I'm sure this has beaten to death but...looking at a 16' S7

[11S5V8]

Looking to get out of my current S5 and thinking of making the move to an S7. I read up on the turbo issues and the oil screens etc... but how realistic is it i'll get a car with that issue? I've owned several cars and have noticed a lot of people over-exaggerate about issues on constantly hammer the one or 2 flaws the car has. I'm looking at one that has been dealer maintained and has a year left on the warranty. After that I plan to do nothing more than intake, AWE Touring cat-back and a stage 1 tune. Nothing more. I imagine the car will still be pretty reliable? Anything I should know before purchasing?

[11S5V8]

to edit:

I know the car will be reliable but when i get up into the 70/80k miles will I start maybe seeing issues. Mainly looking to get some info from people who have driven their cars more than 20/30k miles so far...

[daytona rs7]

the oil screen is a very real issue. I would 100% expect to see a failure at some point, unless the screen is replaced or removed. the dealer has revised the part numerous times, all the way though the end of 2017. meaning the 2016 you're looking at has a screen that is known to fail.

Being preventative with the problem is more beneficial than waiting for a failure. $1.5k now is better than $4k-20k later. catastrophic engine failure can and has happened from the turbos failing, hence the 20k.

besides that, there is no very common issues.

[15 Phantom S6]

I hear what your are saying OP, but I personally wouldn't buy one of these cars without swapping out the turbo oil screen immediately. I like to have reliability and I feel that swapping out the screen for the latest revision gives me that. Without swapping it out, its just a guessing game of when the turbos blow, the only constant in my opinion is that the turbos will blow from oil starvation at some point if not addressed in time..

I understand the folks who have warranty and have no desire to modify the car, to wait until they go and then use warranty to fix, but I'd rather avoid the hassle altogether. Also, what if the damage starts at the tail end of the warranty period and then the turbo's die outside of warranty? I didn't want to fall into that category either..

For me, I wanted to swap the screen out as soon as I heard the screen was the major contributor to blowing turbos and then I used that as an excuse to go stage 3, lol...

[11S5V8]

Wouldn't the screen be something that gets addressed by the dealer while getting regular service or is that a crap shoot too?

I don't see myself going stage 3 but who knows

Need to just talk wife into it and I'll be pulling the trigger. No later than Spring will I be buying.

[11S5V8]

Also are there any signs to the turbos failing that I can see, hear or feel-before purchasing?

[Hofahome]

Wouldn't the screen be something that gets addressed by the dealer while getting regular service or is that a crap shoot too?

You would think, right? But no. Audi never made any maintenance recommendations for the screen, did not put in a system to monitor post-screen oil pressure and buried it in the center of the V. So now the customer has to shell out ~$1,500 to address a poor design or risk turbo failure costing $5-10k. The big issue is that once you have symptoms it’s too late - the turbos have let go.
For piece of mind, I would plan on doing the tsb preemptively. Maybe see if Audi would share the cost.


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[11S5V8]

You would think, right? But no. Audi never made any maintenance recommendations for the screen, did not put in a system to monitor post-screen oil pressure and buried it in the center of the V. So now the customer has to shell out ~$1,500 to address a poor design or risk turbo failure costing $5-10k. The big issue is that once you have symptoms it’s too late - the turbos have let go.
For piece of mind, I would plan on doing the tsb preemptively. Maybe see if Audi would share the cost.


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yeah that is a good point. IF I tackle this myself it doesn't look like it is too difficult for my skill level. Would it be cost effective to upgrade to the RS7 turbos, would I even see THAT much of a difference with the exhaust/intake/stage 1?

[15 Phantom S6]

As Hofahome mentions, Audi will NOT do anything for this screen issue. They will only replace the screen if they replace the turbos under warranty. There are symptoms, but as also stated, by Hofa, by the time you have symptoms the damage is already done..

