192,000 miles on 07 A4 3.2

[bce181]

Hello all,

I am new here. But not new to VAG products. My current daily driver is a 2007 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro with 192,000 miles on it. I drive 130+ miles a day for work. So far my little black A4 has hands down been the best car I've owned. My dad bought it in 2008 with 9,000 miles. I recieved it from him in 2009 with 30,000. Here is what has been done to it, at around 60,000 miles it had new spark plugs installed, 100,000 miles valve cover gaskets, and 150,000 miles more spark plugs. Always used premium gas, 4,500 mile oil changes with 5W40 full synthetic Castrol 100% of the time. I am an automotive manager at Sears so all work has been performed at my Sears location. Never once had a check engine light. Only semi major issues have been oil leaks (valve cover gaskets). Currently I have a oil leak looks like it could possibly be the camshaft seals. Not a major amount but enough for me to take action. Always flushed coolant with G-12. So far I have not had a carbon build up issue, ever. I'm coming up on 200,000 miles fast, anything I need to be worried about or should change to prevent any issues? Suspension is still very tight and looks good. Transmission shifts smoothly. Any advice/words of wisdom are appreciated :) thanks!

[DaveyDave424]

no advice on my end, but gotta say, NICE JOB! I'm at 144k and still running strong [2.0T CVT]

[Muggerrudd]

has the timing belt ever been replaced?

[LINDW4LL]

has the timing belt ever been replaced?

There is no timing belt.

[dalmation53]

has the timing belt ever been replaced?

3.2 has timing chain FTW.

[PNW Avant]

You think you've never hard carbon issues...but have you checked...?

My car ran perfect at 110k, and was carboned up like crazy when I finally got the intake off for a look.

[audihere06]

3.2 has timing chain FTW.

Hope its not as bad as the 4.2 timing chain. (eject handle)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[dalmation53]

Hope its not as bad as the 4.2 timing chain. (eject handle)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

there is more room to work with. with the 4.2 V8 nothing fits.. all you need is a shit loads of rachets and extensions to get anywhere..

[musasabi]

Hello all,

I am new here. But not new to VAG products. My current daily driver is a 2007 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro with 192,000 miles on it. I drive 130+ miles a day for work. So far my little black A4 has hands down been the best car I've owned. My dad bought it in 2008 with 9,000 miles. I recieved it from him in 2009 with 30,000. Here is what has been done to it, at around 60,000 miles it had new spark plugs installed, 100,000 miles valve cover gaskets, and 150,000 miles more spark plugs. Always used premium gas, 4,500 mile oil changes with 5W40 full synthetic Castrol 100% of the time. I am an automotive manager at Sears so all work has been performed at my Sears location. Never once had a check engine light. Only semi major issues have been oil leaks (valve cover gaskets). Currently I have a oil leak looks like it could possibly be the camshaft seals. Not a major amount but enough for me to take action. Always flushed coolant with G-12. So far I have not had a carbon build up issue, ever. I'm coming up on 200,000 miles fast, anything I need to be worried about or should change to prevent any issues? Suspension is still very tight and looks good. Transmission shifts smoothly. Any advice/words of wisdom are appreciated :) thanks!

This was just a pleasure to read. =D Role model caliber maintenance, without a doubt.

[TheNiloJunior]

103,000 on my 3.2 and also going strong. Maintenance-wise like you bce181 I just replaced valve cover gaskets and another round of spark plugs. I've also replaced the coil packs and replaced the radiator cooling fan assembly (loud fan bearing). Glad to know the 3.2 has more to give if I keep it up!

[80sGuy]

Hot damn!

Hello all,

I am new here. But not new to VAG products. My current daily driver is a 2007 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro with 192,000 miles on it. I drive 130+ miles a day for work. So far my little black A4 has hands down been the best car I've owned. My dad bought it in 2008 with 9,000 miles. I recieved it from him in 2009 with 30,000. Here is what has been done to it, at around 60,000 miles it had new spark plugs installed, 100,000 miles valve cover gaskets, and 150,000 miles more spark plugs. Always used premium gas, 4,500 mile oil changes with 5W40 full synthetic Castrol 100% of the time. I am an automotive manager at Sears so all work has been performed at my Sears location. Never once had a check engine light. Only semi major issues have been oil leaks (valve cover gaskets). Currently I have a oil leak looks like it could possibly be the camshaft seals. Not a major amount but enough for me to take action. Always flushed coolant with G-12. So far I have not had a carbon build up issue, ever. I'm coming up on 200,000 miles fast, anything I need to be worried about or should change to prevent any issues? Suspension is still very tight and looks good. Transmission shifts smoothly. Any advice/words of wisdom are appreciated :) thanks!

