I have a theory that sometime in the annals of history a German mechanic insulted a German engineer. The engineers have not forgotten or forgiven this insult and are continuing to punish all mechanics for it.
This engine breakdown was difficult to watch. I can’t imagine owning a car with this type of engine let alone repairing one. Another throwaway luxury car.
Luxury indicates "the state of great comfort and extravagant living." I wouldn't say your comfortable with the astronomical repair bills due to over engineered plastic POS
It is actually fairly reliable as long as the maintenance is done properly. I have owned an A6 with this Engine for about 11 years. Bought it with 33.000KM und sold it with 287.000KM. As long as the proper Oil type (5W40) is done in a fixed intervall of 10k KM and as long as you follow the servicing plan that you get with the car. You will never have any major issues with it. I didnt, and i know many people with the same engine. So far the only people that had issues were the ones that use VW Long Life oil (5w30). That shit destroys this engine. The Oil Type makes a big difference. And as i said, with the right Oil Type and Propery regular maintenace. This 3.2 V6 will last a lifetime
Audi expert here, all you really have to worry about on these engines is the timing chains. It seems after 130k miles is kind of up in the air how long the guides will last before breaking and causing it to jump. To fix it the transmission has to come out which is labor intensive. Otherwise the engine is solid. I’ve seen them upwards of 300k still ticking with 1 timing service. The high pressure pump likes to fail occasionally as well, but otherwise good engine
Why reverse engineer? They have their agents and spies already in the r&d departments. And what they don't get this way they get it from hacking the corporation networks. Or simply buy the whole company like here in Germany. Due to political fails and industrial decline the chinese can buy german companies /technology dirtcheap.
I wonder what proportion of Audis have one or more malfunctioning mechanical assemblies after three years, let alone all the potential electronic faults.
As a very very green mechanic, watching these teardowns, and listening to your uninterrupted flow of words explaining everything down to the oil channels inspires me!
I had many roommates during my college years, and they had many different vehicles. Some were tremendously reliable, some had a few problems, and then there was Richard's Audi. It was never completely fixed in all the time I knew him. His endless intractable and expensive problems with that car put me off Audi for the rest of my life. I've encouraged my own children to steer clear of the brand too. This is despite the fact that some of the more recent models are real lookers!
I feel the same way, after owning a VW Golf after 2 long and expensive years. I just made a blanket personal rule to steer clear of all German iron and stick with Japanese products...it is very nice to maintain a car that does NOT seem like it was designed by your worst enemy
It's just one bad design. They also have legendary engines like the I5 petrol, 2.5 I5 TDI, 1.9 TDI, 1.8 TSI. Also the newer belt driven TSI engines are quite okay, or the 2.0 CR TDI. It's just a stupid idea to exclude a brand because of one badly designed engine or car.
Further signs of going to a more "throw away" philosophy of design. These engines look like they're specifically designed to NOT be overhauled and just written off instead.
@TheDowner I've just overhauled an Audi engine. New pistons, bearings, followers, tensioners, waterpump clutch etc etc. If it wasn't for a German aftermarket parts supplier it would not have been even close to economical. Original parts are ridiculously priced, and several parts are not available from Audi anymore. I shudder to think what it would cost to overhaul a V8 Audi engine. It has something like 4 timing chains and 6 tensioners...all brittle plastic with a 150 000km life. Never Audi.
Their engines are like an ultra complicated Mousetrap game where the whole thing breaks down from the slightest thing. Recommend you wearing protective footwear. This is from someone who spent 2 weeks in hospital from a crushed big toe after a heavy object fell onto my foot. Had to have pins inserted and because it was an open fracture I could have lost the injured toe because of the infection. It was a very very painful injury.
Always wear gloves, good protection shoes, protection glasses (mostly if there is lots of sand coming down on your face or while working with an air gun. Also don't forget about the mask while working with brakes, suspension to avoid getting asbestos and other garbage into your lungs
People think I’m a pain in the ass and call me Mr. safety. Some things I didn’t have to learn the hard way because I’m just so damn careful. I’m glad they saved your toe that sounds awful😬 When you lose a big toe and you’ll never be the same. Equivalent to losing a thumb.
Just did a Suzuki xl7 v6 and same shit 4 chain and 4 tensioner need to remove the intake to remove the valve cover to remove the intake you need to remove the front part of the intake and remove the back part but to access the lower bolt you need to remove the trottle body but to remove the trottle body you need to remove both fuel rail a fucking mess The only good thing is the timing component ate on the front of the engine lol
I do own an Audi but the one I have is the polar opposite of the one from your video in terms of its complexity. It is an Audi 80 B3 with a 1.8 L 8 valve SOHC engine with Mono-Motronic (single fuel injector), it's great and extremely reliable.
In the 70s and 80s, VW/Audi were noted for German engineering. I had a number of cars and loved them back in the day. For the last 15 years, I have stuck with Toyota/Lexus because I by older cars and keep them running myself...which has lead me to be one of your subscribers for a while now. I don't know why they have drifted into the Rube Goldberg designs lately. Great video as always. We appreciate your ability to simply show such detailed breakdowns with great explanations and visuals without being boring. Keep them coming, please.
@@OG_DSM you're legit fangirling over saab didnt they use subaru boxer engines. also have never heard of a fast or reliable saab LOL. youre just mad audi makes a car with over 200 hp
@@zM0NsT3Rz You should do some research before coming on here tryna talk on SAAB. The only model that used a boxer engine was the 9-2X. 😄😄😄 What can I expect when you only know 1 car with rings on it. And the SAAB does have a V6 Twin scroll 6 speed AWD model. Research before speaking 😂😂😴😴😴
A good piece of advice a wise man once told me, if possible compare the cars that the engineers are driving vs the managers/executives and see who really has faith in their product.
I mean, if you have deep pockets then you can just pay to have someone else deal with the problems. So maybe don’t take a clue from people who don’t ever have to do the dirty expensive work.
The design is what you get when you only add components without thinking about the layout. It looks like something homemade, where the person had no plans and made everything up as he built it.
The sad part is that is the complete opposite of what happened. They had all the time, money, and help that a homemade engine would not have, but because they are a luxury brand they can get away with it.
Nah, this is how you get a compact V6 with decent power & efficiency. Unfortunately it comes at a cost. I believe the different fasteners are for ease during the build where they know all the same type are torqued to "X" etc.
honestly i think with proper driving and maintanance the timing on this engine would last a car's lifetime. just too many of these cars get in the wrong hands as they get older
I own a 2007 Audi A4 3.2L V6 FSI S-Line 6sp. manual with 217k miles on it. It is insanely clean and reliable. If you known how to properly maintain an Audi (which the majority of you don't) they are incredible cars to drive and own. This comment sections disgusts me.
I agree that can be said for alot of engines. However if the maintenance isn't user friendly or costs more than a typical car it's less likely to be looked after right and that's how we end up with these 🫤
Here's the deal about VW/Audi products: This company has what I euphemistically call "The Airbus Attitude". Airbus is a European [cough cough French cough cough....] aircraft manufacturer that produces very good products. Their designs are almost always better than the competing Boeing product and they use none other than Porsche to design their cockpits, but mechanics tell me that they do not hold up as well as Boeing airplanes. And the company, EADS, is unapologetic about it. In FACT, they are on record as saying that their airplanes, irregardless of hours/cycles, should be removed from service and recycled at the 25 year point. Why? Because improvements in efficiency and safety occur over time and they think that is is a valid reason to park one of their products and buy a new one. [There are plenty of 40 year old Boeing's flying every day....] VW/Audi have this same attitude. Few people work on their own car anymore [I do...] and since they believe that torque rules, they try to stuff the biggest engine they can into the least space. In this video we see the timing chain at the output/aft end of the engine; This actually makes the engine shorter, since the variable valve timing gear is now in a space next to the firewall that is normally not used. You can see this all over the place on this engine, how they have crammed things together to make the package physically smaller in order to fit it in a small engine bay. Again, they know that owners won't be the ones swearing and throwing wrenches across the shop, but those owners like their torque, and THEY are the ones putting money into company coffers. AND, they figure that when things like timing chains need to be changed, that the car will be an "Airbus" and as such will be too old to justify the expense of hiring a mechanic to do it and the owner will just junk it and buy another one. Also, in Europe, cars are intensively inspected every year, and cars old enough to need extensive work are probably not going to pass inspection anyway. Thus, the design you see in this video. These cars are an absolute BLAST to drive, but don't own one when it gets more than about 10 years old. PS: All this is coming to you from a "certified" VW/Audi and Porsche fan boy...
