A big Audi, low fuel consumption and plenty of room for the whole family. Sounds like the perfect car, doesn't it? That's why so many people look for an Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI review or opinions on the Audi A6 C7 190 PS before spending their money. The C7 (4G), built from 2011 to 2018, is one of the most common A6 models on Bulgarian roads, especially with the 2.0-litre diesel. But there's something I want you to know before buying one. Not all engines and gearboxes are the same, and that's exactly where the difference lies between a great purchase and a lot of expensive headaches. Let me tell you what we see at the workshop and what I'd check myself.
Who is the Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI right for?
If you cover a lot of miles, regularly drive long distances or need a comfortable car for work and family, the A6 C7 2.0 TDI makes a lot of sense. It's quiet inside, comfortable on the road and doesn't have you constantly worrying about fuel consumption. You're getting a big car that's built to cover long distances without fuss. But! If you want a sporty feeling every time you put your foot down, this isn't the engine for you. The 2.0 TDI is for someone who values comfort and fuel economy more than acceleration.
Now, here's where it gets interesting. A lot of people only look at the horsepower and the mileage on the dashboard. I'd pay much more attention to the engine, the gearbox and the service history. Because two A6s that look identical can turn out to be very different cars.
Which engines and gearboxes does the A6 C7 2.0 TDI have?
There are a few important differences you need to understand with this model. Especially if you're comparing the earlier cars with the newer ultra versions. Don't just look at the 2.0 TDI badge on the boot.
- 2.0 TDI, 177 PS – the EA189 engine with common rail fuel injection and a balance shaft module. There's a particular issue with the oil pump drive on this engine, which I'll explain in a moment.
- 2.0 TDI ultra, 150 and 190 PS – the newer EA288 engine, introduced in 2014. This is the version I'd point you towards if you want a little more peace of mind.
- Gearboxes – a 6-speed manual, Multitronic on front-wheel-drive cars up to 2014, followed by a 7-speed S tronic. There are also quattro versions in the range.
The most important thing is to find out exactly which gearbox the car you're looking at has. Multitronic and S tronic are completely different designs. They drive differently and have different servicing requirements. Don't just lump them together as "automatic gearboxes".
What are the common Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI problems?
Now we're getting to the things I really want to warn you about. Not because every A6 will have these problems, but because you need to know where to look. A car can look fantastic on the outside, but that doesn't mean everything under the bonnet is in good shape.
Why is the oil pump so important on the 177 PS engine?
On the 177 PS EA189 engine, the oil pump is driven through the balance shaft module. There's a hexagonal drive connecting them, and over time it can wear out. Put simply, this is the connection that transfers the drive to the pump so it can circulate oil around the engine. When that connection wears, the engine may no longer get the lubrication it needs. And believe me, an engine without enough oil pressure won't forgive you. I've explained this problem in detail in my article about the 2.0 TDI balance shaft oil pump problem.
Why does the Multitronic gearbox judder when pulling away?
"Kris, the gearbox judders, and sometimes PRNDS starts flashing." That's exactly the kind of complaint I don't want you to ignore. Multitronic is a continuously variable automatic gearbox, and when it starts juddering as you pull away, you need to find the cause, not just clear the fault codes. A flashing PRNDS display is another warning that something needs checking. And not every judder has the same cause. I've explained more in my article about Multitronic problems and repairs.
What problems can the EGR, DPF and AdBlue cause?
If you mainly drive around town, pay particular attention to the EGR and DPF. The EGR sends some of the exhaust gases back into the engine, while the DPF traps soot from the diesel exhaust. With this kind of driving, both systems can cause trouble. On the ultra versions, you also need to check the EGR cooler and the AdBlue system. If the engine management warning light comes on or the glow plug light starts flashing, don't automatically assume it's something minor. Diagnose the problem first. Then decide what needs fixing.
What should I check with the electronics?
The A6 C7 has quite a lot of electronics, and that's part of what makes it such a comfortable car. But the MMI system and driver assistance features need checking too. There's one thing I particularly want you to pay attention to: the camera if the windscreen has been replaced. After a windscreen replacement, the camera needs to be calibrated so the system works properly. Simply fitting a new windscreen doesn't finish the job.
What should I check before buying an Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI?
If you've found an A6 you like, don't rush to hand over your money just because it looks well looked after. There are a few things I really want you to check. They could save you a lot of trouble and expense later, especially if the car has an automatic gearbox.
