B5 A4 2.8q Info Req'd

[RustyNut]

Hi All,

Currently looking for a second car and spotted a fairly low mileage (112k) B5 A4 2.8Q Avant with an Auto box My2001.
Has anyone ever owned one of these and do you know what I need to look at/for when viewing and driving it. I've had a 1.8 se and really liked it but never had or driven the V6 quattro version with the auto box. I've asked the usual questions to the owner and it seems she has been cared for properly (regular services, recent front and rear suspension parts, decent oil etc) but he couldn't say for sure if the auto box had ever had a proper service. It's been fitted with a Stag LPG system that has been regularly serviced also.
Would have preferred a manual but seeing as the mrs will be using it most of the time I can live with an auto . Just hope the feedback on these auto boxes is positive!
Any info will be much appreciated.

Cheers

Russ

[shaun5]

A mate had a A4 2.5 Tdi quattro and the ABS ecu was a weak point, it went wrong twice. It is not a common part, only used on the S4, Tdi quattro, 2.8 quattro basicaly it has to come from a quattro version.

[Audicted]

Make sure it is the later model 30 valve engine. More oomph and less leaking than the 12 Valve. The tip transmission is OK. The control arms are a known problem, they have to be replaced every 40/50 thousand miles.

[RustyNut]

pretty sure it's the 30v as it's a final edition model being a 51 reg? Did read that also which is why it caught my eye. I'll check on the control arms. Cheers.

[RustyNut]

Now that I think about it I remember seeing an A4 a few years back with the off side front on the tarmac following a wishbone/control arm failure. Appreciate the heads up on that.

[spink]

nice cars,had a '99 tip quat saloon a year or so back.did high 20s on a run and about 15 around town lol,they are heavy though.as a rule its the 2wd autos that give the problems.as far as i know the 12v v6 was dropped in about 1996

[RustyNut]

Shouldn't be too bad with the lpg then? Anyone had experience with the stag system?

[Monkeymagic]

It's the upper control arms that suffer the most. Any movEmnt is fairly easy to spot/ feel though.
Sounds nice from the description

[RustyNut]

Last question, what value would you give the car based on the description? Thanks for all the responses, as usual the community on here have been spot on. Cheers!

[RustyNut]

£1900?

[jimmcf]

They do leak oil, the cam cover gaskets are a weak point as are the cam sensor seals (i think that's what they are called),thermostat is an absolute bar**** to change. The motor can use oil seems to be quite common, i am not sure about the longevity of audi's tip box though, I love mine the engine is quite revvy and should be smooth, cambelt change is expensive, they B5 chassis also suffers from airbag gremlins associated with connectors under the seats and controllers failing.


Jim

[spink]

£1900?

I was going to say 2k max.these models arent that easy to sell,mine was top spec and in vgc and was a ballache to sell.I wouldnt be afraid of throwing in a low offer

[spink]

£1900?

I was going to say 2k max.these models arent that easy to sell,mine was top spec and in vgc and was a ballache to sell.I wouldnt be afraid of throwing in a low offer

[bilko0795]

I have the 2.4 30v A4 had it now for 11yrs never broken down or failed an mot cracking car, as said the down falls are the air bag and it tends to be off side seat side airbag switch under drivers seat mines been on since i bought the car. Also the suspension arms changed mine twice now, you will know when they need doing as they squeak all the time. Cambelt kit cost me £98 from Audi and £100 to change also look out for bleeding in the info display in the clocks,

[Monkeymagic]

water getting into passenger foot well via air intake.
the drains under battery and servo block and literally gallons of water can collect in the chamber and flood in.
this damages the convenience module and wiring.
i used to clean the drain out regular to be on safe side. it can also cause water to enter the brake servo and damage internal.