2015 A4 started burning oil

[Trevortmiller]

Hello, my 2015 A4 has started burning oil a few months ago. I bought this used almost 2 years ago and tuned it to IE stage 1 with new coil packs, spark plugs and ECS intake around a year ago. At the moment, it's sitting around 72k miles. I had my local shop take a look for leaks when getting a wheel bearing replaced, but they didn't see anything. On March 26th they flushed the oil system and refilled with fresh oil to see if that made a difference. They also installed a GFB diverter value plus. Today, May 9th, I had to add another quart of oil.

I've searched the forums as well as reddit only to find that there could be a variety of issues causing oil consumption. I used my OBD11 to test the timing chain wear and the result was around -4.5 degrees. From what I've seen, that isn't a good number but shouldn't be bad enough to cause something like oil burn. I also saw posts about the PCV valve causing this so I tried the finger over the hole for pressure test only to find no suction at all, so I don't believe that could be the culprit. Now, the major cause could be piston rings which isn't really something I can check myself at home so I am leaving that for the shop to find out, but I don't want to have them open the engine just to find out that this isn't the issue.

Is there anything else that can cause this? Did I miss something? I love this car, but don't want to take it on vacation or trips in fear that it'll break far from home. At this point, I've started looking for a B9 S4 but I'd prefer to keep my A4 longer.

Thanks for the help.



Total Mod List:
-IE Stage 1
-ECS Tuning Intake
-NGK BKR7EIX spark plugs
-OE coil packs
-GFB Diverter Valve+

[Zuzuwu]

Pistons and rings. Don’t waste your time and money on anything else. It’s not going to break down, just keep oil in it.


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[Theiceman]

sounds like engine is heading for complete rebuild eventfully, but depending how many miles you get per quart , you may just decide to live with it then dump it, which is the far cheaper option.

[FourRingsC6]

Pistons and rings. Don’t waste your time and money on anything else. It’s not going to break down, just keep oil in it.


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I thought Audi fixed ring issues after 2013 with updated rings?


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[FourRingsC6]

I would look into your PCV 1st before doing anything else.


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[Zuzuwu]

I thought Audi fixed ring issues after 2013 with updated rings?


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Nope. They never fixed it until the gen 3 engine in the b9.


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[rcprato]

If you are under 100K miles will Audi cover this ? My Boss had rings/pistons covered on his Q5 and I think it is a 2015 ?

[Trevortmiller]

If you are under 100K miles will Audi cover this ? My Boss had rings/pistons covered on his Q5 and I think it is a 2015 ?

Good question. I will look into this

[PedroA4]

The PCV can fail in a number of ways even if there’s no auction and will send a ton of oil through the intake.
There’s a hose that goes from the back of the PCV to the intake just before the turbo. Pull that and see if there’s oil in it.

My K04 GTI was consuming oil and I couldn’t figure out where it was going until it blew the hot side charge couple and there was oil in the turbo. I pulled the intake side and saw there was a bunch of oil in that portion. It was coming from the PCV. Replaced it and no more consumption. There were no other symptoms.

[Theiceman]

I thought Audi fixed ring issues after 2013 with updated rings?


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nope, this is a common fallacy

- - - Updated - - -

If you are under 100K miles will Audi cover this ? My Boss had rings/pistons covered on his Q5 and I think it is a 2015 ?

i dont think so.

[chavez885]

If you are under 100K miles will Audi cover this ? My Boss had rings/pistons covered on his Q5 and I think it is a 2015 ?

Depends on the dealer, it's up to them. If one won't do it try another. I had a dealer re-ring my 2009 A4 with 80K on it in 2014, had zero warranty, got very lucky.

There is a TSB for it they can leverage to get it paid for but the TSB listed on my paperwork only show's up to 2011 so I'm sure it's a different one for 2015.

[Trevortmiller]

I would look into your PCV 1st before doing anything else.


