My 2005 A6 3.2 Quattro

[AudiSport]

After much debate, and a few months out of Audis, I finally decided to pull the trigger on this 2005 A6 3.2 Quattro. It is so nice to hear a petrol engine again after the E60 520d I've been driving. I really enjoyed the feel of the 520d, although the gearbox was it's downfall and with the 8-mile commute to work and back - petrol made more sense!

So, here it is;






Heres the options list, although I have no idea what the majority of them are?
E4J = "S-line"
0GG = Emission standard EU4
4UF = Drivers and front passenger air bag with front passenger air bag deactivation
6XL = Exterior mirrors: with memory function, automatically dimming, electrically foldable/adjustable/heated
5SJ = Left exterior mirror: convex
6TS = Right exterior mirror: aspherical, large viewing field
1KW = Disc brakes, rear
J1U = Battery 450 A (95 Ah)
1ZL = Disc brakes, front
1BV = Sports suspension/shock absorption
3FE = Electric slide/tilt sunroof with sun screen/sunblind
5TG = Decorative aluminum inserts, dulling
7X4 = Park distance control, front and rear
F0A = No special purpose vehicle, standard equipment
8GV = Alternator 180 A
0G7 = Tiptronic
0YK = Weight range 10 installation control only, no requirement forecast
0JJ = Weight category front axle weight range 9
T14 = 6-cylinder gasoline engine 3.2 L Unit 06E.A (ALU)
3NZ = Rear seat bench unsplit, backrest split folding
8EC = Bi-functional headlight with gas discharge lamp, for driving on the left
U1B = Instrument insert with mph speedometer, clock, tachometer and trip odometer
X2B = National sales program Great Britain
1N3 = Speed-related variable steering assist (Servotronic)
2FQ = Leather trimmed multi-function sports steering wheel w/ Tiptronic
8Q3 = Automatic headlight-range adjustment dynamic (self-adjusting while driving)
9Q4 = Multi-function display/on-board computerwith check control
8Z5 = Not hot country
D2G = 6-cyl. gasoline eng. 3.2 L/188 kW (24V) FSI, homogeneous base engine is T14
7Q2 = Navigation system with color screen
CH9 = Alloy wheels 8J x 18
7K0 = Without tire pressure warning light
4X4 = Side air bag, front and rear with curtain air bag
2K1 = Reinforced bumpers
3L4 = Electric seat adjustment for both front seats, drivers seat with memory system
4KC = Side and rear windows in heat-insulatingglass
3Y0 = Without roll-up sun screen
4K2 = Radio remote controlled central locking "SZV"
5D7 = Carrier frequency 868 MHz without panic button
1SA = Without additional front underbody guard
Q1D = Sports front seats
4GP = Windshield in heat-insulating glass withsunshield and viewing window for vehicleidentification number


The car has covered 65k miles, and feels very tight. Two owners, and the majority of the history is Audi main dealer. Not sure if that is good or bad : /
More importantly, what an engine! It is so SO smooth, yet when you put your foot down it really comes to life! I have been achieving 30mpg on medium runs, although I have no doubt this will be close to 16 / 18 on my short drive to work. I changed the alloys from the original 18s as I love the 19'' RS4s.

I do however have a few questions, which I would love your input on;
1. From the above options, do I have Bluetooth? I can't connect my iPhone, and just see 'Telephone is not installed'?
2. If I do not have Bluetooth connectivity, what is my best option? OEM retro-fit or Parrat?
3. My Parking sensors don't work, although the parking sensor button flashes when parking - is this going to be a faulty sensor, or an expensive unit under the passenger seat?
4. My front cigarette lighter doesn't work, where should I look first?

5. Are there any other things I should check/do - gearbox oil?
6. Milltek? Bit pricy for me, although I fear the drone noise associated with custom exhausts after a bad experience with one years ago on a Calibra!
7. I need four tyres soon, any recommendations? Vredestein?
8. I would like to tint the rear half windows, although keep it OEM looking. What density / percentage should I ask for?

No need to answer all the questions, just chip in where you can : )

Thank you all in advance!

[RammyMP]

Nice car!

Sorry but the only one I can offer help is with the lighter socket, firstly check the fuse, they do tend to blow easily.

[Maracus]

Nice choice!

I can answer some of your questions:

I don't think you have bluetooth. Can't help on a recommendation, sorry.

As for the 'box oil, it's a costly oil change. May be worth keeping a slush fund and checking it doesn't leak. Mine was on 76K when i sold it. I had no issues with it at all.

For the parking sensor fault, if you select reverse and listen for them clicking. The one that isn't clicking is the knackered one. (This was the case with my 2008 A6).

