2006 A4 Avant S-Line Tdi 170 Performance Issues - Please Help!

**crmason** · 12-07-2010,09:31 AM

First time poster with no mechanical knowledge so please bear with me…

I have recently purchased a 2006 A4 Avant S-Line Tdi 170 with 72k on the clock from a well known car supermarket. My previous car was a 2004 VW Golf GT Tdi 140. I have found the performance of the A4 to be bellow what I was expecting and wonder if anybody could shed some light on whether or not my expectations were realistic or if I maybe have a fault.
On my daily commute to work I am averaging 43mpg in the A4. I used to regularly get 62mpg in the Golf. Is this an acceptable level of economy for the A4? I was led to believe from the published figures that I would get well into the 50mpg region.
I find that the A4 only accelerates well in 1st to 3rd gear. 4th to 6th just isn’t happening. This is a real problem when pulling out to overtake Lorries which I need to do a lot on my commute (hence opting for a diesel over a petrol engine).
Occasionally I notice a strong almost gassy smell coming from the exhaust.
When I am idling I notice that the engine occasionally misses and hunts.
The car did have a new fuel filter and cam belt when I bought it and has a full Audi service history. There are no fault lights or indications on the instrumentation.
The car is booked in to go back to the dealer on Thursday. What should I ask them to look at? I could do with a bit of a list if any body could help? I hear that a8 tech is the font of all Audi knowledge.

Many Thanks

**Crasher** · 12-07-2010,09:37 AM

No that does not sound right, possibly a blocked diesel particulate filter but that should bring on the warning light. The first thing the Audi dealer will do is to carry out a fault code read and see if anything is stored and if the cam belt was not done by a main dealer, they may want to check the cam timing.

**crmason** · 12-07-2010,09:44 AM

Thanks for the speedy response. The car is going back to the car supermarket under there warranty and not the Audi garage which is why I could do with a bit of list so they don’t just fob me off. I want them to carry out actual visual checks as well as connecting the vagcom thingy as am I right in guessing that clogged pipes and things like that won’t register on there?
Thanks for the help for heroes support

**Crasher** · 12-07-2010,10:46 AM

If the selling company can do a proper fault code read that is OK but you may end up taking it to Audi or a specialist for a second opinion.

**gaz1965** · 12-07-2010,08:47 PM

i also have just purchased an A4 2.0 tdi 170bhp s line and like you i am very dissapointed with the economy and performance.
i have just traded in from a Saab 9-3 tid 120 bhp and i have no doubt in my mind the Saab was quicker and much more economical i am beginning to think i have made a mistake in the purchase of my 170 bhp A4.

**stevesnaz** · 13-07-2010,06:21 AM

As for the fuel economy, around 40mpg for a PD 170 sounds about right. Apparently there is a significant drop in economy compared with the 2.0 TDi 140, which will average 48 - 50mpg. Check out these threads for other 170 owners' fuel econ stats:

https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...0+fuel+economy

https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...0+fuel+economy

**crmason** · 13-07-2010,08:03 AM

Update: On the 50 mile commute to work this morning I tried to get the best I could out of the car. Not once did I venture above 2k revs and I stuck at a steady 56mph when cruising. This is exactly the same route and driving style that used to see me achieve 62mpg in the Golf and what did I get from my A4? 44.2mpg! I could accept the massive difference in economy if the car was worth it for its performance but its just not. As I have stated in my previous post, when in high gears it feels as if somebody has put a magic break on. It progresses through the rev range but it is in absolutely no hurry. I am gutted. Somebody please tell me what I need to get the garage to check. I have no idea where to start. Please please please!

**stevesnaz** · 13-07-2010,12:28 PM

I can't comment upon the performance, however the fuel economy sounds about right for the 2.0 TDi 170...sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

**gaz1965** · 13-07-2010,03:46 PM

Originally Posted by crmason

Update: On the 50 mile commute to work this morning I tried to get the best I could out of the car. Not once did I venture above 2k revs and I stuck at a steady 56mph when cruising. This is exactly the same route and driving style that used to see me achieve 62mpg in the Golf and what did I get from my A4? 44.2mpg! I could accept the massive difference in economy if the car was worth it for its performance but its just not. As I have stated in my previous post, when in high gears it feels as if somebody has put a magic break on. It progresses through the rev range but it is in absolutely no hurry. I am gutted. Somebody please tell me what I need to get the garage to check. I have no idea where to start. Please please please!

And when you find out let me know