I'll never forgive Airbus for pulling the plug on Concorde the way they did. But yeah, that attitude is really common with a lot of cars. German ones especially. I hate working on them. Apple is the same in the computing world. Most of their stuff is an absolute bastard to repair because all the components are soldered in. It's less reliable doing it that way too. Socketed components have less heat going into the solder joints. Not helping is Apple's traditionally inadequate cooling. Most of their stuff runs at or near the thermal limit.
There is some truth in what you are saying. However I believe engines are getting complicated and complex "mostly" because of emissions regulations and competition. People used to complain about the belt driven 2.4 L and 2.8 L engines Audi used to make pre-2000's. With this chain driven Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 3.2 FSI engine, these old engines seem suddenly much less complicated. And this 3.2 FSI is way less complex than the 3.0 TFSI "supercharged" which followed which would be itself less complicated than the 3.0 TFSI "turbocharged" of today. They want to offer the thrill and the power to their customers but have to make the cars compliant with emissions regulations which make them too complex. This is not just an Audi problem. Every GDI engine compliant with emissions regulations that offers a lot of power has to be complex. Bring a similar Mercedes or BMW engine and they are likely to be even more complicated than this. Most other manufacturers aren't just at this level and are always playing catchup.
@@thegearknob7161 There is DEFINITELY something to what you are saying. I'm on a Macbook Pro 13 inch and if I put it in standby and go out of WIFI coverage, it will get real hot~! Thanx.
That doesn't explain why my mum's Audi (driven like a grandma) needed engine out repairs under warranty and several other expensive (multi thousand dollar) repairs in the first 5 years. I think it's just garbage engineering. Performance at all expenses including reliability and maintainability. BMW is much the same. And yes emissions/fuel economy regulations clearly have a lot to do with it but that isn't the whole story.
I recently overhauled my GM 3.1L OHV engine with 250k miles. It was made about same time as this Audi. I am not a mechanic and it was my first time. All I need is a hoist and some basic tools. I am appalled by complexity of this Audi. It must be purposefully designed to benefit VW's business, not consumers.
Well, the GM 3.1 had its root in the 80s and made what, 160hp? The AUDI engine was rated at about 250 hp, had to meet stringent environmental standards and fit in an A4. Could it have been designed for simpler servicing? Sure. Is it fair comparing it to an 80s GM engine in this regard? Hardly.
Always someone willing to make excuses for poorly and overly complicated German engineering! The more videos like this will educate people and allow them to make more informed decisions 🤔 when it comes to automobile purchases!
I have driven cars with this engine before. Its a brilliant performer. Nice sound, very good torque, and super smooth. Unfortunately they are known for eating their own liners before 100k km. So I'd stay away from them just because of that reason....😬✌️
Performance is lackluster when you consider the Acura NSX had a naturally aspirated, regular fuel injection 3.0 liter V6 with 270hp in 1991. Oh, and that engine is *so* much simpler to work on.
WOW! 90 hp per liter for an exclusive, top-of-the-line supercar? Incredible! BTW. in 1989, Audi present the NM engine-5 cyl, L5, 2.0l 160 hp (80 hp per liter). It was an engine for regular cars like Audi 90, Audi coupe, Audi 80.
@@a200tq1 that motor is also in my 1998 Honda Accord - hardly a supercar. For the Accord this engine is detuned to 200hp, because you wouldn't be able to keep front tires on it otherwise. Honda is generally recognized as making the best ICE engines in the world.
@@5tr41ghtGuy ))) Do you really think, that regular j-series from 1998 accord is the c30 nsx engine, just detuned?))) Does it has titanium connecting rods, forged pistons, DOHC heads with vtec cams, dual-stage intake?
peak HP is not the only measurement of engine performance. Power is easy to make without emissions compliance. Power is easy to make without fuel economy. Peak power is easy to make without low-midrange torque. I love the old NSX with the C30/C32. Just no point in directly comparing these two.
That timingchain routing looks terrifying , I remember my Alfa Nord 2 liter engine with 2 double chains just hangin free and roling over ONE spanner ! When warm , 6000 rpm ALL DAY LONG , for more than 100k miles without ever been changed . FABULOUS engine that was !
Hear me out, triple square is worth the toolset purchase, a good point load on the bolt, practically unstripable. But I agree the mismatch of bolts is a head scratcher lol.
You apply different types of screws to avoid the operator using the same tool if torque should is different. If fixing is critical (vehicle will fail if fixing loose) you also use strange fixings to make sure that the correct high-capable torque wrench is used on a specific station (they keep track and record of torque). Some of those tools cost $80k. Fixings can be close to each other, but if made on different stations, it does not matter that screws are different. You will have a new tool there anyway. Great vid as always! thanks!
So basically it's yet another sign that they cared only about manufacturing, and not at all about maintenance. Surprised that they didn't just weld everything together and put a big "FU" sticker on it.
To celebrate the 300K maybe you can get some shoes to protect those toes. Wonder if they make steel toed sandals? 🤔😂 I have gotten so used to wearing steel toed shoes at the plant and maintenance shop that I am surprised to see your toes every time some thing hits the ground. Great job on the engine. It is so crazy they use that many types of fasteners. It is one way to prevent the casual DIY’er from working on the engine.
I finally understood why switching back to timing chains with VW is a bad bad thing. Heck, even Mercedes has some issues with their timing chains nowadays.
This Engine: "A fine-tuned performance powerplant that lasts 100k Miles" ... 2000 Honda Civic Engine: "A simple engine that leaks oil but lasts 500k Miles+"... Audi has not always built the worst engines in the world but i'd put them up there these days...
You clearly and concisely explain complex mechanical systems and components. I'm not a car tech and I don't (and never will) own an Audi, but I watched this anyway because I like your style.
this is what an engine looks like when a executive yells "we need to cut engineering time cost!! while increasing profit margins on repairs and maintenance by making these things ridiculous hard to work on. killin' 2 birds with 1 stone.
Thanks for showing this. I keep getting tempted to trade in my accord for an off lease a4 but videos like this remind me as to why Ive always avoided vw products. Leave it to the germans to make things over complicated. Keep the teardown vids coming! For your next teardown Id like to see the gm 3.6 v6. Alot of car guys (including the car wizard) hate that motor and tell everyone to avoid any gm product with it at all costs.
But it works...as long as you change the oil...and use the best possible oil when you do change it. These cars are not your low performance lazy V8 so beloved of Americans living in the past. Hammering hard for hours in hot ambient conditons is not a European worry.... Change the oil often.....
Just buy a camry or the new corolla. I own a 2020 corolla hatchback with the small 1.2t engine. Great car, If I had the money, I would've bought the hybrid though
Apparently German engineers are taught that needless complexity is some kind of virtue. Their recent engines use torque to yield on everything. Oil pick up and pan screws included. Crazy! I must say though, when new, they do run very well!
brands like Audi or BMW are made to be leased, not owned! They are wonderful strong cars for the first 5-7 years, then they really should be given back since the expensive repairs start coming....
@@amazoidal Even better: buy a Toyota Hybrid. Never pay for a starter or an alternator, or a serpentine belt ever again! Why? Because they don't have any of those things.
I drive my 2021 Bolt the most, but I also have a 2007 Prius, a 2008 Prius and a 2012 Prius V. The Gen 2's do have a steel belt inside the tranny (power split device) that connects the two shafts and a regular fan belt but the Gen 2 is way more dependable than the Gen 3 with it's electric water pump that blows head gaskets, the poor location of the PCV Valve that throws oil up into the intake manifold (needs catch can) and the EGR valve and cooler that clogs. I have just fixed the dying main batteries in the Gen 2 Priis. Fun.
Yea I have 2 Audis, an awm 1.8t and an awn 4.2 V8, they're both timing belt 5 valve engines the are very similar and easy to work on plus not too overly complicated lol
Dam that's crazy!! I had people telling me how the 3.2 V6 is one of Audi's most reliable engines. I typically work on my own cars and I was thinking of picking up a used 2009 Audi A5 with the 3.2 to use for commuting back and forth to work but now I'm reconsidering.
this engine is bullet proof, i have the a5 2009 it has 200miles no problem whats so ever, just take care of oil and use premium gas and you will be fine. gas wise its not the best but if you drive normal you will average around 20-23mpg. ive had for 3 years and i love it
The first production direct injection engine was actually more than sixty years ago it was the Mercedes 300 SL of 1955 a direct injected 3 litre straight six and the Mercedes W196 and 300 SLR were the first Grand Prix and sports racing direct injected cars they had a 2.5 and 3.0 litre desmodromic valve direct injected straight eights.