I had Kumhos on my 3.0TDI, and found them pretty good if you don't want to spend top dollar on the A* brands.

Check the rear wiper works along with the washer jet. If the fluid isn't coming out of the jet then it could be leaking into the boot.

[Dr G]

That's a really well specified car, the options are (from your list):

Dimming/folding/memory mirrors
Parking system Plus
Visibility pack (Xenons and LED tail lights)
Electric seats with driver's memory
DVD Nav
Sunroof

If that's from the sticker in the service book they tend to miss a lot off.

For bluetooth retrofit either the Audi gear or Kufatec equivalent; the on dash things look so out of keeping and cheap in an A6 which has a lovely cabin.

Advice above on parking sensors is spot on. With ignition and parking sensors on but engine not running a working sensor makes a quite clicking noise. You'll need your ear right up close to hear it.

12v point normally needs cleaning and the pins bending back inwards.

Things to do? Switch servicing to annual/10k, your timing chain will thank you. Look for water in the boot, particularly behind the NS trim panel or any signs of leaks in that area.

I don't think Milltek do an off the shelf for a 3.2 but I imagine a 4.2 system with an adapter piece will do it.

[AudiSport]

Maracus said:

Nice choice!

I can answer some of your questions:

I don't think you have bluetooth. Can't help on a recommendation, sorry.

As for the 'box oil, it's a costly oil change. May be worth keeping a slush fund and checking it doesn't leak. Mine was on 76K when i sold it. I had no issues with it at all.

For the parking sensor fault, if you select reverse and listen for them clicking. The one that isn't clicking is the knackered one. (This was the case with my 2008 A6).

I had Kumhos on my 3.0TDI, and found them pretty good if you don't want to spend top dollar on the A* brands.

Check the rear wiper works along with the washer jet. If the fluid isn't coming out of the jet then it could be leaking into the boot.

Thanks for the info / Kumhos are £118 fitted on Asdas website right now - seem great value, and good reviews online too. Are they okay road noise wise ?

Rear wiper and washer yet works, although the wiper is a little floppy, and seems to drop from the correct finish position.

[AudiSport]

Dr G said:

That's a really well specified car, the options are (from your list):

Dimming/folding/memory mirrors
Parking system Plus
Visibility pack (Xenons and LED tail lights)
Electric seats with driver's memory
DVD Nav
Sunroof

If that's from the sticker in the service book they tend to miss a lot off.

For bluetooth retrofit either the Audi gear or Kufatec equivalent; the on dash things look so out of keeping and cheap in an A6 which has a lovely cabin.

Thanks DrG! Yes, the spec came from the sticker in the service book. To be honest I would have preferred a black, dark grey or dark blue one, but the spec and petrol 3.2 won me over, and I decided I could learn to love the silver. There just doesn't seem to be many of this engine about, so I snapped this one up. It has a lot of chrome, including the door handles - which I'm un-decided on. May look into getting these bits wrapped in black. What do you think?

What's involved in fitting Kufatec kit? Do I have the mic / speakers in place already?

[Maracus]

AudiSport said:

Thanks for the info / Kumhos are £118 fitted on Asdas website right now - seem great value, and good reviews online too. Are they okay road noise wise ?

Rear wiper and washer yet works, although the wiper is a little floppy, and seems to drop from the correct finish position.

I found the Kumhos fine for road noise, no worse than most. £118 is a good price!

[Dr G]

You appear to have genuine 19" Le Mans wheels also (first available late 2006).

Kufatec:

http://www.hazzydayz.com/audi-fiscon-bluetooth-han...

Audi:

http://www.hazzydayz.com/mmi-2g-bluetooth-handsfre...

Vinyl wrapping the shiny bits is fiddly and easily marked/damaged. If you're looking to make a silver car appear more aggressive/assertive try the satin grey finish from a late Audi on the wheels. The contrasting colour against the body really lifts and freshens the appearance.

[AudiSport]

Maracus said:

I found the Kumhos fine for road noise, no worse than most. £118 is a good price!

Great, I'll be giving them a go in a month or two.

[AudiSport]

Dr G said:

You appear to have genuine 19" Le Mans wheels also (first available late 2006).

I bought the Genuine Le Mans alloys on TheBay as I love the look of them compared to the 18'' RS6 alloys. I actually bought them before I had collected the car! Couldn't wait to get them fitted the following day after picking up the car;




All subjective, but I think they transform the car.
Please PM me if anyone is interested in a full set of five 18'' RS6 alloys in perfect condition with nearly new tyres.

