Catch me up to speed on the C6 S6?

[c0rrup]

Hey, current owner of a stage 3 B5 S4 here, looking to get into something newer when the C6 S6 caught my eye.

Can anyone quickly catch me up to speed on the C6 S6 and the v10 in general? After 5 years with the B5 platform, I don't know much about he C6.

How is the reliability of the car in general, how about the v10?

Any specific parts that need replacing every few years (b5 =control arms, tie rods, wheel bearings, etc)?

Whats the interval like on the timing belt/chain?

Thanks everyone.

[SinCityA6]

Boy did you just open a can of worms....

Start here:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...a-used-2008-S6

[Fourplay]

Hey, current owner of a stage 3 B5 S4 here, looking to get into something newer when the C6 S6 caught my eye.

Can anyone quickly catch me up to speed on the C6 S6 and the v10 in general? After 5 years with the B5 platform, I don't know much about he C6.

How is the reliability of the car in general, how about the v10?

Any specific parts that need replacing every few years (b5 =control arms, tie rods, wheel bearings, etc)?

Whats the interval like on the timing belt/chain?

Thanks everyone.

Slow, heavy, FSI 5.2L V10 has unfixable carbon build-up issues, just like the FSI 4.2L V-8. Sounds amazing (especially with a catback), interior is pretty nice except for the really outdated MMI. Virtually no aftermarket (downpipes, exhaust, intake, tune is literally it).

[c0rrup]

Slow, heavy, FSI 5.2L V10 has unfixable carbon build-up issues, just like the FSI 4.2L V-8. Sounds amazing (especially with a catback), interior is pretty nice except for the really outdated MMI. Virtually no aftermarket (downpipes, exhaust, intake, tune is literally it).

Well that made my mind up pretty fast. Thanks!

[Fourplay]

Well that made my mind up pretty fast. Thanks!

Yeah, real shame the C6 RS6 never made it here. If you're going to buy an S6, the new C7 is the one to grab.

[jmswashere]

Here is my thread on the unfortunate amount of things that have gone wrong with my car since I've had it: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=558419

I do not regret buying they car, and I love driving my S6 as my daily. It's just up to how much you want to put into it.

[eKKoMan]

Chris already posted the same link :). Why not go for the 3.0T instead of the S6? The facelift C6 is more attractive IMO and the Supercharged with a tune is faster than a C6 S6.

[jumpinj]

a quote from another thread to a new S6 owner. Reading this as not a fan of the S6 made me laugh and cry at the same time. Probably a great car but not a shining review.

The one thing you must have is an extended warranty, or be prepared to have your wallet melt. Since you haven't made a post about the history or condition of your car, I'm going to assume it's an average S6. It's an amazing car, but it breaks a lot, and is very expensive. There are almost no mods you can do other than wheels, shocks/suspension and grills. Welcome!

[jumpinj]

buy this for a real treat.

http://forums.quattroworld.com/class...gs/23021.phtml

[jmswashere]

Chris already posted the same link :). Why not go for the 3.0T instead of the S6? The facelift C6 is more attractive IMO and the Supercharged with a tune is faster than a C6 S6.

Whoops my bad :D and I agree with the above^. An APR tuned 3.0T would spank my S6 any day.

[The_Transporter]

BUYER BEWARE: C6 S6 V10.....

For the love of God, when will this be a STICKIE???????

[Storm33]

For the love of God...when will you come to terms with the fact that not all C6 S6s have problems?

Seriously dude, for someone who never even owned one you sure do have an issue with the S6...you really need to get over it.

Someone please make a sticky to ignore The_Transporter when he starts bitching about the C6 S6 - a car he never owned. Let the people who actually buy them and drive them every day share their experiences and just go enjoy your car.

[The_Transporter]

For the love of God...when will you come to terms with the fact that not all C6 S6s have problems?

Seriously dude, for someone who never even owned one you sure do have an issue with the S6...you really need to get over it.

Someone please make a sticky to ignore The_Transporter when he starts bitching about the C6 S6 - a car he never owned. Let the people who actually buy them and drive them every day share their experiences and just go enjoy your car.