I had a 2009 A5 with this engine. It ran good but did leak oil from the timing chain covers on the back of the heads. I am an aircraft engineer with many years of performing maintenance on airplanes. I have worked on some difficult to access airplane components. This engine design is right up there with the worst of them. I traded the car for a 2015 BMW 640i. Not sure if I went from bad to worse yet.
I really appreciate the teardown video, as even for a seasoned mechanic like me it shows internals i've never had a chance to see before, on this engine. And now we're getting to the point: these engines in fact, aren't that bad and considering their age (early A4s and A6s with these came out about 18 years ago) they aged very well. Especially comparing to their 4-cyllinder siblings. I agree with the comment that sometimes it is unnecesarily complicated to hold one bracket or accessory with two or three different types of fasteners. But it is quite typical for German-made engines, however it is marginally worse than BMWs and somewhat worse than Mercs, in that order. Next, there's the comment that this engine was "leaking and burning the oil". I do not agree with this one, since these engines just leak the oil. The excessive oil consumption (burning) issue is almost non existent on these engines. Oil leaks are the main culprit of this powerplant. It will leak from the valve cover gaskets, evidence of which is clearly seen on the video. The oil around the spark plugs and their threads is what it is - just a leak, resealing the heads will cure that. The second major leak spots are the rear timing covers, while head covers have their molded gaskets, the rear lids just sit on a bead of sealant and it goes bad with the time. Third major leak spot is the oil filter housing and this one is virtually not possible to reseal as the plastic part gets warped with the time. So gotta just put a new one, they aren't that expensive. Last but not least, solenoid valves on the top of heads will leak some oil although this is usually a minor thing. Sometimes this can be remedied with a new seal, sometimes the whole unit needs to be replaced. Other than that, there is no other ways for this engine to lose the oil and it definitely does not have issues with badly designed piston rings like some 2.0TFSIs (and yes they DO burn the oil excessively). As for working on the rear timing components, it is quite tricky on smaller platforms but a skilled mechanic thee days will do most of the repairs without pulling the engine. And there's not too much to it - upper slide rails and tensioners is all that gets worn, other than that no reason to mess with these. Cooling system of these engines is pretty robust, sometimes it will develop minor leaks front the front cooling galley (which is made of plastic). So as you see, the engine might look complicated when tearing it down but actually when it comes to routine maintenance and occasional fixes for common issues isn't that bad to work with. It is worth to note that it is relatively free from major mechanical design issues and when you think of buying a car with one of these, just be prepared that you purchase a MAJOR OIL LEAK and unless prepared to add a bucket of oil every other day, there are cures for that.
У меня в России Ауди А 5 купэ, с коробкой ZF. Машина 2008г.в. и она по прежнему показывает заводской разгон 0-100 6,4 сек и даже лучше 6.0 сек. Но проблема в течи масла с различных мест. На 1000 км., я доливаю около 1 литра масла. При том само масло почти не капает на асфальт. Возможно оно сгорает на поверхности двигателя при скоростях за 200. Мой механик сказал, что надо по хорошему снять мотор и коробку целиком, все отмыть и заменить все прокладки и сальники.
Great video. Does anyone know how to do an LS swap on an Audi A6 3.2L? One thing you didn't point out is that the cause of that oil that leaked onto the coils+spark plug. That oil causes it to not run well when cold and misfire. To fix that leak there's a gasket visible at 7:08 that need to be replaced and another one not visible in your video that seals the metal layer exposed at 11:18. The outer gasket isn't too hard to replace but the inner one is hard. Why did they split it up into so many pieces?!?! It's GTF tech. Read about it in my Quora answers. Again this is a top-notch video to anyone with this engine who needs to do repairs on it. Upvoted.
Audi tech here, that 3.2 has actually proved to be a pretty reliable engine as far as this generation of Audis goes. Regularly see them over 200k miles. As far as timing on the rear goes yeah it’s dumb, dropping the whole lump out is just part of working on Audis, doesn’t take long really though
This is a brilliant explanation of why I prefer BMW, because those engines don't have any quirks and they're not weird or difficult to work on in any way whatsoever.
He only gets his hands on damaged engines. This engine is known to get past 1 million miles and is used for big power swaps so I don't think he will ever be able to get his hands on one unless it's in good shape but the price will be a bit high for an engine that is just going to be taken apart.
@@GF-mf7ml Good luck finding a GE that you would want to just "tear apart" for fun! You do know is still a 2JZ, right??? Solid block, built like a GTE minus a couple of minor mods that ANYONE can do!
I just sold my A4 with this same motor. Ran great at nearly 200K, but it was a ROYAL PITA to do ANYTHING on it. The newer 2.0T with just as much power and way, way simpler is definitely the way to go. I'll never get another 3.2 again. Haha.
I don't do: Audi, VW, Saab, Porche, Mini-cooper etc for this exact reason.. it IS however, interesting engineering-wise but I once worked on a early to mid 90s Jetta and to change the oil filter housing you basically had to break your arm in 3 places to reach some weird fastner and I was like ok no im good.. (mind you I was a kid and didn't have all the tools I have now) but still, scared me away for life lol
just to defend the engine a little bit.. you can ( I did ) replace the time chain tensioners with engine in... umm, its a very smooth running engine.. but ya, have to agree, it leaks oil unless you maintain all the rubber seals, and it does get carbonized fuel intake openings above the valves... so, you're right.. but man, its a really fun engine to put the gas on
But it works...as long as you change the oil...and use the best possible oil when you do change it. These cars are not your low performance lazy V8 so beloved of Americans living in the past. Hammering hard for hours in hot ambient conditons is not a European worry.... Change the oil often.....
VW/Audi products are very good if they are maintained. The problem is that they tend to "nickel and dime" you when they get to be about 10-12 years old, but it is mostly accessories that give you crap. Toyota's are better in this regard, but a base model VW/Audi product drives as well as the sportiest version of the competing Toyota/Lexus and for me this more than makes up for it. Lease a GTI and beat the hell out of it for three years and then get another one. You'll have a smile on your face every day...
@@Flies2FLL - That last sentence of yours sums up German car ownership - basically don't buy one, lease it. Which is sound advice but sure is an expensive way to run a car.
My mum's Audi was properly maintained at the dealer but still spent a lot of time there during the first 5 years. The extended warranty paid for itself many times over. Meanwhile my dad's Volvo, our two Mazdas and two Fords have been mostly trouble free.
@@Flies2FLL who wants sporty cars in a world full of wrecked streets with traffic jams. Those guys are living in a fanatsy world. It´s totally useless. If i go on a race track, then okay. An Audi TT with 3.2 VR6, maybe even with added turbo, would be a fantastic car for it. But a sporty car for everyday A to B driving is so damn useless and away from reality. And to this pain add more pain with maintenance cost due to crappy design. No thanks.
"The Designer" - Author unknown. The designer sat at his drafting board A wealth of knowledge in his head was stored Of what can be done on a radial drill Or a turret lathe or a vertical mill.
But above all things a knack he had Of driving gentle machinists mad. So he mused as he thoughtfully scratched his bean "Just how can I make this thing hard to machine?"
If I make this body perfectly straight The job had ought to come out first rate But it'd be so easy to turn and to bore That it never would make a machinist sore.
So I'll put a compound taper there And a couple of angles to make them swear And brass would serve for this little gear But its too damned easy to work, I fear.
So just to make the machinist squeal I'll make him mill it from tungsten steel And I'll put these holes that hold the cap Down underneath where they can't be tapped.
Now if they can make this it'll just be by luck Cause it can't be held by dog or by chuck And it can't be planed and it can't be ground So I feel my design is unusually sound.
And he shouted in glee, "Success at last! This goddam thing can't even be cast."
I was just talking to a mechanic when getting my car serviced and he joked that whenever an Audi, BMW or VW pulled into the lot, every mechanic would look the other way and try to act like they were busy so they wouldn't have to touch it. Now I know why lol
BMW has the timing gear at the front, at least they had on my 6 cylinder petrol and 4 cylinder diesel, but I´ve never had any issues with it anyway. I think the reason for the timing gears placement is, that this engine was made for transverse mount in a VW rather than for longitudinal mount in an Audi. Anyways Audi make a lot of great engines, especially their diesels run forever with very low fuel consumption.
I think you messed up the flow direction in cooling system. You were pointing on water pump inlet calling it outlet twice in this video. Except that, excellent video as always. BTW, that carbon build up inside the intake keeps me away from direct injection engines.
Don't forget that an extra fuel squirter at each valve in each manifold in more modern GDI engines cleans the valves/intakes... It almost makes up for having to take the inlet manifold off a 2001 Mitsubishi GDI and using 3 cans of oven cleaner to clean it out (all aluminium, not plastic) and digging the muck out of the valve area with a wooden stick....
