Audi A6 Avant 3.0tdi - what to look out for?

[antspants]

I'm planning to look at 2 or 3 of the above models early next week, 57 and 08 plates for around £14-15k.

They have between 50-70k miles on the clock, all Le Mans models so specs seem to be very similar.

What should I be looking out for, and are there differences between the sat navs/comms/audio packs?

Thanks in advance

[shtu]

At that age, watch out for inlet manifolds. If there's proof they've been replaced, excellent. These can be a repair bill anywhere between £20 of parts to a £1400 replacement.

Front ARB bushes and droplinks. Cheap.

You want the "MMI High" system (Which is standard on those IIRC) - full-colour screen. Buying the lower-level MMI systems and trying to upgrade is an expensive job.

Factory bluetooth is generally better than aftermarket units.

The Bose system fitted as standard to Le Mans versions is fine.

The Le Mans didn't come with Satnav as standard. An up-to-date DVD can be either cheap, or expensive, depending on the legitimacy of the source.

Check the audio system VERY carefully if the car has aftermarket tints. if the fitter hasn't been careful, it can mean water has got to the amplifier in the load area. Another £1000 bill.

Tyres. You usually find it needs 4 at the same time, that's £800+

Brakes - they are quite heavy on brakes, several hundred in parts alone.

Oddly, they seem quite reliable, but failures can cost. If you find one that just been serviced, has good tyres and replacement manifolds, that's the big bills out of the way for a couple of years.

I like 'em. Apart from the suspension being made of granite.

[Kell]

I was surprised that our Le Mans didn't automatically come with front parking sensors - even though rears were standard.

We've just had to shell out £300 for a replacement front wheel bearing as they're prone to going on A6s.

I also seem to remember that the rear wash wipe can be problematic too - with a pipe coming loose so that a lot of the water squirts inside rather than out.

Finally, I've just noticed that the paint on our wheels is quite badly bubbled and lifting in places. This also seems to be a common fault.

Here's the press release from the time:

Audi A6 Le Mans Edition Commemorates Milestone TDI Race Win

Exclusive limited edition A6 3.0 TDI quattro model celebrates first ever Le Mans victory for the diesel-powered Audi R10 TDI
Commemorative version of A6 3.0 TDI quattro limited to 1,000 right-hand-drive examples
Now available to order in Saloon and Avant forms priced at �34,575 OTR and �35,845 respectively. First deliveries expected in September
Based on performance-oriented A6 S line specification, and adds 19-inch alloy wheels, Luxury Pack including full leather upholstery and unique paint colour schemes

The spoils of a milestone victory for Audi TDI power in the 2006 Le Mans 24-hour marathon race can now be enjoyed in the new limited edition A6 Le Mans Edition, a commemorative version of the potent A6 3.0 TDI quattro boasting a unique and especially lavish specification for a price premium of just �115. Restricted to just 1,000 right-hand-drive examples, the new A6 3.0 TDI quattro Le Mans Edition is now available in Saloon and Avant forms priced at �34,575 OTR and �35,845 OTR respectively.

To mark the moment when Le Mans was conquered by diesel power for the first time in its 74-year history in the Audi R10 TDI sports prototype, this new special edition model has appropriately been based on the sporting S line version of the A6 3.0 TDI quattro. The already striking S line specification, which includes exclusive S line front and rear body styling, is further enhanced externally in the A6 Le Mans Edition by 19-inch 7-arm double spoke alloy wheels adopted from the RS 4 quattro and standard metallic or pearl effect paint. Inside, the addition of a Luxury Pack, normally costing �975, brings full Volterra leather upholstery and heating for the front sports seats, rear acoustic parking and upgraded interior lights using LED technology.

A6 Le Mans Edition specification also includes S line sports suspension lowered by 30mm, an upgraded braking system, cruise control, S line decorative facia inlays in brushed aluminium, a three-spoke S line sports steering wheel and the Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI) controlling a 10-speaker audio system with CD changer. Specified individually, the additional equipment added to the A6 Le Mans Edition would cost in excess of �2,300, but in this exclusive model it carries a premium of just �115.

