6 months ownership of 2003 RS6 summary.
Posted: Wed Oct 09, 2024 3:26 pm
I bought the RS6 in March from a dealer who didn’t pay too much attention to the car. At this stage they owned the car for a couple of years, they sold it once but the car returned to them almost instantly... I wonder why? 
Outside the car was very tired looking at nearly matt paintwork but I knew its potential.
From the first proper drive, I knew the engine didn’t work well, was jerky, and struggled to gain rpm. Investigation began. There were no issues with the engine, except for the occasional EGT fault (we’ll get back to it later). With great help from the rs246 Forum, especially Shoppinit, the car was properly serviced. All filters, plugs NGK PFR7Q, oil, and some additional parts were replaced, such as N75, Dump Valves, fuel pressure regulator, vacuum lines, and the boost sensor…
…yet still, the car was in limp mode with boost restricted to approx. 0.4Bar. Disconnecting the battery resolved the issue unleashing its full potential but I didn’t know the reason at this stage. Occasional limp mode happened from time to time, temporarily being fixed by disconnecting the battery. In the meantime, I moved on to other work.
Replacing rotors – drilled Zimmerman, I sprayed hubs silver with a fair amount of clear coat. Hopefully, they remain shiny.
Cleaning, decontaminating, and polishing the bodywork, restoring the headlights….
Then disaster happened as the car got running well; the Suction Jet Pump cracked open. The car was still on warranty so it was returned to the dealer on a tow truck. They fixed the issue within a week so, I could move on with work.
Next, refurbishing original alloys + new tires and hub caps.
Fixing a destroyed engine undertray.. not great but impossible to get a decent 2nd hand one...
In the meantime, I decided to fix my EGT issue by re-soldering connections on the circuit board. As it turned out this was the reason for the RS6 limp mode, never happened since.
Moving on – exhaust upgrade. Sounds great but a bit of drone around 55mph, probably will get a Milltek next year.
Gearbox service - original ZF kit 1058.298.047
Dent repair
More polishing + Ceramic coating.
The glassy glare is unreal
Next on the list:
- Front brake lines – HEL braided ones ordered
- Front inner CV boot - will replace both sides
- Fixing oil leaks from rocker covers
- Investigate potential vacuum leak in the air injection system (it worked fine before the car went back with blown SJP)
- And probably many more...
Outside the car was very tired looking at nearly matt paintwork but I knew its potential.From the first proper drive, I knew the engine didn’t work well, was jerky, and struggled to gain rpm. Investigation began. There were no issues with the engine, except for the occasional EGT fault (we’ll get back to it later). With great help from the rs246 Forum, especially Shoppinit, the car was properly serviced. All filters, plugs NGK PFR7Q, oil, and some additional parts were replaced, such as N75, Dump Valves, fuel pressure regulator, vacuum lines, and the boost sensor…
…yet still, the car was in limp mode with boost restricted to approx. 0.4Bar. Disconnecting the battery resolved the issue unleashing its full potential but I didn’t know the reason at this stage. Occasional limp mode happened from time to time, temporarily being fixed by disconnecting the battery. In the meantime, I moved on to other work.
Replacing rotors – drilled Zimmerman, I sprayed hubs silver with a fair amount of clear coat. Hopefully, they remain shiny.
Cleaning, decontaminating, and polishing the bodywork, restoring the headlights….
Then disaster happened as the car got running well; the Suction Jet Pump cracked open. The car was still on warranty so it was returned to the dealer on a tow truck. They fixed the issue within a week so, I could move on with work.
Next, refurbishing original alloys + new tires and hub caps.
Fixing a destroyed engine undertray.. not great but impossible to get a decent 2nd hand one...
In the meantime, I decided to fix my EGT issue by re-soldering connections on the circuit board. As it turned out this was the reason for the RS6 limp mode, never happened since.
Moving on – exhaust upgrade. Sounds great but a bit of drone around 55mph, probably will get a Milltek next year.
Gearbox service - original ZF kit 1058.298.047
Dent repair
More polishing + Ceramic coating.
The glassy glare is unreal
Next on the list:
- Front brake lines – HEL braided ones ordered
- Front inner CV boot - will replace both sides
- Fixing oil leaks from rocker covers
- Investigate potential vacuum leak in the air injection system (it worked fine before the car went back with blown SJP)
- And probably many more...
The car is out only at weekends and special occasions - all weather permitting so, it makes it even more unique experience each time. True head turner in it's currently shape 
