3.0 Tdi (CRTC) really that bad?
Discussion
Was eyeing up a lovely spec Q7, 2016, low miles (20k) with the 3.0 tdi (276bhp) CRTC. Cars in great condition, good price and has a full and regular service history with no major issues so far.
Very tempted. However: then went down a rabbit hole on the internet about these models and engine. Which would make you believe not just the engine but the vehicle is a ticking time bomb of big and expensive failures.
Taken the cautious approach at the moment and stepped away from buying it.
But there must be thousands of these engines out there on use on Audi, VW and Porsche products. Feels like surely it would be okay whilst continuing good servicing, but then don t want to suddenly get major bills when I had the warnings.
Q7 and this engine seems to flag major issues but the same engines on Macans or Cayennes don t seem to get the same doom stories when searching.
Very tempted. However: then went down a rabbit hole on the internet about these models and engine. Which would make you believe not just the engine but the vehicle is a ticking time bomb of big and expensive failures.
Taken the cautious approach at the moment and stepped away from buying it.
But there must be thousands of these engines out there on use on Audi, VW and Porsche products. Feels like surely it would be okay whilst continuing good servicing, but then don t want to suddenly get major bills when I had the warnings.
Q7 and this engine seems to flag major issues but the same engines on Macans or Cayennes don t seem to get the same doom stories when searching.
Edited by LM240 on Friday 14th November 23:11
Injector seals are a frequent problem. Cheap and easy to fix, unless the useless 
that did them last time damaged the injector threads.
Timing chains wear out and lots of labour to change.
Cam gears wear and oem only and very expensive.
Macans and cayennes suffer the same issues.
But all the big luxobarges have their own various foibles, many expensive.
Even toyota and lexus.
that did them last time damaged the injector threads.Timing chains wear out and lots of labour to change.
Cam gears wear and oem only and very expensive.
Macans and cayennes suffer the same issues.
But all the big luxobarges have their own various foibles, many expensive.
Even toyota and lexus.
Edited by OldGermanHeaps on Friday 14th November 22:41
Every car has it's IMS, bore score, head gasket etc. horror story but in reality the vast majority are absolutely fine.
I have the 3.0tdi engine in an A6 Allroad and have had no issue with the engine which is now at 76,000 miles - they're a lovely unit. I change the oil every 5k with a good quality brand from and as recommended by Opie and Bosch filter as a form of 'insurance' but to date all has been well.
The bigger issue to watch is the 7 speed DSG if it's fitted - needs oil and filter change at the right intervals. First thing I had done when I got mine was a gearbox service from an independent which cost me £230.
My pal's 2013 Q7 recently threw its crank pulley (fairly common) and needed injectors seals but has otherwise been fine at 98,000 miles. He did both himself.
I have the 3.0tdi engine in an A6 Allroad and have had no issue with the engine which is now at 76,000 miles - they're a lovely unit. I change the oil every 5k with a good quality brand from and as recommended by Opie and Bosch filter as a form of 'insurance' but to date all has been well.
The bigger issue to watch is the 7 speed DSG if it's fitted - needs oil and filter change at the right intervals. First thing I had done when I got mine was a gearbox service from an independent which cost me £230.
My pal's 2013 Q7 recently threw its crank pulley (fairly common) and needed injectors seals but has otherwise been fine at 98,000 miles. He did both himself.
OldGermanHeaps said:
Injector seals are a frequent problem.
What tensile rating are the hold down bolts? Are they torque to yield? The copper combustion seals should never blow out. Many other engines use the same Bosch CR system and injectors/seals but I've never heard of any of them blowing seals.VAG Technic on YouTube did a video on this very engine recently actually, and said he'd never buy a diesel, lol.
6nm then 90 degrees, steel single use stretch bolts.
Unless you are the fkwit that had my wifes q5 before us, then you just tighten until the threads strip out the head and call it good.
But yes leaking injector seals plague cayennes, macans, various audis that use the later engine.the older gen dont seem to suffer.
Unless you are the f
kwit that had my wifes q5 before us, then you just tighten until the threads strip out the head and call it good.But yes leaking injector seals plague cayennes, macans, various audis that use the later engine.the older gen dont seem to suffer.
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