Audi a4 avant 2006 - which engine

[glypto]

Hello,
I'm going to buy used a4 (2006) - what engine to go for ? It seems 2.0 TDI is most frequent, is it a reliable engine ?
thanks in advance

[John140]

Both the 1.9 and 2.0 are pretty reliable and proven engines now, and dont usually suffer from and major problems such as the turbo issues BMW 2.0 diesels sometimes have. The 1.9 is significantly more economical than the 2.0 (which I have), but I have no real complaints about my engine other than externally noisy tickover compared to newer common rail diesels. Both engines are puchy though which most people enjoy compared to the 'flatter' response of common rail engines.

[a8 tech]

The 1.9 is far more reliable than the 2.0
Avoid dpf filters and multitronic.
There have been to meny issues with the 2.0 pump diesel and it should have been replaced with common rail ages ago.
If you have full warranty its fine but if not go for the trusted 1.9 version.
My opininon and only based on the workshop visits comparison of the 1.9 and 2.0 so dont let me put you off but the early 2.0 seemed more fault free to the late end of line b7 2.0

[kodkod.84]

I have driven the 1.9TDI 115ps and 2.0TDI 140 and 170ps.

If you want a sporty drive go for the 2.0TDI 170ps.

I have had the 1.9TDI in my Avant for 3 years and it is brilliant if a little noisy but I get easily 600 miles out of a tank every time with a mix of driving and sometimes more and it's only a shade slower than the 2.0TDI 140ps

If you are going for petrol get the 2.0T like I just have, it's brilliant (but not on TAX tut tut )

[elPaulio]

600 miles out of the 1.9, sheesh you must like getting everywhere in a hurry??

I easily get 700 miles from my 2.0 140, and now its chipped am looking at the thick end of 750 easily, and i've had 800 once!!!

And before you ask, no I don't drive like a granny, thats driving at 80 (eerr.... I mean 70 officer ) on the dual carriageway and 60-70 on the A roads!!

Paul

[kodkod.84]

Yeah I did drive it a bit fast everywhere (when I could).
I never really got the tank that empty it was always on 600 miles with still some juice left but probably good for more miles.
Is it easy/expensive to get the car chipped? Wouldn't mind doing it to my new petrol Avant if it improves the fuel economy/performance.

[glypto]

Thanks for answers,
so it seems the 1.9 engine is the best choice in terms of reliability and economy.
a8_tech: you advice to avoid multitronic - is it buggy ? What about tiptronic, my friend has it in VW, not sure if you can find them in audis ?

Lot of you guys talk abou chipping here. Is it about changing software/firmware in the computer ? Is it safe (I suppose you loose warranty ...) ?

[Turbokiisseli]

Especially the early 6 disc Multitronics are notorious for breaking at very low mileage. There's alot of discussion about Multitronic problems over in the B6 forum.

As for the Tiptronic, if you do decide to get one make sure it has been serviced if the car has enough mileage on it. The oil change interval is usually around 40k miles, though it seems different dealers will give you different info about it. Some say the oil doesn't need to be changed at all! Also, when you test drive the car and notice anything unusual about the gearbox. Even the slightest sign of slipping, jerking, etc is a sign you should walk away from it.

[Young Kenny]

Thanks for answers,
so it seems the 1.9 engine is the best choice in terms of reliability and economy.
a8_tech: you advice to avoid multitronic - is it buggy ? What about tiptronic, my friend has it in VW, not sure if you can find them in audis ?

Lot of you guys talk abou chipping here. Is it about changing software/firmware in the computer ? Is it safe (I suppose you loose warranty ...) ?

I've got a 56 plate 2.7Tdi Avant in boring, sorry, Dolphin Grey. I've had it re-mapped (aka chipped) and on a trip to Manchester earlier this week (80 miles) I got 52mpg, doing 75mph in 6th using c/control. I was v pleased to say the least. The 2.7 is chain cam so no snapping belt to worry about. It's also quiet, and not as rattly as the 2.0Tdi. Fuel economy is not scary at all (any worse than the 2.0Tdi?) and oh yes, it goes like stink. Mid range torque is v. impressive and it can outpace most cars through the gears.

[a8 tech]

2.7 and 3.0 tdi are rare but solid and i have never replaced a single engine but 2.0 tdi i have lost count.