Audi S7 4K
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Generations
Engine Overview
The Audi S7 4K is available with 2 engine variants — from 340 to 450 hp.
Audi 3.0 TDI V6 with 344 PS (253 kW) in the S6 C8 and S7 C8. Mild hybrid system with 48V belt starter-generator. Electric compressor for instant boost pressure. Very powerful diesel sports engine with low consumption around 7L/100km.
- !! Camshaft fracture from material defect from 80,000 km
In the 3.0 TDI EA897 camshafts fracture due to material defects — affecting all four camshafts of the V6. A fracture inevitably causes engine damage. Audi acknowledged the issue via TPI 2043172.
Symptoms: Ticking or knocking engine noises beyond normal diesel sounds, then power loss and engine failure - !! Timing chain elongation — catastrophic engine damage possible from 120,000 km
The 3.0 TDI is prone to timing chain elongation and tensioner wear. A chain jump causes pistons and valves to collide, causing total engine damage. Replacement requires 15–20 labour hours.
Symptoms: Rattling or knocking on cold start and under load, engine stumbling, warning light - !! Soot deposits on injectors from 150,000 km
Diesel-typical soot formation on the 3.0 TDI injectors leads to injection problems and increased wear. Fuel additives and premium diesel can delay the need for cleaning.
Symptoms: Rough idle, increased consumption, hesitation under load, power loss at higher rpm
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
EA839 BiTurbo V6 with 331 kW for S6/S7 C8. Switch from V8 to V6 compared to the predecessor, but with 48V mild hybrid and electric compressor, performance is nearly identical.
- !! Rocker Arm Roller Bearing Failure — Engine Damage from 60,000 km
Small roller bearings in the rocker arms can detach and fall into the oil pan. Affects 2.9 BiTurbo engines from early production (up to approx. 2019, code GP0). Revised rocker arms (GP1) introduced from 2017.
Symptoms: Knocking noises from cylinder head, engine roughness, misfires, metal particles in the oil - !! Upper Chain Tensioners Defective — Rattling from 80,000 km
The upper timing chain tensioners of the 2.9 TFSI tend to weaken. Typical rattling on cold start that disappears after warm-up. Audi revised the tensioners; goodwill repair often possible.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start (2,000–3,000 rpm), disappears after warm-up - !! High-Pressure Pump Defective from 80,000 km
The DCTB 2.5 TFSI Evo (RS3 8Y, 400 hp) shows early high-pressure pump failure on some examples. Power loss and misfires are typical symptoms.
Symptoms: Power loss under high load, rough running, fault code fuel pressure control, increased fuel consumption.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Air suspension: ride height sensor fault On the S7 4K, defective ride height sensors in the air suspension are reported, causing system fault messages. Usually individual sensors that need replacing. Symptoms: 'Air suspension system fault', car does not regulate ride height correctly, level error on start-up from 60,000 km | Medium | |
| 48V mild-hybrid system fault The 48V mild-hybrid system with belt-driven starter-generator is a potential weak point in the S7 4K. Audi granted a 7-year extended warranty on the BSG, which is telling. Symptoms: 'Electrical system fault' message, battery warning, no regenerative braking or coasting mode from 80,000 km | High | |
| MMI and driver assistance system faults S7 4K drivers report sporadic fault messages from driver assistance systems, gearbox faults and drivetrain warnings, particularly at speeds above 180 km/h. Software updates resolve many issues. Symptoms: Warning messages at high speeds, dashboard faults disappear on their own, occasional system crashes | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 14 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi S7 4K (2019–2024) — 10 engine-related and 4 vehicle-related. One problem engine: DAUB (3.0L TDI V6). Typical issues affect Electronics, Brakes.
What to watch out for with the Audi S7? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee