Audi A6 C7 4G 2011–2018 - used, experiences, problems

The Audi A6 C7 (4G) is a prestigious but expensive choice
Compared to the previous generation, Audi The A6 C7 has significantly improved driving performance and sophistication, offering users a much more comfortable ride that suits the car's price range.

The high-tech fourth-generation Audi A6 C7 is set to hit the market in 2011. The car is doomed to succeed. It attracts customers with many technical innovations and styles that are sure to appeal to most people. Like its predecessor, Audi has created exceptional competition in its car segment.

The interior of the A6 is spacious and the cockpit is modeled on the A8. The sliding display is centrally located. The car has become very multimedia. The driver has access to the Internet and online services.

The car is available in two body styles: sedan and station wagon. The latter is traditionally called the Avant with a luggage space of 565 l (530l sedan), which can be increased to 1680 l, overlapping the backrests of the rear seats. The car is optionally equipped with an automatic boot opening system after registration of movement below the rear bumper line, in accordance with the established pattern.

Customers appreciate the A6 for its excellent workmanship, high driving comfort, reliability and reputation. The fourth generation A6 was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 2011 and remained in production for 7 years. The car is produced in two body types - as a sedan and a station wagon (Avant). In 2012, the A6 Allroad quattro based on the Avant variant was offered. Among the special versions, the S6 and RS6 stand out, which appeared on sale in the years after the premiere. During production, the model underwent two restylings. In 2014, the appearance of the headlights and taillights was changed, new elements of equipment were added and the appearance of the interior was slightly changed. During the modernization two years later, the main change was the new equipment that could be ordered.

Audi A6 C7 - Engine

The range of engines used during the production period for Audi The A6 C7 is wide. Under the hood were 4, 6 and 8-cylinder engines combined with front-wheel drive or 4 × 4 (quattro). A hybrid was offered, quite rare in the second-hand market. The most common are 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI. The first appears in four power variants, of which 177 and 190 hp are worth recommending. The weaker ones do not provide the heavy A6 with satisfactory performance. The range of four-cylinder petrol engines starts from version 1.8 TFSI (available until 2014), but only the 2.0 TFSI engine with 252 hp is considered the right source of power for the described car.

The safe choice will be the atmospheric 2.8 FSI engine offered until 2014 - it has six cylinders, 204 hp and practically does not suffer from any malfunctions. The more powerful 3.0 TFSI is over-charged turbine, provides excellent performance, but there are problems with the block (there were replacements in the warranty), in this engine are also problematic thermostats and water pumps. All petrol engines have direct injection, ie gas installation. The V6 diesel impresses with its work culture, reasonable fuel consumption and powerful torque. They are relatively durable, although on a course of about 300.000 km it may require repair of the turbocharger or injection system. When inspecting, you must also pay attention to oil leaks.

3.0 TDI V6 

Compared to the previous generation, it has a much simpler suction and more reliable chain distribution system that should no longer be the time bomb it used to be. High quality diesel ensures long life of the injectors. Mechanically, the 3.0 TDI engines are well designed and very promising. There are a few risks associated with 3.0 TDI engines, but they come from something else.

Vehicles with a 3.0 TDI engine can have major problems due to extended service intervals many drivers have exceeded thousands of kilometers or even tens of thousands of kilometers. As a result, depending on the service intervals, the condition of the engine will vary from model to model. Excessive oil change causes not only excessive wear, but also poor operation of hydraulic tensioners and the appearance of soot in the engine. This leads to poor EGR valve operation and problems with DPF regeneration.

Audi A6 C7 - problems and breakdowns

In general, the opinions issued by users and mechanics are positive, which - given the sophistication of the model and its complexity - should be highly appreciated. At least for now.

With the 2.8 FSI engine, there is a risk of valve problems as well as variable valve timing (mainly due to bad oil).
With a 3.0 TDI engine, problems of 150.000 to 200.000 usually occur. km. Chains (there are three in this generation of engines, earlier more) unfortunately have a tendency to tow, and since the timing mechanism is placed on the side of the gearbox, there is a lot of work to be replaced. There is a problem with a leak in the seal of the upper part of the oil pan and a leak under the cover of the timing mechanism.

Interestingly, the 3.0 TFSI petrol has similar chain problems. In his case, however, there are two differences. First, there is no crankcase leak, and secondly, the same expensive timing mechanism more complex and therefore - a little more expensive (four chains).

The typical defect of the 2.0 TDI diesel engine (EA189, offered until 2014) is a damaged EGR cooler.

With the 2.0 TFSI petrol, the problem is the coolant pump.

Typical electrical problems include faulty motors for opening the fuel filler flap. Fortunately, the manufacturer foresaw the possibility of opening the lid with a hand strap in the trunk.

Intense-use multitronic can cause problems, and if broken, it is extremely expensive to repair and it is better to look for a used gearbox right away.

The S-tronic has problems with typical mechatronics failures, the wear of an expensive clutch assembly. Unfortunately, high torques do not serve the best for dual-clutch transmissions, the driving style is also very influential. The service life of these elements can be increased by changing the oil over time - the manufacturer recommends that you do this every 60.000 km.

In addition to the bugs characteristic of the engine versions, the A6 sometimes has problems with electronics. Users also complain of cracks in the headlights and taillights and antennas of the navigation system. In the case of semi-trailers equipped with automatic opening and closing of the tailgate, sometimes this mechanism breaks down.

Revocation - Audi A6

In certain vehicles, fuel can leak at the fuel rail. Leaking fuel near the ignition source can increase the risk of a vehicle fire. The Audi A6 models affected by this recall were manufactured between September 2013 and April 2018.

The auxiliary heating element electrical connection may not be fully secured during the installation process. This can lead to an increase in contact resistance in the connector area. In such cases, thermal overload can occur which can lead to fire. The Audi A6 models affected by this pullback are diesel engines without factory-fitted parking heaters and manufactured between July 2014 and October 2014.

In isolated cases, the oil may enter the servo brakes through the vacuum hoses. This can lead to damage to the servo amplifier diaphragm and, consequently, to a reduction in the braking force, which can lead to an accident. The recall applies to vehicles manufactured between March 2012 and December 2012.

Differences in the initiation mixture of the airbag device or pretensioner belt may cause the airbag or pretensioner belt to not activate in the event of an accident. These vehicles were manufactured between July 2016 and December 2016.

Service - Audi A6 C7

For all gasoline engines, the oil change interval is 15.000 km or a year, whichever comes first. That is why we recommend the same interval for diesel. Who drives more dynamically, even with diesel, let the oil change after 10.000 km!

Conclusion - Audi A6 C7

The fourth generation Audi A6 is a nice car, but it will surely serve only those who are not afraid to provide the care they need. Normal service is one thing, but the car will need additional investment from time to time. Who does not do so will have much more expensive problems.

In particular, they only buy fully tested cars with a fully transparent history, both in mileage and service. As soon as a car loses a few years of service, it's bad. The Audi A6 also attracts thieves and is a favorite target of various cheats.

The Audi A6 should get high marks when it comes to durability. It should be emphasized that if you do not buy a car with huge mileage and a vague history of service it should be no problem.

The Audi A6 C7 is a successful car, which is not cheap to buy but does not break down. Prestigious character, excellent driving performance, stable electronics and good engines complete the image of a mature car.

Audi A6 Second-hand Price - Second-hand view

Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!