[AudiSport]

Dr G said:

Kufatec:
http://www.hazzydayz.com/audi-fiscon-bluetooth-han...

Audi:
http://www.hazzydayz.com/mmi-2g-bluetooth-handsfre...

Vinyl wrapping the shiny bits is fiddly and easily marked/damaged. If you're looking to make a silver car appear more aggressive/assertive try the satin grey finish from a late Audi on the wheels. The contrasting colour against the body really lifts and freshens the appearance.

Thanks for the links, and your advice on a more aggressive look - your spot on with your perception of my reasons. The Le Mans alloys are in good condition, so I'll wait until they need a referb - great idea through. I think the main problem is the chrome door handles! Could I get them painted, or would I be better off finding someone breaking a Silver A6?

[Dr G]

Probably could be re-painted. Get a secondhand set of a breaker and have them all painted so you can do a quick swap.

Potatoshop of wheels and optics:



If you squint the dark/light contrast looks good I think.

[Pablo16v]

Nice purchase. I've also just bought a 2005 3.2 A6 Avant but non-quattro and without the sunroof, but the rest of the specs are similar. 63K miles on the clock and a comprehensive service history. Like you I need to find a way of pairing my phone.

The 3.2 engine is a real peach and the noise it makes is fantastic.

ETA: The option codes show mine originally came with 19" wheels, not sure which type though, but it currently has 18" after-market C6 RS6 replicas which I guess might've been an attempt to improve the ride quality. They suit the car though so I'm keeping them on for the time being.

Edited by Pablo16v on Wednesday 18th March 12:47

Edited by Pablo16v on Wednesday 18th March 12:50

[AudiSport]

Pablo16v said:

Nice purchase. I've also just bought a 2005 3.2 A6 Avant but non-quattro and without the sunroof, but the rest of the specs are similar. 63K miles on the clock and a comprehensive service history. Like you I need to find a way of pairing my phone.

The 3.2 engine is a real peach and the noise it makes is fantastic.

ETA: The option codes show mine originally came with 19" wheels, not sure which type though, but it currently has 18" after-market C6 RS6 replicas which I guess might've been an attempt to improve the ride quality. They suit the car though so I'm keeping them on for the time being.

Edited by Pablo16v on Wednesday 18th March 12:47

Edited by Pablo16v on Wednesday 18th March 12:50

Yes, the engine is wonderful. It is never going to be the quickest, but the immediate power, smooth delivery and progress acceleration is perfect for my driving style - and short journeys.

Any photos?

[Andy JB]

FWIW I don't have a telephone connected via MMI and it tells me its not connected on the display and yet I can work my phone through the Bluetooth connector easily which employs the headlining mike & door speakers - mine is a C6 like yours but is a later car though so may not necessarily be same for you.

I prefer the original RS wheels you had & would be much easier to keep clean. My BBS split rim 19" o/e multispoke wheels are a real pain to clean.

Also I would refrain from doing colour changes to the car - silver suits it, I had a C5 in silver & was much nicer than my Phantom Black C6 - but its all subjective.

Its a slippery slope modifying a classy car.....

[AudiSport]

Dr G said:

Probably could be re-painted. Get a secondhand set of a breaker and have them all painted so you can do a quick swap.

Potatoshop of wheels and optics:



If you squint the dark/light contrast looks good I think.

Ah thanks for doing that! Well after a week or so with the car the silver has really grown on me. And, the chrome is bothering me less. I think for now I'm going to do nothing.

Although.... I am tempted to pop into my local exhaust specialist to enquire about some new back boxes to help me hear a little more of that engine. Is Milltek the only way forward, or is it just about releasing a bit more sound?

[AudiSport]

Andy JB said:

I prefer the original RS wheels you had & would be much easier to keep clean. My BBS split rim 19" o/e multispoke wheels are a real pain to clean.

Also I would refrain from doing colour changes to the car - silver suits it, I had a C5 in silver & was much nicer than my Phantom Black C6 - but its all subjective.

Its a slippery slope modifying a classy car.....

I hear you about the modifying, I'm very much in favour of the OEM look, and will hold fire for the minute.

However, how easy the alloys are to clean is secondary to the looks, for now. I'm still only in my 30s! ; )

[bigkeeko]

Lovely car and nice choice of motor.

A nice stainless exhaust will make it something to love even more.

[pad58]

TBH I prefer the five spokers you had which was the reason I chose my A4.
so much easier to clean.

[AudiSport]

bigkeeko said:

Lovely car and nice choice of motor.

A nice stainless exhaust will make it something to love even more.

Will I just need to change the back boxes? I fear that honorific drone noise that you get from bad set-ups..