Anyone over 100K or even 150K 3.0T

[Tone-Dogg]

I have a 16 Q5 3.0 EPL stage 1 with some minor mods since around 31K. This Q5 has been good from a maintain perspective.
Since 31K, it came with new brakes and rotors, wipers, windshield, cabin filter, air filter.

I have only had to change tires once, brakes front brakes once, and the other misc stuff, wiper blades, cabin filter, etc. Most major change was water pump, charger belt, and serpentine belt yesterday. And for fun I did install the DMP 10.25 touch screen. (working properly now)

My question is do I keep or sell?

I'm not afraid to wrench but time is now much more valuable, I took my wife's first Audi to 239 and a MKIV Jetta to 206 both we bought new.

We all know the 3.0T is quite Stout but in all seriousness can I take it to 200K without major problems.

Things I know I will likely have to address down the road, walnut blast, perhaps intercoolers, pcv, Tstat, control arms.

Why I would keep, love my Q5 3.0 look.
Why I would sell, time of wrenching down the road.

What would be on deck, 18 or newer SQ5 or Cayenne, or wait till E-trons come down.

Looking for opinions and thoughts.

Thank you kindly for your time. These forums I am forever grateful for.

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[Hugh@EuropaParts]

the 3.0t is one of the best motors audi ever made... we have customers with well over 200k on their 3.0's without any major work.

[ILVTRANCE]

I'm @ 99k and till take her to 200k easily.

[asiwa]

I may have missed it, but the important question I have is how many miles you have right now. I just passed 88k and do about 15k a year, which should put me over 100 by this time next year. I have had my car since 54k miles, and it was a well-maintained one-owner car.

I've followed basically the exact same maintenance timeline that you have, although I am starting to get some front suspension noise and will probably need to do a control arm job very soon.

You will definitely want to address the PCV/carbon cleaning before 100k; that service is next on my list. I've also done my trans and diff fluids since the transmission is recommended between 60 and 75k miles.

You will find lots of happy people who are running 100k+ miles on their 3.0T. Quite a few are up over 150k and the consensus seems to be that these vehicles hold up very, very well over time. That feedback was why I decided to buy one in the first place.

Whether or not the wrenching is worth your time is a different story. I basically did the wrenching exclusively on my MK1 TT for the 6 years that it was mt daily driver, but nowadays I am a full time classroom teacher and have only a fraction of the spare time I used to. If I need to do a major service on my Q5 I have to set aside my whole weekend for it which can be a drag. I guess the real question is would you potentially rather wrench on an older car a little bit more often and save on labor or pay more out of pocket to have a dealer service a newer vehicle?

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[Tone-Dogg]

I may have missed it, but the important question I have is how many miles you have right now. I just passed 88k and do about 15k a year, which should put me over 100 by this time next year. I have had my car since 54k miles, and it was a well-maintained one-owner car.

I've followed basically the exact same maintenance timeline that you have, although I am starting to get some front suspension noise and will probably need to do a control arm job very soon.

You will definitely want to address the PCV/carbon cleaning before 100k; that service is next on my list. I've also done my trans and diff fluids since the transmission is recommended between 60 and 75k miles.

You will find lots of happy people who are running 100k+ miles on their 3.0T. Quite a few are up over 150k and the consensus seems to be that these vehicles hold up very, very well over time. That feedback was why I decided to buy one in the first place.

Whether or not the wrenching is worth your time is a different story. I basically did the wrenching exclusively on my MK1 TT for the 6 years that it was mt daily driver, but nowadays I am a full time classroom teacher and have only a fraction of the spare time I used to. If I need to do a major service on my Q5 I have to set aside my whole weekend for it which can be a drag. I guess the real question is would you potentially rather wrench on an older car a little bit more often and save on labor or pay more out of pocket to have a dealer service a newer vehicle?

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Thanks to all who shared and asiwa also. Your on point... currently at 73865 and going strong. I think for the moment, after the above input it's not a bad idea to hang on to her longer...

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[Explrths]

Just rolled 115k on my '14 3.0tdi . Absolutely love it and it's going strong. Only major work, new tires. Audi just replaced the "o2 " sensors and DPF, on their dime. So that's covered for another 4 yrs. Steering something or other just got covered also. Today I replaced a DRL module. Other than that....I'm keeping it for ever.