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So I tested the oil cap method. With the engine running, it requires force to remove the cap. You can hear a rush of air once the cap is opened off too. I’ve read that some suction is normal but this seems to be excessive

[Trevortmiller]

I tried the PCV oil cap test and recorded it. What do you all think? https://youtube.com/shorts/EulczmcbcaA?feature=share

[FourRingsC6]

So I tested the oil cap method. With the engine running, it requires force to remove the cap. You can hear a rush of air once the cap is opened off too. I’ve read that some suction is normal but this seems to be excessive

You should have slight suction but not much. If yours is tight to remove then it’s time to replace your PCV.
Pop plastic lid open and check rubber diaphragm for cracks or cuts


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[Smac770]

Should measure 0.6 (black cap PCV) or 3.0 (white cap PCV) inHg at the dipstick tube to verify. The video seems to imply there's excessive vacuum in the crankcase, but it's not a measurement.

If the diaphragm was torn, you'd be leaking air into the engine and the idle would be rough. In your video, things operate "correctly", idle seems fine and it gets rough when you remove the cap. You commented as well that covering the vent hole on the PCV cap made no change to idle. Maybe the diaphragm could be torn just enough to pass too much vacuum but not large enough to allow sufficient air intake to cause problems yet? Long term and idle trim showing lean? Anytime my diaphragm was toast, it was a full on freight train whistle and rough seas idle.

Check the diaphragm, if nothing obvious, replace the whole PCV.

[NitroViper]

Seems like as these cars get a little older they didnt fix this oil consumption issue like ppl seem to think they did....

[Theiceman]

wait wait wait.. i think im the only consistent one in saying they never did from day one. .. lol

[Zuzuwu]

Seems like as these cars get a little older they didnt fix this oil consumption issue like ppl seem to think they did....

That’s because they didn’t. There just aren’t enough b8.5s at high enough mileage yet for it to be common.


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[Jason11213]

That’s because they didn’t. There just aren’t enough b8.5s at high enough mileage yet for it to be common.


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I’m at 55k on my 2015 A4 with no fill ups between 5k oil change intervals so far. Not looking too good as I read through this thread though.

[Theiceman]

I’m at 55k on my 2015 A4 with no fill ups between 5k oil change intervals so far. Not looking too good as I read through this thread though.

i think at that mileage you will be fine , once you get over about 75-85 K i would think you start seeing it though . mine was done at 130K 1 litre per 180 miles ( 2014 )

[Trevortmiller]

The model number on my current PCV unit is 06H-103-495AE which looks to be an older version. 06H103495AK looks to be the revision I am looking for. I am seeing this cost roughly $150 for OEM. Does anyone have suggestions for aftermarket units or is OEM my best option? Thank you all for the help by the way.

[PedroA4]

I bought one from Amazon for $118. It’s genuine Audi and is the latest AK revision.

Volkswagen 06H 103 495 E, Engine Crankcase Vent Valve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A82CWM4...ing=UTF8&psc=1

[Theiceman]

I bought one from Amazon for $118. It’s genuine Audi and is the latest AK revision.

Volkswagen 06H 103 495 E, Engine Crankcase Vent Valve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A82CWM4...ing=UTF8&psc=1

If it was ak version ak is in the part number
So you odered the one listed and a white top showed up ?

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[Theiceman]

Don't think it will do much anyway for oil consumption.

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[FourRingsC6]

I’m currently burning about 1QT for every 200 miles. I’ve tried different oil weight and different brands. Nothing helped.
I have new “white top” PCV on order which should be here today to test.
My end goal is to rebuild the engine with new rings and stronger internals but meanwhile testing different options to see if anything helps.
I change my oil every 1000 miles right now because oil gets very black from being burned.


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[PedroA4]

If it was ak version ak is in the part number
So you odered the one listed and a white top showed up ?

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Correct. I ordered that one and the AK showed up.