An advanced common rail fuel injection system, a close relative of which is installed in the R10 TDI prototype�s V12 engine, maximises performance and operating efficiency in the road-going 3.0-litre V6 TDI powering the A6 Le Mans Edition. With 233PS at 4,000rpm and 450Nm of torque from just 1,400rpm it quickly reveals the qualities that helped to create a Le Mans-winning diesel engine, delivering 0-62mph acceleration in 6.9 seconds and, where permissible, a top speed of 153mph, yet doing so with 35.3mpg capability and refinement befitting an Audi executive saloon.

World�s first purpose-built diesel
Not surprisingly, the slightly less cosseting R10 TDI sports car features the most powerful member to date of the Audi TDI family, which is also notable as the world�s first purpose-built diesel racing engine. The 5.5-litre V12 is the first Audi TDI to be built around an all-aluminium block - a new departure that could very easily become a production reality � and with the help of common rail fuel injection technology and two Garrett turbochargers delivers 650PS and an even more formidable 1,100Nm of torque.

Head of Engine Technology at Audi Sport, Ulrich Baretzky, indicated recently that lessons learned on the circuit in the ongoing development of the R10 TDI are likely to significantly accelerate advances in the road-going Audi TDI engine range. "We are still relatively close to the findings of our colleagues from production since we are breaking completely new ground in motorsport. However, this will change. I believe to be able to share the things that we developed specifically for motorsport with production in the future,� he said. The Audi TDI range is currently headed by the 4.2-litre, 326PS V8 TDI powering the A8 Saloon.

Model OTR Price
Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro S line �34,460
Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro Avant S line �35,730
Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro Le Mans Edition �34,575
Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro Le Mans Edition Avant �35,845

Additional Le Mans Edition equipment (over S line models)

Metallic or pearl effect paint
19-inch 7-arm double spoke alloy wheels
Luxury pack incorporating full Volterra leather upholstery, front seat heating and rear acoustic parking
Interior light pack

[Dr G]

Shtu's replies are very comprehensive and cover everything you need to know.

If you want to PM me I'll email you back the brochure and a buying guide you might find handy.

[antspants]

Excellent, very useful information guys, thank you!

DrG - pm sent, thanks.

Regarding the granite suspension comment, I've had a few M-Sport BMWs including run-flat equipped cars so this doesn't really bother me. Also my wife does have a tendency to get car sick, so softer suspension will not help

[Kell]

Our last car was a 530d M-Sport with 18" wheels and RF tyres.

I don't think that was as hard as the Le Mans with S-Line suspension and 19" wheels.

All that said, I still prefer the Audi.

[Dr G]

One small thing I forgot to add - only had one manifold on a V6 TDI we've not been able to repair.

[blueg33]

Check that there have been no spills in the front cup holder, there are some delicate ecu's under there

Check that there are no leaks from rear wash wipe in the boot side compartments

Make sure they have decent tyres, 4 19 inch 255 wide low profile tyres are not cheap and you at least need to have matched sets across each axle, although Audi recommend all 4 matching.

Check MMI has had the software updates, especially the phone module if its 2007 or earlier

I have had mine from new in 2007 and its done 103k miles flawlessly, still drive like new. I have replaced the front ARB drop links at 80k miles and have replaced the brake discs just once. Tyres do circa 25k a set if you get the right ones and 18k a set of you stick with the OEM Pirellis.

This is the first car I have ever kept for more than 3 years, I am keeping ot because it is so good at everything.

Nearly forgot, late 07 cars onwards have DPF which can cause issues.

List on mine with the various extras like Nav, MMI High (it was an extra I believe), auto boot, etc etc came to $43k or thereabouts

[Dr G]

DVD nav included MMI high; MMI basic and/or red screen 'CD' nav are crap and would make a car a non-start for me.

