Audi S6
EA897 evo (3rd generation 3.0 TDI), fitted from 2016 in A4 B9, A6 C8 and Q5 FY. The fully electronically controlled oil pump deliberately reduces pressure at idle — a design feature that can become a liability with age. Camshaft failures and low oil pressure are known major damage patterns.
V6 replaces V8 — quick, efficient, nobody asked for it
They killed the V8 and replaced it with a V6 and a 48V system. Quick? Yes. Efficient? Yes. Nobody asked for this. The C7 with its twin-turbo V8 is climbing in value while C8s sit at dealers. Three of four C8 buyers on Audizine traded for an S8 — the only way left to get a V8 in the S-range.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The ECU-controlled oil pump reduces pressure at idle to approx. 1.0–1.4 bar. At high motorway oil temperatures with bearing wear, this pressure is insufficient — con-rod bearings seize from 150,000 km.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning at idle or on country roads, knocking noises, in severe cases engine failure
All 272-hp variants built before January 2017 contained faulty camshafts. Tooth flank noise and fractures are possible; Audi acknowledges the problem, goodwill depends on mileage.
Symptoms: Clattering or ticking from camshafts even after brief warm-up, rough running, in severe cases sudden engine stall
The EA897 uses four timing chains — one per cylinder bank, one connecting chain and one for the oil pump. All chains, tensioners and guides must be renewed together.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, metallic knock on throttle, engine light with camshaft faults
Injector failures with oil dilution from fuel ingress. Less common on EA897 evo than predecessors, but costly to repair: replacing multiple injectors can cost €4,000.
Symptoms: Rough engine, rising oil level (fuel ingress), heavy soot production, increased consumption
The 3.0 TDI in the SQ5/S4 B9 needs sufficiently long runs for DPF regeneration. Predominantly short-trip use accumulates ash in the filter. Above 45 g load, ceramic melting is at risk.
Symptoms: Engine warning light 'particulate filter system fault', noticeable power reduction (limp mode), increased fuel consumption. DPF regeneration runs more frequently and for longer.
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
Contamination of the bonding surface during manufacture can cause the rear panoramic roof module to detach. Affects A6 models produced in 2018.
On the A6 Avant (MY 2018), the rear glass panel of the panoramic roof was incorrectly bonded. Audi recalled 1,435 vehicles in Germany. Creaking/scraping noises and water ingress are further known issues with the panoramic roof.
Stress corrosion cracking can cause excessive play between the control arm and wheel carrier on the A6 C8 (MY 2019–2021), impairing driving stability. Recall by KBA (action 42L1), free repair at dealer.
High-voltage battery cell modules on A6, A7, Q5 PHEV models can overheat during charging (KBA 15722R / code 93AD). 53,449 vehicles worldwide, 17,012 in Germany affected (production period 08/2019–08/2024). Software update takes approx. 60 minutes.
The MMI infotainment system stands out for frozen displays, unexpected reboots and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto failures. Software updates only partially resolve the problem.
On some A6 C8s, water enters through a leaking wheel arch liner, causing musty smells and moisture in the footwell or boot.