Audi A6 C8 3.0 TDI Service Schedule

The Audi A6 C8 3.0 TDI is one of the most technologically advanced cars in its class. You've got a 48-volt mild hybrid system, AdBlue, an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox and plenty of electronics. It's a lovely car, but it needs looking after. Changing the oil and filters alone isn't enough. There are a few other important things I want you to keep an eye on, and I'll walk you through them in this Audi A6 C8 3.0 TDI service schedule.

What should you know about the engine and mild hybrid system?

The 3.0 TDI is a V6 with timing chains at the gearbox end of the engine. If they wear out, the engine has to come out to repair them. And believe me, that's no small job. That's why, whenever we service one, we use diagnostics to check whether the chains have stretched. You've also got a 48-volt mild hybrid system with a starter-generator, which allows the car to coast with the engine switched off and saves fuel. This system has its own battery, too. We check that as well. Every single time.

How often should you change the engine oil?

My advice is simple: change the engine oil and oil filter every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first, regardless of the oil you use. And always use oil that meets the correct specification for this engine. The 3.0 TDI is a complicated engine, and repairs aren't cheap. Regular oil changes are the easiest way to save yourself a lot of expensive trouble.

How should you look after the Tiptronic gearbox?

The A6 C8 3.0 TDI has an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. It's a strong gearbox, but don't make the mistake of thinking the oil inside lasts forever. The car is heavy, the engine produces plenty of torque, and the gearbox works hard. That's why we change the gearbox oil and always carry out an adaptation afterwards. It's a step we never skip.

V6 TDI timing chains at Das Auto Service

What should you watch out for with AdBlue and the DPF?

The AdBlue SCR system and the DPF need regular drives outside town, along with good-quality AdBlue fluid. If something goes wrong with the system, you'll see a warning on the dashboard telling you that the engine won't start after a certain distance. Don't leave it until the last minute.

What else do we check during a service?

The fuel filter, air filter and cabin filter.
The crankcase ventilation filter – every 80,000 km.
The brake fluid – we change it every two years.
The coolant – we change it every third heating season.
The air suspension, if your car has it.

If you get a warning light for the 48-volt system, don't ignore it. The start-stop system and coasting function may stop working. In some cases, the car might not start at all. Please take that warning seriously.

A tip from Kris Mladenov: If you're not going to drive the car for a long time, connect a battery maintenance charger. On mild hybrid cars, a weak battery can trigger faults in all sorts of other systems. Before you know it, you're chasing problems all over the car when the real cause is simply the battery.

If you drive an Audi A6 C8 3.0 TDI, come and see us at Das Auto Service. We'll check the engine, gearbox and mild hybrid system. We know this car and we know exactly where to look. I'm telling you this because I care about you and your car. I'd much rather we caught a problem early than see you paying for an expensive repair out of your own pocket later.