2.8 Quattro A4 Advice needed

[bigchris]

Hi All,

I'm new to here but intend on being a regular! I'm in the process of looking for a new car and I'm intending on getting a 2.8 quattro A4 (97/98) and I need some advice.

What are the usual problems to look out for with these? When does the cambelt need changing? Is it a good choice or is the 2.6 a better car? What should I look out for with the quattro?

Any help is appreciated, I need a kind of buying guide!

Thanks
Chris

[Humph]

Hi Chris

I have just brought a 2.8 quattro avant, so will be watching this tread with interest for comments from those with more experience of the cars.

The 2.8 engine is a gem - very smooth and responsive. On a stead run (80 on motorway) seem to be getting around 34mpg, but it does drop around town or if you floor it. Can't comment on the 2.6, but I have heard this is still a good engine.

Check the tyres - they should be as a minimum the same on each axle, which is something to do with being 4 wheel drive. The only other thing I can contribute at this stage is check airbag/abs lights on the dash are not illuminated - from looking through some of the other treads, they can sometimes end up in expensive solutions to get put right. It also means airbags/abs will not work until rectified.

Humph

[bigchris]

Just a subtle Bump!

Another question too, I drove the saloon today and was mightily impressed with the handling - it was great fun! Will the avant be as much fun? Has anyone experienced both, if so what were the differences and were they small??

Thanks

[docurley]

Ok here goes,

The 2.8 comes in two version the 12v 175bhp and the 30v 192bhp.

The 12v is a solid engine with no real issues that I know of but is gutless. The 30v is a different kettle of fish with a lot more power and smooth power.

The camb belt should be done around 80k but you should also take into account how long in years the belt as been on the car too, also if the belt needs changing have the water pump and the temp sensor changed at the same time.

Control arm on all the B5 chassis are an issue and should be checked, rocker cover gaskets are know to leak from time to time.

Quattro is bullet proof with no real issue and is highly recommended if buying an Audi.

In all the 2.8 30v is a great car if you are not planning any engine mods as you will find very little for this car bar a Supercharger kit other wise have a look at a 1.8T as they come in 150bhp & 180bhp stock and with a remap add about 40bhp to each engine and make it a quicker car than the 2.8 but without the smoothness.

So if you are not looking to mod and don’t mind the fuel cost then the 2.8 30v is the way to go but if you are planning on modifying or want more power cheaply then have a look at the 1.8t and before you ask I have owned both and the 2.8 was modified up to the Supercharger stage and now I own a 1.8tq Sport.

[bigchris]

Thanks for the comprehensive reply, much appreciated! I'm specifically looking for the 30v, not really too fussed about modding, the standard engine was good enough really. I amazed there is enough room for a supercharger in the engine bay!

I'm guessing cambelt should be max 6-8 years old (if under 80k) before needing changing?

How do you check the control arm and where would I look for the rocker cover gaskets - if these are an issue what sort of cost could I look to recitfy at a local specialist? Is the dash info display prone to losing pixels? IS this a big job to fix - I would imagine it is?

After taking a relatively nakkered one for a test drive I'm hooked, the grip/handling astounded me - I'd never driven a 4wd before, it was more fun than my girlfs MX-5!!

[docurley]

The 2.8 is a good solid engine and will do 150-200k miles no problem if looked after and looked after is the key so when looking look for one with history.

Control arms can be checked free from Audi if they have not checked them already as there was a recall on them, as for cost not sure but a good place for parts are vagparts.com and Eurocarparts.

And here's a vid of mine on the rolling road.


Link

[Niall76]

Get the 2.8 - it's sweet as...

docurly - where did you get the supercharger? I really really want one for mine. How much was it and how much power and torque did it make the engine produce?

[bigchris]

Thanks for the info,

I thought you'd get a lot more than an increase in 40bhp from a supercharger??

Have you deliberately kept power down to play it safe with clutch/gearbox?

[docurley]

The problem was the guy who ran it up on the rollers never new what to take it up to so when it hesitated for a second he backed off. The car runs up to 6500rpm before the redline kicks in and trust me it pulls all the way to red line.

The first week I had it I could not stop hitting it as the power is constant from the offset so I think power should be more around the 260-270bhp which is regarded the norm not like the figures PES quote of 295bhp which is runs on race fuel. There are other options to max out the power like adding a system which mine did not have and adding a smaller pulley which will up the PSI from 8psi to about 9-9.5 which is about the maximum the engine will handle before going bang.

http://www.pulleyboys.com/pesg2.html

PES G2 don't buy it from them as you can get better deals from this forum.
scaudi.com/

[Leslie]

Don't believe that the 2.8 Quattro engine is bullet proof. My 97 model snapped a camshaft at 47,000 miles and 6 months out of warranty
Audi were very reluctant to admit any liability and even with dealer intervention it cost me £800. The cost of a head and labour in 2001 was £3,000 and remember there are 2. Cause -metal fatigue.
The same engine in the Passat is also not immune.
I had an intermittent no start problem that despite 4 breakdowns where the car was recovered on a truck to try and identify the problem was never solved.