2.5tdi AEL engine, how reliable?

[S8QUATTRO]

How reliable are these engines?

Do they all suffer from cold starting problems?

Thanks

[5cylinderman]

Yes the AEL and the AAT 2.5 tdi's are a reliable engine. No they don't all suffer from cold start issues. The problem with cold starting is that not all mechanics have the abilities to get the pump timing set correctly. It must be checked using VCDS on a computer.

[S8QUATTRO]

Can this be corrected inexpensively? I'm looking at one on eBay at the moment with a fe faults. There's a good vag specialist near me who may be able to deal with it.

Many thanks

[5cylinderman]

I would advise getting the VAG specialist to have a look at the vehicle. If the ad states issues with the vehicle you will never know how much bodging has gone before now. They are a fantastic motor but there will always be a lemon or two out there.

[S8QUATTRO]

This is the link to the car, there's also a fair bit of info on audi fans.net website

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A6-2-...item4172202cb2

Any thoughts welcome,

[5cylinderman]

That's Bladerunner's old car. He was a guru when it came to the C4 Audi A6. Sadly he passed away a while back and the guy selling the car now has only had it a year or so. That car would be a great purchase as it has had tons and tons of stuff done to it over the years. If you search Audifans site for posts by Bladerunner you will find plenty of info. He was the chief resident expert on those cars on that forum.

[AndyP]

I've had mine for a little over a year now ( 2nd C4 I've had ) and I love it, it's such a great all rounder. Mine had cold starting problems when I got it, I replaced the glow plugs, put a decent battery on it and learned how to set the timing with VCDS. Now it starts first time every time, hot or cold.

I'm pretty certain that this car has the same chips in as mine, and mine smokes under heavy acceleration, I know a few people who run the same chips, some smoke some dont. I think with some more tinkering with VCDS I can get mine to smoke less.

Depending on how much it goes for this could be a great car if you're prepared to put some work into it. It's only a few miles from me so if you want to come and have a look before the auction ends, let me know

[AndyP]

Are you bidding on it?

[K7ERG]

Will be a good car.
I have had 2 c4 tdi ael engined quattros.
Great cars. My car passed its mot last week all I replaced was the rear upper camber arm. As the bush had gone. £42.50 delivered on eBay and a £35 mot.

Main problems I have found.
Front arms
Rear upper camber arm.
Glow plugs


As said pump timing has to be spot on to good starting. Also fuel filter and glow plugs.

Engines are bulletproof if looked after.

[waveydavey]

My AEL engined A6 used to be a poor starter until Bladerunner fitted a secondhand fuel pump to it for me. Jon was convinced that the fuel pumps start to go when people run them on SVO to save a bit of money.

Jonathans car was a fantastic example of the C4 A6. Really clean and very well looked after. A bit low for my liking, something like 100mm lower than stock which had involved modifying the front struts, but very nice all the same. Arguably the best condition A6 in the country.

As long as the chap that's had the car for the last year hasn't messed it around too much it should be a good buy.

Cheers

David

[Mr.Crossfire]

Yes, very reliable. Mine has ~550000km on the clock and it hasn't been opened. The timing can also be set with a dial indicator & proper adapter to fit it to the injection pump. The same way as the old VW TD engines are set. I guess there are some issues with the pumps that have such a high mileage as my own: If I set the timing with the VCDS, the car won't start easily when it's cold. (-20 celsius or so) When I set the advance with the indicator and put it slightly advanced, no problems whatsoever.