Rear subframe fitment

[SleeperA6]

I have searched high and low and the answer seems a bit muddled but basically I need a rear subframe at some point, mine isn't structurally bad but the rust rehab cost and time on it once it's out probably wouldn't be worth it, so my plan is sometime early next year to get into that whole thing, rear control arms bushings all the fun stuff back there.


I know a v6 rear subframe fits obviously, my question is does the aluminum rear subframe from the s6 or RS6 a direct fit for A6 2.7T 6 speed? If so it's an attractive option imo for the corrosion resistance compared to straight steel, cost isn't much more on the salvage market so it seems like a worthy upgrade if available.

Phil at AudiS4parts said he is pretty sure they fit but wanted to investigate further before I commit to buying one.

[V1nny]

I have rs6 rear subframe on my Allroad. It lowered the car by 20mm, so I had to compensate through VCDS air suspension setting. For A6 should be direct fit.
Our cars considered front-heavy, so maybe not much of upgrade making rear lighter. Check with Phil on state of the rubber bushings, unless you do not mind replacing or upgrading them. Visually they are all OK, but once you insert a long screwdriver and push different directions, cracks become apparent.

[SleeperA6]

I have rs6 rear subframe on my Allroad. It lowered the car by 20mm, so I had to compensate through VCDS air suspension setting. For A6 should be direct fit.
Our cars considered front-heavy, so maybe not much of upgrade making rear lighter. Check with Phil on state of the rubber bushings, unless you do not mind replacing or upgrading them. Visually they are all OK, but once you insert a long screwdriver and push different directions, cracks become apparent.

I appreciate the reply vinny, I am not gonna really call it an upgrade except in corrosion resistance compared to steel, weight I wanna say is within 20 lbs, at least from guys measuring them for transplant in a 4.2 a6. Bushings I would definitely replace. Not an easy job but very doable with it out of the car. I may run the steel rear for a while since it has new subframe bushings with around 3k miles on them. I am probably gonna swap it when I do rear control arm bushings, which aren’t necessarily bad but look bad because they are 22 years old.


Hell even the really bad subframes I see with rust are $300 from some yards, so rs6/s6 frames at $500 to $600 seems like a deal.

[ShelbyM3]

I appreciate the reply vinny, I am not gonna really call it an upgrade except in corrosion resistance compared to steel, weight I wanna say is within 20 lbs, at least from guys measuring them for transplant in a 4.2 a6. Bushings I would definitely replace. Not an easy job but very doable with it out of the car. I may run the steel rear for a while since it has new subframe bushings with around 3k miles on them. I am probably gonna swap it when I do rear control arm bushings, which aren’t necessarily bad but look bad because they are 22 years old.


Hell even the really bad subframes I see with rust are $300 from some yards, so rs6/s6 frames at $500 to $600 seems like a deal.

I know a guy with front and rear for $250/each in Oregon.


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[V1nny]

$250 is a good price, but what is the use for the front subframe?

[ShelbyM3]

$250 is a good price, but what is the use for the front subframe?

Resell it and make your money back to cover the rear.

[V1nny]

What are the chance to find someone who needs front subframe? Maybe if it is damaged in accident, but even then it's likely that damage is such, that the car is totaled.

[ShelbyM3]

What are the chance to find someone who needs front subframe? Maybe if it is damaged in accident, but even then it's likely that damage is such, that the car is totaled.

The aluminum ones have a tendency to crack with high horsepower figures. Or maybe someone is looking to restore an RS6. Or a widebody sedan O1E swap. There's a couple small opportunities V1nny.

[SleeperA6]

What are the chance to find someone who needs front subframe? Maybe if it is damaged in accident, but even then it's likely that damage is such, that the car is totaled.

In my case rust, granted my front one is not near as bad as the back.

[V1nny]

Not sure if V8 front subframe would fit V6 car.

[SleeperA6]

Not sure if V8 front subframe would fit V6 car.

It does not, rear mounting points are wider, I already found a clean front to squirrel away.


Front seems to be easier to find a nice clean one.