LOL

Don't be controversial on a discussion forum....? BTW, there's plenty of evidence that the S6 is a money pit and a massive 'fail' by Audi. People are constantly asking about this car because they think they can step into a V10 sedan for cheap, and end up being sideswiped with a myriad of problems as I have observed up close, not just on the boards.
The point of a forum like this is not to just lick each other's assholes and ignore our opinions. Mature. Grow up. This is how the world works when people speak up and help one another. Sometimes feelings get hurt, go cry somewhere else.

I've been on the C6 boards contributing to assist others in need whether through PM's or within threads. I will continue to do so. I also will exercise my right to certain viewpoints and to be critical because 'I can.' And so can you.

It takes some thick skin to be on the boards, but that's part of the experience and we all learn a little more... 'dude.'

P.S.
I do not "own one" because I was fortunate enough to have people like MYSELF, to help me avoid the S6 like the plague. They didn't just sycophantically throw me to the wolves, they told me I was "crazy" to even consider buying an S6 after what they had been through themselves.
I am now at over 2 years of ownership of my 3.0T and it has NEVER been repaired. Not once.

[Dave01.5Afour]

I haven't had near the issues that everyone talks about. I had some misfire issues (documented on Audizine) that turned out to be caused by broken clips on the ignition coil connectors...that did take a while to figure out. I have had a lean code for the 9 & 10 cylinders(document on Audizine). I have also had the glove box, headlight, taillight and throttle body issues that are common to all C6 models. Most of the other issues that I have read about aren't S6 specific but C6 specific. The V10 is not that difficult to work on. If you have the time and ability to do your own diagnosis, maintenance and repairs, I think you will be fine owning an S6.

With that being said, I'm thinking about getting rid of mine. The car is fun to drive but I'm travelling alot more for work (12-15k more miles a year) and I feel bad running up the miles on a car this nice.

[IrishCreamPuff]

I haven't had near the issues that everyone talks about. I had some misfire issues (documented on Audizine) that turned out to be caused by broken clips on the ignition coil connectors...that did take a while to figure out. I have had a lean code for the 9 & 10 cylinders(document on Audizine). I have also had the glove box, headlight, taillight and throttle body issues that are common to all C6 models. Most of the other issues that I have read about aren't S6 specific but C6 specific. The V10 is not that difficult to work on. If you have the time and ability to do your own diagnosis, maintenance and repairs, I think you will be fine owning an S6.

With that being said, I'm thinking about getting rid of mine. The car is fun to drive but I'm travelling alot more for work (12-15k more miles a year) and I feel bad running up the miles on a car this nice.

You are very lucky. I've had so many expensive issues with mine. Oil leaks, carbon clean, new intake manifold, new front radiator, new headlight, new power steering reservoir, new coolant reservoir and now 2 seals that are on the back of my motor need replacing, and they have to drop the engine/tranny to fix it! My car came from florida, so I'm guessing that the florida heat+v10 heat fucked a lot of this up. There also seem to be 2 types of problems with the S6: the CEL issues which come from carbon buildup, and the oil leaks and internal failures that come from the heat output. You are very very lucky you do not have these issues.

[Storm33]

LOL

Don't be controversial on a discussion forum....? BTW, there's plenty of evidence that the S6 is a money pit and a massive 'fail' by Audi. People are constantly asking about this car because they think they can step into a V10 sedan for cheap, and end up being sideswiped with a myriad of problems as I have observed up close, not just on the boards.
The point of a forum like this is not to just lick each other's assholes and ignore our opinions. Mature. Grow up. This is how the world works when people speak up and help one another. Sometimes feelings get hurt, go cry somewhere else.

I've been on the C6 boards contributing to assist others in need whether through PM's or within threads. I will continue to do so. I also will exercise my right to certain viewpoints and to be critical because 'I can.' And so can you.

It takes some thick skin to be on the boards, but that's part of the experience and we all learn a little more... 'dude.'

P.S.
I do not "own one" because I was fortunate enough to have people like MYSELF, to help me avoid the S6 like the plague. They didn't just sycophantically throw me to the wolves, they told me I was "crazy" to even consider buying an S6 after what they had been through themselves.
I am now at over 2 years of ownership of my 3.0T and it has NEVER been repaired. Not once.