- - - Updated - - -

Forgot, I did do brakes /rotors 5k miles ago

[Tone-Dogg]

Just rolled 115k on my '14 3.0tdi . Absolutely love it and it's going strong. Only major work, new tires. Audi just replaced the "o2 " sensors and DPF, on their dime. So that's covered for another 4 yrs. Steering something or other just got covered also. Today I replaced a DRL module. Other than that....I'm keeping it for ever.

- - - Updated - - -

Forgot, I did do brakes /rotors 5k miles ago

I hear that, I bought new brakes the other day. Since it was new, this will be the 4th set on the front. I do drive hard

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[Raistlin]

I am in the same boat, I have around 83k miles and I want to keep her for a long time.

Any more info on the PCV/Carbon cleaning for our cars? (3.0T)

[RyanWysong]

Just shy of 137k on my '14 SQ5 and going strong. Routine oil changes and brakes so far. Other than the dreaded sunroof noises no complaints here. Also just sold my '13 S4 with 125k and no mechanical issues there either.

[Tone-Dogg]

I am in the same boat, I have around 83k miles and I want to keep her for a long time.

Any more info on the PCV/Carbon cleaning for our cars? (3.0T)

FCP Euro has a very good video, super time consuming, probably worth paying something to do it...
Anyone have an idea on cost?

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[Tone-Dogg]

Just shy of 137k on my '14 SQ5 and going strong. Routine oil changes and brakes so far. Other than the dreaded sunroof noises no complaints here. Also just sold my '13 S4 with 125k and no mechanical issues there either.

I hear you on the sunroof rattle. I think my brain has just tuned it out at this point... Much worse in the cooler months. I suppose I'd rather have a sunroof rattle than motor or transmission problems.

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[q5 dave]

102k and running strong! love this car I'll drive her as long as she goes tuned at 35k miles. other than oil changes, i've replaced the brakes and tires and changed ZF fluid+filter at 70k. Plan to address PVC, Waterpump, thermostat, and maybe carbon clean within the month.

[Tone-Dogg]

102k and running strong! love this car I'll drive her as long as she goes tuned at 35k miles. other than oil changes, i've replaced the brakes and tires and changed ZF fluid+filter at 70k. Plan to address PVC, Waterpump, thermostat, and maybe carbon clean within the month.

Sounds great, so in all seriousness, as you have done the ZF fluid filter change.
How important is this service? Dealer says No, forums say yes.
For me it's time of being without my truck. Have to leave overnight, etc...
I'm EPL stg1 since 35K currently at 73K.
Did you notice a difference?

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[asiwa]

Sounds great, so in all seriousness, as you have done the ZF fluid filter change.
How important is this service? Dealer says No, forums say yes.
For me it's time of being without my truck. Have to leave overnight, etc...
I'm EPL stg1 since 35K currently at 73K.
Did you notice a difference?

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It's been pretty much settled that it is a necessary service. If you look at any other manufacturer (BMW, etc.) or even ZF themselves, they all recommend a fluid drain and filter change at around 60-70k miles, or maybe a little less if memory serves with the conversion from km to miles.

No fluid is lifetime and just about everyone reports smoother shifts and improved operation after this service. It is expensive purely because of the price of the trans fluid, but it's worth it. I would think it shouldn't take more than a day if they ask you to leave it overnight.

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[Tone-Dogg]

It's been pretty much settled that it is a necessary service. If you look at any other manufacturer (BMW, etc.) or even ZF themselves, they all recommend a fluid drain and filter change at around 60-70k miles, or maybe a little less if memory serves with the conversion from km to miles.

No fluid is lifetime and just about everyone reports smoother shifts and improved operation after this service. It is expensive purely because of the price of the trans fluid, but it's worth it. I would think it shouldn't take more than a day if they ask you to leave it overnight.

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Thanks my man, will look for a shop near me. So I have an idea to gauge price what is the general cost for the service?

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[asiwa]

Thanks my man, will look for a shop near me. So I have an idea to gauge price what is the general cost for the service?

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I did the job myself after I bought my VCDS kit, but IIRC it is somewhere in the $500-600 range at a reputable independent VW/Audi shop. Again, it really isn't the labor (the job itself is pretty straightforward) but the fluid is $26-28 a liter depending on where they buy from, and a typical drain and fill usually requires 5-6L. The ZF factory filter with gasket and hardware is another $120. If you take it to the dealer this will easily be an $800-900 job or more with the markup on parts.

If you have a shop that will let you bring the parts, you could get the fluid and filter from FCP Euro or the like and save some money.