This is exactly why I decided to go ahead with the swap as soon as I understood the flawed design was the major contributor to turbo failures.. I want a long life with this car and I know that if I had turbo failure in the future, I would probably be modified by that time (so TD1 and/or warranty denial from Audi), plus the wife would for sure blame me saying it was due to me tinkering with a perfectly good car.. Didn't want that Sh**storm, so I avoided it..

yeah that is a good point. IF I tackle this myself it doesn't look like it is too difficult for my skill level. Would it be cost effective to upgrade to the RS7 turbos, would I even see THAT much of a difference with the exhaust/intake/stage 1?

It is a night and day difference, turns the car into a freight train but drives like stock.. Basically takes you from an 11 second car to a 10 second car.. Pretty impressive for the size of vehicle.. I don't regret it all and I hear the same thing from other stage 3 owners.. If I had to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat.. What a great set-up..

[11S5V8]

As Hofahome mentions, Audi will NOT do anything for this screen issue. They will only replace the screen if they replace the turbos under warranty. There are symptoms, but as also stated, by Hofa, by the time you have symptoms the damage is already done..

This is exactly why I decided to go ahead with the swap as soon as I understood the flawed design was the major contributor to turbo failures.. I want a long life with this car and I know that if I had turbo failure in the future, I would probably be modified by that time (so TD1 and/or warranty denial from Audi), plus the wife would for sure blame me saying it was due to me tinkering with a perfectly good car.. Didn't want that Sh**storm, so I avoided it..



It is a night and day difference, turns the car into a freight train but drives like stock.. Basically takes you from an 11 second car to a 10 second car.. Pretty impressive for the size of vehicle.. I don't regret it all and I hear the same thing from other stage 3 owners.. If I had to do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat.. What a great set-up..

good points, I see some companies doing core swaps and I just need to get the turbo housing if I'm not mistaken. I just saw JHM has a kit fixing the screen issue so hopefully that hits production when I go to buy.

[camkelly]

Just delete the turbo oil screen -$1500 to tear the top end down and take them out. Cheap insurance and more importantly, it gives you peace of mind. Currently running a heavily modified RS7 and I dont worry for a second about failures.


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[dab]

had a 14 s7 traded up from 03 rs6. Bought with 17k miles cpo, stage 1 tune within first week and totaled the car with 77k miles on it. The oil seperater and had a motor mount replaced both under warranty. Had it flashed prior to bringing it into dealership and had no problems. Drove it hard. Currently the oil seperater warranty has been extended to cover over 100 miles.

[wwhan]

Another 4.0T engine issue to watch for is the Camshaft adjusters and the chain guide, details in the Audi ATU 2018, under 4.0 TFSI - camshaft diagnosis, page 3

[11S5V8]

thanks for all the info.

I feel comfortable about buying the S7, I saw some youtube videos where the guy ran just no screen, but I am interested in the JHM bypass seems like it might be the ticket.

Like I mentioned I'm handy with a wrench so tearing it down doesn't look too bad, time consuming if anything.

I think if I get something lower mileage (less than 40k) I should be alright.

[wwhan]

thanks for all the info.

I feel comfortable about buying the S7, I saw some youtube videos where the guy ran just no screen, but I am interested in the JHM bypass seems like it might be the ticket.

Like I mentioned I'm handy with a wrench so tearing it down doesn't look too bad, time consuming if anything.

I think if I get something lower mileage (less than 40k) I should be alright.

Try to stick with the newest model year, that your budget allows.

[daytona rs7]

low mileage at purchase is irrelevant.
screens have typically clogged/failed from 35-60k miles. So if you plan to keep the car for total mileage of anywhere near 60k, you should replace/remove the screen as preventative maintenance, or save for failed turbo repair.