I don't need to grow up, and I definitely don't need anyone to lick my asshole. I just thought this forum was better than the S4 forums; you'd fit in over there.

I'll go on record by saying that I respect some of your contributions in this forum, but you should stick to what you know based on the ownership of your A6; beyond that you have no experiential frame of reference. I don't get upset by what people say about my car (as far as I can recall you've never commented on my car) so trust me when I say my skin is plenty thick. I'm not "hurt" by what you say, nor do I take it personally. I'm simply calling out the fact that you're trying to scare people away from a car based entirely on secondhand knowledge; thus you have NOTHING to offer the prospective C6 S6 buyer in terms of credibility. For all I know your A6 is the only Audi you've owned, so how does that make you an expert on Audis?

The truth of Audi "S" ownership, based upon my experience of having owned three of them - not what "my buddy who owned one" or "a guy at work" says about it - is that things will malfunction on occasion, and it costs money to get them fixed. I knew that when I made the conscious, informed decision to buy an S6, and I'm okay with it. To me, the total package of things I couldn't get in an A6 is worth it. If it was just about speed and reliability, I could probably buy a Honda Civic, tune it to go faster than your A6, and then talk trash all over the internet about how Audis are a money pit and I was able to make my Civic go faster than an A6, get better gas mileage, etc. But it's completely irrelevant to people who are shopping Audis; at the end of the day I would still just have a Honda...not an Audi A6.

My point is that the Audi S6 has features that some people want, that you can't get in an A6. Yes, my S6 has been to the shop, but no more than my S4 or my S5 were there, and it definitely isn't a "fail". You shouldn't judge other people's interests by your standards. You really should find out what prospective buyers want - and can afford - in a car before you go off like some gossipy little housewife and tell them to avoid it like the plague. I get the impression that perhaps you worry a lot about having to pay to get your car fixed; maybe others don't have the same budget concerns that you have. So don't assume that owning an S6 will be a nightmare for someone the way that you imagine it might be a nightmare for you. I think 'Jmswashere' made a great point in his post where he said he's had trouble with his S6, but he still would do it again.

I honestly don't have a problem with people who own(ed) an S6 advising prospective owners of the risks they need to consider when buying one - trust me, I did my research and appreciated the opportunity to read what other owners had to say about their cars. I just don't see the point in someone getting on the forum and trying to spread mass hysteria about a car they didn't buy, didn't drive every day, didn't pay for repairs...nothing. If 'jmswashere', 'IanCH', 'IrishCreamPuff' or any of the other S6 owners in this forum want to share their impressions, joys, and horror stories of actual ownership that's great. Their posts add value to the forum while your little hate campaign does not.

When I had my S4 and was in the S4/RS4 forum, I never would have presumed to go off repeatedly about what a piece of shit the RS4 was with its carbon buildup and DRC leaks. Why? Because how would I know anything about it based on my S4? When other S4 owners started supercharging and doing other aftermarket mods, the trash-talking began and it became obvious that the community was going downhill. Please don't contribute to that here; this forum has been largely constructive.

Don't worry about the poor, prospective S6 buyers being led astray here; there are plenty of us owners here to give the real facts - good, bad, ugly, whatever. Please stick to talking about A6 matters where your contributions are valued. I look forward to reading those posts.

[The_Transporter]

So by your rationale.... If a close-friend's child is killed by a poorly designed swing-set, I decide not to buy it. Then I read of several more people with the same problem.

But I then refrain from informing anyone else of what I have learned from the parents of dead children????? I will continue to inform potential S6 buyers of what I have learned. Wisdom is merely 'knowledge transformed into teaching.'

TWO different colleagues of mine BOTH went through hell with the S6. I developed a legitimate opinion based on this, which was then CONFIRMED by at least 4 more people on Audizine who ended up selling their S6 within a year. (same as my colleagues) This is not a monetary issue as we are all physicians in different specialties. It is a PAIN IN THE ASS to have an everyday driver in the shop constantly and the annoying stresses associated with it. I really don't want to see others go through that without hearing a legitimate opinion. My opinion is legitimate. it is supported by empirical data. You can't ignore all the problems the S6 faces in ownership. Of all those who post about their S6 problems, your S6 seems to be the 'anomaly.'

