Introduction to the Audi A6 manual (Audi A6 C5)

Petrol engines 4-cylinder:

• 1781 cm³, 125 hp, AJP/ ARH/ ADR/ AQE
• 1781 cm³, 150 hp, AEB/ APU/ ANB/ AWT
• 1984 cm³, 130 hp, ALT

Petrol engines 6-cylinder:

• 2393 cm³, 130 hp, AGA/ ALF/ APS/ ARJ
• 2393 cm³, 170 hp, BDV
• 2671 cm³, 230 hp, AJK
• 2671 cm³, 250 hp, ARE
• 2771 cc. 193 hp, ASK / ALG / APR / AQD
• 2976 cc. 220 hp, ASN
• 4172 cm³, 300 hp, ARS / ASG
• 4172 cu. cm, 340 l. with., AQJ/ ANK

Diesel engines 4-cylinder:

• 1896 cm³, 110 hp, AFN/AVG
• 1896 cc 115 hp, AJM/AWX
• 1896 cm³, 130 hp, AVF

Diesel engines 6-cylinder:

• 2496 cm³, 150 hp, AFB/ AKN
• 2496 cm³, 155 hp, AYM/ BCZ/ BDG
• 2496 cm³, 180 hp, AKE/ BDA/ BDH

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The A6 model appeared in 1997. It incorporated all the best that the German concern could offer. For example, the most advanced and silent climate control in its class. Smooth ride at the level of a luxury car. Permanent all-wheel drive "Quattro"...

"Ab" is rightfully considered one of the most successful in the "Audi" range. In 2001, a small restyling of the model was carried out, as a result of which the bumpers, rear-view mirrors and radiator grille changed very little.

As such, Audi did not have a basic configuration.

The A6 interior can be designed in one of three corporate styles. The "Advance" version includes trim in "natural" colored materials and leather, as well as walnut wood inserts. "Ambition" fills the interior with a sporty spirit - the upholstery patterns are more energetic, and the leather used in the trim is distinguished by light artificial tones that go well with aluminum inserts. In the "A6 Ambition" you can often find a sports three-spoke steering wheel covered in leather. Finally, the most luxurious version is the elite "Ambiente". The cozy and luxurious interior is distinguished by inserts made of wood of a special texture and an abundance of leather.



On the move, the A6 feels like the perfect balance between comfort and handling. Well-designed body aerodynamics and sound insulation ensure cave-like silence in the cabin at any speed.

Body

"Audi A6" is offered in two body styles - a sedan and a station wagon, which is called "Avant".

The bodies of both versions of the car are very durable - this is one of the "Audi's" strong points. Thanks to double-sided galvanization, they resist salt winters. As experience shows, even small chips do not lead to the formation of corrosion centers. Of course, galvanization is effective only if the car has not been in a serious accident. Therefore, when choosing a used "A6", even small rust spots should alert you - it is better to refuse such a car.

Engines

First, let's remember the truism: when buying a used car, don't be lazy to immediately go to the service center and change the timing belt with tensioner and pump, as well as oil and spark plugs (all together - about $800). After all, it is unknown when this was done last and whether it was done at all. Otherwise, if the belt breaks, a "friendly meeting" of valves and pistons may take place, which will lead to a complete overhaul of the engine, which costs from $1,500 and up. And carbon deposits on spark plugs can cause unstable engine operation. Their replacement costs about $80. Also, do not forget to ask to clean the engine and air conditioner radiators to avoid sudden overheating and breakdown of the air conditioning system. It is generally advisable to do this operation regularly - once a year.

1.8 four-cylinder petrol engine

Brief summary: "Economy" class engine. Such cars are not very fast and will suit phlegmatic or thrifty drivers.

Possible problems: The engine has a central injection, the block of which looks like a carburetor. Sometimes the throttle valve gets stuck, which is expressed by jerking while driving, traction is lost and gasoline consumption increases. The treatment consists of either cleaning the block ($60) or replacing it entirely - this operation will cost $350. And do not forget to change the air filter every 10,000 km. Even if it is clean in appearance.

