RS6 - high mileage - stay away or go for it?

[vtraudt]

I am driving a 2003 RS6 this afternoon.
How concerned do I have to be with (relatively, for RS6) high miles 110k?
I have seen most RS6 in $20k range, but lower mileage typically.
What should I expect to be replaced soon?
What are the know week points?

How is the trans holding up (IIRC: special one 5HP19A (A makes it special RS6, larger bell housing)?
How is the Cosworth engine holding up?
Turbos? (what is stock boost)?
Is suspension similar to its C5 siblings?


For the C5 RS6 powertrain detail, the internal combustion engine is an all-aluminium alloy 4,172 cubic centimetres (254.6 cu in) twin-turbocharged ('biturbo'), twin double overhead camshaft (2xDOHC), 5 valve per cylinder version of Audi's 4.2 litre 90° V8 petrol engine (parts code prefix: 077, identification code: BCY), developed and manufactured in the Germany and UK by quattro GmbH and Cosworth Technology (now known as MAHLE Powertrain).

[chunky79]

Welcome along.

Firstly, you can't be too bothered about the high mile's cause you are already considering it. You own an audi already so probably know that they go on for age's.
Secondly and the most important, read through all the info you can find on here and pretty much all your questions will be answered.
F.O.N


dunc

[Daveperc]

Mine had done 137555 on Monday when I drove into a flood...........

It was running like a dream until that moment

Dave

[bam_bam]

FON.

Don't worry about highmilers but as said, you do need to read the 'stickies' at the top of the C5 forum.
The engine is pretty much bombproof NOTE: not waterproof.
Turbos on mine were fine at 116000 but do have the system pressure tested, intercoolers are prone to leaks and thus kill the snails.
The suspension (DRC) is a nightmare but if you're in the US you might still get goodwill from Audi on repair or replace, look into that first. If not, budget for coilover replacement (about £1800 average - usual suspects, Statsis, Bilstiens, H&R etc)
Gearbox is also an issue but the US has many good resourses for rebuilding the ZF 5HP19A better, stronger and quicker.
Buy yourself a Rosstech Vagcom cable, it'll pay for itself in one or two visits to Audi.
RS6.com is your North American resourse but don't be a stranger here.

[vtraudt]

Have been using the Rosstech with license for quite some time now. Love it. Also got the Bentley (not sure if in my versions (A4 B5 and A6 C5) the RS6 is covered as well).

Was was off with the trans number. Its 5HP24A. It has a bigger bell housing than the 'non A' to accommodate a larger torque converter (does not fit other S4 and other A6 2.7 models).

Drove the car: interrior and exterior the usual Audi flaws (paint peeling of light switch and buttons, center arm rest top lid broken, 2 small dings), but no stone chips, good paint otherwise. Tires worn and not running round.
Brakes done and alternator replaced recently.

The bad: dealer pointed out that small leak. After warming up car in park and driving away, trans did not shift smooth from 1-2. This went away after a minute or 2, but left me concerned. Could be low trans fluid. Would need to get car on hoist and find source of leak, plus fill trans and see how much was missing.
Brake wear indicator warning light on (note: new pads!). Front discs no deep grooves, but not smooth either

Did not check if DRC is good.

Pulled Vagcom codes. Of importance:
17985 - Right Engine Mount Solenoid Valve (N145): Open Circuit
P1577 - 004 - No Signal/Communication
17863 - Exhaust Gas Temp Sensor 1 (G235): Implausible Signal
P1455 - 008 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent
16840 - EVAP System: Very Small Leak Detected
P0456 - 002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - Intermittent
Readiness: 0000 0000
17114 - Gear Ratio Monitoring: Incorrect Gear Ratio
P0730 - 003 - Mechanical Failure - Intermittent
01446 - Sensor for Driver Seat; Seatback Adjust (G230)
36-00 - Open Circuit
01446 - Sensor for Driver Seat; Seatback Adjust (G230)
20-00 - Malfunction in Basic Setting
01656 - Crash Signal
004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent
01304 - Radio
004 - No Signal/Communication
01531 - Emergency Battery
002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - MIL ON

[bam_bam]

Have been using the Rosstech with license for quite some time now. Love it. Also got the Bentley (not sure if in my versions (A4 B5 and A6 C5) the RS6 is covered as well).

Was was off with the trans number. Its 5HP24A. It has a bigger bell housing than the 'non A' to accommodate a larger torque converter (does not fit other S4 and other A6 2.7 models).

Drove the car: interrior and exterior the usual Audi flaws (paint peeling of light switch and buttons, center arm rest top lid broken, 2 small dings), but no stone chips, good paint otherwise. Tires worn and not running round.
Brakes done and alternator replaced recently.

The bad: dealer pointed out that small leak. After warming up car in park and driving away, trans did not shift smooth from 1-2. This went away after a minute or 2, but left me concerned. Could be low trans fluid. Would need to get car on hoist and find source of leak, plus fill trans and see how much was missing.
Brake wear indicator warning light on (note: new pads!). Front discs no deep grooves, but not smooth either

Did not check if DRC is good.

Pulled VAGcom codes. Of importance:
17985 - Right Engine Mount Solenoid Valve (N145): Open Circuit
P1577 - 004 - No Signal/Communication
17863 - Exhaust Gas Temp Sensor 1 (G235): Implausible Signal
P1455 - 008 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent
16840 - EVAP System: Very Small Leak Detected
P0456 - 002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - Intermittent
Readiness: 0000 0000
17114 - Gear Ratio Monitoring: Incorrect Gear Ratio
P0730 - 003 - Mechanical Failure - Intermittent
01446 - Sensor for Driver Seat; Seatback Adjust (G230)
36-00 - Open Circuit
01446 - Sensor for Driver Seat; Seatback Adjust (G230)
20-00 - Malfunction in Basic Setting
01656 - Crash Signal
004 - No Signal/Communication - Intermittent
01304 - Radio
004 - No Signal/Communication
01531 - Emergency Battery
002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - MIL ON

[Shoppinit]

Run away.

[Coxall8395]

....as fast as you can....

[bam_bam]

Vagcom jut saved your ass. Take the Rosstech cable out to a nice bar, buy it some beers, a couple of shots to get it drunk and then drop it off on the dancefloor. If it doesn't 'pull' and comes home alone, sneak into its bedroom and give it a reach-around until it's sound asleep (think of a nice new RS6, that should get you through the sordid task 'at hand').
You'll still be quids in but you'll feel a little bit dirty.

Good luck on the continued search.

[ElevenSec]

MY GOD !! These cars are amazing aren't they. All those DTC's and it still runs. Unbelievable.

[bam_bam]

MY GOD !! These cars are amazing aren't they. All those DTC's and it still runs. Unbelievable.

Do you not think it's a lemon?

[ElevenSec]

MY GOD !! These cars are amazing aren't they. All those DTC's and it still runs. Unbelievable.

Do you not think it's a lemon?

Just being Sarcastic. I wouldn't touch it with a 10ft pole.............................

[bilko1]

Doesn't belong to Badman does it