A3 reliability?

[Number54]

Hi,

I'm ducking into here from the B5 S/RS4 forum where I usually post.

I'm thinking about buying a 2005 A3 3.2 quattro with 36K miles.

I don't see any posts here about reliability. Does anyone have any input? Are there threads worth reading?

There's the FSI carbon buildup issue, but I can't seem to get a good idea of how bad it is.

Has anyone asked to have their intake valves cleaned, and if so, how much does that cost?

Thanks.

[Das Ponto]

Hi,

I'm ducking into here from the B5 S/RS4 forum where I usually post.

I'm thinking about buying a 2005 A3 3.2 quattro with 36K miles.

I don't see any posts here about reliability. Does anyone have any input? Are there threads worth reading?

There's the FSI carbon buildup issue, but I can't seem to get a good idea of how bad it is.

Has anyone asked to have their intake valves cleaned, and if so, how much does that cost?

Thanks.

If you want some more info on reliability check out stuff for the R32 ( Engine wise anyways - It's the same)

I think the carbon build up in FSI engines were more related to the 2.0T's and not the 3.2VR. I have had mine now only for 3 months so can't say to much. Bought it with 10k Miles on it, Put on another 10k already and its been awesome, went from Miami to Edmonton (3300 Miles in five days doing an average of 80-100mph) Now the car is living in temps much colder and its great in the winter, love the heat!

Hope this helps, I will see if I can dig up anything more from the R32's

[subaruski]

Mileage isn't the most stellar on the 3.2 either.

[S4 00 2.7]

Mpg is about the same as our b5's, I think.

+1 the carbon problem is on the 2.0T.

[Das Ponto]

Mileage isn't the most stellar on the 3.2 either.

Hahah this is true, I think with nice driving on the highway I can get 27mpg, 28mpg with a tailwind. City I don't pay attention, being winter going sideways doesn't help it either.

But that sound... And the instant torque I no longer care. And all I have is an Intake so far.

[b8ascrub]

Get a catch can.. I was shocked how much gunk I drained after 3 weeks. Filled a beer bottle up.. I still can't figure out what the giz residue was..Lol. but you won't have any carbon build up, after this install.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

[Das Ponto]

Get a catch can.. I was shocked how much gunk I drained after 3 weeks. Filled a beer bottle up.. I still can't figure out what the giz residue was..Lol. but you won't have any carbon build up, after this install.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

The OP is looking at the 3.2 so no need for that aside from the mixed reviews on catch cans.

Sent from my SGH-I757M using Tapatalk 2

[OCD-A3]

The 3.2 is a pretty solid engine. It's not plagued by the issues that are common on the 2.0T (including carbon build up.) I've heard of some of the R32 guys overheating on the track, but if it's a daily driver then no prob. Be aware that the DSG will need to be serviced at 40k, and it's pricey. If you're buying from a dealer, try to work it into the deal and get them to perform the service before you take delivery. Inspect the CV boots for leaks too. I'm not sure what the maintenance schedule is on the Haldex/rear diff, but that's one more thing to be aware of.

[Number54]

Thanks all. I test drove the car today, it seemed quite nice, and I'm tempted to buy it.

For the DSG, what service is done at 40k and how much does that cost?

I looked at the schedule maintenance for a 2006 A3 on audiusa.com and I see at 35K and 75K: "DSG (direct shift gearbox) – change oil and replace filter element"

But that's all.

[OCD-A3]

That's it, fluid and filter. I think the discrepancy between 35k and 40k is just a model year thing. Audi was scheduling service at 5k, then every 10k after that. On newer VWs with the same transmission they're starting at 10k and doing 10k intervals (hence the 35k/40k thing.) If anything, if gives you more ground to get the dealer to do it (if it hasn't been done.)

I've seen all kinds of numbers for having the service done, from under $300 at indy shops, to $500+ at Audi dealers. The parts (6 liters of fluid, filter, and misc O rings and washers) totals about $150 if you DIY. It also requires a special filler tool (if you follow the procedure in the shop manual) and Vag-com. It's at least a couple hours of work too. That's why it's so expensive at the dealer.

[S4 00 2.7]

Sounds like cake coming from a b5 s4.

54, keep us posted.

[Number54]

That's it, fluid and filter. I think the discrepancy between 35k and 40k is just a model year thing. Audi was scheduling service at 5k, then every 10k after that. On newer VWs with the same transmission they're starting at 10k and doing 10k intervals (hence the 35k/40k thing.) If anything, if gives you more ground to get the dealer to do it (if it hasn't been done.)

