High-Mileage S6/S7s

[Frenetic]

The S6s, S7s and RS7s have been out for what, 6+ years now?

That means the average mileage of the fleet is growing, which typically means issues (that aren't necessarily apparent during the early-model years) start to come to light because of time/mileage. Which brings me to my question: how many high-mileage S6s, S7s and RS7s are out there? With the rash of recent turbo failures, I'm curious if there's an age/mileage/problem relationship that is just now becoming apparent.

Major problems are like: turbo failures, PCV failures or even Air Suspension failures. Anything that required major mechanical work or expense that was outside of normal maintenance. I know this is somewhat subjective, but maybe consider a $1000+ unexpected repair bill as major, although that, too is subjective. Feel free to post what issues you had.

So this poll will be broken down by eras, mileage and problems. The results are anonymous. Thank you.

[snohman]

Think it may be interesting to have divided the years up by the facelift models - before and after 2016 - since that’s when some notable changes occurred to the platform.

[Frenetic]

Yeah, I didn’t think about that. I just tried to split it fairly evenly. I’m not even sure if the S was available the first year, in fact I don’t believe it was, so it’s about as evenly split as possible.

I tried to edit the title and poll to include RS7, but apparently I couldn’t. However, I would encourage RS7 owners to leave their mark as well.

[elptxjc]

Well, at least in the US, the 7.5 faceligt happened in 2016, not 15. Having said that, the drivetrain in general seems to hold well when car is not modified, which is good. But the well known issues, which have happened on many face-lifted cars, are cause for concern even if nothing else pops up. Due to the complexity of the engine compartment due to the stupid FWD-based chassis, where the engine is ahead of the front axles, there's no space fo nothing, meaning even a typically super easy job of changing a PCV valve requires disassembling half the car. And yes, the PCV shouldn't fail that early, and Audi has done nothing about it for many years. I suspect even my 2018 car has a crap valve. Turbo failures same thing. Nobody knows exactly why they're failing so much, and I also suspect my car is still potentially affected. I'm changing the oil every 5K miles for the next owner, which is a good possibility it'd help extend the life of the turbos, but no way in hell I'm keeping my car beyond warranty. I was thinking of keeping it below 50K miles, and hope for a goodwill warranty from Audi beyond the 4-years of coverage, but not worth the risk for what I've read. Just read today somebody with Audi's 'extended warranty' was denied the PCV fix. Next time I'm getting a GTI or something fun to drive, but I'm done with complex cars:).

[Frenetic]

Yeah, that reminds me of another thing: warranties (since most of the cars under the 2015+ would still be covered).

If you had a “major” non-maintenance repair, but it was covered under warranty (any warranty for that matter), I would check off the major option. I guess you’ll have to use your own judgement if you think that repair falls into the “major” category.

[Frenetic]

Just thought I would shamelessly bump this thread.

Really curious how many A/S/RS’ are at or approaching the 100k milestone.

And yes, please share if you have an A or RS. I should have broadened the scope to begin with to get a wider response. Just post what car and mileage if you don’t mind.

[smilton]

2015 S6

Right after crossing 50k miles PCV valve started the death whistle. This was my first introduction to Audi's over engineered PCV system. $400 part and about $1500 in labor.
While at it they noticed one of the motor mounts was heavily worn. It practically disintegrated itself during removal. That was another $2000 in both parts and labor.

My audi dealer wouldn't touch it since I was a few hundred miles over warranty. The local Duluth Eurofed guys I felt did a fair job cheaper than Audi Gwinnett was going to charge.

I really love the car but the honey moon ended that day.

[digdah]

2015 S6

Right after crossing 50k miles PCV valve started the death whistle. This was my first introduction to Audi's over engineered PCV system. $400 part and about $1500 in labor.
While at it they noticed one of the motor mounts was heavily worn. It practically disintegrated itself during removal. That was another $2000 in both parts and labor.

My audi dealer wouldn't touch it since I was a few hundred miles over warranty. The local Duluth Eurofed guys I felt did a fair job cheaper than Audi Gwinnett was going to charge.

I really love the car but the honey moon ended that day.

Man that sucks. Sorry to hear that. I really feel like they should extend the warranty on certain parts that are failing right at or after the 50k mark. I bet everyone has a motor mount or two that needs attention, the PCV valve that is about to go and those pesky turbos.

[Hofahome]

Bought a very well maintained 14 S6 a year ago. I waited months to find the right one and shipped it cross country. Thankfully it came with an aftermarket warranty and they probably hate me.

Bought the car with 60k miles

At 62k mi the pcv took a dump - $1,300
At 66k the turbos failed- $9,200
At 70k the engine mounts failed - $1,500
At 72k, injector failed and all replaced - $4,600
At 72.5k (current), intake flaps stuck closed and vacuum regulator failed - waiting on bill but probably $1k





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[Frenetic]

Well, just to tally up the results so far:

2011-2018 regardless of mileage:
49 total participants.


4 reported major problems (8.2%) or slightly less than 1 in 12 cars.

2011-2014 only regardless of mileage:
32 total participants.


3 reported major problems (9.3%) or slightly less than 1 in 10 cars.


2015-2018 only regardless of mileage:
17 total participants.


1 reported major problem (5.9%).


Cars under 50k miles:
25 total participants.


1 reported major problem (4%).

Cars with 50k-100k miles:
22 total participants.


3 reported major problems (13.6%) or slightly less than 1 in 7 cars.

Cars over 100k:
2 total participants.


0 reported major problems.


Cars under 50k miles and newer than 2015:
16 total participants.


1 reported major problem (6.2%).



So, at least from our meager sample, it appears cars between 50k-100k have experienced the highest rate of reported major problems. 13.6% to be exact or slightly less than 1 car in 7. Cars between 2011-2014 with mileage between 50k-100k experienced the next highest rate at 9.3% or just under 1 car in 10.

We had, surprisingly, one reported major problem from a car newer than 2015 and under 50k miles. That's 6.2% of the 16 total participants in that range or 1 in 16 cars...

[AudiEmpire]

Was the PCV system not considered part of the engine, and hence covered under Audi Gwinnett's 100K mi powertrain warranty?

[AudiEmpire]

2015 S6

Right after crossing 50k miles PCV valve started the death whistle. This was my first introduction to Audi's over engineered PCV system. $400 part and about $1500 in labor.
While at it they noticed one of the motor mounts was heavily worn. It practically disintegrated itself during removal. That was another $2000 in both parts and labor.

My audi dealer wouldn't touch it since I was a few hundred miles over warranty. The local Duluth Eurofed guys I felt did a fair job cheaper than Audi Gwinnett was going to charge.

I really love the car but the honey moon ended that day.

Was the PCV system not considered part of the engine, and hence covered under Audi Gwinnett's 100K mi powertrain warranty?

[smilton]

Was the PCV system not considered part of the engine, and hence covered under Audi Gwinnett's 100K mi powertrain warranty?

I was the 2nd owner so I only received the balance of the factory warranty.


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