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[Tone-Dogg]

I did the job myself after I bought my VCDS kit, but IIRC it is somewhere in the $500-600 range at a reputable independent VW/Audi shop. Again, it really isn't the labor (the job itself is pretty straightforward) but the fluid is $26-28 a liter depending on where they buy from, and a typical drain and fill usually requires 5-6L. The ZF factory filter with gasket and hardware is another $120. If you take it to the dealer this will easily be an $800-900 job or more with the markup on parts.

If you have a shop that will let you bring the parts, you could get the fluid and filter from FCP Euro or the like and save some money.

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So I have VagCom and after watching the FCP video I was slightly intimidated. I have changed head gaskets and removed motors but still am intimidated.

Thanks for your. 02

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[q5 dave]

Sounds great, so in all seriousness, as you have done the ZF fluid filter change.
How important is this service? Dealer says No, forums say yes.
For me it's time of being without my truck. Have to leave overnight, etc...
I'm EPL stg1 since 35K currently at 73K.
Did you notice a difference?

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100% noticed a difference. Get it done before 80k. smoother shifts immediately. As mentioned, with planning to keep it for the long haul I wanted to get it done, between the tune and full exhaust I’m not easy on it Lol. My buddy is a master Audi tech completed the service on his backyard lift. Had to leave my q overnight as well, just plan in advance


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[Tone-Dogg]

100% noticed a difference. Get it done before 80k. smoother shifts immediately. As mentioned, with planning to keep it for the long haul I wanted to get it done, between the tune and full exhaust I’m not easy on it Lol. My buddy is a master Audi tech completed the service on his backyard lift. Had to leave my q overnight as well, just plan in advance


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Awesome, thanks for sharing... Made some calls today for local shops...

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[Tone-Dogg]

Can't believe there is a local shop near by my Dad used for years, quoted me around $500...
I literally just remembered them...

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[georgiaboy]

15' SQ5 at 125k now. Bought with 94K stock. Went straight to IE Stage 2 E40 tune soon after purchase. Yes to Trans fluid change if not completed already. Just completed Walnut blast, PCV, T-stat, spark plug change and SC Oil and intercooler replacement 2 weeks ago. Yes a noticeable difference in acceleration and cooling system operation. The time to get this done about 14hrs over a weekend, with an assistant(son). No issues and plan to keep it to 200k. If you have the time and tools, its not hard just time consuming, FCP Video is a good resource also.

[Discipulus]

I can't tell if you're asking a question, looking for advice, or just sharing an experience.

EDIT: Wow my phone wasn't loading the entire thread so I thought the entire conversation was just the previous post. Apologies for the snarkiness.

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[USAF_Danny]

15' SQ5 at 125k now. Bought with 94K stock. Went straight to IE Stage 2 E40 tune soon after purchase. Yes to Trans fluid change if not completed already. Just completed Walnut blast, PCV, T-stat, spark plug change and SC Oil and intercooler replacement 2 weeks ago. Yes a noticeable difference in acceleration and cooling system operation. The time to get this done about 14hrs over a weekend, with an assistant(son). No issues and plan to keep it to 200k. If you have the time and tools, its not hard just time consuming, FCP Video is a good resource also.

I'm looking to purchase a 73k mile SQ5 or 59k mile Q5 S-Line right now.

Looks like you bought your SQ5 with confidence at 94k. What led to this decision?

I plan on doing everything you did too as far as maintenance goes.

[Tone-Dogg]

15' SQ5 at 125k now. Bought with 94K stock. Went straight to IE Stage 2 E40 tune soon after purchase. Yes to Trans fluid change if not completed already. Just completed Walnut blast, PCV, T-stat, spark plug change and SC Oil and intercooler replacement 2 weeks ago. Yes a noticeable difference in acceleration and cooling system operation. The time to get this done about 14hrs over a weekend, with an assistant(son). No issues and plan to keep it to 200k. If you have the time and tools, its not hard just time consuming, FCP Video is a good resource also.

Thank you for this, it looks like if I do keep past 100k, there is a list to do. I agree not hard just time consuming with the right tools.
Right now I'm on the fence and at 74k.
I agree with you also FCP makes a great video to follow.

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[georgiaboy]

I've had experience with other VAG autos in the past, so I'm familiar with the architecture. 3.0 has been around for a while and most problems are known and can be tackled by average gearhead with the right tools. But price had a good part of it. It was cheap enuff at the time to go ahead and get it turned right after purchase.