I've seen all kinds of numbers for having the service done, from under $300 at indy shops, to $500+ at Audi dealers. The parts (6 liters of fluid, filter, and misc O rings and washers) totals about $150 if you DIY. It also requires a special filler tool (if you follow the procedure in the shop manual) and Vag-com. It's at least a couple hours of work too. That's why it's so expensive at the dealer.

Got it thanks. That's quite an expensive oil change, but won't affect my decision. My RS4 has a gearbox issue that's going to cost thousands to fix, so this seems minimal in comparison! Has anyone done the DIY for this, and how hard? How expensive is the special filler tool?

I just called the owner agreed to do a PPI next week. Hopefully everything checks out and we'll have an A3 in the driveway before the end of the week:)

[Number54]

Sounds like cake coming from a b5 s4.

54, keep us posted.

I really hope so! Looking into that engine bay, it looks like there's tons of space, you can actually see through to the ground! Coming from a 2.7T, it looks nice and spacious to work in.

[4mymalamute]

I have had my 3.2 A3 for 8 months and now have 111k miles on it. Drives like a dream. I did have the local Audi Dealer do the DSG service but I did the Haldex service myself (really easy). I change the oil and filter myself as well so that saves a hefty bill. I think I have put on 15k miles on the rig and zero problems. Fun car and handles great (just put on rear h&r sway bar).
Cheers and enjoy your rig!

[Number54]

PPI this afternoon, fingers crossed:)

[034Motorsport]

PPI this afternoon, fingers crossed:)

Nice buddy! I'm in total love with mine, already put a few thousand miles on it. Gas mileage varies, but what I did notice is that my B5 S4 (even with a big 6262 turbo) got better gas mileage with more aggressive cruising, but about the same mileage when trying to be a bit conservative. On the whole I get worse mileage with the A3, but I've been cruising about 80-85mph on my new commute.

Mine has over 140k and looking at the maintenance records, it's had almost no issues. I just did a DSG service (it's not cheap, the fluid is very expensive), along with some normal belt stuff and a tensioner. I'll be doing the timing chain and timing guides when I drop the compression and go turbo in 5-10k miles.

Suspension components seem to last a lot longer compared to the B5.

I highly suggest getting our spherical rear trailing arm bushings, it firms up the rear end under load and makes the car a lot more confident. Paired with a rear sway bar, it's not a half bad handling stock car. Despite weighing almost as much as a B5, it feels a lot more nimble. My only issue is that there isn't quite enough power to easily break the wheels loose in 3rd gear while cornering.

And as others have mentioned, the 3.2L VR6 is not FSI. Only the 3.6L VR6 is FSI.

[S4 00 2.7]

PPI this afternoon, fingers crossed:)

Good luck.

[Number54]

Nice buddy! I'm in total love with mine, already put a few thousand miles on it. Gas mileage varies, but what I did notice is that my B5 S4 (even with a big 6262 turbo) got better gas mileage with more aggressive cruising, but about the same mileage when trying to be a bit conservative. On the whole I get worse mileage with the A3, but I've been cruising about 80-85mph on my new commute.

Mine has over 140k and looking at the maintenance records, it's had almost no issues. I just did a DSG service (it's not cheap, the fluid is very expensive), along with some normal belt stuff and a tensioner. I'll be doing the timing chain and timing guides when I drop the compression and go turbo in 5-10k miles.

Suspension components seem to last a lot longer compared to the B5.

I highly suggest getting our spherical rear trailing arm bushings, it firms up the rear end under load and makes the car a lot more confident. Paired with a rear sway bar, it's not a half bad handling stock car. Despite weighing almost as much as a B5, it feels a lot more nimble. My only issue is that there isn't quite enough power to easily break the wheels loose in 3rd gear while cornering.

And as others have mentioned, the 3.2L VR6 is not FSI. Only the 3.6L VR6 is FSI.

Hmm. I think I'm just stuck with that DSG service bill.

Are you sure the 3.2 isn't FSI, even in Europe? I have a photocopy of the Swiss equivalent of a USA registration card, and it clearly says 3.2 FSI. Now, they're not the smartest guys in the Swiss DMV, so it could be an error!

