Buying a 2015 biTdi allroad!

[JN52]

Hi everyone,

First time poster so first off, 'Hi there!' (although I do already own an Audi A3 so wish I'd found this forum years ago!). I'm looking at upgrading from my 2005 A3 and have my eyes set on an A6 allroad biTdi. It's a 2015 C7 with over 100k miles on the clock. Having done some research I think the main things to look out for are oil changes (engine and gearbox) and the frequency of them, but does anyone please have any advice on other things to be wary of on such a car with such a mileage? Any advice would be gratefully received!

Cheers, J

[johnsimcox]

I would also check to see if there have been any reported issues with the AdBlue system, I am assuming here that the car you are looking at has this although I think it was only introduced on the 3.0 engine in mid-2015. This has caused issues for some owners either due to the pump failing or the system become clogged with urea crystals. The fuel filler flap actuator (the bit that rotates when you press the flap to unlock it, is a known weakness on the C7, had it fail on both my cars and requires the forcing open of the flap (the emergency pull cord does not open it) and replacement of the part. If the car has the standard RMC version of the MMI system (no flap over the 2 SD Card slots), make sure it has the navigation SD Card, if getting it from a dealer ideally get them to agree to provide the latest version of the maps.

[JN52]

I would also check to see if there have been any reported issues with the AdBlue system, I am assuming here that the car you are looking at has this although I think it was only introduced on the 3.0 engine in mid-2015. This has caused issues for some owners either due to the pump failing or the system become clogged with urea crystals. The fuel filler flap actuator (the bit that rotates when you press the flap to unlock it, is a known weakness on the C7, had it fail on both my cars and requires the forcing open of the flap (the emergency pull cord does not open it) and replacement of the part. If the car has the standard RMC version of the MMI system (no flap over the 2 SD Card slots), make sure it has the navigation SD Card, if getting it from a dealer ideally get them to agree to provide the latest version of the maps.

Thanks will check about the AdBlue and fuel cap. The car has the flap over the SD card slots, so not the standard RMC version, assume it doesn't need the SD card for navigation?

Are you able to advise what the service intervals are? Bit concerned that with it being over 100k miles there may be a rather large service imminent!

[Whippy53]

Check oil change intervals, if not done regularly you can suffer with the dreaded cam chain tinkle. Gearbox should ideally have it's oil changed around 80k.

[johnsimcox]

Thanks will check about the AdBlue and fuel cap. The car has the flap over the SD card slots, so not the standard RMC version, assume it doesn't need the SD card for navigation?

Are you able to advise what the service intervals are? Bit concerned that with it being over 100k miles there may be a rather large service imminent!

You have the TechPack so no SD Card for navigation. As a 2015 car hopefully it is a facelift model which then gives you the potential to get CarPlay or Android Auto added by a third party (not Audi who will claim it can't be done). Service intervals are either fixed at 10k or 12 months, alternating between Oil Service and Inspection + Oil, or variable at somewhere between 14k and 19k or no longer than 24 months. Should only be on Variable if you are doing 15k+ per annum and ideally not at all. I think the BiTDi has a cam chain rather than belt so that should not need changing. Brake Fluid is every 2 years. May need an air con service. Brake discs and pads will depend on condition

[JN52]

Check oil change intervals, if not done regularly you can suffer with the dreaded cam chain tinkle. Gearbox should ideally have it's oil changed around 80k.

Yeh have asked about the oil changes, I assume that once the gearbox has been done it's good for another 80k!?

You have the TechPack so no SD Card for navigation. As a 2015 car hopefully it is a facelift model which then gives you the potential to get CarPlay or Android Auto added by a third party (not Audi who will claim it can't be done). Service intervals are either fixed at 10k or 12 months, alternating between Oil Service and Inspection + Oil, or variable at somewhere between 14k and 19k or no longer than 24 months. Should only be on Variable if you are doing 15k+ per annum and ideally not at all. I think the BiTDi has a cam chain rather than belt so that should not need changing. Brake Fluid is every 2 years. May need an air con service. Brake discs and pads will depend on condition

Good news on the Tech Pack, its a 65 plate, I thought the facelift was 2016(?) so guessing won't be able to put Android Auto on it? Thanks for the info on the service intervals. Last service was approx 7k miles ago apparently so probably due one in approx. 3k miles I guess?

