purchase of b7 a4 3.2 quattro

[ontariob7a4]

i have done hours of research before asking. i have seen posts about the carbon build up (ecs has a new part) I'm not sure if there is a real fix. haven't come across one yet. as well as the cam follower issue which seems to be more 2.0t issue. i haven't been able to confirm that the 3.2 doesn't have the problem. as well as the chain rattle on cold starts. anyway any info for a newbie would be great. what to watch for etc.

[JDillon15]

There's no fix to carbon build up. It's a result of the direct inject engine, if I understand it correctly and is common on many cars.

I believe I've heard the cam follower on the 3.2 is a roller. Regardless, no it doesn't have the same issue as the 2.0T and you don't need to worry about that.

[ontariob7a4]

There's no fix to carbon build up. It's a result of the direct inject engine, if I understand it correctly and is common on many cars.

I believe I've heard the cam follower on the 3.2 is a roller. Regardless, no it doesn't have the same issue as the 2.0T and you don't need to worry about that.

thanks. anything else i should be aware of? from what i have read the triptronic transmission is good.

[aluthman]

Get a manual! There's no permanent fix for the carbon buildup, but meth injection can help some as can a catch can setup.

[JDillon15]

Our forum is pretty bias towards preferring manuals. The tiptronic should be fine. Just don't get a CVT (which I'm not sure they put in the 3.2)

[aluthman]

Our forum is pretty bias towards preferring manuals. The tiptronic should be fine. Just don't get a CVT (which I'm not sure they put in the 3.2)

The Tiptronic is not fine.

But seriously, the manual is more reliable for the long haul. The tiptronic trans isn't terrible, but they do have their issues. There aren't really any glaring issues with the 3.2 that I've ever read other than carbon buildup.

[Quattro 4 Life]

There are certain areas that are prone to oil leaks, that being said, some people have owned them with zero issues.

[Okedokey]

How does meth help if the fuel isnt sprayed across the valves etc?

Also, I am a strong believer that if you dont launch it every time and keep up the maintenance the CVT is fine.

[ontariob7a4]

the wife doesn't drive standard. i hear ya tho. my daily is manual. anyone know is 16" rims fit for the winter. how about timing chain tips. i have read regular oil changes and u are fine.

[aluthman]

How does meth help if the fuel isnt sprayed across the valves etc?

Because Meth injection is separate from your fuel system. It is sprayed in at some point after the intercooler and mixes with the charge air. It does wash over the back of the valves. My setup has one nozzle right after the FMIC and another right after the throttle body.

[doughboy17]

Congrats! Enjoy! I really had fun driving the kids around on a sunny day today.

Since I hope to keep mine to 200,000 miles, I had my tiptronic tranny fluid changed before 85K miles. Keep the moonroof slides lubricated per the scheduled maintenance routine.

Like the dealership mechanic told me, "Keep up on the maintenance, and drive it like you robbed a bank at least weekly." ala Italian tune up.

[80sGuy]

Our forum is pretty bias towards preferring manuals. The tiptronic should be fine. Just don't get a CVT (which I'm not sure they put in the 3.2)

Every Audi transmission has their own issues, with CVT being a bit more fragile.

[ontariob7a4]

i haven't seen any posts about control arm bushings or drive line issues? cv axles. transfer case etc. anything to watch for there? any common issues. thanks

[ontariob7a4]

went to buy the car. excellent shape. looked great. at warm start up the engine tapped something fierce at idle. once u rev it up it would go away a purr back down to idle nice and quiet. sound is gone. shut off then start up and nasty tap is back. i didn't buy it. to bad. i liked it a lot. i was guessing timing chain? no codes with vag.

[Quattro 4 Life]

went to buy the car. excellent shape. looked great. at warm start up the engine tapped something fierce at idle. once u rev it up it would go away a purr back down to idle nice and quiet. sound is gone. shut off then start up and nasty tap is back. i didn't buy it. to bad. i liked it a lot. i was guessing timing chain? no codes with vag.

The fuel injectors make a lot of noise. Wasn't those was it?

A real cold start would have given you an idea of potential chain issues.

[oVeRdOsE]

imho, I like more the 3.2, the power band is perfect for the manual transmission.
The 3.2 is ''kind of'' reliable. (timing chain tensioner)
The sound is sick.
But pump way more gas.

I was seriously looking for a 3.2 Avant, can't find it. Andddd few week after buying my 2.0, found a rare avant, 6pds, titanium, 3.2 .

[dalmation53]

The Tiptronic has problem so as the DSG and so as the CVT. LOL at the end of the day is a hit or miss with this transmissions. My buddy had a CVT 160k miles stage 2 beats the shit out of it still works. some people have a CVT drive like a grandma abd it fails at 40k. So in reality the tiptronic is not bad if you are not into racing and tracking the car. you will be ok.

[ontariob7a4]

The fuel injectors make a lot of noise. Wasn't those was it?

A real cold start would have given you an idea of potential chain issues.

no engine codes tho. i would have thought injectors would throw a code. this was a nasty knock / tap. funny thing is it went away and would not come back until re start on did did