[11S5V8]

low mileage at purchase is irrelevant.
screens have typically clogged/failed from 35-60k miles. So if you plan to keep the car for total mileage of anywhere near 60k, you should replace/remove the screen as preventative maintenance, or save for failed turbo repair.

the plan is to immediately tear down and either do JHM kit ( saw it in this foum, don't think it is available yet) or replace the screen with the newest version. I see a couple in my price range under 35k miles asking about 44k one has a minor accident reporting and indicated it was cosmetic, not sure how I feel about this but hey that's my price range so...

newest model year I think 2016 or 2017 (if I can find a slick deal on 17'). trying to keep it under 46k-47k

[wwhan]

the plan is to immediately tear down and either do JHM kit ( saw it in this foum, don't think it is available yet) ......

Looks like it is available now, they updated the webpage, on sale: Sale Price $599.90

Stainless Braided Turbo Oil Line and Strainer/Screen Relocation Kit (JHM-Serviceable) for TSB-2044640 on C7-D4 4.0T

[xiaphin]

I'm currently in the market for a S7 as well (2016-2017), and was wondering what the best approach would be with the oil screen issue. Been searching for a low mileage (15-30k) CPO 2016/2017 personal lease return but am wondering if I should broaden my search to include 2016 models with slightly higher miles (30-45k). Since the failure occurs suddenly most of the time, low mileage doesn't necessarily mean there is a smaller chance of a failure occurring. Will they perform the preventative work without any cost to me? and do I bring it up before purchasing the vehicle or ask right after the purchase is complete? Need some advice from other who have navigated these waters already. Any advice is appreciated.

My logic for my search based off reading the forums for a while:

1. Low mileage 2017 CPO with newest revision screen "G".
This is assuming the newest screen actually fixes the problem, which there aren't enough high mileage cars to confirm this yet.
No need to try and get Audi to perform TSB 21-18-30 2044640/5 if VIN is outside TSB range. Haven't been able to confirm what % of 2017's this includes.
Factory 4yr 50k mile warranty has more time/miles left.

2. Low mileage 2016 CPO
Possible that TSB has been performed already and don't have to deal with it.
If not, all 2016 models are included in multiple TSB's with this issue and would need it replaced immediately.
Less time/miles on factory warranty
Consider extended warranty

3. Higher mileage 2016/17 model
Purchase cost significantly less. Extra money in pocket to deal with oil screen issue.
Possible that TSB has been performed already and don't have to deal with it.
Pay for extended warranty and hope issue happens during this time frame/have the TSB performed.
or
Replace/remove/JHM kit install myself. Prefer not to do this, at a point in my life where I'd like to take a break from wrenches on cars all the time.

[kpriv]

I'm currently in the market for a S7 as well (2016-2017), and was wondering what the best approach would be with the oil screen issue. Been searching for a low mileage (15-30k) CPO 2016/2017 personal lease return but am wondering if I should broaden my search to include 2016 models with slightly higher miles (30-45k). Since the failure occurs suddenly most of the time, low mileage doesn't necessarily mean there is a smaller chance of a failure occurring. Will they perform the preventative work without any cost to me? and do I bring it up before purchasing the vehicle or ask right after the purchase is complete? Need some advice from other who have navigated these waters already. Any advice is appreciated.

My logic for my search based off reading the forums for a while:

1. Low mileage 2017 CPO with newest revision screen "G".
This is assuming the newest screen actually fixes the problem, which there aren't enough high mileage cars to confirm this yet.
No need to try and get Audi to perform TSB 21-18-30 2044640/5 if VIN is outside TSB range. Haven't been able to confirm what % of 2017's this includes.
Factory 4yr 50k mile warranty has more time/miles left.

