello, so the V6 engine is a good engine. It sometimes tends to leak oil through the valve cover gaskets, but otherwise it's very robust.
You should only have chip tuning done by experienced professionals, as otherwise the turbocharger is likely to wear out quickly.
Regarding the replacement engines, I can only say that it's possible the maintenance interval has been exceeded. However, replacing the entire engine just because the timing belt broke seems excessive to me. A few valves and possibly some hydraulic lifters would probably suffice.
All in all, the V6 is a reliable and powerful engine.

joe wrote:

From which production year does the V6 TDI have 150 horsepower?

From the beginning, there was a version with 180 horsepower. Later, a weaker version with 163 horsepower was introduced.
The first engines, the AFB models, caused a lot of problems. Search term: AFB.

From which production year does the V6 TDI have 150 horsepower?
From the beginning, there was a version with 180 horsepower. Later, a weaker version with 163 horsepower was introduced.
The first engines, the AFB, caused a lot of trouble: Search function: AFB.

So, I actually own an AFB model manufactured in June/September 1999.

It seems to be one of the last ones, judging by what people are saying/reading.

And all I can say is: Uffbasse....

A brief summary: 4.5 years and 205,000 km (with quattro Tiptronic).

- The mass airflow sensor has been identified as defective 6-7 times.
- Major engine damage at 135,000 km, possibly due to oil leakage or a faulty valve lifter.
- No starting when the engine temperature is below -5°C and the engine is cold. It simply doesn't happen.
nothing.
- It's loud, but it gets quieter when it's warm, although it's still too loud for my taste.

In addition (not specific to AFB):
- The gap dimensions are terrible, the workshop can't fix it and they've stopped even trying (we haven't even gotten to that point in the last 1.5 years).
- Both rear brake cylinders defective at 18,000 km.
- Rear axle leak, seal replacement at 120,000 km.
- FIS/Dashboard defective at 150,000 km.
- The wooden inlays are developing cracks (since 170,000 km).
- Worn-out belt tensioner (at 190,000 km).
- Hatchback door springs worn out (at 175,000 km).
- Xenon headlight bulb failure at 70,000 km.
- Exterior mirror glass, matte finish, at 25,000 km.
- Headlight washer nozzles leaking at 140,000 km.
- Rear wiper motor failure at 160,000 km.
- Needle lifter defective at 180,000 km.
- The in-car electronics (radio, phone, navigation) are sluggish and difficult to use at temperatures below -5 degrees Celsius. (This has been happening for about 50,000 km.)
- Navigation software errors (gibberish, crashes, etc.) from the very beginning.
- The CD player (Symphony) and the changer no longer recognize any CDs (not a CDRW issue).
(since 200,000 km).
- The interior trim rattles and creaks while driving (I haven't gained any weight since then).
- Sunroof leaking (at 100,000 km).

I have to say, I'm very glad that Audi provided a goodwill contribution of approximately 15,000 EUR, but considering the car's value is almost 45,000 EUR, I think that's too much, especially if you don't take into account the numerous visits to the workshop (around 30).

Regards,
Felix.