[ILVTRANCE]

15' SQ5 at 125k now. Bought with 94K stock. Went straight to IE Stage 2 E40 tune soon after purchase. Yes to Trans fluid change if not completed already. Just completed Walnut blast, PCV, T-stat, spark plug change and SC Oil and intercooler replacement 2 weeks ago. Yes a noticeable difference in acceleration and cooling system operation. The time to get this done about 14hrs over a weekend, with an assistant(son). No issues and plan to keep it to 200k. If you have the time and tools, its not hard just time consuming, FCP Video is a good resource also.

wow 14 hours?! My shop had it done in about half a day and that was so the temps were at the correct level to perform the job. Glad I went that route.

[djn876]

wow 14 hours?! My shop had it done in about half a day and that was so the temps were at the correct level to perform the job. Glad I went that route.

The shop also has a lift and nothing else to occupy their time. Especially if you've never done it before and are doing it mostly by yourself it's a lot of work. I'm sure he didn't take 14 hrs just to do a trans fluid change lol. Plus walnut blasting is time consuming on its own, I'm guessing that took a good 3 or 4 hours to get everything really clean.

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[ILVTRANCE]

The shop also has a lift and nothing else to occupy their time. Especially if you've never done it before and are doing it mostly by yourself it's a lot of work. I'm sure he didn't take 14 hrs just to do a trans fluid change lol. Plus walnut blasting is time consuming on its own, I'm guessing that took a good 3 or 4 hours to get everything really clean.

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Makes sense lol I read to fast .

[georgiaboy]

The shop also has a lift and nothing else to occupy their time. Especially if you've never done it before and are doing it mostly by yourself it's a lot of work. I'm sure he didn't take 14 hrs just to do a trans fluid change lol. Plus walnut blasting is time consuming on its own, I'm guessing that took a good 3 or 4 hours to get everything really clean.

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Yup, Trans fluid change wasn't counted in the estimated 14hrs. I did that not too long after initial purchase. And a tech note on that, measure the amount of fluid that comes out during fluid/filter/pan change, and put that much back in.

Additionally, this was the first time I'd removed the SC, and its not that bad, plus I was really trying not to break something in the removal/replace process that would delay me getting back on the road in a timely manner. Plus, added time for it being August in Georgia....cold beverage breaks are required. Walnut cleaning is probably the most meticulous job out of this whole project, and can be messy, walnut hulls get everywhere even with the proper tools and accessories, so, clean up time, clean as you go time, can add up.

I would encourage anyone with a good set of tools, and a cheap abrasive blaster from Harbor Freight to grab a friend or some kinfolk and jump on it. Just the walnut blast and spark plug change(got to be out anyway might as well change them) could easily be completed in the better part of a day.

[Valpo A7]

Browsing the forum as I am in the market for a 3.0 Q5 sometime in the next 12 months or so.

We have a 2012 A7 with the 3.0 and ZF trans so similar drivetrain. We bough the car at 142K roughly and have loved it. It does consume some oil so I will eventually replace the PCV. I am currently at 213,000 miles.


Previous owner had to do a carbon clean around 105K miles
2 of the 4 wheel bearings were replaced

Since I have owned it.
- Normal maintenance every 10K miles
- N82 valve went bad
- Motor out timing chain replacement done by me at 204,000 last summer
- Replaced both belts and motor mounts while the engine was out. Mounts were original and could have been re-used but they were showing signs of dry rot.
- Repaired broken passenger side cat converter. Bastard waited to break the weld until several months AFTER the engine went back in


- Suspension other than the 2 wheel bearings is stock and was inspected last summer at 203K miles by an Audi tech who said he saw nothing wrong
- Previous owner believed the Audi Koolaid that trans was fluid for life so it has NEVER been changed other than the 1/2 quart I had to add when I put the engine and trans back in. Debating on doing a trans fluid change or just leave it and do not poke the bear with a stick. Shifts smoothly so I am leaning towards not poking the bear.
- PCV, water pump, and t-stat are all original as best i can tell so when I do 1 I will do all 3.

[Fast4esT]

Ive been looking to buy a used Q5 3.0 or sq5 and been looking at 120k or so thinking that's low miles. at 73,000 yours isn't even broken in yet.

[Smokymance]

170K on our 3.0T on a Stage 2 tune....still running strong! Im a believer its not the miles that matter, its the previous owner...