Carbon buildup behind the valves impacts almost every direct-injection engine, irrespective of make, because of the lack of gasoline/detergent on the back side of the valves. This is not just an Audi thing.
@@s4nder86 No Scotty Kilmer was answering a question a person sent to him about installing a catch can on his Honda engine with direct injection and he said he never seen carbon build up in Honda engines
I had this engine in a 2008 a4. The dealership loved seeing this engine because it was different from all the 2.0's. That car always had the engine light on, I couldn't get it fixed. I took the car to specialty shops for carbon cleanings also. The dealer said the intake manifold like to crack a lot. I appreciated the car for I only seen 2.0's driving around but I felt like the engine was cheap. This was before I read anything on how engines work and I started to learn after this car.
Meanwhile i m doing a timing chain job in my backyard with a bunch of basic tools on my 400000 km k24 that has almost the same power as this after some mods. IT really shows how certain design philosophies and decisions can turn an engine into a headache to maintain.
@@a200tq1 k20a2 head ,a more agressive camsaft from skunk .Skunk racing intake plus sport filter and 4-2-1 exaust.Also done a reflash. It makes around 240-250.Naturally aspirated with stock internals. The mpg has gone up,but i dont think it s more than that v6.
@@a200tq1 Yes.I spent around 2000 euros(Sh parts,but in good condition).Did the work myself. A friend who works at a shop helped with the software tuning because that is a bit more complicated.
As an Audi lover l have to agree to you. Everything is over engineered over those cars, starting with electric switches thru main components, up to ridiculous, expensive, electronically controlled, two stage engine mounts!
Those small tubes that you said were for lubing the cyl. walls are actually for cooling the bottom of the pistons. You usually see this on turbo charged engines....
Really enjoy your running commentary. You enunciate very well and explain what and why. I have a hearing issue but I followed you all the way through very well, even with your speedy commentary.
*A ten millimeter gets most things removed on Lexus 04 GS300, although it's difficult to change simple things such as spark plugs if you have a stock engine bay*
Thank you all for helping me reach 300,000 subscribers!
Congrats!
Time to surprise wifey with a brand new toothbrush 🤙🏼
I WAS HERE WHEN U HAVE 10K PLUS
AND I AM STILL WAITING FOR THE TOOTHBRUSH DELIVERY XD
How about a video of an Opel C16SE engine tear down, I own it, i love it and its surprisingly easy to fix.
Please.
Thanks. Maybe an electric one
I have a theory that sometime in the annals of history a German mechanic insulted a German engineer. The engineers have not forgotten or forgiven this insult and are continuing to punish all mechanics for it.
🤣
repair to dealer haha
Ja das ist richtig,
Little did they know that they made themselves look like fools XD
hahhahahhaha good theory
For sale: Audi. Just needs a $20 knock sensor.
Elderly driven😂
30 hours of labor to get at
All parts here just needs to be put together haha
"I don't have the time... " is a classic too.
I have one for sale too. Engine light is on but i think just needs to top up air on the passenger side that's all 😉😄😄
This engine breakdown was difficult to watch. I can’t imagine owning a car with this type of engine let alone repairing one. Another throwaway luxury car.
They never go bad they last the life of the car 44000 miles
Luxury indicates "the state of great comfort and extravagant living." I wouldn't say your comfortable with the astronomical repair bills due to over engineered plastic POS
Aww, poor people
It is actually fairly reliable as long as the maintenance is done properly. I have owned an A6 with this Engine for about 11 years. Bought it with 33.000KM und sold it with 287.000KM. As long as the proper Oil type (5W40) is done in a fixed intervall of 10k KM and as long as you follow the servicing plan that you get with the car. You will never have any major issues with it. I didnt, and i know many people with the same engine. So far the only people that had issues were the ones that use VW Long Life oil (5w30). That shit destroys this engine. The Oil Type makes a big difference. And as i said, with the right Oil Type and Propery regular maintenace. This 3.2 V6 will last a lifetime
Ill never understand why audi retired the 2.2 20v turbo. Best engine they ever made even to this day.
Audi expert here, all you really have to worry about on these engines is the timing chains. It seems after 130k miles is kind of up in the air how long the guides will last before breaking and causing it to jump. To fix it the transmission has to come out which is labor intensive. Otherwise the engine is solid. I’ve seen them upwards of 300k still ticking with 1 timing service. The high pressure pump likes to fail occasionally as well, but otherwise good engine
😭 good engine until the labor adds up...
ex BMW chief mechanic at my local official BMW service, and i can relate to this, everything is so complicated, with really no reason to be.
Don't think the Chinese would bother reverse engineering here.
LOL!!!
What a coincidence, doesn't look like Audi did any actual engineering here either.
BMWs are similar and guess what Toyota new supra engine is based on?
They'll just throw a reverse engineered 4g63 at it and call it a day. lolol
Why reverse engineer? They have their agents and spies already in the r&d departments. And what they don't get this way they get it from hacking the corporation networks. Or simply buy the whole company like here in Germany. Due to political fails and industrial decline the chinese can buy german companies /technology dirtcheap.
Here you can see the effects of amphetamine use during WWII on Germany's engineers even to this day.
LOL 😂
I’m screaming😂😂😂
This is up there for the best comments I’ve ever laid eyes on
Yeah you'd have to be on some serious chemical drugs to design this monstrosity.
bmw did not do this, i was like wtf is this when he said timing chain in the back
ridiculously complicated, the timing chain complex is insane!, thanks for the video!
Ford Cologne V6 SOHC had the timing chains in the rear. Went on almost every Ranger and Explorer from 97-11. Also a train wreck. Also German made.
I wonder what proportion of Audis have one or more malfunctioning mechanical assemblies after three years, let alone all the potential electronic faults.
Thats why earlier V6 3.0 was much better engine
When car designers die and go to hell they have to fix this shit.
As a very very green mechanic, watching these teardowns, and listening to your uninterrupted flow of words explaining everything down to the oil channels inspires me!
I had many roommates during my college years, and they had many different vehicles. Some were tremendously reliable, some had a few problems, and then there was Richard's Audi. It was never completely fixed in all the time I knew him. His endless intractable and expensive problems with that car put me off Audi for the rest of my life. I've encouraged my own children to steer clear of the brand too. This is despite the fact that some of the more recent models are real lookers!
@TheDowner why you madd bro? 😄😄😄
It's called opinions and everyone's got em. Send Biden back his stim fool
@@OG_DSM 😐😐😐🤨🤨🤨😮😮😮😁😁😁😄😄😄😄😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣☠☠☠☠☠☠
VAG are Money Pits
Endless Problems
I feel the same way, after owning a VW Golf after 2 long and expensive years. I just made a blanket personal rule to steer clear of all German iron and stick with Japanese products...it is very nice to maintain a car that does NOT seem like it was designed by your worst enemy
It's just one bad design. They also have legendary engines like the I5 petrol, 2.5 I5 TDI, 1.9 TDI, 1.8 TSI. Also the newer belt driven TSI engines are quite okay, or the 2.0 CR TDI. It's just a stupid idea to exclude a brand because of one badly designed engine or car.
The engineers who design such engines should be made to work on them while they're in the car at least 10 times. 😒
I know...it's just a simple naturally aspirated V6
One thing's for sure...if they're Audi engineers they probably didn't buy or own one.
th-cam.com/video/sKjVQbYcTiY/w-d-xo.html
Further signs of going to a more "throw away" philosophy of design.
These engines look like they're specifically designed to NOT be overhauled and just written off instead.
It's a 3.2, the other engines aren't like this
This mans videos should be in every engine class in schools and colleges.
I wish 😅
Wives and brothers everywhere will be naked with rotting teeth
They are in mine
That would be too educational, the students would learn everything in a few months the school would not make money
The students would get smart quicker and get into a different trade program.
"Good time to get those 10mm sockets that fell into the V here" - always some great one-liners buried in there.
Yeah this engine was alot of fun
"Trackpants are very good because they absorb fluids very well."
😆
"Electrical connecter removal tool" :-))))
@@uhtred7860 Saves the harness!!!! hahaha!
@@uhtred7860 wire cutters are a precision instrument 😂
The cost of spares would make a re-build of this engine completely uneconomical. I'll never own an Audi again.
Your honesty is appreciated
@TheDowner I've just overhauled an Audi engine. New pistons, bearings, followers, tensioners, waterpump clutch etc etc. If it wasn't for a German aftermarket parts supplier it would not have been even close to economical. Original parts are ridiculously priced, and several parts are not available from Audi anymore. I shudder to think what it would cost to overhaul a V8 Audi engine. It has something like 4 timing chains and 6 tensioners...all brittle plastic with a 150 000km life. Never Audi.
@@rogeronslow1498 cars for suckers
@TheDowner cars for suckers
@TheDowner Well I've owned several different makes and re-built a few of them and this is my opinion based upon experience
Congrats on the 300k!!
So good to see you here! How’s the UK ?
I did not expect to find you here lol
@Cringe Department your comment win's the internet
@Cringe Department he's waiting for some radioactive engine
I like your electrical connector removal tool. You know...so you don't damage the harness.
Love it!!!!
Smart commentator and very funny too
Top comment
Their engines are like an ultra complicated Mousetrap game where the whole thing breaks down from the slightest thing. Recommend you wearing protective footwear. This is from someone who spent 2 weeks in hospital from a crushed big toe after a heavy object fell onto my foot. Had to have pins inserted and because it was an open fracture I could have lost the injured toe because of the infection. It was a very very painful injury.
Had a torque converter fall from 4 ft and hit my finger then landed an inch from my toes.. have worn steel toe boots since then
chocolate engines
Always wear gloves, good protection shoes, protection glasses (mostly if there is lots of sand coming down on your face or while working with an air gun. Also don't forget about the mask while working with brakes, suspension to avoid getting asbestos and other garbage into your lungs
People think I’m a pain in the ass and call me Mr. safety. Some things I didn’t have to learn the hard way because I’m just so damn careful. I’m glad they saved your toe that sounds awful😬 When you lose a big toe and you’ll never be the same. Equivalent to losing a thumb.
@@sweetdrahthaar7951 good for you, at least you ain't inhaling any dust or shit, it's hard to get out of your nose
How many chains does it take to time a V6 engine?
Audi engineers: more, more, *more!*
That’s why Toyota is number one seller , the new vw Engines sales down in the gutter
Good one
Just did a Suzuki xl7 v6 and same shit 4 chain and 4 tensioner need to remove the intake to remove the valve cover to remove the intake you need to remove the front part of the intake and remove the back part but to access the lower bolt you need to remove the trottle body but to remove the trottle body you need to remove both fuel rail a fucking mess
The only good thing is the timing component ate on the front of the engine lol
Like my buddy's 1.8T A4... Timing belt or timing chain? Audi says: WHY NOT BOTH?
@@legros731 Pretty sure the Suzuki XL7 used a GM High Tech V6 in the later years since they were based on the Traverse.
I do own an Audi but the one I have is the polar opposite of the one from your video in terms of its complexity. It is an Audi 80 B3 with a 1.8 L 8 valve SOHC engine with Mono-Motronic (single fuel injector), it's great and extremely reliable.
That's the last video I did on the 2.0 non turbo. Too simple, you can't believe VW designed that!
That whas my first audi .
Very slow car but the best audi ever made
In the 70s and 80s, VW/Audi were noted for German engineering. I had a number of cars and loved them back in the day. For the last 15 years, I have stuck with Toyota/Lexus because I by older cars and keep them running myself...which has lead me to be one of your subscribers for a while now. I don't know why they have drifted into the Rube Goldberg designs lately. Great video as always. We appreciate your ability to simply show such detailed breakdowns with great explanations and visuals without being boring. Keep them coming, please.
This guy knows what he is talking about….and is honest about things. Very good!!
@TheDowner again.. Had no idea engines laugh. My ignition timing is watching you bro. So is my muffler.
@TheDowner No. I was wondering what your point was.. Oh wait.. That your engine laughs... At everyone. 😂😂😂 bro.. You are a funny TROLL.
@TheDowner yeah this youtuber just takes bolts off. sees chains and gets scared.
@@OG_DSM you're legit fangirling over saab didnt they use subaru boxer engines. also have never heard of a fast or reliable saab LOL. youre just mad audi makes a car with over 200 hp
@@zM0NsT3Rz You should do some research before coming on here tryna talk on SAAB. The only model that used a boxer engine was the 9-2X. 😄😄😄
What can I expect when you only know 1 car with rings on it.
And the SAAB does have a V6 Twin scroll 6 speed AWD model.
Research before speaking 😂😂😴😴😴
Big ups on hitting 300k subscribers. Audi engineering is an auto-mechanic's nightmare and a pain in the nut of car owners.
A good piece of advice a wise man once told me, if possible compare the cars that the engineers are driving vs the managers/executives and see who really has faith in their product.
Engineers all drive Corollas haha
I mean, if you have deep pockets then you can just pay to have someone else deal with the problems. So maybe don’t take a clue from people who don’t ever have to do the dirty expensive work.
My engineer friend has an Avensis combi 😀@@speedkar99
The triple reduction adapter on a swivel is like, my signature move
Yeah I need an 3/8" impact. 1/2 is too heavy for engine teardowns
Level up! You've unlocked 3/8 to 1/4 adapter!
You should get a Colgate sponsorship.
Why? He is using oral b
@@Sadik15B competition
😂😂😂😇
The design is what you get when you only add components without thinking about the layout. It looks like something homemade, where the person had no plans and made everything up as he built it.
The sad part is that is the complete opposite of what happened. They had all the time, money, and help that a homemade engine would not have, but because they are a luxury brand they can get away with it.
It's called German engineering
Nah, this is how you get a compact V6 with decent power & efficiency. Unfortunately it comes at a cost. I believe the different fasteners are for ease during the build where they know all the same type are torqued to "X" etc.
@@yammy1000 And the result is a disposable, expensive engine.
This is only really for the 3.2, their engines are used by alot of other manufacturers.
"track pants are pretty good because they absorb fluids really well" so much good advice, & the best videos ever!! Keep up the good work :)
Bro, these engine tear downs never get old! Thank you!
Dude I have to say you explain so much better than any other mechanic. I've learned so much from you. Thank you🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Electrical Connector Removal Tool, to prevent damage to the harness😂 Am i the only one to catch the humor??!
Yes
I guess Audi didn't actually plan to build that timing on the engine, it grew that way.
It's proof of evolution like the vestigial tail on the human spinal column.
honestly i think with proper driving and maintanance the timing on this engine would last a car's lifetime.
just too many of these cars get in the wrong hands as they get older
@@DutchDukeMan I was talking about normal driving and almost no maintenance, like any other car in US.
So many things to go wrong in this engine. Congratulations for 300,000 subscribers! You really deserve this, your videos are funny and informative.
Little known fact: Audi’s lead engineer is a man named Rube Goldberg.
Where does he live??
SHIFTY just google Rube Goldberg and you will see.
I own a 2007 Audi A4 3.2L V6 FSI S-Line 6sp. manual with 217k miles on it. It is insanely clean and reliable. If you known how to properly maintain an Audi (which the majority of you don't) they are incredible cars to drive and own. This comment sections disgusts me.
I agree that can be said for alot of engines. However if the maintenance isn't user friendly or costs more than a typical car it's less likely to be looked after right and that's how we end up with these 🫤
Here's the deal about VW/Audi products: This company has what I euphemistically call "The Airbus Attitude".
Airbus is a European [cough cough French cough cough....] aircraft manufacturer that produces very good products. Their designs are almost always better than the competing Boeing product and they use none other than Porsche to design their cockpits, but mechanics tell me that they do not hold up as well as Boeing airplanes. And the company, EADS, is unapologetic about it. In FACT, they are on record as saying that their airplanes, irregardless of hours/cycles, should be removed from service and recycled at the 25 year point. Why? Because improvements in efficiency and safety occur over time and they think that is is a valid reason to park one of their products and buy a new one.
[There are plenty of 40 year old Boeing's flying every day....]
VW/Audi have this same attitude. Few people work on their own car anymore [I do...] and since they believe that torque rules, they try to stuff the biggest engine they can into the least space. In this video we see the timing chain at the output/aft end of the engine; This actually makes the engine shorter, since the variable valve timing gear is now in a space next to the firewall that is normally not used. You can see this all over the place on this engine, how they have crammed things together to make the package physically smaller in order to fit it in a small engine bay. Again, they know that owners won't be the ones swearing and throwing wrenches across the shop, but those owners like their torque, and THEY are the ones putting money into company coffers.
AND, they figure that when things like timing chains need to be changed, that the car will be an "Airbus" and as such will be too old to justify the expense of hiring a mechanic to do it and the owner will just junk it and buy another one. Also, in Europe, cars are intensively inspected every year, and cars old enough to need extensive work are probably not going to pass inspection anyway.
Thus, the design you see in this video. These cars are an absolute BLAST to drive, but don't own one when it gets more than about 10 years old.
PS: All this is coming to you from a "certified" VW/Audi and Porsche fan boy...
