6 months ownership of 2003 RS6 summary.

[Marcin]

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...

[lewp]

Nice build, i have a custom exhaust on my avant and i hated the drone too i sorted this my custom spec'in helmz holts resonators and having them added to cancel out the drone worked perfectly!

[srichards]

Best shape and best colour

[Marcin]

Best shape and best colour

[steve2003rs6]

Nice work and a nice write up. The car is looking superb.
Ceramic coating is on my to do list.
Having a Daytona pearl grey saloon I thought that was the best colour ?
But I must admit the blue (murgello blue?) really does pop.
Now Enjoy

[Marcin]

Nice work and a nice write up. The car is looking superb.
Ceramic coating is on my to do list.
Having a Daytona pearl grey saloon I thought that was the best colour ?
But I must admit the blue (murgello blue?) really does pop.
Now Enjoy

Thanks Steve! Yes, paint restoration + ceramic got the best out of Mugello Blue which also has the pearl effect, not as pronounced as later iterations but still. I love Daytona grey, once all done the car will look mad!

[ALE-RS6]

Best shape and best colour

Agreed

Great work, the car looks amazing. Especially after the polishing and coating. It's come up looking like new. I recently replaced one of the rocker cover gaskets on mine as it was leaking onto the exhaust emitting white smoke from the engine bay which wasn't a great look. Need to replace my discs in the near future, definitely going with the drilled ones. They look mega. Glad to see another on the road.

[steve2003rs6]

Drilled discs look neat.

[ALE-RS6]

IMG_0095.jpeg



Drilled discs look neat.

Now you're showing off Steve! I'm sold. Love the alloys also

[steve2003rs6]

Yes mate and thanks. I have been after the Le Mans alloys for ages.
Then these came up for sale in gloss black.
Shoppinit gave me the heads up on this colour.
Then the powder coaters did a great job.
TPMS sensors plus new discs and pads. In addition installed the correct radius two part wheel bolts which completed the 4 corners.

I keep looking at your paintwork. That really is a top notch job.
Bet you are getting some envious glances in Ireland.
When you park up and walk away. How many times do you look back in admiration. That usually means “wow that’s my car “
Enjoy the ride.

[Marcin]

Yes mate and thanks. I have been after the Le Mans alloys for ages.
Then these came up for sale in gloss black.
Shoppinit gave me the heads up on this colour.
Then the powder coaters did a great job.
TPMS sensors plus new discs and pads. In addition installed the correct radius two part wheel bolts which completed the 4 corners.

I keep looking at your paintwork. That really is a top notch job.
Bet you are getting some envious glances in Ireland.
When you park up and walk away. How many times do you look back in admiration. That usually means “wow that’s my car “
Enjoy the ride.

Thanks Steve, paintwork came out perfect, I am delighted with the final result. In Ireland these cars literally do not exist, I took it to different car meets here and all ppl said the same thing "I've never seen one before". This is why at first glance they think its an AliExpress beefed up A6 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

Few more pics:

[Shoppinit]

Looking good.

Only thing is front badge position needs correcting.

[Marcin]

Looking good.

Only thing is front badge position needs correcting.

Thanks for the tip Shoppinit! I never realised it was off . I will get it done this weekend

[Steveo]

Looking good.

Only thing is front badge position needs correcting.

Good job BamBam didn't see that!!! But as he's rarely here these days, I'll do it in his absence..... 'BADGETARD'!!

[Shoppinit]

Yeah, I was thinking of bam's itching teeth, but I was too diplomatic to put the knife in. Nice job subbing for bam_bam.