Audi A4 2.4 V6 (B5)
Discussion
Hi guys,
I'm looking for a bit of quick advice, really! I've just "discovered" the 30v 2.4 V6 engine in the earlier A4s, and I think it's a bit of a miracle that something so German and powerful can be insurable for someone of my modest years!
Maybe it is too good to be true, though, and that's why I'm here. Are there any known issues or problems with these engines, or the B5 A4 generally? What sort of fuel economy can you get from the 2.4s? The claimed figure seems to be 29mpg, but 25mpg doesn't sound an unfair trade for the power on offer. Finally, I believe the cam belt interval is 75,000 miles/5 years, how much should I expect changing it to cost?
And, of course, any other advice or information you want to give me would be very much appreciated
Thanks a lot in advance!
Sam
I'm looking for a bit of quick advice, really! I've just "discovered" the 30v 2.4 V6 engine in the earlier A4s, and I think it's a bit of a miracle that something so German and powerful can be insurable for someone of my modest years!
Maybe it is too good to be true, though, and that's why I'm here. Are there any known issues or problems with these engines, or the B5 A4 generally? What sort of fuel economy can you get from the 2.4s? The claimed figure seems to be 29mpg, but 25mpg doesn't sound an unfair trade for the power on offer. Finally, I believe the cam belt interval is 75,000 miles/5 years, how much should I expect changing it to cost?
And, of course, any other advice or information you want to give me would be very much appreciated
Thanks a lot in advance!
Sam
Edited by McSam on Wednesday 3rd February 22:06
Cam belt would be arround £500 from a main dealer. Perhaps nearer £350 from a good indy & you're dead right its 75k or 5 years.
Make sure its a manual, auto's and that engine are big trouble.
I would think you can proppably get a much nicer car for the same money, but if it falls into an insurance haven (really random what cars do) then go for it.
B5's are pretty old now, so its more a case of old car problems than any know issues with the 2.4 lump. All the ball joints, arms and bushes will fairly worn, try and check for play in things or insist it has 12months MOT when you buy it. Be prepaired for worn out consumables, shocks, brakes, clucth etc.
Make sure its a manual, auto's and that engine are big trouble.
I would think you can proppably get a much nicer car for the same money, but if it falls into an insurance haven (really random what cars do) then go for it.
B5's are pretty old now, so its more a case of old car problems than any know issues with the 2.4 lump. All the ball joints, arms and bushes will fairly worn, try and check for play in things or insist it has 12months MOT when you buy it. Be prepaired for worn out consumables, shocks, brakes, clucth etc.
ABS sensor faults, general electrical niggles, plastic trim on the doors falling off
check all electrical toys, switches and buttons, and give all the trim on the outside of the doors a good wiggle!
Otherwise the B5 seems pretty good IMO
P.S. I too am impressed with the insurance, my 2.8 B5 costs me £150 more a year than my 2.0 Diesel Volvo and is lightyears ahead in performance!
check all electrical toys, switches and buttons, and give all the trim on the outside of the doors a good wiggle!
Otherwise the B5 seems pretty good IMO
P.S. I too am impressed with the insurance, my 2.8 B5 costs me £150 more a year than my 2.0 Diesel Volvo and is lightyears ahead in performance!
Petrolhead_Rich said:
ABS sensor faults, general electrical niggles, plastic trim on the doors falling off
check all electrical toys, switches and buttons, and give all the trim on the outside of the doors a good wiggle!
Otherwise the B5 seems pretty good IMO
P.S. I too am impressed with the insurance, my 2.8 B5 costs me £150 more a year than my 2.0 Diesel Volvo and is lightyears ahead in performance!
Now I know what to expect on my 2.6, then check all electrical toys, switches and buttons, and give all the trim on the outside of the doors a good wiggle!
Otherwise the B5 seems pretty good IMO
P.S. I too am impressed with the insurance, my 2.8 B5 costs me £150 more a year than my 2.0 Diesel Volvo and is lightyears ahead in performance!
This thing costs pretty much the same to insure as a 1.8, so made perfect sense. I average 27mpg, but what the hell!
I have, however, an issue with my aircon. Are there any known common faults on these cars' climate systems? The electronics seem sound, I have full temperature control and vent direction and so on, the auto function works well, but for getting below ambient temp, no chance. The air con's never worked at all, I presumed it just needed a recharge, but having been to Kwik Fit (a first for me, but thankfully they were alright..) to get it done, there's no change at all. They took out a whole 10g of old refrigerant (capacity is 654g, IIRC, or thereabouts), did a full vacuum test which showed no leaks, put in a full load of new refrigerant "with 10ml of oil", and it did nothing for it. They didn't charge me for it, mind, in line with their policy
As yet, I haven't checked anything further out, but anyone know of any faults I might be looking for?
Edited by McSam on Thursday 24th June 10:27
Edited by McSam on Thursday 24th June 10:28
On a car of that age almost certainly a dead compressor; probably a mixture of age and under-use.
2.4 is cheap for a reason, a 1.8T is a much better car or the 2.8 no more thirsty if you want the V6. Economy on all is pretty crap (old tech) particularly when mixed with quattro.
Still a nice car and has dated well but be careful to buy a well maintained car. They're of an age where bits and pieces will start to go.
2.4 is cheap for a reason, a 1.8T is a much better car or the 2.8 no more thirsty if you want the V6. Economy on all is pretty crap (old tech) particularly when mixed with quattro.
Still a nice car and has dated well but be careful to buy a well maintained car. They're of an age where bits and pieces will start to go.
could just be the electric clutch on the A/C pump, they have an electric clutch that allows the pully to idle when the a/c is turned off (econ button on), may be worth looking at this before looking at changing the pump!
Luclily mine has been well maintained and the a/c is better than my 2004 volvo (new shape)!
Luclily mine has been well maintained and the a/c is better than my 2004 volvo (new shape)!
I know it's an old post but personally you are far better off with the 1.8t. Yes I too love V6 engines but if you want to get into tuning, the 1.8T is the best choice and since its the same to insure I would go with the turbo. Why? Because eventough the 1.8t only makes 20 more hp, it's a turbo, so with bigger injectors and a remap you can get around 230hp with about 500 pounds spent, and I didn't even include a bigger turbo and the rest. If you want future proof car, get the T. If you absolutely love V6 and you know you will get another car in a few years than buy the V6
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