Gearbox Reliability

[R33]

Hi Guys,

Only the second post on here so go easy on me!

I’ve used the search function and done quite a bit of research on this very useful site about buying an RS6. I’ve owned a couple of “high maintenanceâ€

[HYFR]

its not that bad...i mean it could go, but life's full of could's

get the gearbox serviced as soon as you buy it and that will help preserve it

try and get any sort of warranty and at least if it does go you'll have some sort of cover

my last RS6 was on 96k on original gearbox, it had been serviced twice and was still ok...i had the same paranoia, but had an Audi warranty, so got them to check it everytime it went in but they didnt find anything wrong with it

[drybeer]

Well I had an S4 Avant 4.2 before this car and can vouch that it is also worth your attention if you don't need the outright family space of the RS6.

The S4 does not require the same budget to run, with 18" tyres being around half to two thirds of the price of the RS6s 19" ones, however while it is a fast car in it's own right, it is nothing lime the RS for performance.

I bought a warranty for my RS and was proven right to do so as mine had the gearbox fault and the warranty fixed it. The suspension did fail and warranty wouldn't cover it so I fitted coil overs.

I don't feel you could run this performance of used car with any other brand for less money, just like you suggest with the Nissan, and would definately recommend you get one.

However if you really don't need the extra space and would rather have less threat of problems then the S4 is a great piece of kit.

David Koulakis also used to have one (Cabriolet not avant) and 'm sure he would agree.

[HYFR]

i had a S4 saloon and cabriolet!

they are fantasic VFM, you get a 4.2 V8, stick on a milltek and it'll sound like an RS. Excellent build quality inside and out. Very reliable save for coil packs and aux rad's

cabin feels sportier and more modern.

Decent fuel economy also with a manual (22mpg average vs 19mpg RS6)

BUT!

1. they are not an RS
2. they are not an RS 6!

They feel noticably slower

[R33]

Great thanks for all the feedback guys, very helpful.

A couple more questions, how do non Audi warranties cover the gearbox though, won't they always claim wear and tear?

How much does it actually cost to overhaul/repair or replace a gearbox in the RS6?

I guess I need to go and look at and drive both, I appreciate they are very different animals, certainly the space in the S4 might be a problem, but conversely the repair costs of an RS6 might be an issue too!

[grizz]

A new box from audi is £5300 inc vat fitted...I've got 2 in , 1 with a wd warranty.. Lest see what they say ..

[quattrokid1]

for a start isnt the RS6 a 5 speed auto?

the S4 cabrio V8 we have has a 6 speed autobox

I think Grizz told me the RS6 has a 5 speed box to make room for gearbox strenthening on the RS6


so be sure to be singing from the correct hymm sheet about gearbox worries because already 2 gearboxes has been mentioned.


just a thought gents

[drybeer]

Yes but I haven't heard of the 6 speed 'box havig the same fail rate as the 5.

To my knowledge they are totaly different boxes, and let's not forget the RS6 box does haveto cope with a LOT more torque.

The RS6 was launched when Audi only had one gearbox up to the job of handling the torque - it's the same gearbox as the A8 W12 (I'm sure this was correct - this is what I was told on dealer training for the RS6 at launch).

And the W12 doesn't have the torque of an RS6.

There was a really intersting thread on here a few weeks ago about a German forum member who took his BMW 7 series to ZF for a gearbox overhaul - it seemed VERY good value.

[mbedford]

A zf factory re-con box is available through the dealers as an exchange item and is a bit cheaper than a totally new box. It still has the same warranty as a new box. The oil was changed in my gearbox every 20k and lasted 74k before it went bang. It's replacement lasted about 650 miles. The third gearbox developed a fault at 81k and left me stranded by the side of the road yet again. I've been recovered from breakdowns four times in the last 18 months, and the engines been out four times as well. Maintainance and running costs for the past 8k miles have totalled about £22k. My personal advice would be to think long and hard before you buy one.

[Golffather]

A zf factory re-con box is available through the dealers as an exchange item and is a bit cheaper than a totally new box. It still has the same warranty as a new box. The oil was changed in my gearbox every 20k and lasted 74k before it went bang. It's replacement lasted about 650 miles. The third gearbox developed a fault at 81k and left me stranded by the side of the road yet again. I've been recovered from breakdowns four times in the last 18 months, and the engines been out four times as well. Maintainance and running costs for the past 8k miles have totalled about £22k. My personal advice would be to think long and hard before you buy one.

That is some serious expense! A story to put off the even the most hardcore RS fans....

I'll repeat - if it don't got no warranty then be prepared to spend BIG !

[AudiPartner]

Guys, I just test drove an RS6 and the box clunked from 4th to 5th in auto mode. Sh4gged?

[CliveH]

Doesn't sound good!

[Golffather]

Clunks are bad, signs of failing. Is it under warranty?

[Shoppinit]

Shouldn't clunk. Could be someone realised their box was on the way out and panic sold The box should be as smooth as silk.

[AudiPartner]

No, no warranty. Shame as it was a lovely car. The best by far of the 5 I viewed today.