A6 3.0 TDI: reliability and economy

[rassi]

I am in the process of narrowing the list of "sensible motorway cruiser" down to a few candidates and the A6 3.0 TDI (automatic) is very tempting.

Are there any issues with this engine (looking at 2006 models with about 80000 miles on it) and any hints on expected fuel economy with fast (150-160 kph) motorway driving in mind?

Thanks!

[dunmow70]

I bought a manual version in September last year and have been using Fuelly to record the MPG and prices:

http://www.fuelly.com/driver/dunmow70/a6-quattro

It's lovely to drive and fast motorway driving is effortless with plenty of power to get you past MLMs. I suspect the auto box will have a slightly lower MPG.

[blueg33]

I have had my 3.0tdi A6 Le Mans tiprtonic from new 4 years ago and it now has 75k on the clock.

The only issues have been problems with the phone and mmi electronics much of which was replaced 3 times under warranty, although its all fine now.

The car is reliable and fast, and I use it for motorway cruising about 60% of the time. It gets a bit thirsty cruising above 80mph (I have done much cruising at these speeds to and from Switzerland)

If you are looking at a used one, i would check that it is on the longlife service option and that all tyres are the same in terms of make, tread pattern and tread wear as mismatched tyres can cause problems with the quattro system.

Check that here have been no spills near the front cupholder and liquids can kill the ecu that's under there. Likewise in the avant a leaking rear screen washer pipe can kill electronics in the boot.

Some people say that the sports suspension is a bit hard, but I like it as it stops the kids getting sick because body roll is better controlled.

I was only going to keep mine for 3 years, but as its the best car I have had as an everyday car I will keep it until its 7 unless it has major problems, but I don't expect any.

I replaced an e60 5 series with it an the A6 was miles better in terms of comfort and practicality but not quite so sharp on handling.

[rassi]

Thanks for the full reply!

The one I am interested in has air suspension - is it prone to failure?

As to fuel economy, my E39 M5 has returned 22.5 mpg over the last 60.000 miles. Wonder how much better a 3.0 TDI Tiptronic Quattro would be with 90-100 mph cruising speeds...?

[blueg33]

I am not sure about air suspension, no many A6's have it. Som eof the A8 owners may be able to help.

If you cruise at 90 is I think you will be circa 36 mpg.

My cars average mpg is 36.4. Around town when cold its down at 23-26pmg

[Dr G]

At a modest cruise they'll do 40 to the gallon but at 90-100 I'd expect it to be nearer 30, as pointed out above there's a point where it drops off.

The air suspension on A8s is generally good, only had a couple of problems and neither were catastrophic. I can remember two A6s we've had with it fitted and both had clean copy books under warranty.

Engine itself it pretty damn tough, there can be a problem with the inlet manifold flap motor that is relatively expensive to replace but can be repaired for a lot less.

[derestrictor]

Always held a quiet fondness for Audi 3.0 TDI lump; never looking so BMW '35d/XF diesel freakishly powerful (c250 v c280+) on paper and yet many times has the pressure wave from a barrelling A6 of this genus cuased momentary wheel wobble as it shot past at some kreigish kessel of lepton.

These are single turbo designs, are they not?

[Raven Flyer]

I have the 2.7tdi Quattro. Over Christmas I drove down to my wife's parents in France and then across to Tignes, then back to Essex. Just under 1700 miles, almost all motorway, almost all with cruise control set at 90mph. The average consumption was 37.1mpg

[Silverbullet767]

Be careful of the early models injector problems. I had to replace all of mine.

[agentsmith]

i've got a 3.0 TDI Le Mans. Really, really pleased with it. Seems very well screwed together, traction is incredible (i've never had a 4wd before).

Good Points:

• love the styling
• traction
• well screwed together
• sounds system (BOSE on mine) is superb
• it's quick enough, plenty of thrust on offer
• with a remap it's 280-290bhp

Bad Points:

• full boost is around 1900rpm, thrust isnt anything like immediate like a petrol, or my mates 535d (twin turbo).
• consumption isnt great, im sure the autobox doesnt help at all here. My average since owning is 33mpg, on a run at 80mph you can get 38mpg or perhaps more.
• I find the autobox a bit slow to get to first gear on junctions sometimes

Nothing has gone wrong, although both rear lights are in for water ingress (and therefore, replacement).

[agentsmith]

PS a 90-100 cruise will see you at 32-33mpg. so 50% better than your M5.

[rassi]

Thanks for the replies!

The car in question is this one: http://fr.autoscout24.be/Details.aspx?id=189442135

Has the right options, especially the Bose audio + GPS, except front PDC and electric seats, but can live without that.

Now, all depends if a decent p/x can be worked out.

[blueg33]

Just phoned 3 dealers and 1 indy Audi specialist for prices for 75k service. The service includes fuel and air filters, brake fluid change.

Top Price £525 inc VAT
Bottom Dealer Price £350 inc VAT
Indy £290 plus £12 for courtesy car plus £15 for longlife oil £318

Booked it in with the dealer. Interestingly that dealership also services Bentley, Aston, Spyker and Koenigsegg. I was expecting a much higher rate from them!