You could spec MMI high separately and NOT have nav at all but this is unusual.

[Chris Hinds]

blueg,

What tyres are you running on yours... I can't get more than a few feet in my A6 without needing new ones. Had the tracking checked and it's fine. If I could even get 18k I'd be a happy camper. Currently much more like half that at the front. Now running Bridgestone RE050A but before that it was Conti Sport Contact.

[jamcam23]

I've had mine since last September, it's been great, BUT...leave it idling upon start up, then do some other checks, if after 5 or so minutes it gives off blue smoke under acceleration it probably means the injectors are at fault. This is fuel mixing into the oil and can be costly to repair. Audi did offer a recall, but mines done 145K+ so no chance for me.

Other than that, they can throw up warning lights for bulbs, so check all the lights work and lastly it's a common fault that the fuel sender can 'freeze' Basically, upon start up mine used to show a full tank (1250 miles) or 0 miles, even though there was half a tank in there, after a few miles it would rectify itself, but its a few hundred quid to put right.

[antspants]

This is the one that I plan to view first:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Sounds like there's a few things to look out for, so may well get a vehicle inspection carried out for a bit of peace of mind.

[jamcam23]

Looks tidy! Same colour as mine, classed as Grey, but it's a dark blue. It doesn't have electric seats, not a deal breaker by any stretch, but that would also mean no driver memory function.

As with all cars, they have their quirks, but if its got service good history and had any recalls done, you can't go wrong. As stated elsewhere, as it's an Avant, check the boot for damp, the rear washers can fail.

Enjoy if you buy.

[blueg33]

Chris Hinds said:

blueg,

What tyres are you running on yours... I can't get more than a few feet in my A6 without needing new ones. Had the tracking checked and it's fine. If I could even get 18k I'd be a happy camper. Currently much more like half that at the front. Now running Bridgestone RE050A but before that it was Conti Sport Contact.

I use Vredstein Ultrac Sessantas, and have previously used Pirelli PZero Rosso (OEM) and Dunlop (I forget which ones).

The Vreds are the ones that last, they also give the best wet weather grip, the Pirellis were probably the best in the dry but lost it quickly when part worn.

I rotate the tyres after about 10-12k miles to give even wear.

[franki68]

antspants said:

This is the one that I plan to view first:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2013...

Sounds like there's a few things to look out for, so may well get a vehicle inspection carried out for a bit of peace of mind.

That's the car I test drove,it drives well ,but it's had 7 owners and a very weird service history ,so I backed off

[shtu]

Dr G said:

You could spec MMI high separately and NOT have nav at all but this is unusual.

Which is what i've wound up with. Still debating if it's worth fitting it.

[blueg33]

It was cgeaper to buy the Technology Pack which included MMI High and dvd satnav plus phone than it was to buy Satnav on its own.

[antspants]

franki68 said:

That's the car I test drove,it drives well ,but it's had 7 owners and a very weird service history ,so I backed off

Yes I've just found out about the number of owners. Apparently serviced 4 times but last time at 34k so it's due another service now.

Dealer said it has been serviced so many times in so few miles due to number of owners and Audi servicing before selling???

Best avoided??? It's a 2 and half hour drive so don't want to waste my time.

[Kell]

I have to say I'd be wary of a five year old car with seven owners. Statistically no-one's even kept it for a year.

You've got to be asking why.

Unless it's a really good price and/or you get given a fantastic warranty chucked in, I'd save yourself the drive.

[franki68]

antspants said:

Yes I've just found out about the number of owners. Apparently serviced 4 times but last time at 34k so it's due another service now.

Dealer said it has been serviced so many times in so few miles due to number of owners and Audi servicing before selling???

Best avoided??? It's a 2 and half hour drive so don't want to waste my time.

the srvice record is bizarre,in one instance it was serviced,then serviced again 3 months later having done 2000 miles ,then no service in last 3 years from what I could see.
I walked away ,there's too much choice to be taking a car that will be a nightmare come resale time.