The S6 is a C6 platform, so until that changes, you will always hear from me.

This might help you:
Empirical evidence (also empirical data, sense experience, empirical knowledge, or the a posteriori) is a source of knowledge acquired by means of observation or experimentation.[1] Empirical evidence is information that justifies a belief in the truth or falsity of an empirical claim. In the empiricist view, one can claim to have knowledge only when one has a true belief based on empirical evidence. [2] The senses are the primary source of empirical evidence. Although other sources of evidence, such as memory, and the testimony of others ultimately trace back to some sensory experience, they are considered to be secondary, or indirect.[2]

In another sense, empirical evidence may be synonymous with the outcome of an experiment. In this sense, an empirical result is a unified confirmation.

[Storm33]

Totally different issue here . . . nobody is dying in the S6. In fact, some people are actually enjoying them tremendously.

I'm sorry your friends had bad experiences - not everyone had the same experience. So feel free to carry on with your little campaign, I'll be here letting the unwitting readers know that you never owned one, have no clue of the total ownership experience, and don't really seem to care.

[The_Transporter]

Bei ihm fällt der Groschen pfennigerweise...

Enjoy your S6, I am happy for anyone who loves their car. Though not necessarily relevant per this topic.

[Storm33]

It's highly relevant, given your obsession to share your one-sided, purely anecdotal opinion in postings where people want to know about a car you've never owned. You seem incapable of grasping that concept. I can't help you there, so I will accept your shortcomings and try to help others reach a fully-informed conclusion.

[07S6]

Totally different issue here . . . nobody is dying in the S6. In fact, some people are actually enjoying them tremendously.

I'm sorry your friends had bad experiences - not everyone had the same experience. So feel free to carry on with your little campaign, I'll be here letting the unwitting readers know that you never owned one, have no clue of the total ownership experience, and don't really seem to care.

Storm - you can count me in as one of the many S6 owners that absolutely love driving the S6. For me, any maintenance needs of the car has been completely overshadowed by the thrill of driving it every day. I've owned a 2008 C6 A6 previously and about to take delivery of a C7 A6, only because my daily commute just got quite a bit longer and simply craving a new look. I am sincerely hoping that the C7 will give me at least 75% of the enjoyment of the S6 but time will tell. I really believe there is something special about the exotic S6 package as a whole (power delivery, exhaust, stability, etc) that cannot be duplicated without extensive mods on a regular A6. My S6 has been out of extended warranty for the past 15K miles, and i think i've spent no more than $300-$500 in that time outside of scheduled maintenance and the car feels stronger and smoother today than the day i bought it.

So, i would highly recommend the S6 to anyone even long after i move on from mine... and who knows - if the newest A6 ends up being too boring, i may have to jump back into a C6.5 S6 again!

Transporter - you have a beautiful ride as well and i enjoy following what you've done with it. I am guessing a big part of the annoyance with your big bold post about the S6 above stems from the fact that your constant S6 "warnings" and scare tactics at every possible opportunity are beginning to appear less and less credible as though spurred by some type of personal agenda (which we can't explain). I agree with Storm that it's becoming annoying and somewhat predictable. There are a bunch of us that, despite whatever maintenance history we've experienced with our S6's, would buy it all over again. It's just that good. And there are plenty of enthusiasts that would kill to own one. I run into them almost every day gawking at my car and stirring up conversation about it. Let's all keep the advice, opinions, anecdotes, and suggestions flowing but also know the limits.. Hope that makes some friendly sense.

[Storm33]

Agreed. I appreciate Transporter's A6 posts and admire his car.

For the record, I won't be staying in my C6.5 for too long, but it isn't because of a bad ownership experience. Anyone can read back through my posting history and see that I was planning for a C7 S6 in a year or two when my S5 was totaled last year - so my plans changed. However, in a strange way I'm glad they did. I wouldn't want to go through that accident again, but I'm getting more enjoyment out of my S6 than I did with my S5. So, as much as I want the C7, I'm glad I had the self-discipline to avoid the big spend and "settle" for the C6.5 for the time being.