I'll have to look at the spherical bushings, I was noticing the upgrading shift paddles on your build thread, they look good.

Anyway, PPI was clean, so unless someone buys it from under me, I will have it tomorrow (unlikely) or next week:)

[Number54]

Update: Will be picking car up tomorrow 8am:) Should be in my driveway by lunch.

[S4 00 2.7]

Nice. Request for pics, please.

[Number54]

The A3 is home:) For reasons not needing an explanation, I managed to get the car but no plates! I'll get plates Monday but until then, she will have to remain immobile in my driveway. Its going to be a long weekend looking but not driving. The car came with a set of winter wheels which are on, and the original wheels are in the garage.

Mandatory pics below. The usual disclaimers apply... just got the car, not cleaned, pics showing way more dust than is visible, etc.:

[R&Cs4]

Pics arent working.... btw where in Switzerland do you live? I used to live there myself in St Gallen

[Catoli]

3.2l is a solid engine, maintain it, it will last u long time, if not maintained after 100k miles chain guide shoes will break, lots of money to get it fixed

[Number54]

Pics arent working.... btw where in Switzerland do you live? I used to live there myself in St Gallen

Hopefully pics are working now. I'm just outside of Geneva.

[Number54]

3.2l is a solid engine, maintain it, it will last u long time, if not maintained after 100k miles chain guide shoes will break, lots of money to get it fixed

I'm not sure, are you talking about the plastic bits on a cam chain tensioner?

[034Motorsport]

Fantastic! Looks clean to me! What kind of stock wheels does it have?

What are the plans?

The VR6 is a timing chain motor, and there 3 major plastic guides that need to be replaced at some point depending on mileage and maintenance. I was planning on doing mine around 150k.

[Das Ponto]

Fantastic! Looks clean to me! What kind of stock wheels does it have?

What are the plans?

The VR6 is a timing chain motor, and there 3 major plastic guides that need to be replaced at some point depending on mileage and maintenance. I was planning on doing mine around 150k.

This correct, the timing chains will start to get extremely noisy when the guides are going. However you've got a long time before that comes around.

Car looks great though! Welcome to the family!

[S4 00 2.7]

Looks very clean! Nice addition to the stable.

[BLK-N-YTEaudiA3]

I've had my a3 over a year now, love it to death! She's my baby. It has 102,000 miles and I've had 2 problems with it since I got it. Things that were audis fault on recalls. But ya the carbon build up is only for the 2.0 which I have, I've cleaned out my intake valves twice now. Replaced belts and done plenty of oil changes. Just keep her happy with maintenance and I know you'll love your A3!

[BLK-N-YTEaudiA3]

[Number54]

^^^ Looks great.

Thanks all. Okay, I've got some time on that chain guide replacement. I had to get cam chain tensioners replaced on my RS4 recently, and that bill was not pretty.

I don't have any plans for the car yet. I want to change the oil and get new mats. And something about the music setup, ideally I would upgrade to a new head unit that takes memory I can load with MP3s, and has a reasonable way of navigating the tracks. If anyone knows a good audio upgrade, please let me know.

[Das Ponto]

^^^ Looks great.

Thanks all. Okay, I've got some time on that chain guide replacement. I had to get cam chain tensioners replaced on my RS4 recently, and that bill was not pretty.

I don't have any plans for the car yet. I want to change the oil and get new mats. And something about the music setup, ideally I would upgrade to a new head unit that takes memory I can load with MP3s, and has a reasonable way of navigating the tracks. If anyone knows a good audio upgrade, please let me know.

Bill won't be nearly as bad as an RS4 or the S4... I know my buddies V8 in his S4 will be ridiculousness. But then again it has 4 chains.

Also.. Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VR6_engine

In 2005, the European market version of Volkswagen's sixth generation Passat, now with a transverse engine layout, went on sale with a revised version of the 3.2-litre VR6 as its top-spec engine. For North America, the Passat received a new 3.6-litre VR6 with a narrower 10.6 degree cylinder angle, producing 206 kilowatts (280 PS; 276 bhp). These revised 3.2 and 3.6 feature Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI). This new 3.2 FSI VR6 develops 184 kilowatts (250 PS; 247 bhp) at 6,250 rpm, and 330 newton metres (243 lbf·ft)at 3,000 rpm.[1] The introduction of the Passat VR6 also marked the first time a VR6 powered vehicle was made available in North America before Europe.

So it is indeed an FSI after 2005.