The Audi A6 C7 3.0 TDI is a brilliant car for long journeys. Quiet, powerful and surprisingly economical for its size. That V6 diesel is a strong engine, and it'll look after you if you look after it. But! There's one thing that can seriously upset your plans and your wallet. The timing chains. That's why getting your Audi A6 C7 3.0 TDI service schedule right matters so much.
What should you know about the 3.0 TDI timing chains?
This engine uses timing chains, and they're tucked away at the back, on the gearbox side. That's where the trouble starts. When the chains stretch or their guides wear out, we have to remove the entire engine to repair them. That's why at Das Auto Service we use diagnostics to monitor timing chain stretch. I want us to catch the problem early, before you hear that nasty rattling noise. Because once the chains start rattling, the repair can turn into something much more serious.
How often should you change the engine oil?
On the 3.0 TDI, I recommend changing the engine oil and oil filter every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first, regardless of the oil used. We use oil that meets VW 507.00. I wouldn't risk stretching the oil change intervals on this engine. Fresh oil matters for the timing chain tensioners, the turbo and the DPF. Changing it on time can save you a lot of headaches. And money.
S tronic or Tiptronic – how do we service the gearbox?
Depending on the version, the Audi A6 C7 3.0 TDI comes with either a seven-speed S tronic or an eight-speed Tiptronic. With S tronic, we change the gearbox oil every 60,000 km using genuine oil. With Tiptronic, it's every 120,000 km. For S and RS models, the interval is 80,000 km. After the oil change, we always carry out an adaptation. And remember something important about the S tronic 0B5: this gearbox uses two separate oils. We need to know that before we even start servicing it.
What else do we check on the 3.0 TDI?
- The thermostat – if the engine takes too long to warm up, we check whether it's doing its job properly.
- The EGR valve and DPF – we use diagnostics to see what condition they're in.
- The intake manifold flaps – we check that they're moving and working properly.
- The AdBlue system – on newer versions that have it.
- The air suspension – if your car is fitted with it.
What else is included in the service?
- We replace the fuel filter, air filter and cabin filter.
- The crankcase ventilation filter – we replace it every 80,000 km.
- Brake fluid – we change it every two years.
- Coolant – we change it every third heating season.
If you hear rattling from the back of the engine on a cold start, or the Check Engine warning light comes on because of a camshaft timing fault, don't keep driving around like that. On the 3.0 TDI, if a timing chain jumps, you could be looking at a very serious repair. I'm telling you this because I don't want you paying for something we could have caught in time.
Advice from Kris Mladenov: If you've got your eye on an A6 C7 3.0 TDI and you're thinking of buying it, make sure you ask for a timing chain diagnostic check. Trust me, it can tell you far more about the condition of the engine than the mileage showing on the dashboard.
If you drive an Audi A6 C7 3.0 TDI, bring it to Das Auto Service and we'll check the timing chains and gearbox with diagnostics. I want you to know what condition they're in now, rather than finding out when something goes wrong.
The solution in our shop
Genuine LongLife III FE 0W30 engine oil 5L
Genuine LongLife III engine oil meeting VW 507.00 for your 3.0 TDI.
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Genuine S tronic dual-clutch gearbox oil G052529A2 1 l
Genuine S tronic gearbox oil, if your version has this gearbox.
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Genuine automatic transmission oil 1 L
Genuine Tiptronic transmission oil, if your car has the eight-speed gearbox.
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Genuine VAG G12evo coolant G12E050A2 1.0 l
Genuine G12evo coolant – change it every third heating season.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does the engine have to come out to replace the timing chains on the 3.0 TDI?
Because the timing chains sit at the back of the engine, on the gearbox side. There's simply no way to reach them for the repair without removing the engine.
Which gearbox does the Audi A6 C7 3.0 TDI have?
It depends on which version you drive. It can have either a seven-speed S tronic or an eight-speed Tiptronic.
How often should I change the engine oil on a 3.0 TDI?
I recommend changing the engine oil and oil filter every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first, regardless of the oil used.