2. Low mileage 2016 CPO
Possible that TSB has been performed already and don't have to deal with it.
If not, all 2016 models are included in multiple TSB's with this issue and would need it replaced immediately.
Less time/miles on factory warranty
Consider extended warranty

3. Higher mileage 2016/17 model
Purchase cost significantly less. Extra money in pocket to deal with oil screen issue.
Possible that TSB has been performed already and don't have to deal with it.
Pay for extended warranty and hope issue happens during this time frame/have the TSB performed.
or
Replace/remove/JHM kit install myself. Prefer not to do this, at a point in my life where I'd like to take a break from wrenches on cars all the time.

personally, I would have the screen swapped on any CPO car, regardless of year or mileage. My rationale for that is my concern would be the 10k mile audi OCI that a lessee would be using concerns me irrespective of whether the car has 20k miles or 40k. Obviously the lower mileage car is not as far along the path, but if the turbos dont have play then you are fine as long as you get it swapped. For reference, I swapped the screen on mine at 24k miles when I went stage 3. I had been doing 5k mile oil changes and my screen has zero clogging. I am now doing 4k mile oil changes just to be on the safe side. I may swap the screen again at 75k miles (basically a 50k mile service interval).

So, as you said, I'd buy the cheaper 2016 car, get the turbos checked, and if they are good -- buy the car, get the screen swapped immediately and move to a 3-5k mile OCI.

[xiaphin]

personally, I would have the screen swapped on any CPO car, regardless of year or mileage. My rationale for that is my concern would be the 10k mile audi OCI that a lessee would be using concerns me irrespective of whether the car has 20k miles or 40k. Obviously the lower mileage car is not as far along the path, but if the turbos dont have play then you are fine as long as you get it swapped. For reference, I swapped the screen on mine at 24k miles when I went stage 3. I had been doing 5k mile oil changes and my screen has zero clogging. I am now doing 4k mile oil changes just to be on the safe side. I may swap the screen again at 75k miles (basically a 50k mile service interval).

So, as you said, I'd buy the cheaper 2016 car, get the turbos checked, and if they are good -- buy the car, get the screen swapped immediately and move to a 3-5k mile OCI.

Thanks for the input. Seems like everyone including Audi are suggesting lower OCI's due to this issue. Will definitely be changing more often as well. Imagine leased car owners are less knowledgeable about the car in general and wouldn't have asked for shorter OCI's.

Regarding the turbo check, will Audi do this as a courtesy or do I have to pay out of pocket? Couldn't imagine it would cost much or take much time to do an inspection for shaft play.

[11S5V8]

I believe they will make you pay. the screen is not a maintenance item as in Audi does not see it as a part of a service interval. someone on this thread said something like $1500 in labor to tear it town.

[ItsLarryG]

Sounds like he was asking if Audi would inspect the turbos as a courtesy, not the full on screen replacement.

[xiaphin]

Sounds like he was asking if Audi would inspect the turbos as a courtesy, not the full on screen replacement.

Correct, I'd like them inspected prior to purchase to see if any damage has already occurred.

I believe they will make you pay. the screen is not a maintenance item as in Audi does not see it as a part of a service interval. someone on this thread said something like $1500 in labor to tear it town.

If this is true I should ask to get this reduced from the asking price since I would want the screens replaced after a clean turbo inspection.

Anybody on here have a 2017 Daytona Gray Pearl with Arras interior? Like to send in a VIN to Audicare with this combo to see how many were made. Haven't found a 2017 for sale yet in this combo, only a handful of 2016's.

[ItsLarryG]

Is red a deal breaker? I think it’s a pretty pricy option new, so obviously will cut your potential options tremendously and pass on a good deal with standard black interior. I bought a black A6 with brown interior which grew on me, but was more of a nice-to-have.

PS...I hate black interiors. Go non-black if it makes sense.

[xiaphin]

Saw it in person for the first time this weekend and it sealed the deal, it was Daytona Gray Pearl as well, my #1 choice. Not having the Arras Red is a deal breaker but have found there are many cars out there with the option. Only seen one Flint Gray pop up with the rest being black or red. (50% of what I've saved in my car search spreadsheet so far is red). The car I test drove had strange service items on the CARFAX from previous owner and the recent service items performed gave me a bad feeling. I did find one with all the options I want minus drivers assist in my second color choice but it is all the way across the country. Anybody in Boston want to check it out for me?... Tempted to fly out to have a look.