My 2016 Sh*t the bed 2 months before lease end

[djsiry]

Here is a real-time mystery for the board. I will update it as I learn more but feel free to post your guess.

On Monday I noticed that the car had an unusual shimmy going while parked and idling. Of course some vibration is normal but this was noticeably rougher (reminded me of my 73 corvette!) Based on what I've read on this board in the past, I was thinking maybe the engine mounts were shot and I'd mention it to my dealer next time I was in.

On Tuesday, driving home from work the car stalls at the first red light. I try to start it and it craps out again. I get it started by giving it some gas immediately after starting and then getting moving. I get on the highway for the 16 miles drive home. I don't notice much in the way of driving behavior - still accelerates normally as far as I can tell and nothing noticeable. But I can sense something is up.

I get off the highway and now it starts to stall every time the car comes to a halt. It seems to be getting harder to get it started each time. I turn off the radio and try to listen for anything unusual and I notice a god awful scrathing/grinding sound coming from the engine bay that is variable with engine speed. Uh oh!

I manage to get it to a parking lot off the street. Open hood and don't notice anything visually or even any unusual odor. Nearest dealer is 1.5 miles but the car won't start. Call Audi roadside assitance for a tow and leave the car at the dealer after hours yesterday.

I'm curious what they say today. I am guessing either a) blown injector, b) blown mechatronic unit, c) crankshaft bearing?

What do you think?

Also, 2 months from lease end...may as well get a new car now. I'm thinking S5 Sportback.

[campanones]

I own a 2016 A6 and it started shaking noticeably on idle. Dealer thought it was the gas. Told me to burn the tank and put good gas as if I was putting junk in the car. It got worse to the point I had to take it in. It was in the dealer for almost two months. They emptied the gas tank, replaced one fuel injector, Cylinder head and it was still shaking. They were in constant communication with Audi. The last thing I know they did was to replace and re calibrate the all injectors and it worked. So far so good for in last three weeks. Hope this helps.

[Joe'sS6]

"...scrathing/grinding sound coming from the engine bay..." That is not good at all, sounds like your car will be out of service for a long time.

Please let us know what it was, and if there is someway to avoid it.

[djsiry]

Yeah I don't expect this to be anything but catastrophic. I would be surprised if thats not the case. Whats interesting is that the CEL didnt even come on.

I've posted here before that this precise situation is why I no longer do ECU tuning on my cars. Imagine if I had done a tune? They'd void the warranty and this would likely be a doozy.

In this case, I am a little more than 60 days out of the lease return so while I'll likely be without my car for some time I was already planning for the next one and maybe I can guilt the dealer into crediting me the 2 remaining lease payments

[moonlights4]

OP, FWIW, I just went from a C7 S6 to a fully loaded prestige B9 S4. I couldn't be happier. It's not quite as fast in a straight line obviously (although still pretty damn fast), but it's a ton more maneuverable and generally more fun to drive IMO. The car rotates a lot easier than by B8.5 did, and it's relatively easy to kick the tail out under throttle in turns. The interior is gorgeous with the CF inlays, and the tech is phenomenal. In my opinion you can't go wrong moving to a B9 from the C7, provided you don't need the extra few inches of back seat space. It handles like a dream in comparison. I have absolutely no regrets. Good luck!

[djsiry]

When I test drove the S5 i had the same impression. I've always preferred smaller cars (M3s mostly) that handle great, and I dont have a big family to haul around. The S6 is awesome but it's not a sportscar, despite the monster engine.

I would be thinking RS5 but it isnt available in the sportback yet and to be honest 90% of my miles are back and forth to work on crappy NJ roads so RS is overkill and the wheels will be destroyed as they have been on my S6.

[djsiry]

Looks like it’s a blown turbo. Waiting for more details.

[lapsandwich]

Looks like it’s a blown turbo. Waiting for more details.


Had the same issues with mine, no power loss or stalling though. Compressor wheels contacted the housings. Looks like it’s becoming quite common on the 4.0t S engines.

[djsiry]

Latest update - the entire engine needs to be replaced. I am hoping to speak to the mechanic this morning to get details but I assume this means the turbo innards made it into the cylinders.

I’ll post more details when I get them.

It actually makes me think I should buy the car at lease end this April. I’d be paying $45k for an S6 with a brand new engine. Sounds like a deal to me, although I do worry about matching a new engine to older transmission (39k miles) and overall issue that may occur from a major transplant.