[80sGuy]

Hot damn x2!!

no advice on my end, but gotta say, NICE JOB! I'm at 144k and still running strong [2.0T CVT]

[vtwinjunkie]

Good on you!
I am just like you when it comes to maintenance! This is my first Audi and I go above and beyond when it comes to my cars changing everything when specified . In addition to oil changes I have done Power steering flushes, brake fluid, coolant, tiptronic trans flush, diff oils, cam follower, timing belt changed at 70k miles and the list goes on! So far not one single issue that I have had the car (almost 50k miles).
Now at 71k miles It is still running good as new!

This car requires more than a Japanese car (which require next to nothing but oil changes) to keep it running smooth and reliably but having owned both types of cars I would choose the Audi any day as the driving experience is hands down a better one!

It gives me hope for the future that my care and maintenance will pay off!

[B72011]

Maintenance is great and all but it's BS parts failures that get me with this car. I've been pretty lucky with our car as its just been Minor sensor failures and coil packs and what not. Parts on these Audi's fail at intervals that are way to small.

[vtwinjunkie]

Maintenance is great and all but it's BS parts failures that get me with this car. I've been pretty lucky with our car as its just been Minor sensor failures and coil packs and what not. Parts on these Audi's fail at intervals that are way to small.

Yea. this is true.. that crap happens with all makes and models not just ours....less on hondas it seems though

That being said. I still choose my car.

[A4Ferrari]

175K on my 2006 A4 Avant .. Have done valve cover gaskets and PCV system as well as carbon cleaning

Car runs like a champ

[bce181]

Thanks for all the responses! I had the intake off while they did the valve cover gaskets. Mainly just out of boredom. There was not a "build up" of any type really. I know that the FSI is notorious for it, but so far nothing... I drive pretty spirited (0-60 generally 3/4 throttle ;), once warm). I see carbon out of the tail pipes at night in headlights when I take off fast, but all of my cars have done that. I had all 4 brake pads and rotors changed at about 160,000 miles along with a brake fluid exchange (VW/Audi approved fluid). Honestly, I used Wagner Gold pads and rotors and have had excellent service out of them, very low dust and stops great. Granted, I don't really use it for performance but everyday driving they have been great. Once I did have the "Dipped Headlight" issue, I thought my headlight bulb (Xenon) went out but started it the morning after and it was magically on. They do flicker a little sometimes at a stop, but have come to ignore that issue. Oh yeah, I only purchase premium gas from Shell or Exxon I'm very anal about that. I will drive an extra 5 miles for it. But again, other than these minor issues, very problem free. Now, I'm not saying all VAG products are like this. Because I've had numerous (Jetta's, Passat's, etc...) and some have been money pitts. The biggest issue with VW/Audi products I see working in the car industry is the older VW/Audi transmissions (01M on the older Jetta's were very weak) and electrical issues *usually* caused by people not fixing an issue when it happens. And honestly that's my biggest rant working in the automotive field "yeah I need an oil change" "well sir you have a terrible oil pan and valve cover gasket leak, along with an O2 Sensor and multiple misfires" "yeah I know, just want an oil change". If people would fix those issues as they occur, they would have no complaints. But no, it's the cars fault. I could ramble all day about how important preventative maintenance is, but I won't. Lol. The biggest part of owning a non-Japanese vehicle is to find a mechanic or shop you can trust to work on your vehicle. I am very lucky that I manage an automotive shop. I can tell you all day long what is wrong, how to find, and the price to repair it but I don't know jack crap about fixing it. That's when I rely on my trusty technicians (with my help browsing forums) to do all repairs. By the way, I am in my early 20's. I don't mean to sound like I'm an extremely educated mechanic, I'm not. Just love my VAG products and know a lot about them. I am here to help in anyway, so if you need anything from a simple price quote, or advice on service intervals for your vehicle (doesn't have to be VAG) I'm more than happy to help. And if you have read this whole post props to you! I tend to write books on forums, in hope to help folks like myself. Thanks guys (and gals)!

