Considering an Audi..advice/input?
 

I had the chance to play around with a few Audis and they've really grown on me. I've owned BMWs in the past, but never an Audi. I'm considering an older Audi like the B6 or C5.

My main question is this: which platform (between the B6 and C5) is the best for modification? Which has more potential? I'm leaning more towards the C5 2.7 turbo or 4.2 V8, but this is a whole new world to me.

Are there common issues to look for with these cars?

Thanks!

Prepare to bend over.

/thread

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Both the B6 and C5 platforms are fading away slowly, they have aged and usually need quite a lot of work. The 4.2 V8 motor is practically bullet proof compared to the 2.7.

As far as modification and common problems go, you're going to have to most of your bank repairing the thing. It's very common for simplistic things to go in these cars, especially due to its age. The 2.7 is a big hassle. Cam seals go easily, auxilary waterpump, etc. If you want to save yourself trouble, go for the 2.8.

And I don't know how you're going to find a V8 motor for the C5, they practically only come in an RS6, which is very rare

B6 1.8T..
Fixed most of the kinks in the 1.8T engine from the B5, so it's more reliable.. if you want power just go straight to Stage 3+ then and make 500+hp.

^+1

ive owned a B6 1.8t for a few years...never gave me any problems

You could get the 4.2 V8 in the A6. There's a few of them on Craigslist. It's the twin turbo 4.2 that came in the RS6.

Can you guys tell me more about the B6 1.8T? I've always heard about small Audis with big power, but am only starting to look into it.

Best go to Audiworld or equivalent forums and ask.

Here is a listing from the Euro forum thread:

Audi
EuroForums.ca - Local
vancouvereuros.com - Local
dovforums.com - Local
audiforum.ca - National
audiforums.com - International
audiworld.com - International
audi-forums.com - International
audizine.com - International
audi-forums.com - International
vwaudiforum.co.uk - International

Has anyone here experienced issues (misfires) with vw/audi's direct injection motors due to carbon build up on the intake valves?

Thanks godwin, I've already skimmed a bunch of Audi forums, but I figured I'd ask here to avoid owner bias.

If you want really want to know You can only find the most from the Audi forums.. who else besides the owners who work on their own cars know about their own engine? Owner bias whether you like it or not will be there. It is much more useful than here say.

Audizine

B6 1.8T always have coilpack problem, but they are cheap.
Also turbo with quattro, is a very good combo. Altho it is a 1.8T, it can still make a decent amount of power when you upgrade the turbo.

2.7T, if you are not wrenching yourself, then forget it.

4.2 V8, if you want big power, might as well go 1.8T.

1.8T is a good building block.. People enjoy the reliablility, even though they boost the crap out of the motor. If you want quick bang for the buck, you go..

Upgraded DP
Exhaust
Intake
Stage 2 Chip

And your going from 180~190hp to roughly 250~hp.. only spending $1500 when all said and done. If you want to know problems, go to VWVortex and look through the Technical section of the 1.8T Engine section. For specific B6 problems go to B6 section. Best part is, everyone always posts their problems, so the more common ones you should watch out for will pop up many times. :D

my friend brought home a 4.2 v8 c5 with 110k from his dealership overnight, he came to my house and picked me up to get some food. During that short run the car stalled and idled really rough.. maybe it was just that particular car with such problems.. but that didnt leave me a good initial impression with the car. The car itself drove really nice though, the whole car felt really firm and well structured

Thanked for avatar pic

My wife and I have a 2003 A4 1.8T Quattro since new. It had the issues with the faulty coilpacks but Audi service covered everything and there was a recall on them even outside of warranty. Parts aren't that expensive since they used the 1.8T motor in so many cars. The only engine mods I have are TT 225 fuel injectors, 94octane REVO flash and an upgraded DV.

Things to look out for:
1) Leaks from the valve cover gasket (for us, it happened once and I got that fixed when I did my timing belt/waterpump)
2) Timing belt service (Make sure it's been done before you purchase. For me, I just bought a service kit which included all parts and a new water pump with a metal impeller, instead of the shitty plastic one that comes in the OEM version). Parts cost me 240USD and another $450 in labour.
3) Lower control arm bushings (like most Audi/BMW products, they go through these quicker than other makes, usually required by 80K, depending on driving style)
4) Rear diff seal (will need replacement by 80K)
5) Interior buttons peeling (they look great, but aren't that durable, usually happens on the power windows and radio controls. Helps if you don't have a lady with long nails using 'em)

All in all, for an entry-level luxury sedan, it's been pretty solid. It's never left me stranded, mods are abundant and it's a great highway cruiser.

My father has a 2004 A4 2.7T S-line. Great motor, but servicing gets expensive. The dashlights can get faulty (the info box in the centre can go out, like it did for my father). Luckily, the car was CPO and the parts were covered (parts were over 2500). Yes, the motor has more potential, but it's much more costly to do repairs on.

I would stick to the B6 unless you need the size of the C5.

From my experience Audi has been really reliable.

Also just drove a 2005 4.2 V8 A6 yesterday. They have decent amount of power for a daily driver. With a big engine like that if you get them chipped or remove the cats there's still quite a bit of room to get more power out.

I don't know about older Audi's but my A5 has given me enough problems for me not to buy another Audi in the future.

Lemme guess, you have a FSI motor?

FSI motor is pretty reliable once you get about 4 things repaired and the cam follower replaced every 15000 km or so.. its not a big deal since audi has stepped up to cover every one of those repairs with recalls and extended warranties.

I agree...although I count roughly 6-7 things that need to be replaced....or just step up to a TSI motor and replace a waterpump.

Thanks for the tips guys. Looks like the 1.8T is my best bet. Too bad about the C5, really like the styling.

my sister has a 2004 B6 1.8TQ

overall, its been a decent car but guess whose the one who gets stuck working on it...
I hate the way they designed the powertrain on these fricken cars.

problems?

coil packs - i've replaced them 8 times on this 4 cylinder car... always keep a spare in the trunk.
coolant leak - coolant flanges, a common leak, shitty design, and a PITA to replace
valve cover gasket leaks - common with most cars due to age and wear
oil sludging/build up - this is an extended warranty as per audi. With normal oil change intervals (i go 6k or 8k) and good quality oil, I dont see this being an issue.
coolant sludging - this car needs regular coolant changes. Use the required G12 coolant. I'm guessing due to an Iron block, the coolant turns dirty/sludgy after a while.
heatercore - i've replaced it. They can get blocked (from dirty coolant) over time.
vacuum hoses/check valves - 1.8T is one of the hotest underhood engines I have ever seen. all the plastic/rubber lines go brittle as hell soon.
waterpump - original ones are known to have the inpeller break (plastic?)
timing belt - you have to take the front bumper, head lights, etc to have this job done..

we havent had any serious problems, but like I said. I hate working on this car. I feel sorry for vw/audi mechanics.