I'll never forgive Airbus for pulling the plug on Concorde the way they did.
But yeah, that attitude is really common with a lot of cars. German ones especially. I hate working on them.
Apple is the same in the computing world. Most of their stuff is an absolute bastard to repair because all the components are soldered in. It's less reliable doing it that way too. Socketed components have less heat going into the solder joints. Not helping is Apple's traditionally inadequate cooling. Most of their stuff runs at or near the thermal limit.
There is some truth in what you are saying. However I believe engines are getting complicated and complex "mostly" because of emissions regulations and competition. People used to complain about the belt driven 2.4 L and 2.8 L engines Audi used to make pre-2000's. With this chain driven Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 3.2 FSI engine, these old engines seem suddenly much less complicated. And this 3.2 FSI is way less complex than the 3.0 TFSI "supercharged" which followed which would be itself less complicated than the 3.0 TFSI "turbocharged" of today. They want to offer the thrill and the power to their customers but have to make the cars compliant with emissions regulations which make them too complex. This is not just an Audi problem. Every GDI engine compliant with emissions regulations that offers a lot of power has to be complex. Bring a similar Mercedes or BMW engine and they are likely to be even more complicated than this. Most other manufacturers aren't just at this level and are always playing catchup.
@@thegearknob7161 There is DEFINITELY something to what you are saying. I'm on a Macbook Pro 13 inch and if I put it in standby and go out of WIFI coverage, it will get real hot~! Thanx.
@@KeliK1 Absolutely! I couldn't have said it better, I am glad you brought that up!
That doesn't explain why my mum's Audi (driven like a grandma) needed engine out repairs under warranty and several other expensive (multi thousand dollar) repairs in the first 5 years. I think it's just garbage engineering. Performance at all expenses including reliability and maintainability. BMW is much the same. And yes emissions/fuel economy regulations clearly have a lot to do with it but that isn't the whole story.
I recently overhauled my GM 3.1L OHV engine with 250k miles. It was made about same time as this Audi. I am not a mechanic and it was my first time. All I need is a hoist and some basic tools. I am appalled by complexity of this Audi. It must be purposefully designed to benefit VW's business, not consumers.
Well, the GM 3.1 had its root in the 80s and made what, 160hp? The AUDI engine was rated at about 250 hp, had to meet stringent environmental standards and fit in an A4. Could it have been designed for simpler servicing? Sure. Is it fair comparing it to an 80s GM engine in this regard? Hardly.
Always someone willing to make excuses for poorly and overly complicated German engineering! The more videos like this will educate people and allow them to make more informed decisions 🤔 when it comes to automobile purchases!
That GM engine is basically from the stone ages with horsepower a little Toyota engine could make.
What a great video about a very complicated engine.
I think the Audi engineers should book a visit to Toyota to learn a few things.
Good idea 😇
I have driven cars with this engine before. Its a brilliant performer. Nice sound, very good torque, and super smooth. Unfortunately they are known for eating their own liners before 100k km. So I'd stay away from them just because of that reason....😬✌️
I had a car with this engine. It nearly killed me when it jumped time. Beautiful car but was a great day when it was finally towed away
Oh my. Did it just stop?
Earlier model V6 3.0 is much much better engine and reliable
Performance is lackluster when you consider the Acura NSX had a naturally aspirated, regular fuel injection 3.0 liter V6 with 270hp in 1991. Oh, and that engine is *so* much simpler to work on.
WOW! 90 hp per liter for an exclusive, top-of-the-line supercar? Incredible! BTW. in 1989, Audi present the NM engine-5 cyl, L5, 2.0l 160 hp (80 hp per liter). It was an engine for regular cars like Audi 90, Audi coupe, Audi 80.
@@a200tq1 that motor is also in my 1998 Honda Accord - hardly a supercar. For the Accord this engine is detuned to 200hp, because you wouldn't be able to keep front tires on it otherwise. Honda is generally recognized as making the best ICE engines in the world.
@@5tr41ghtGuy ))) Do you really think, that regular j-series from 1998 accord is the c30 nsx engine, just detuned?))) Does it has titanium connecting rods, forged pistons, DOHC heads with vtec cams, dual-stage intake?
peak HP is not the only measurement of engine performance. Power is easy to make without emissions compliance. Power is easy to make without fuel economy. Peak power is easy to make without low-midrange torque. I love the old NSX with the C30/C32. Just no point in directly comparing these two.
@Cambron Gabaree This brand can not even create a v8 engine))) Audi creates v8, v10, w8, w12, vr5, vr6 engines. Honda is an absolutely retarded brand.
Wow! I can take more than half my car apart with nothing more than a 10mm socket. Only problem is in ever socket set the 10mm is always missing.
Same here (Toyota)
This thing needs two or three sockets to remove one thing
Thank you for the tear down with detail. Most mechanics wont even work on these motors.
Thanks. I didn't find any other teardown videos out there
That timingchain routing looks terrifying ,
I remember my Alfa Nord 2 liter engine
with 2 double chains just hangin free and
roling over ONE spanner !
When warm , 6000 rpm ALL DAY LONG , for more than 100k miles without ever been changed .
FABULOUS engine that was !
Hear me out, triple square is worth the toolset purchase, a good point load on the bolt, practically unstripable. But I agree the mismatch of bolts is a head scratcher lol.
Seems your brother walks naked in the house 😂
Where my shirt?
You:You will find it under the engine.
Appreciate you my brother
When the engineer hates the mechanic! Nice vid! Thanks.
Motto of German engineering: "I do it because i can."
Yes, they sometimes overcomplicate things just because they can, and make them hard to repair because they are badly designed with no repairs in mind.
Interesting to see how complex these engines are.
You apply different types of screws to avoid the operator using the same tool if torque should is different. If fixing is critical (vehicle will fail if fixing loose) you also use strange fixings to make sure that the correct high-capable torque wrench is used on a specific station (they keep track and record of torque). Some of those tools cost $80k. Fixings can be close to each other, but if made on different stations, it does not matter that screws are different. You will have a new tool there anyway. Great vid as always! thanks!
So basically it's yet another sign that they cared only about manufacturing, and not at all about maintenance. Surprised that they didn't just weld everything together and put a big "FU" sticker on it.
@@dirkmohrmann8960You don't know much about manufacturing.
To celebrate the 300K maybe you can get some shoes to protect those toes. Wonder if they make steel toed sandals? 🤔😂
I have gotten so used to wearing steel toed shoes at the plant and maintenance shop that I am surprised to see your toes every time some thing hits the ground. Great job on the engine. It is so crazy they use that many types of fasteners. It is one way to prevent the casual DIY’er from working on the engine.
I finally understood why switching back to timing chains with VW is a bad bad thing. Heck, even Mercedes has some issues with their timing chains nowadays.
That's because the Germans can't figure it out, Toyota gets hundreds of thousands of miles out of their timing chains.
The MB 3.8 V8 from the early 80’s had timing chain issues. Everything old is new again.
@@BillLaBrie Single row timing chains... At least they were easier to replace.
it's mostly plastic (why?) chain guides, they disintegrate quicker
Even British 1960's cars had engines with double row chains that lasted.....
but the gear drive is the way to go...
This Engine: "A fine-tuned performance powerplant that lasts 100k Miles" ... 2000 Honda Civic Engine: "A simple engine that leaks oil but lasts 500k Miles+"... Audi has not always built the worst engines in the world but i'd put them up there these days...
You clearly and concisely explain complex mechanical systems and components. I'm not a car tech and I don't (and never will) own an Audi, but I watched this anyway because I like your style.
this is what an engine looks like when a executive yells "we need to cut engineering time cost!!
while increasing profit margins on repairs and maintenance by making these things ridiculous hard to work on.
killin' 2 birds with 1 stone.
Thanks for showing this. I keep getting tempted to trade in my accord for an off lease a4 but videos like this remind me as to why Ive always avoided vw products. Leave it to the germans to make things over complicated. Keep the teardown vids coming!
For your next teardown Id like to see the gm 3.6 v6. Alot of car guys (including the car wizard) hate that motor and tell everyone to avoid any gm product with it at all costs.
But it works...as long as you change the oil...and use the best possible oil when you do change it.
These cars are not your low performance lazy V8 so beloved of Americans living in the past.
Hammering hard for hours in hot ambient conditons is not a European worry....
Change the oil often.....
Just buy a camry or the new corolla. I own a 2020 corolla hatchback with the small 1.2t engine. Great car, If I had the money, I would've bought the hybrid though
@@JohnSmith-yv6eq that’s been the case for mine. 12 years in a Pontiac and still running fine.
keep the accord bro
Apparently German engineers are taught that needless complexity is some kind of virtue. Their recent engines use torque to yield on everything. Oil pick up and pan screws included. Crazy! I must say though, when new, they do run very well!
brands like Audi or BMW are made to be leased, not owned! They are wonderful strong cars for the first 5-7 years, then they really should be given back since the expensive repairs start coming....
