Just bought a 10 YO Audi A3 3.2 DSG, will I die in dept ?

Leaving aside the Audi part (like your going to 🙁 ) I have just bought the above with nearly 80K on it & an engine check light on just because it was cheap. Now I’m used to older cars, I’m currently running an older S3, & I’m well placed to have problems sorted, but have I entered a new world of pain/ endless bills?
Anyone want to place bets on me going personally bankrupt by Xmas?

Cheers.

I’ve had my s4 for 9 years, not died yet! Got a few speeding points in that time though!

but have I entered a new world of pain/ endless bills?

Not according to you, no.

Now I’m used to older cars, I’m currently running an older S3, & I’m well placed to have problems sorted,

check engine light could just be emissions based ….

if the condition doesn’t bankrupt you, the petrol bills will!

Bought an old S3 based on your ownership advice and what to look for, and so far it’s been ace!

I’ve learnt from bitter experience to steer clear of old V6’s and auto boxes though, so have nothing to add on your new purchase I’m afraid!

The engine check light is cam position sensors, which could mean a stretched timing chain, gulp.

But it drives great & makes a nice noise 😉

They’re not always the best things those sensors 😉

Hmm, i’ve just acquired a 60K / 7 year old A3 (all be it a TDI, not an S3 though..)
I was quite pleased, thought i’d drop it in for a service before heading to france for the summer.

Audi quoted £1000. I had a little wobble.
Good independent still £500+ for cam belt and full service, I really hope that’s the end of it!

Not had a car over 5 years old for a good few years, last repair bill of that size must have been nearly 10 years ago!

I did however get very excited when I managed 52 mpg with a bike on the roof.. 😆

I don’t suspect the 3.2 will be ‘much’ thirstier than an S3 and the mileage is nothing to worry about. The light could be anything, but at least diagnostics will tell you what it is.

I reckon parts-wise the 3.2 will be much better than your S3 – heavy ‘S tax’ on Audi parts, ‘RS tax’ is triple of course.

if the condition doesn’t bankrupt you, the petrol bills will!

Isn’t the 3.2 a TDi? Oodles of lovely torquiness!

My neighbour had a 3.2 a3, worse on fuel than my 535i…

20 on a good day.

You’ll probably be fine. A mate of mine has been running an A4 Convertible 3.2 lt. DSG for about 8 yrs. The roof mechanism has cost him more than the drivetrain over the years. Fuel consumption isn’t great through. Though Diagnostics will only give you symptoms, not causes so beware of any mechanic that tells you they know what’s the cause of the engine light is just from the ECU scan, they only give you a starter for ten. Get it checked out by a trusted mechanic and enjoy.

I don’t suspect the 3.2 will be ‘much’ thirstier than an S3 and the mileage is nothing to worry about.

S3 is surprisingly frugal to be fair. Until you keep your foot in of course! Ours has been remapped to 265bhp too, and if you use all of it, you know about it. But it’ll do 35mpg on longer journeys, even 40mpg on the motorway! The V6 engines are a lot more thirsty under normal driving conditions…

Not exactly, sometimes the codes tell you exactly what is wrong, sometimes they are just measurement values outside a given range. If you are near Cardiff I can scan it for you.

I used to have one years ago and it was an absolute hoot. Never tired of that engine noise. Engine warning light coming on not unheard of according to one reliable source. Usually a lambda sensor, but coil packs were known to fail. I have no idea what that means, but was told to me by someone who fixed them and knew them well. They tended to run originally on Pirelli P Zero rossos but mine was vastly better on Michelin pilot sport tyres. Darn it, I’m starting to wish I still had it. A real Q car. Looked totally benign but oooh that snarl. Someone once came up to me in a car park as I was walking to the ticket machine and said “What the hell you got under that bonnet, son. It sounds like a bloody Aston!” (It didn’t but I knew what he meant!). Enjoy it. You only live once. Don’t go to dealers. Find a good independant. If you’re running it on a very tight budget, search “Audi A3 8p” on Ebay to see lots of 2nd hand parts and reclaimed bits. I bet it doesn’t rattle though, even at 10yrs old. Don’t pimp it up. Stealth is the key. German cars have a reputation for being soulless, but it always felt like a little rascal to me! Loved it. I used to get better mpg using the high octane petrols, but it’s not the sort of car you get if mpg is a priority. Wanders off to browse Audi A3 3.2 on Autotrader……

I had an S3 (8P / K04 2.0T) and I now have a supercharged R32 Mk5.