[kingofnyc]

Wow. This thread took a weird turn.
Show me and audi and i will find a problem with it.
S6 is a nice car. Its not a supercar. Thats what rs6 is for.
S6 is cheaper to maintain than B7 RS4.
Brakes are not that expensive, Suspension is not that expensive, Engines and transmissions are solid. There are a few cars that had some issues but thats expected.
Carbon buildup needs to be taken care of every 50k. ( thats like every 3-5 years ) depending on how much you drive.
So 1k every 4 years on carbon buildup is not a huge deal.
BTW C5 RS6 needs a timing belt job every 35k and it cost 2k to change brakes.
I had my S6 for about a year now and i love it.
Enjoy driving it rather that whining about issues you never dealt with with the car you never owned.

[AudiS6v10]

Bei ihm fällt der Groschen pfennigerweise...

Enjoy your S6, I am happy for anyone who loves their car. Though not necessarily relevant per this topic.

I ve been on this form since nov 2013 when I bought my C6 S6. I've read many threads and I have seen many comments from the both of you guys. (storm & transporter) Only difference is how much negative comments come from The_Transporter. It's almost like you have so much hate towards us S6 owners. Honestly it was disappointing to hear all the trouble the S6 can run into. it might be a money pit but that is up to the owner and not the other guy. Why are you so concerned about my money? honestly I love my car and I love the things that make it a S6. Even if a stage II A6 is faster. At the end of the day it's still a A6. To each their own. I appreciate that you voice your concerns about the S6, but instead it sounds more like shit talking. Forums are here to connect with other Audi enthusiast. I don't know either one of you but if we met in person I would probably shake Storms hand and probably ignore The_Transporter. You need to start looking at the cup as half full instead of half empty. Your car looks great and I'm sure it's fast. Good for you. Try not to be so negative. We are not the enemy.


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[The_Transporter]

It's SOUNDS like 'shit-talking' to those who are insecure. I am not. That's why I put my opinions out there. I say as I please, and always will. I paid more for my A6 than any of you paid for your S6, so that argument is dead, so try another one. Plus I paid for my A6 in cash. And a savvy buyer does educated research. My research found a multitude of issues with the S6, along with it being slow, heavy, inefficient and unreliable.
There's a reason my inbox is FILLED with people asking me tips on these cars, even S6 owners and prospective buyers. I don't beat around the bush.

Some people like that, some people don't. And that's ok.

I come here to talk about cars, and real issues surrounding cars. A lot of car-culture requires strong opinions and thick skin, that's what 'men' do. Try it out.
I haven't said a single negative about the OWNERS of S6's LOL, just negatives about THE CAR... However, I am considering sending 'you' specifically a box of tampons to wipe your tears with...

If you feel insecure about owning an S6, don't put that on me. Go ahead and rant on about what a 'meanie' I am, but in the end, I'm the honest one with integrity, seeking to help others out.

[IanCH]

Considering what is available in the audi realm (other models) for the price of an S6, I would not buy one that was in anything but immaculate in condition. I would also recommend that the owner take into account the cost of repairs and the advice of the actual owners.

Beyond that you cant tell someone what they should do. It's rude and presumptuous to make a blanket "do not buy statement" especially when there are many factors outside of the spec sheet which decide which car each individual ends up buying. I bought my S6 when I had a very very short commute, and sold it when that fact changed, its simple really.

You guys have taken this thread very far away from what it should be, on both sides of the argument.

[AudiS6v10]

Yeah talking to The_Transporter is like talking to an angry drunk person. Making no sense what so ever. If you are not butt hurt and have such thick skin, why are you even trying to make a point about how much you spent on your car. You have no clue what each S6 owner spend on their car. I did pay cash in full for my S6 and I have the Title to prove it. You try and say you help people but this whole thing started because you got a negative mindset and you rub people the wrong way. I'm sorry you decided to not realize this and smooth things over when given the chance. SMH You are truly a Hater and not a Car enthusiast.


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