[Theiceman]

Oil being very black is very normal on DI engines. Don't let that sway your behavior. It's usually black within 100-200 miles on perfect engines.
Sounds like your rings are toast,
The burned oil actually went out your tail pipe

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[Zuzuwu]

I’m currently burning about 1QT for every 200 miles. I’ve tried different oil weight and different brands. Nothing helped.
I have new “white top” PCV on order which should be here today to test.
My end goal is to rebuild the engine with new rings and stronger internals but meanwhile testing different options to see if anything helps.
I change my oil every 1000 miles right now because oil gets very black from being burned.


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You’re wasting your money with the pcv. Your engine needs rings no matter how much it pains you to admit it. We’ve all been there


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[FourRingsC6]

You’re wasting your money with the pcv. Your engine needs rings no matter how much it pains you to admit it. We’ve all been there


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I’m not very hopeful and I am not in denial lol.
Engine will be gone over once my other daily is finished.




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[Theiceman]

You’re wasting your money with the pcv. Your engine needs rings no matter how much it pains you to admit it. We’ve all been there


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The good news is he will have a fresh new PCV to put on his rebuilt engine lol.

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[FourRingsC6]

Oil being very black is very normal on DI engines. Don't let that sway your behavior. It's usually black within 100-200 miles on perfect engines.
Sounds like your rings are toast,
The burned oil actually went out your tail pipe

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Why is that? My friends GLI does not do that and it’s DFI as awell


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[wavemaster]

The model number on my current PCV unit is 06H-103-495AE which looks to be an older version. 06H103495AK looks to be the revision I am looking for. I am seeing this cost roughly $150 for OEM. Does anyone have suggestions for aftermarket units or is OEM my best option? Thank you all for the help by the way.

If you want to increase your chances of getting the oil consumption issue taken care of by the dealer, then you will need to document actual oil consumption, and not put any aftermarket equipment on the car. Keep receipts etc.

Now, I think they are going to be difficult at the very least about all the mods you have on your car.

[Theiceman]

Really not sure but it's been reported several times. And my b7 burns zero oil
And is jet black inside of 100 miles easy.

Probably the soot mentioned in this video.
https://youtu.be/c61lBa7l_9E

I think oil analysis is the only true real read.

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[silver_tt]

Oil being very black is very normal on DI engines. Don't let that sway your behavior. It's usually black within 100-200 miles on perfect engines.

That is exactly right. I have said this on numerous occasions and people acted like I didn't know what I'm talking about. My DI40 oil goes in the engine looking almost clear..........and comes out looking black. DI engine, like you said.....

[silver_tt]

Probably the soot mentioned in this video.
https://youtu.be/c61lBa7l_9E

I think oil analysis is the only true real read.

Yep it is absolutely the soot, there is no question. It's also contributing to the timing chains wear, which as we all know about (and is a problem on several other similar brands as well who use the same OEMs and also updated their chains to strengthen them)...... direct injection.

[Theiceman]

Well we used to have 09/10 burning oil... Some 11s and 12s ..then the odd 13.... then my 14 which I rebuilt..... Now we are seeing more and more 15s burning oil. Doesnt look good for the entire platform so far....

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[silver_tt]

Yep, and my buddy's 2016 with 85K miles.......

[Theiceman]

Yep, and my buddy's 2016 with 85K miles.......

Really a 16 now ??? Well if he rebuilds it and checks what rings he has it might confirm that the entire b8 platform has the crap one piece oil scrapper.
What a total bummer....

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[silver_tt]

He’s a skilled guy and in the process of tearing it down…. Will know sometime this summer exactly what rings he has. I’m starting to think probably you are right the whole b8 platform suffers from oil consumption but we will know for sure soon enough

The only good news for him was that at 85k his original timing chain has basically no “stretch” (phase position just over 1 degree)

[Theiceman]

Wow 1 degree at 85k. That's incredible. Never been serviced ??
Well update us on what rings he has please. That could put the last nail in the coffin for the B8 platform as far as rings go.

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