How reilable the 3.0TDi engine? 3 liter or 2 liter for daily?

[SzeBen]

Hey guys, I plan to buy a newer car which may be an A6 Allroad c7/7.5 3.0TDi or a B8.5/B9 Allroad 2.0TDi.

I was really into older cars, so my daily was an A4 B5 1.9PD. I had zero issues with it, but I wanted to refresh now. So it's a big upgrade. I don't really care about power, but reliability. I want a car that will not own me, but I will own it. I know it's a big-power V6 engine so for sure it will be not on the same cost level as a 1.9PD engine.

What is the general opinion on the 3.0TDi as a daily? What is the main problem with those engines, what to look for, and which do you guys recommend? 2.0 or 3.0 engine, and which engine code.

I've been saving money for a few years now, so I'm not full of money, and later I will fix it by myself (I have a place where I can do it, but it's not mine so I don't wanna be there on every two weeks).

[Botbasher]

I can't speak to it in the Audi platform, but I have a 2.0tdi in a VW and it is a rock. Easy to service, ultra reliable, low cost of ownership. Basically feed it oil and fuel and send it on it's way.

Darkside Engineering has some incredible numbers out of both the 2 & 3 liter plants, so if you do get tired of it there are options for both!

You engine code depends on what car you look at, so I'd look more for the car you like and then find out what powerplant it has.

Either way you go, you'll be happy if you enjoyed the B5!

Cheers,

KS

[Audibot]

I have a 3.0 TDI single turbo (we don't have the bi-turbo in the USA)--engine code is CPNB. The only engine-related anything I had was about 38k miles, I got a check engine light for a fuel pump malfunction. Noticed zero issues with driving/performance. I turned the car off and on again, and the CEL was gone. Other than that, ZERO issues with the car mechanically.

I keep on top of changing the oil, fluids, suspension, filters (fuel filter especially), etc. I have the sport suspension and I think it's a nice compromise between sporty and comfort. My biggest gripe with the car so far is that there is no audio track change buttons on the steering wheel. So I have to reach to the center console to do it.

Driving-wise, A6 is a comfortable grand touring car. Soaks up the highway. The 1-2 shift can be a bit jerky and, in stock form, there is a slight bit of turbo lag. Torque is abundant. I never feel like I don't have enough power to get up steep inclines or merge into traffic. I normally 35-39 mpg (6.72-6.03 L/100 km) on the highway trips I do at about 80-85 mph (130-137 kph) or so in probably moderate traffic. The highest I have gotten was just over 53 mpg (4.42 L/100 km) when I was following my brother in a moving truck for 150 miles (240 km) via adaptive cruise. And even with a lead foot, I don't go below 30 mpg (7.84 L/100 km) on my 23 mile (37 km) commute to/from work.

From what I understand, there have been issues with timing chains (and guides) on the 3.0 TDI. They do have quick start-up rattle, so if lasts longer than about 1-2 seconds, the oil pressure is not holding and it may need timing chain and guides soon. Some people have injector seals leaking after 100k-120k miles (160k-190k km). "VAG Technik" on YouTube have done a couple videos on TDIs you may want to check out (based in UK).

The ZF 8-speed transmission is bulletproof. Just change the fluid at least every 60k miles (95k km) and it should not give you any problems. Not heard issues on the turbos themselves either.

[petarat]

For the 3.0tdi the egr cooler can cause problems and the egr will fill up the intake with soot depending on how lightly it is driven. Pre-dieselgate ECU software was very reliable on the emissions components but now it can cause the dpf to plug up way faster, and if not fixed quickly can cause excess crankcase pressure and blow out the oil seals on the valve covers, rear main, and others. Luckily I had mine replaced under warranty while I waited forever for a dpf to get back in stock.

[SzeBen]

Thank you guys! I think im more cofident about the 3.0TDi too. Now I just have to wait for a great deal. : )