[4Chio]

is warranty not covering any of this? your car only has 39k on it

[djsiry]

yes, its all covered by warranty. I think my last post was confusing because I was talking about what the lease buyout amount is. My lease is up in April and the buyout price is $45K. So since they are putting a new engine and turbos into the car I was musing that by buying the car out I'd have a 3 year old S6 with a brand spanking new engine.

I still havent connected with the mechanic to get the details...

[Phantom75]

I wouldn't be buying a car that blew its engine at the end of the lease unless it was about 30-40% discounted. I would also make sure everyone and their mother knew not to buy that vin. With a failure like that, there is almost always more to come.

That really sucks, but it happens to even the most reliable cars at some point - no make and model is perfect. In the case of an Audi, its worse because you could be 3-5 Ford Focus for the price of one Audi, so when it blows....it really hurts. Good luck. If you love the car, I'd look at leasing another one, or finding another used one at a good deal and get a warranty. I would run away fast unless the dealer is providing a warranty for the new engine, or for the purchase of the lease. They might be able to work something out for you, just get it all in writing.

[bpd]

Perhaps they can CPO your car.......Also, I don't think the motor will be "New." It will most likely be rebuilt warranty replacement. Unless your current motor has severe damage to the block, it will be completely rebuilt for the next warranty replacement.

[Djpeaksd]

That really sucks, but it happens to even the most reliable cars at some point - no make and model is perfect.

Very true! I had a 2013 Lexus GS 350 with 5,000 miles and the whole top half of the engine had to be replaced. And we all know how reliable Lexus typically is.

[wwhan]

A new 2016 S6 part# 079100032G engine is $25,919.94 MSRP, $24,105.60 online

With labor and other miscellaneous parts, that's probably more than a $30k to repair.

There is a TSB :
"Symptoms
Engine difficult to start, turbocharger damaged, V8 4.0TFSI
21 17 24 2044640/1 February 2, 2017.

Model.....Year,,,,,,,,,,VIN
S6 2013 - 2016 All 4.0L
RS 6 2013 - 2016 All 4.0L
S7 2013 - 2016 All 4.0L
RS 7 2014 – 2016 All 4.0L
RS 7+ 2016 All 4.0L
A8 2013 - 2015 All 4.0L
S8 2013 - 2014 All 4.0L

Customer statement:
Engine cannot be started or only with difficulty.
Engine makes unusual noises when accelerating.
Engine has reduced performance.
Workshop findings:
Damage on turbocharger impeller fins, increased free play on impeller shaft of turbocharger or broken impeller shaft.

Technical Background
Damage to the turbocharger is rarely directly the result of turbocharger failure. Therefore, it is important to perform further checks to find the root cause to avoid repeat repairs.
Known causes for turbocharger damage:
Performance increases by tuned ECM
Non-compliance with service intervals
Incorrectly fitted oil filter element
Leaks in intake tract allowing outside unfiltered air and debris into the turbocharger
Poor oil supply of turbocharger"

""Claim Type:
110 up to 48 Months/50,000 Miles.
G10 for CPO Covered Vehicles – Verify Owner.
If vehicle is outside any warranty, this Technical Service Bulletin is informational only.
Service Number: 2130
Damage Code: 0010

Labor Operations:

For all models:
Turbocharger replace
Oil pressure check
Check intake and exhaust system for debris, additional time is included in Turbocharger remove + reinstall
Remove + reinstall oil strain and check valve
Check that oil bypass valve is fitted correctly
"

[djsiry]

That TSB sounds like it describes what happened perfectly. I still haven’t connected with the mechanic to know why the whole engine needs replacing. I presume some secondary damage from the turbo into the cylinders?

Thanks for some of the feedback above on how you’d view a car with a replaced engine. I’m definitely leaning toward a new car. S5 SB or RS3, but I’m in SF right now and rented a Porsche Macan S and I kinda like it. I know it’s an odd mix of choices but I keep getting torn between practicality for commute and family and going back to having a car that I can take to the track as well.

[djsiry]

Quick Update:

3 weeks later and still no engine from Audi NA. Car is sitting at the dealer waiting.

I've ordered a Porsche Macan GTS which should arrive mid-April (same as when the Audi lease is up). Leaving the brand but staying in the family.

I've called Audi NA to make the case that they should reimburse my lease payments for the time that the car is in service since it's just waiting for a part. (albeit a big part). I also think they should waive the disposition fee.

[rekdizzle]

I had a lemon from BMW before switching to Audi. They did give me money back because I bugged them enough. Eventually you’ll get connected to Audi’s executive customer care equivalent and they’ll lowball you. Don’t budge, you’re paying good money.

[djsiry]

QUick update: Engine and turbos finally arrived from Audi NA after about 4 weeks. Should have the car back early next week.