@@rankinewasyn5369 True. That is why this retired Honda technician owns Toyota Hybrid!
Always lease German cars. Buy Japanese.
@@amazoidal Even better: buy a Toyota Hybrid. Never pay for a starter or an alternator, or a serpentine belt ever again! Why? Because they don't have any of those things.
I drive my 2021 Bolt the most, but I also have a 2007 Prius, a 2008 Prius and a 2012 Prius V. The Gen 2's do have a steel belt inside the tranny (power split device) that connects the two shafts and a regular fan belt but the Gen 2 is way more dependable than the Gen 3 with it's electric water pump that blows head gaskets, the poor location of the PCV Valve that throws oil up into the intake manifold (needs catch can) and the EGR valve and cooler that clogs. I have just fixed the dying main batteries in the Gen 2 Priis. Fun.
175k miles on mine. No problems, runs great!
I got 3 Audi A4 nd 2 A6. A4 170k miles a6 150 miles other a6 275k miles runs like a champ
This is actually one of Audis most reliable and least complex engines mines going strong at 170k miles
Least complex???
I have an A5 with this engine. It’s at 230k and the biggest issue I’ve had is a fuel injector. They are bulletproof.
Yea I have 2 Audis, an awm 1.8t and an awn 4.2 V8, they're both timing belt 5 valve engines the are very similar and easy to work on plus not too overly complicated lol
Wow what a mess seeing something like that makes you realize just how underrated the 2 GR V6 is
Toyota?
Dam that's crazy!! I had people telling me how the 3.2 V6 is one of Audi's most reliable engines. I typically work on my own cars and I was thinking of picking up a used 2009 Audi A5 with the 3.2 to use for commuting back and forth to work but now I'm reconsidering.
No don't do it.
It's probably the more reliable of VW engines but it's just the best of a bad lot
The best Audi or Volkswagen is one that is still under warranty. Same goes for BMW and Mercedes.
this engine is bullet proof, i have the a5 2009 it has 200miles no problem whats so ever, just take care of oil and use premium gas and you will be fine. gas wise its not the best but if you drive normal you will average around 20-23mpg. ive had for 3 years and i love it
@@waleedaeshaea9323 Shut up.
Just buy a V6 3.0 B6. Much better engine, and only has 30HP less.
The first production direct injection engine was actually more than sixty years ago it was the Mercedes 300 SL of 1955 a direct injected 3 litre straight six and the Mercedes W196 and 300 SLR were the first Grand Prix and sports racing direct injected cars they had a 2.5 and 3.0 litre desmodromic valve direct injected straight eights.
By far the best engine channel: compact, perfect explanation, some dry humor. Subscribed!
I had a 2009 A5 with this engine. It ran good but did leak oil from the timing chain covers on the back of the heads. I am an aircraft engineer with many years of performing maintenance on airplanes. I have worked on some difficult to access airplane components. This engine design is right up there with the worst of them. I traded the car for a 2015 BMW 640i. Not sure if I went from bad to worse yet.
Definitely worse and a down grade
The title: why you should own a miata WOULD BE SO NICE TO SEE :-)
Send me one to review
@@speedkar99 yea u right, but maybe the engine itself would do it too? Just pointing out ;-)
I really appreciate the teardown video, as even for a seasoned mechanic like me it shows internals i've never had a chance to see before, on this engine. And now we're getting to the point: these engines in fact, aren't that bad and considering their age (early A4s and A6s with these came out about 18 years ago) they aged very well. Especially comparing to their 4-cyllinder siblings. I agree with the comment that sometimes it is unnecesarily complicated to hold one bracket or accessory with two or three different types of fasteners. But it is quite typical for German-made engines, however it is marginally worse than BMWs and somewhat worse than Mercs, in that order. Next, there's the comment that this engine was "leaking and burning the oil". I do not agree with this one, since these engines just leak the oil. The excessive oil consumption (burning) issue is almost non existent on these engines. Oil leaks are the main culprit of this powerplant. It will leak from the valve cover gaskets, evidence of which is clearly seen on the video. The oil around the spark plugs and their threads is what it is - just a leak, resealing the heads will cure that. The second major leak spots are the rear timing covers, while head covers have their molded gaskets, the rear lids just sit on a bead of sealant and it goes bad with the time. Third major leak spot is the oil filter housing and this one is virtually not possible to reseal as the plastic part gets warped with the time. So gotta just put a new one, they aren't that expensive. Last but not least, solenoid valves on the top of heads will leak some oil although this is usually a minor thing. Sometimes this can be remedied with a new seal, sometimes the whole unit needs to be replaced. Other than that, there is no other ways for this engine to lose the oil and it definitely does not have issues with badly designed piston rings like some 2.0TFSIs (and yes they DO burn the oil excessively). As for working on the rear timing components, it is quite tricky on smaller platforms but a skilled mechanic thee days will do most of the repairs without pulling the engine. And there's not too much to it - upper slide rails and tensioners is all that gets worn, other than that no reason to mess with these. Cooling system of these engines is pretty robust, sometimes it will develop minor leaks front the front cooling galley (which is made of plastic).
So as you see, the engine might look complicated when tearing it down but actually when it comes to routine maintenance and occasional fixes for common issues isn't that bad to work with. It is worth to note that it is relatively free from major mechanical design issues and when you think of buying a car with one of these, just be prepared that you purchase a MAJOR OIL LEAK and unless prepared to add a bucket of oil every other day, there are cures for that.
Thanks for your story
У меня в России Ауди А 5 купэ, с коробкой ZF. Машина 2008г.в. и она по прежнему показывает заводской разгон 0-100 6,4 сек и даже лучше 6.0 сек. Но проблема в течи масла с различных мест. На 1000 км., я доливаю около 1 литра масла. При том само масло почти не капает на асфальт. Возможно оно сгорает на поверхности двигателя при скоростях за 200. Мой механик сказал, что надо по хорошему снять мотор и коробку целиком, все отмыть и заменить все прокладки и сальники.
Great video. Does anyone know how to do an LS swap on an Audi A6 3.2L?
One thing you didn't point out is that the cause of that oil that leaked onto the coils+spark plug. That oil causes it to not run well when cold and misfire. To fix that leak there's a gasket visible at 7:08 that need to be replaced and another one not visible in your video that seals the metal layer exposed at 11:18. The outer gasket isn't too hard to replace but the inner one is hard. Why did they split it up into so many pieces?!?! It's GTF tech. Read about it in my Quora answers.
Again this is a top-notch video to anyone with this engine who needs to do repairs on it. Upvoted.
Audi tech here, that 3.2 has actually proved to be a pretty reliable engine as far as this generation of Audis goes. Regularly see them over 200k miles.
As far as timing on the rear goes yeah it’s dumb, dropping the whole lump out is just part of working on Audis, doesn’t take long really though
To be honest, once the upper tensioners get changed and oil changes are done religiously, it’s a bulletproof engine.
I just bought a 2011 Audi A5 with 170,000km… with a replacement engine with 90,000km… Every car mechanic channel is telling me I’m screwed lol
Sounds like you'll be fine...for another 10k. 😂
Sleedkar99: "first engines to have direct injection"
Diesel engines and mitsubishi 1.8gdi: "are we a joke to you?"
One of the first ... Especially for VAG
@@speedkar99 all of my VAGs are direct injected... Dirty joke somewhere in there.
@@GodFootDaddyG yeah and they were all probably made after that engine was produced
Loved my A6 with this engine. Took a lot of love to keep it running, though.
You mean money?
@@NamNguyen-ij1esnot if you are mechanically inclined.
I’ve been daily driving an A5 with this engine for nearly a decade. It’s currently at 230k. With proper maintenance these engines are bulletproof.
This is a brilliant explanation of why I prefer BMW, because those engines don't have any quirks and they're not weird or difficult to work on in any way whatsoever.
You should review the 1UZ-FE that powered the Lexus LS400
He only gets his hands on damaged engines. This engine is known to get past 1 million miles and is used for big power swaps so I don't think he will ever be able to get his hands on one unless it's in good shape but the price will be a bit high for an engine that is just going to be taken apart.
Just like 2JZgte, the only possible is GE.
@@GF-mf7ml Good luck finding a GE that you would want to just "tear apart" for fun! You do know is still a 2JZ, right??? Solid block, built like a GTE minus a couple of minor mods that ANYONE can do!
