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Been lurking on the forum for a while and initially was looking to own a C5 RS6, but was put off by the DRC, Gearbox problems that are well documented.

Then considered RS4, but decided not for me.


Now i'm in the position where I need to change one of the cars and i'm tempted by the S6 especially as there is alot in the 20k region.

I know the questions been asked before, but as theres been only sporadic activity here for a while, forgive me for asking again;

Are there any known issues with the S6 V10 - DRC, gearbox, brakes, electronics???

Ive done quite a bit of research and other than "normal" service costs, there doesn't seem to be the same problems as associated with the RS models- that the case from real world owners here?

What mileage does the cambelt need doing - cost? (ive seen a PDF from the US that says it needs doing at 115k, that the case here?)

Who do you use for servicing - i'm in the northwest so was considering using Unit 20...or local franchise?

The vehicles i'm looking at are 30 - 45k milers, both in and out of franchise network, with a projected 4 yr ownership, taking it to 80k miles - thoughts on this?


Help appreciated with dumb ass questions

the only real issue is the FSI carbon build up which means these cars struggle to pull 350PS

The S6 doesn’t have DRC or a cam belt so these aren’t anything to worry about and the brakes are surprisingly cheap as I found out recently at £275 for genuine discs and ferodo pads + fitting.

As DK has said the only issue im aware of is carbon build up due to FSI.

All in all its an excellent car for the money. Just make sure you pick one up with a high spec as most dealers dont seem to know whats what; I only found out mine had keyless the day I picked it up!!

Also don’t expect to see more than 18mpg round town and 26 on a motorway run.

The carbon build up, is this similar to the valve issues on RS4?


Any idea what the fix for that is (labour time) and or any way of avoiding this problem?

Yes same problem im affraid.

I have been quoted £750 for a carbon clean; more than the RS4 but there is more work involved.

Unfortunately there is no proven method of preventing carbon build up that im aware of and no proven method of cleaning it out other than by hand.

Barry, thanks very much for your answers.


Any other comments from other owners?

S6 v10's are robust and reliable, nothing ever goes wrong with them.
Only running costs will be fuel as they are guzzlers, and tyre prices as they have an odd size which isnt common.
Not very quick for what they are, and a bit harsh on the suspension, but great motorway cruisers, and sound awesome with a Milltek

I made the jump. Since I came from a direct injection BMW, it can't be any worse. I've been quoted $800 for the de-coking. Is it true that it can be done by just removing the intake?

The M5 is a bigger nightmare. Quotes have been in the multi thousand dollar range as they coke up in some EGR passages in the block requiring a complete teardown.

At present with 50k miles I have no misses, rough idle. In the morning it cranks for about three seconds. As far as power my 07 S6 is is faster than an 05 STi I had. That's the only gauge I have. The M5 I drove didn't seem any faster. At this point I don't see any need to do the dirty yet.

The carbon build up reminds me of antique cars, motorcycles and steam locomotives. All required de-coking. Modern two-stroke engines also require de-carboning.