Four-cylinder petrol engine 1.8 T

Brief summary: If you decide to save money and buy an A6 with a four-cylinder engine, then the most acceptable option would be the turbocharged version.

Possible malfunctions: The service life of the turbine is approximately 150,000-170,000 km. Replacement will cost $ 2,000. To extend its life, change the engine oil more often (at least once every 10,000 km) and never turn off the engine immediately after stopping the car - let it idle for about half a minute.

Petrol engines 2.4 and 2.8 l V6

Brief summary: Ideal options for the "A6". Business class still implies the presence of at least six cylinders. And let the engines lose in dynamics to the four-cylinder version of the "1.8T". However, their charm lies in the smooth acceleration from any speed, the noble sound coming from under the hood and noiselessness.

Possible malfunctions: The most common "whim" is problems in the ignition system. Servicemen recommend changing the entire set of high-voltage wires along with the spark plugs. Do not spare money on this operation, especially since it is inexpensive - $ 120. Sometimes, lambda sensors fail (oxygen sensors). If fuel consumption has increased and the car, as they say, does not drive, then you probably need to prepare about $200 for repairs.

Petrol engines 2.7 T

Brief summary: With such an engine, the "A6" is more of a charged sedan than a respectable business-class car. The peak torque occurs at a very low 1,700 rpm, which is why even in second gear the drive wheels can easily skid.

Possible malfunctions: the same as for the "1.8T" version.

Turbodiesels with direct injection 1.9-T and 2.5-T V6

Brief summary: With any of the above engines, you will not feel such a powerful first jerk when accelerating from a standstill. After all, diesel "big beasts" are much more powerful than gasoline "stallions". So the nominal power figures do not matter here. And if the 1.9 TDI version "falls" at 130 km / h, then the 2.5 TDI is in no way inferior to its gasoline counterparts in terms of dynamics and is absolutely not sensitive to the car load. At the same time, you save a lot of money on fuel.

General tips for operating diesel "A6"

No specific "diseases" have been identified for turbodiesels yet. According to mechanics, problems usually arise with careless owners who neglect maintenance rules. If you want your turbodiesel to serve you faithfully for a long time, we recommend that you follow these guidelines:

• replace the timing belt immediately after purchase and then renew it every 70,000 km;
• ask the mechanic to check the correct tightening of the crankshaft pulley bolt, otherwise you may "run into" expensive repairs. At 150,000 and 300,000 km, this bolt should be replaced. Moreover, it is better to perform the operation at a branded service station, where there is a special tool that allows you to comply with the manufacturer's recommended replacement technology;
• in winter, if the engine does not start or the battery is simply dead, do not try to tow the car. You should also not inject ether into the intake manifold. Any of these actions leads to expensive repairs;
• it is advisable to drain the water from the fuel filter WEEKLY. The filter itself is changed together with the air filter every 10,000 km;
• don't trust the service book that recommends servicing every 15,000 km. In Russian conditions, it is better to service the car every 10,000 km;
• every year flush the fuel tank, and every 40,000 km - flush the entire injection system using a special installation.

If you don't pay attention to the recommendations, the first sign of future problems will probably be a "dead" fuel pump. And a new one costs over $3,000! Replacing the injectors, which often fail when the rules for operating a diesel engine are violated, costs about $700. And so on, and so forth...

Electronic equipment

Let's start with the "electronic" part of the engine. The worst thing that can happen is failure of the fan switch located at the bottom of the radiator. If you notice the engine temperature gauge needle creeping up even in cool weather, visit the service center immediately, otherwise engine overheating is inevitable and, as a result, expensive repairs with replacement of the cylinder head, which will cost you about $3,500-4,000. Audi engines have two coolant temperature sensors - the first transmits information to the engine control unit, and the second - to the instrument panel. Failure of the first sensor is fraught with an uncertain start of the engine and its unstable operation. Replacement will cost $50. If the coolant temperature gauge needle starts to behave strangely - constantly rushing from corner to corner - then it is time to change the second temperature sensor (also $50).

When buying, be sure to check the functionality of the sunroof and air conditioner. Their control units are not located in the best way and sometimes "swallow" moisture. In the best case, a computer reconfiguration will be required (about $30), and in the worst case - replacement of the units themselves. A new "brain" for an electric sunroof will cost $220, and for an air conditioner - $700.