[Tone-Dogg]

170K on our 3.0T on a Stage 2 tune....still running strong! Im a believer its not the miles that matter, its the previous owner...

Excellent news!

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[beckola]

I hear you on the sunroof rattle. I think my brain has just tuned it out at this point... Much worse in the cooler months. I suppose I'd rather have a sunroof rattle than motor or transmission problems.

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I know this an older thread but I'm so excited I finally fixed my sunroof rattle I had to reply. I actually got a whole new sunroof assembly just prior to warranty expiration a few years ago. That worked for like 6 months then rattle came back. Anyway, I opened the roof and sprayed Menards bought dry aerosol lubricant on the parts I could see and then sprayed 3-5 seconds on each side towards the rear of the car. Got in and opened and closed a couple times. To my surprise it fixed the rattle. Probably will need to do it again in 3-6 months but after trying all the other recommended fixes, this is the only one that's actually worked.

[stapan]

The old adage is, "fast, reliable, affordable. You have to pick 2 out of the 3."

A dual pulley Q5 is one of the only vehicles that completely defies the adage - its very fast, quite affordable and very reliable. It also happens to be luxurious, good looking, spacious, safe and fuel efficient.

I have not seen another car that can check all these boxes.
Truly a special vehicle.

[QwertyD]

170K on our 3.0T on a Stage 2 tune....still running strong! Im a believer its not the miles that matter, its the previous owner...

Any maintenance issues going up to 170K? Besides the carbon cleaning, pcv, water pump, transmission and front/rear differential fluid.

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[MSq5]

Thanks to all who shared and asiwa also. Your on point... currently at 73865 and going strong. I think for the moment, after the above input it's not a bad idea to hang on to her longer...

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My '17 is at about 80,000 miles. Bought it new. Just made the last Audi Finance note payment. She's all mine.. Stage 2 dual pulley, trans tune, Merc HX. I have absolutely zero intention of selling. I love this car. Almost irreplaceable from a cost/value/performance standpoint.

Did the PCV, water pump and t-stat at around 65,000. Have put on new Brembo rotors and pads on all four corners. Just changed ZF8 fluid and filter. Got new tires at around 45,000. These are typical "major" maintenance items for our cars, nothing unexpected. I didn't even do intake valve cleaning when I had the supercharger off for the PCV, as the intake valves had only very minimal carbon deposits. I did recently have catalytic converter failure. But, that's due to the dual pulley tune. We have no emission testing here, so I replaced them with test pipes.

Otherwise, just routine oil changes. This car is my "happy place" when I'm behind the wheel. She ain't going anywhere.

[Fast4esT]

did pcv, t stat or water pump fail at 65k to lead you to replace them or just preventative?

[Tone-Dogg]

My '17 is at about 80,000 miles. Bought it new. Just made the last Audi Finance note payment. She's all mine.. Stage 2 dual pulley, trans tune, Merc HX. I have absolutely zero intention of selling. I love this car. Almost irreplaceable from a cost/value/performance standpoint.

Did the PCV, water pump and t-stat at around 65,000. Have put on new Brembo rotors and pads on all four corners. Just changed ZF8 fluid and filter. Got new tires at around 45,000. These are typical "major" maintenance items for our cars, nothing unexpected. I didn't even do intake valve cleaning when I had the supercharger off for the PCV, as the intake valves had only very minimal carbon deposits. I did recently have catalytic converter failure. But, that's due to the dual pulley tune. We have no emission testing here, so I replaced them with test pipes.

Otherwise, just routine oil changes. This car is my "happy place" when I'm behind the wheel. She ain't going anywhere.

Excellent news, I am with you as we share mutual feelings for our cars. Mine is a 16 with ... I'm about to turn 87K likely tomorrow.

I haven't done the ZF8 service for no reason other than I haven't made the time to leave it. Did you notice any difference after doing it?

I only changed my water pump as it was leaking and I was adding about 2 inches to the bottle weekly. Didn't feel like pulling the charger to to the know 2 other problems, pcv and tstat. So far she is still running strong.

I have decided I'm going to keep it for a while longer. Thanks again for sharing.



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[MSq5]

No real difference in ZF8 operation after the fluid and filter change. Just due based on mileage, state of tune and driving habits.

My PCV/oil separator failed first. The water pump was not leaking. I just did it and the t-stat at the same time because they are known to have relatively short lives. Better to do them at the same time since everything was opened up.