- On the 177 PS engine – check the oil pressure with a suitable tester and look into the history of the oil pump drive. Don't assume everything is fine just because there's no warning light.
- With Multitronic or S tronic – take the car for a proper test drive and have it diagnosed. Pay attention to how it pulls away, how it changes gear and whether there's any juddering or harsh engagement.
- Check the EGR and DPF, and on ultra versions, the AdBlue system too. You want to know what condition they're in before the car becomes yours.
- Go through the service history and verify the actual mileage. The number on the dashboard isn't proof on its own.
I'd do all of this before buying the car, not afterwards. Because once you've paid for it, those problems become yours. I've explained more on our pre-purchase vehicle inspection.
How should I service my Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI?
My rule here is simple: service your car on time, not when it starts complaining. For cars driven in Bulgaria, here's what I recommend:
- Engine oil and all filters – oil, fuel, air and cabin – every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Regardless of which oil you use or what the LongLife service intervals say.
- S tronic – change the gearbox oil every 60,000 km using genuine oil. Always carry out a gearbox adaptation after servicing.
- Multitronic – change the gearbox oil every 60,000 km using genuine oil, followed by a gearbox adaptation.
- Brake fluid – every 2 years.
Manufacturers' recommendations are often influenced by environmental regulations, but I want your engine to last as long as possible. That's why I wouldn't stretch the service intervals. You'll find the full schedule here: Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI Service Schedule.
WARNING! If the oil pressure warning light comes on in the 177 PS engine, stop immediately and switch off the engine. Don't try to drive "just as far as the garage". You risk running the engine without the lubrication it needs.
What's my verdict on the Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI?
For me, the A6 C7 2.0 TDI is a sensible choice if you want a big, comfortable and economical car. It's not a sports car, and it doesn't need to be. What matters is choosing the right version and knowing exactly what you're buying. Personally, I'd go for the newer ultra with S tronic rather than an early Multitronic. But even then, the car's condition and service history are what really matter. A well-maintained car is always worth more of your attention than a shiny one with an unknown past.
Tip from Kris Mladenov: With the A6 C7, decide which gearbox you want first, and only then start looking for a particular car. The gearbox could have a bigger impact on your future repair bills than the engine itself. I'm telling you this because I want you to enjoy your Audi, not spend your time wondering what needs fixing after you've bought it.
I hope you've found this article helpful! If you have, I'd love you to share it with a friend who's thinking about buying an Audi A6 C7. My mission is simple: when I know something useful, I want more people to know it too. That way, we'll have more well-maintained cars on the road and fewer owners paying for problems they could have avoided.
The solution in our shop
Genuine Longlife III FE 0W30 oil 5L
Genuine LongLife III engine oil is used for engine servicing. Regardless of the type of oil, I recommend changing it every 10,000 km or once a year.
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Genuine service set for Audi S-Tronic automatic gearboxes
The S tronic service kit is for changing the gearbox oil. A gearbox adaptation must always be carried out after servicing.
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Genuine Audi Multitronic automatic gearbox service set
The Multitronic service kit is for maintaining this gearbox. The oil should be changed every 60,000 km, followed by a gearbox adaptation.
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- Pre-purchase inspection
- Diagnostics
- Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI Service Schedule
- 2.0 TDI Oil Pump Failure: The Balance Shaft Problem
- Audi Multitronic Gearbox Problems: Causes and Repairs
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy an Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI with Multitronic or S tronic?
I'd personally choose the newer ultra with S tronic. With Multitronic, pay particular attention to juddering when pulling away and a flashing PRNDS display. Whichever gearbox you choose, have it diagnosed and take the car for a proper test drive.
What are the most common Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI problems?
On the 177 PS engine, pay attention to the oil pump drive. With Multitronic, watch out for juddering and PRNDS warnings. The EGR, DPF, AdBlue system on ultra versions and the electronics are all worth checking too.
Should I choose the Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI with 177 or 190 PS?
I'd choose the newer 190 PS ultra, but only after a thorough inspection. On the 177 PS engine, I'd definitely check the oil pump drive and oil pressure before buying.
How often should I change the oil in an Audi A6 C7 2.0 TDI?
For driving conditions in Bulgaria, I recommend every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Change all the filters together with the engine oil, regardless of the LongLife service intervals.