If it is really difficult to protect the air conditioner electronics from moisture, then problems with the hatch can be prevented by yourself - make it a rule to treat the rubber seals in the spring and fall (it would be nice if it was on the whole car) special silicone lubricant that restores the elasticity of rubber, protects it from harmful effects and maintains its tightness.



The most common and extremely expensive problem arises after the owner decides to install an additional alarm. If this is done in "left" workshops, they may drill a hole in the engine shield in order to lay the wiring to the engine control unit. If you do not ensure its tightness, then soon moisture will begin to seep into the cabin and accumulate right under the driver's feet. In the place where the comfort control unit is installed (it controls climate control, central locking, instrument lighting, etc). As a result, one day you may encounter a sudden discharge of the battery, which has been powering the radio that "suddenly" turned on all night. This can be treated by replacing the unit ($800) and filing a lawsuit against the alarm installers.

All-wheel drive "A6 Quattro"

All-wheel drive "A6 Quattro" are quite common on the secondary market. However, if you want to buy exactly this car, expect a model imported from Europe. Those that were sold here most often had front-wheel drive. The low popularity of the new "A6 Quattro" is also due to the mistrust of our customers towards the complex transmission, which was common in the second half of the 90s. It is comfortable to drive, but if it breaks down... In fact, the scheme of permanent all-wheel drive with a Torsen differential (the engine's energy is distributed equally between the front and rear wheels) quite reliable. According to the mechanics of "Audi Center Moscow", transmission problems on all-wheel drive "A6" occur no more often than on front-wheel drive. True, in maintenance "A6 Quattro" costs about 20% more than a regular "six".



Motorists manage to "organize" the problem in the transmission themselves, using the "A6 Quattro" as an... SUV. Especially those versions with a station wagon body, which are very similar to "Audi Allroad", equipped with a height-adjustable suspension. Like, look, the same car as mine drove, so I can too. Remember: the all-wheel drive on this car is intended for public roads only! The cost of treating the "injuries" that the "A6 Quattro" transmission can receive off the asphalt will make you think hard about further use of the car. Now - about gearboxes. Three were offered for the "A6": a 5-speed manual, a 5-range automatic "Tiptronic" with the ability to manually shift and a 5-speed CVT "Multitronic". Let's make it clear right away that the last version on the "six" is extremely rare in our country, and therefore mechanics know it mainly only in theory. By the way, if you decide to buy a version with a CVT, count either on single copies sold in Russia, or on higher customs duties, the advanced transmission was born only two and a half years ago and does not yet fall into the category of "three-year-olds".

There are no problems with the manual transmission at all. The very reliable mechanism has only one problem - after 150,000 km the gearshift lever becomes loose, and this is treated by replacing the cheap bushings. Attention! When visiting the service, beware of offers to change the oil in this box. The factory oil is designed for the entire service life of the car and is changed only when disassembling the mechanism.



When buying a car with the desired by many "Tiptronic", first of all check the functionality of the manual gear shift function, especially if the gearbox is equipped with some kind of mechanical lock. The fact is that when installing it, the sensors for recognizing the manual transmission mode are often damaged. In this case, instead of a modern transmission, you get a car with a banal "automatic".

Suspension

The average mileage of most "A6" cars offered on the market is 100,000-130,000 km. For any car, this figure is like a transition point to a state where the suspension has to be repaired every 20,000-25,000 km. It is advisable to do this at specialized service stations, especially when servicing a car with a Quattro transmission. This is due to the fact that replacing any part entails a number of other routine maintenance works (for example, adjusting the camber of the rear wheels), which the "guys from the service around the corner" may not even know about.

In general, in everything that concerns the chassis, the "A6" is quite reliable. With the exception of the front suspension arms. Rumor has it that their service life is almost shorter than that of engine oil. In fact, this is not true. Yes, aluminum parts are less reliable, but they still serve over 30,000 km, even if the car is driven on our roads all year round without any care. For those who value their "A6" and try to slow down before potholes and tram tracks, the replacement periods for the arms are one and a half to two times longer.