The R32 ran essentially the same lump as your A3 prior to my adding a supercharger. I found it to be about the same as the S3 on fuel, which – let’s face it – really isn’t going to be a big concern on cars like these. Both would give me under 20mpg around town, 35mpg on a run and about 27mpg overall.

The S3’s K04 turbo lump gave more perky performance on-boost (it was mapped), but I really think that the good old 3.2 VR6 is the better driving experience of the two – it’s just so smooth and capable.

With a supercharger, of course, it’s even better. 😉

Watch for intermittent misfire, no trace, no codes except “misfire on cyls 5 and 6” yet only happens once or twice every 2/3mths, not weather dependant but if you start it and stop before the water temp gets to 60C it can happens..

Just saying like.

I know a bit about these cars.

Thanks for all the comments guys, fuel economy isn’t my biggest concern, but DSG is worrying me a bit!

bikebouy, you say you know a bit about the engines, mine has the fault code P1347 for the camshaft & more worryingly P1617 which relates to glow plugs which I clearly don’t have, any idea?

Cheers.

Dsg – don’t believe the dealer or anyone else who tells you you need a new mechatronics if you have trouble. Standard response is to replace it but they can be repaired or reconditioned for far less. There are specialists who do this. One in Bristol and one in Nottingham that I know of. Both do mail order afaik.

Check with a main dealer to see if the coil packs have been replaced under a recall notice. There have been problems with the ones fitted to cars of that era. If they have previously been done by an independent it will cost, otherwise a free one from Audi.
They will also helpfully give you a health check and a list of very expensive jobs (if the dealer does them). Useful for the independent garage to work through as necessary.

^^ old style coil packs are black, replacement ones are mid/light grey..

P1347 is a cam to crank missalighnment. TBH most VAG cars have this at some point. It’s only a bother if the chain hasn’t been replaced. Mine had the same code but I had it properly checked out by a specialist and he gave the same answer I’ve given you. I did get the chain replaced but thats cos’ i just wanted it doing, didn’t need it. The sensors fail when the cars get older, typical Audi wiring and sealed units mean the wire gets fractured slightly and degrades. The sensors are known to be temperamental, I had both cam/crank sensors changed at the same time as the chain, again just cos’ i wanted to get them done. It’s hard to assess the output quality of the sensors so probably best to either get them changed (but i guess you’ll not cure it) or live with it.
P1617? eh? ok that might be another sensor that combined with the MAF sensor but I don’t know it’s a glow plug but your cars petrol so suggest the same code being used for another fault. I have a slightly intermittent misfire once every couple of months for about 30seconds on start up if (IF) I stop the car immediately then restart it again.. it’s a rad to air temp sensor combination that enriches the mixture (like a choke) but I’ve not had either changed as it’s not happened in a few months.

Sensors are funny things, most good independents know about the wire degradation/sensor issues, not all faults are proper faults more sensor failure. That doesn’t mean there might NOT be a fault, so if You know a good independent go to them first.

Tried the VAG 3.2 forum? I’m on the Audi TT forum and it’s been a wealth of knowledge.

I’ve a 3.2 DSG TT roadster which I’ve owned from new, getting on a bit now in age but FSH with all the tweaks needed/recommended.

Currently got a 3.2 V6 TT Coupe and, whilst it loves fuel, it can be relatively economical on runs. As long as you are prepared to average less than 30mpg you’ll be fine.

My long term plan is to get it converted to LPG. That should protect the reason I bought it (lovely to drive, nice sound) but make it cheaper to run.

Doesnt the chain need replacing at somepoint or if theres a chain issue? Thats what put me right off one. The fuel isnt a consideration on these cars. It only bothers people who think a diesel car is good value

Why did the seller sell it with a engine light on? That is worrying regardless what he said at sale.

Many thanks all, especially bikebouy for the time taken to reply, I’m going to change the crank sensor first, then the cam position sensors, then the timing chain & then burn it if the light doesn’t go out 😉

Cheers.

Willard how much is a lpg conversion

Sandwich – Member
Check with a main dealer to see if the coil packs have been replaced under a recall notice. There have been problems with the ones fitted to cars of that era. If they have previously been done by an independent it will cost, otherwise a free one from Audi.

I had two coil packs replaced by an independent and Audi still replaced all six for free as they hadn’t been done under the product enhancement scheme. Thanks to Colbournes in Basingstoke for the replacements and to BikeBouy for tipping me off!