[bce181]

Good news! Now up to 202,000 miles on the Audi! Doing excellent still. Going on a road trip this next weekend with it (1,000+ miles) so getting a fresh oil/filter change at work before I leave. I have had a few messages asking me why I prefer the 3.2 over the 2.0T, it's not that I "prefer" it, it has just been proven from my personal experience that the NA is in general less maintenance. Also from experience my 2.0T I used to own had a few hiccups mainly stupid CEL that typically lead to some type of sensor or vacuum leak. Again, they both have different things that are good/worrisome about each. But in my honest personal non moded life I prefer the sound and drive from the 3.2. Thanks everyone!

[kaz02a4]

Love seeing posts like this. Excellent work! I'm looking to go for 200k miles on mine now too...she just rolled over 127k this weekend. Other than regular issues (coolant flange, cam follower), she's been running like a top with scheduled maintenance included. Love this car.

[vce1232000]

Love seeing posts like this. Excellent work! I'm looking to go for 200k miles on mine now too...she just rolled over 127k this weekend.

You got a long way to go youngster. I just clocked 220k miles on my car and still like a car @ times....

[aluthman]

I'm almost at 148k, but I don't think mine counts for much since I built my engine at ~106k. The rest of the car is holding up great though.

Edit: Except for the valve seals...

[80sGuy]

Good news! Now up to 202,000 miles on the Audi! Doing excellent still. Going on a road trip this next weekend with it (1,000+ miles) so getting a fresh oil/filter change at work before I leave. I have had a few messages asking me why I prefer the 3.2 over the 2.0T, it's not that I "prefer" it, it has just been proven from my personal experience that the NA is in general less maintenance. Also from experience my 2.0T I used to own had a few hiccups mainly stupid CEL that typically lead to some type of sensor or vacuum leak. Again, they both have different things that are good/worrisome about each. But in my honest personal non moded life I prefer the sound and drive from the 3.2. Thanks everyone!

Good thing about it is you don't have to worry about a timing belt, ever!

[bce181]

This is true! Although I do worry about timing chain gears/tensioners. I haven't had any sign of wear yet (noise etc...) so we will cross that path when it happens.

[Demonface]

My A4 2.0T is at 148K. Been running great so far .

[kaz02a4]

You got a long way to go youngster. I just clocked 220k miles on my car and still like a car @ times....

220k? How did I miss this?

Yours has been pretty well built though, so...have you done any internals?

[80sGuy]

Speaking of looooooong ways, I'm barely at 50,000.

[aluthman]

220k? How did I miss this?

Yours has been pretty well built though, so...have you done any internals?

Nope, he's riding it hard on a stock block.

[80sGuy]

....stock block.

That's the key. No mods whatsoever on mine.

[vce1232000]

Nope, he's riding it hard on a stock block.

Adams correct. Bone stock block. Only mod that I would do if I had to would be drop in rods. To get more powahhhh

[MISKIE]

Thanks for all the responses! I had the intake off while they did the valve cover gaskets. Mainly just out of boredom. There was not a "build up" of any type really. I know that the FSI is notorious for it, but so far nothing... I drive pretty spirited (0-60 generally 3/4 throttle ;), once warm). I see carbon out of the tail pipes at night in headlights when I take off fast, but all of my cars have done that. I had all 4 brake pads and rotors changed at about 160,000 miles along with a brake fluid exchange (VW/Audi approved fluid). Honestly, I used Wagner Gold pads and rotors and have had excellent service out of them, very low dust and stops great. Granted, I don't really use it for performance but everyday driving they have been great. Once I did have the "Dipped Headlight" issue, I thought my headlight bulb (Xenon) went out but started it the morning after and it was magically on. They do flicker a little sometimes at a stop, but have come to ignore that issue. Oh yeah, I only purchase premium gas from Shell or Exxon I'm very anal about that. I will drive an extra 5 miles for it. But again, other than these minor issues, very problem free. Now, I'm not saying all VAG products are like this. Because I've had numerous (Jetta's, Passat's, etc...) and some have been money pitts. The biggest issue with VW/Audi products I see working in the car industry is the older VW/Audi transmissions (01M on the older Jetta's were very weak) and electrical issues *usually* caused by people not fixing an issue when it happens. And honestly that's my biggest rant working in the automotive field "yeah I need an oil change" "well sir you have a terrible oil pan and valve cover gasket leak, along with an O2 Sensor and multiple misfires" "yeah I know, just want an oil change". If people would fix those issues as they occur, they would have no complaints. But no, it's the cars fault. I could ramble all day about how important preventative maintenance is, but I won't. Lol. The biggest part of owning a non-Japanese vehicle is to find a mechanic or shop you can trust to work on your vehicle. I am very lucky that I manage an automotive shop. I can tell you all day long what is wrong, how to find, and the price to repair it but I don't know jack crap about fixing it. That's when I rely on my trusty technicians (with my help browsing forums) to do all repairs. By the way, I am in my early 20's. I don't mean to sound like I'm an extremely educated mechanic, I'm not. Just love my VAG products and know a lot about them. I am here to help in anyway, so if you need anything from a simple price quote, or advice on service intervals for your vehicle (doesn't have to be VAG) I'm more than happy to help. And if you have read this whole post props to you! I tend to write books on forums, in hope to help folks like myself. Thanks guys (and gals)!

