2014-2016 Q5 TDI Thoughts

**denako** · 03-13-2019 11:41 AM

My mom's 2003 Range Rover is digging its own grave currently at 200k miles and she was really pleased with how the 8R-gen Q5 drives. With that said, we're able to find 30k-mile Q5 TDI's everywhere according to my uncle and my mom is ready to get one. Before we go forward and make a purchase, is there anything to be aware of with the 3.0T Diesel? I have a B8 S4 so I'm familiar with the 3.0T petrol motor and its been very solid aside for small things. Is the 3.0TDI the same engine platform? Any common failures? Any features that are a must I should look out for?

Thanks in advance.

**Audibot** · 03-13-2019 11:52 AM

I have an A6 TDI, but it's the same engine. Great engine, love the amount of torque. Here is what another forum member asked regarding an A6 TDI and my responses:

Current S4 owner here, looking at adding an A6 TDI to the fleet. Drove one and really like it, but wanted to get some feedback from some owners before making a decision. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of talk about the diesel A6's on here, so figured I'd ask.

Anything diesel specific to be aware of? Any problems to watch out for?
How is overall reliability?

My response:

1. No specific issues I'm aware to look out for. The TDI settlement is a huge boon in terms of warranty as well.

I am currently waiting for warranty to expire before I purchase a dpf delete and tune. I've heard great things about increased power in addition to increased fuel economy, so we'll see. Here in MD, we don't have emissions testing on diesels, to my surprise last year.

2. I have owned mine for a year now. I have yet to encounter anything other than a few finicky MMI issues with my phone/bluetooth, and a speaker grille buzzing. Nothing engine or driving-wise. In Houston, you shouldn't have to worry about potholes, so if you get the 20s, it will be nice. Be aware though that in 2019, the Audi Care Select for TDIs is like $1250 MSRP, so quite a bit more expensive if you are contemplating having the dealer service it.

I can say I absolutely love my car. It's been fantastic in my year of ownership. The torque is addictive, which you should know in your S4. Certainly moves a 4200 lb car quickly! It does take some time to warm up the cast iron block; much longer than my C5 allroad or B7 A4. And during that warm-up period it is a bit sluggish at times. Also sound very diesel during this time. These go away when it's warmed up, so only a temporary nuisance. If you can, make sure you get high quality/premium diesel (>46 cetane for sure). As high a cetane you can get. I've seen some south of me offer 55 cetane. You can feel the difference between good and bad (minimum) quality diesel in noise, smoothness, power delivery, and fuel economy.

**denako** · 03-13-2019 12:00 PM

Thanks for the info man. I'm glad to hear the TDI is on the same pedestal as our petrol 3.0's. I think she will be happy with the extra torque because her range rover was a dog, (280hp/ft-lbs is not enough for 5300 lbs). She was concerned about diesel noise as she doesn't want to sound like a school bus driving around. The car is garaged so I don't see it being noisy for more than 5 minutes after sitting overnight.

We do live in Chicagoland area.. is cold an issue if it were to sit outside? We do get into subzero temps almost every year. I hear most newer diesels don't need any sort of block heater but just want to make sure of this.

**Audibot** · 03-13-2019 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by denako

Thanks for the info man. I'm glad to hear the TDI is on the same pedestal as our petrol 3.0's. I think she will be happy with the extra torque because her range rover was a dog, (280hp/ft-lbs is not enough for 5300 lbs). She was concerned about diesel noise as she doesn't want to sound like a school bus driving around. The car is garaged so I don't see it being noisy for more than 5 minutes after sitting overnight.

We do live in Chicagoland area.. is cold an issue if it were to sit outside? We do get into subzero temps almost every year. I hear most newer diesels don't need any sort of block heater but just want to make sure of this.

Shouldn't be an issue. I don't remember if it was on here or tdiclub.com but there were folks in Canada and Colorado talking about it and -40 degrees, and says it starts up fine. Keep in mind you will wait for some seconds for the glow plugs to do their thing but should be good. There are additives you can buy for winter/summer for diesel, especially if you can't find good stuff. It'll take some time to warm up fully (cast iron engine). Even the seats & steering wheel take a little bit so I suggest starting it up and walking away for a few minutes. Or having a quality installer install a remote start.

I can say that I definitely enjoy mine and am quite the lead foot with it. Wish it had a bit more hp but I'll gain a few ponies when I do a DPF delete and tune.

**canadianA4B7** · 03-13-2019 05:10 PM

Was just sent a text with this as the next option on our list. Was heading here looking for this type of info.

**elijahallen** · 03-14-2019 04:36 AM

I had one, it was a great car, no complaints at all and the expensive stuff is all covered under the extended warranty from audi that came with the fix.