3 litre manual A4 Cabrio will do 32mpg on a run (best was 37mpg on a rather slow day on the A34, worst is about 23mpg going into town and back). Now on 104,000 and a bit miles (I have seen similar cars on AutoTrader with 150,000 plus) and still lovely. 3.2 litre a little more thirsty but nothing to write home about. Mine is cheaper on petrol than my old 1.8 Passat with petrol prices the way they are at the moment (but who cares when a V6 sounds so good!)

17,000 miles from the front tyres, rears currently on 24,000 and a good few miles left in them. Really not expensive cars to run and very, very nice. Well, I love mine, anyway.

Enjoy!

Hey Ben_H …. where did you get the SC from? Looking at an R32 tomorrow…always longed for the SC kit but having trouble finding anything solid on Google…

LPG conversion !? Surely if it’s anything like a light weight balanced sports car, then sticking a big tank in it will upset the handling a fair bit.

Or like any other Audi is it about straight line power rather than going around bends 😆

2u2r – what is your reg? I sold one about 6 months ago via WBAC.com that had big coolant issues.

Hi all, I thought I would have another look at this thread & I see there have been more replies, so lets start with dantsw13 question, its EA04 R**, the car was registered in north London, if the first four match then I guess I’ll drop you an email, but how much did you sell it for?

I did have an issue with what looked like oil in the expansion tank but has not re-occurred since a flush & re-fill. The funny thing is that there is a scam going around which involves two people inspecting a car you have for sale & whilst one gets your attention toward the back end of the car the other drops some dirty oil in to your expansion tanks & then gives you a low ball offer after bringing it to your attention.

I would also like to thank Sandwich for telling me about the Audi service campaign, I now have 6 new free coilpacks, top man, many thanks.

It turned out to be the chain sensor, so that was a straight forward fix.

I have had a few unexpected issues, the rear coil springs were broken so I got a H&R lowering set for £180, four new tyres, four wheel refurbs, full four wheel alignment, a full service along with DSG & Haldex service.
Still to come will be front & rear bumper repaint & both front driveshafts need to be rebuilt with new boots.
Thankfully I have only paid for parts at trade prices with no labour charge. So far I think I have spent about £1000 including the CV boots which are yet to be fitted.

Fuel economy wise it hurts, today I was jubilant to have achieved 30mpg on my 50 mile commute, average overall is showing 25.5 mpg & this is with a light right foot, it was 30 in the S3.

Cheers for all the replies & I’ll update if I have anything of interest to add.

Cheers.

jhawker – Member
Hey Ben_H …. where did you get the SC from? Looking at an R32 tomorrow…always longed for the SC kit but having trouble finding anything solid on Google…

I had the conversion done by Turner Race Developments – they have done the majority of conversions on R32s.

Mine will be for sale in the coming weeks. Google “grey R32 mk5 supercharged” and I’m sure you’ll find my R32OC build thread.

OP, why are you worried about DSG?

No, thats not my old one, so you are safe on that front!

Well for those that care, & given the current DSG thread I thought I’d update.

Despite the engine check light initially going out it returned, changed the other cam sensor, then the crank sensor, it came back 🙁

So I have just had the timing chain replaced (which was indeed stretched) at a cost of £700 with lots of trade discount, now the waterpump is making a noise, so new pump & belt next week, but that’s only going to cost me about £70 & a meal out.
Average MPG is 26 over about 9000 miles, I also changed the springs back to normal ones as the H&R were to harsh, so what started as a ‘cheap hack’ now stands me about £5000, but hopefully it’s now sorted & I will get many more miles without further cost.

I hope…

Cheers.

Average MPG is 26 over about 9000 miles

Driving Miss Daisy then to get that.

Tbh they are very nice understated cars. How do you spot the chain, a rattle? Amazed you get 26mpg. In a 2.8 Golf I got mid to high teens.

Not really but the M1 at 7.30am is not that conducive to booting it 😆

Edit for Hora, quite a subtle noise but not that worrying if you heard it without the warning lamp, most people ignore it as there really isn’t any reports of them snapping, but having driven it before & after it is now much smoother & faster (timing is now back to where it should be), the DSG box is a lot less snatchy & the initial MPG has improved, 31 last night & 29 this morning, got stuck in traffic tonight & it was 27 with a bit of progress on NSL back roads to miss the worst of it.

Sounds like it’s panning out OK then.

I do fancy a big V6 or V8 again.

My latest daft purchase is an 05 plate Megane CC, paid £150 and so far it’s cost me an MOT and a service, got to do the cam belt and dephaser pulley which will hurt as the complete kit at trade is £300!

Richard, I should add that I bought all the bits from Audi as I didn’t want to do it twice, it would of cost me a lot less through ECP or the like but I didn’t want to risk it 😆