[johnsimcox]

Yeh have asked about the oil changes, I assume that once the gearbox has been done it's good for another 80k!?



Good news on the Tech Pack, its a 65 plate, I thought the facelift was 2016(?) so guessing won't be able to put Android Auto on it? Thanks for the info on the service intervals. Last service was approx 7k miles ago apparently so probably due one in approx. 3k miles I guess?

65 plate will be a facelift. Key identifier will be the ability to display the map in the instrument cluster. The was facelift in early 2015 (I got my 2015 car in July 2015 and it was a facelift on a 15 plate). Also with the one you are looking at being a 65 plate it will definitely by a Euro6 car. Yes probably due a service in 3k miles time. Remember Audi offer fixed price for cars ov er 3 years old and price match servicing.

[JN52]

65 plate will be a facelift. Key identifier will be the ability to display the map in the instrument cluster. The was facelift in early 2015 (I got my 2015 car in July 2015 and it was a facelift on a 15 plate). Also with the one you are looking at being a 65 plate it will definitely by a Euro6 car. Yes probably due a service in 3k miles time. Remember Audi offer fixed price for cars ov er 3 years old and price match servicing.

Ah cool, that is good news then! Yep looking at it partly because it's ULEZ compliant haha, unlike my 05 plate A3 ! Yeh, I've seen they offer the price match, imagine it can be difficult to get a garage to give you a written quote though when they know it's probably so you can get the work done by someone else!?

[OVI82]

As has been mentioned already the fuel flap lock will fail and with it being a 2015 with 100k I would say it’s been replaced already.
Ive had the Egr valve/cooler replaced last year as it got absolutely clogged up with soot mainly from doing short journeys.The EGR cooler is also known to leak coolant in the V of the engine so try and shine a torch light under the intake manifold a look for any pink residue as well the coolant level in the expansion tank.
Brake discs and pads aren’t cheap to replace either so do check you still have some meat on the pads and not much of a lip on the discs.
If the one you’re looking at has 20’alloys beware that a decent set of tyres will set you back at least £700 or more if you’re after a set of PS4’s.Also being a heavy car don’t expect mega mileage from the tyres.Had to replace mine after 4 years and 30000 miles.
Considering the mileage I would personally look at replacing the injector seals as they can overtime cost you a new engine if diesel gets mixed with the oil in the sump.
As for oil changes I wouldn’t go with anything over 5000 miles as with these Euro6 engines and all the emission control systems on the car that oil gets quickly diluted especially if driven in town.Engine oil capacity is around 6.4 litres and uses the fully synthetic 5W-30.Fuel,oil,air and pollen filters can be bought from either Audi’s parts department or better yet Eurocarparts.Try and go for the MAHLE branded ones as that’s the make the main dealer uses to service the cars.
DPF is never happy on short journeys and the light will come on if not driven hard at least once a week.By hard I mean keeping the revs steady at 2500rpm or more for at least 20 minutes or so.You will need the car in manual mode for this.
Gearbox should be smooth although does suffer from an annoying delay when flooring it.
Ideally try and get the car scanned with VCDS to check for any faults.
I could go on forever but most important is if you’re getting a diesel make sure you’re using it for longer journeys as the DPF/EGR will soon start costing you money otherwise.
The one you’re looking at being an Allroad check to make sure the air suspension is working as it should as this has been known to fail also.Check it raises and lowers itself without one side falling behind.
If it’s been on long life service intervals up to 100k and has a different tyre on each corner I would personally walk away as there will be plenty more that have been well looked after.
Good luck with your purchase and once you find the wright one I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

[johnsimcox]

Yeh have asked about the oil changes, I assume that once the gearbox has been done it's good for another 80k!?

Missed that on your earlier post. The BiTDi has the 8 Speed Tiptronic box which Audi say is sealed for life whilst ZF (who make them) says it needs an oil change (not sure on their recommended mileage) but you should be good for another 80k