I'm gonna need you to be my friend
I meant all of you!!!

My '07 A4 Q 2.0T 6MT has 57K on her...

[nross33]

Wow, keep us posted!

[nross33]

Guys I'm just curious, what's a ballpark cost to have someone do the valve cover gaskets?

[bce181]

It should not be to much. I had mine done twice (faulty gasket the first time) I'd say about $200 is fair. That's roughly what I paid and it came with a warranty (I work for Sears Auto Center). It's not hard at all.

[bce181]

ALLDATA is rated at 1.8 hours both sides. If the shop you go to goes off that resource that will be a little help.

[Charles.waite]

200k miles. Thats damn impressive. Have you replaced the control arms and tie rods? Fresh control arms can make a HUGE difference in how the car rides and steers. the bushings get old and worn and the rubber packs out and causes a noticeable sloppiness to the body control over bumps and the steering accuracy. Its mainly noticeable on rough roads and city driving but a fresh suspension can make a HUGE difference in general. Sounds like you do a ton of highway driving so new bushings can make a big difference in driving comfort too.

Anyway if they haven't been touched, I would highly suggest it. They generally start going bad around 100k so you're sort of way overdue. FCPEuro has an awesome kit for a great price.

[slappomatt]

144K on my FWD 6mt 2.0t. I bought it 30K ago and those 30K have NOT been easy miles I did a timing belt when I got it at 114K and since then only oil changes and recently did a cv boot.

[nross33]

It should not be to much. I had mine done twice (faulty gasket the first time) I'd say about $200 is fair. That's roughly what I paid and it came with a warranty (I work for Sears Auto Center). It's not hard at all.

Thanks, btw have you hit 200k yet? Post a pic

[bce181]

I'll hit 210,000 miles in about 5 days. I'll have to post a picture soon! Suspension wise I replaced the front struts and rear shocks around 180,000 miles if I remember correctly. It drives amazing still. I have an alignment performed about every 3 months or so (3 year unlimited mileage plan at work) so I know that my tie rods are still in okay condition although I would not be opposed to changing the sway bar links and tie rods soon. My rear engine mount is on its way out (leaking) and I can feel that it does not shift as smoothly as it did once (not transmission related, just movement in the engine) so that will be my next major expense. Any recommendations on where to get tla mount? I can order them through work but still have to pay mark up to keep LP (loss prevention) happy.

[nross33]

I'll hit 210,000 miles in about 5 days. I'll have to post a picture soon! Suspension wise I replaced the front struts and rear shocks around 180,000 miles if I remember correctly. It drives amazing still. I have an alignment performed about every 3 months or so (3 year unlimited mileage plan at work) so I know that my tie rods are still in okay condition although I would not be opposed to changing the sway bar links and tie rods soon. My rear engine mount is on its way out (leaking) and I can feel that it does not shift as smoothly as it did once (not transmission related, just movement in the engine) so that will be my next major expense. Any recommendations on where to get tla mount? I can order them through work but still have to pay mark up to keep LP (loss prevention) happy.

I'm at 80k and need to do my motor mounts. With those ill honestly just buy them at the dealer.

[Charles.waite]

I'm at 80k and need to do my motor mounts. With those ill honestly just buy them at the dealer.

Really? The mounts are $200 each at the dealer vs less than half that from everywhere else.