@@MRMAN-wb1tv yeah, this why this jz garbage cost a lot of money, because nobody needs it)))
@@a200tq1 What??? 😕 That doesn't even make sense. Lol
I just sold my A4 with this same motor. Ran great at nearly 200K, but it was a ROYAL PITA to do ANYTHING on it. The newer 2.0T with just as much power and way, way simpler is definitely the way to go. I'll never get another 3.2 again. Haha.
I don't do: Audi, VW, Saab, Porche, Mini-cooper etc for this exact reason.. it IS however, interesting engineering-wise but I once worked on a early to mid 90s Jetta and to change the oil filter housing you basically had to break your arm in 3 places to reach some weird fastner and I was like ok no im good.. (mind you I was a kid and didn't have all the tools I have now) but still, scared me away for life lol
If you cant work on a Saab you really cant call yourself a tech. They arent hard to work on
a saab? Saabs are easy, reliable and definetly not german.
What’s wrong with Saab? My 2.8 V6 works beautifully. Not a lot of space in engine bay but doable. An absolute rocket.
just to defend the engine a little bit.. you can ( I did ) replace the time chain tensioners with engine in... umm, its a very smooth running engine.. but ya, have to agree, it leaks oil unless you maintain all the rubber seals, and it does get carbonized fuel intake openings above the valves... so, you're right.. but man, its a really fun engine to put the gas on
But it works...as long as you change the oil...and use the best possible oil when you do change it.
These cars are not your low performance lazy V8 so beloved of Americans living in the past.
Hammering hard for hours in hot ambient conditons is not a European worry....
Change the oil often.....
You would make an awesome instructor. Your enunciation is second to none and you definitely know your subject.
Wait for the fanbois to chip in with "they are good, just never maintained sufficiently". LOL.
VW/Audi products are very good if they are maintained. The problem is that they tend to "nickel and dime" you when they get to be about 10-12 years old, but it is mostly accessories that give you crap. Toyota's are better in this regard, but a base model VW/Audi product drives as well as the sportiest version of the competing Toyota/Lexus and for me this more than makes up for it.
Lease a GTI and beat the hell out of it for three years and then get another one. You'll have a smile on your face every day...
@@Flies2FLLCase in point.
@@Flies2FLL - That last sentence of yours sums up German car ownership - basically don't buy one, lease it. Which is sound advice but sure is an expensive way to run a car.
My mum's Audi was properly maintained at the dealer but still spent a lot of time there during the first 5 years. The extended warranty paid for itself many times over. Meanwhile my dad's Volvo, our two Mazdas and two Fords have been mostly trouble free.
@@Flies2FLL who wants sporty cars in a world full of wrecked streets with traffic jams. Those guys are living in a fanatsy world. It´s totally useless.
If i go on a race track, then okay. An Audi TT with 3.2 VR6, maybe even with added turbo, would be a fantastic car for it.
But a sporty car for everyday A to B driving is so damn useless and away from reality. And to this pain add more pain with maintenance cost due to crappy design. No thanks.
"The Designer" - Author unknown.
The designer sat at his drafting board
A wealth of knowledge in his head was stored
Of what can be done on a radial drill
Or a turret lathe or a vertical mill.
But above all things a knack he had
Of driving gentle machinists mad.
So he mused as he thoughtfully scratched his bean
"Just how can I make this thing hard to machine?"
If I make this body perfectly straight
The job had ought to come out first rate
But it'd be so easy to turn and to bore
That it never would make a machinist sore.
So I'll put a compound taper there
And a couple of angles to make them swear
And brass would serve for this little gear
But its too damned easy to work, I fear.
So just to make the machinist squeal
I'll make him mill it from tungsten steel
And I'll put these holes that hold the cap
Down underneath where they can't be tapped.
Now if they can make this it'll just be by luck
Cause it can't be held by dog or by chuck
And it can't be planed and it can't be ground
So I feel my design is unusually sound.
And he shouted in glee, "Success at last!
This goddam thing can't even be cast."
Nice peom
@nasedo3129 cool story bro.
I was able to replace the upper timing tensioners without dropping off the engine, wasn't easy, but it's possible.
I was just talking to a mechanic when getting my car serviced and he joked that whenever an Audi, BMW or VW pulled into the lot, every mechanic would look the other way and try to act like they were busy so they wouldn't have to touch it. Now I know why lol
I always wondered where 10mm sockets go when you lose them. Never would have guessed they collect in the middle of Audi engines.
BMW have the timing gear up against the firewall as well, not sure if Mercedes do this, pain in the ass designed 🙉
My old c200 w204 had the chain on the front side away from the firewall
Mercedes has the chains on the firewall only on certain engines, like the OM 651 diesel. The typical gas engines have the chain at the front.
BMW has the timing gear at the front, at least they had on my 6 cylinder petrol and 4 cylinder diesel, but I´ve never had any issues with it anyway.
I think the reason for the timing gears placement is, that this engine was made for transverse mount in a VW rather than for longitudinal mount in an Audi.
Anyways Audi make a lot of great engines, especially their diesels run forever with very low fuel consumption.
I think you messed up the flow direction in cooling system.
You were pointing on water pump inlet calling it outlet twice in this video. Except that, excellent video as always.
BTW, that carbon build up inside the intake keeps me away from direct injection engines.
Don't forget that an extra fuel squirter at each valve in each manifold in more modern GDI engines cleans the valves/intakes...
It almost makes up for having to take the inlet manifold off a 2001 Mitsubishi GDI and using 3 cans of oven cleaner to clean it out (all aluminium, not plastic) and digging the muck out of the valve area with a wooden stick....
Carbon buildup behind the valves impacts almost every direct-injection engine, irrespective of make, because of the lack of gasoline/detergent on the back side of the valves. This is not just an Audi thing.
Honda engines don't have carbon build up Scotty kilmer talk about it
@@clb_52 Do you have a link to that? I didn't find anything.
@@s4nder86 No Scotty Kilmer was answering a question a person sent to him about installing a catch can on his Honda engine with direct injection and he said he never seen carbon build up in Honda engines
Gt86 had it nicely solved with both direct and indirect injection
the toothbrush ....my fav color too....knew a USAF tech school instructor who used a toothbrush pointer....it's a PRO move, thanks.
Haha
I had this engine in a 2008 a4. The dealership loved seeing this engine because it was different from all the 2.0's. That car always had the engine light on, I couldn't get it fixed. I took the car to specialty shops for carbon cleanings also. The dealer said the intake manifold like to crack a lot. I appreciated the car for I only seen 2.0's driving around but I felt like the engine was cheap. This was before I read anything on how engines work and I started to learn after this car.
Bad idea. It probably cost you so much to keep up
@@speedkar99I don't miss it, was the only car I was happy to get rid of so far.
Meanwhile i m doing a timing chain job in my backyard with a bunch of basic tools on my 400000 km k24 that has almost the same power as this after some mods. IT really shows how certain design philosophies and decisions can turn an engine into a headache to maintain.
what kind of mods for 255 hp?
@@a200tq1 k20a2 head ,a more agressive camsaft from skunk .Skunk racing intake plus sport filter and 4-2-1 exaust.Also done a reflash. It makes around 240-250.Naturally aspirated with stock internals. The mpg has gone up,but i dont think it s more than that v6.
dude when will you honda nerd realize that there isn't a replacement for displacement. the audi 3.2 fsi can make over 300hp with stock bottom end.
@@MsHaiducu did you do that? or just read about it on the internet?
@@a200tq1 Yes.I spent around 2000 euros(Sh parts,but in good condition).Did the work myself. A friend who works at a shop helped with the software tuning because that is a bit more complicated.
17:42 The nozzles are for cooling the bottom of the piston , not for oiling the cyliner walls
It's too complicated for understanding))) 30 years old 100 hp toyota engine is the god))
@@a200tq1 Whats complicated about that ? its farely easy to understand
@@liamhoanzl2920 Not for 99% of the people.
@@a200tq1 Dude I'm 18 it's not that difficult to understand
this’ll be a great contrast to the dead simple 5mge you’ve got, over engineering vs quality engineering
As an Audi lover l have to agree to you. Everything is over engineered over those cars, starting with electric switches thru main components, up to ridiculous, expensive, electronically controlled, two stage engine mounts!
Those small tubes that you said were for lubing the cyl. walls are actually for cooling the bottom of the pistons. You usually see this on turbo charged engines....
Good observation
I have an Audi with this exact same engine, and I love it.
Any issues?
@@speedkar99 not at all! Other than the fact I have fallen way behind on the maintenance lol
What a nightmare of an engine! Thanks for the video ❤
I shudder at the thought of how painful it would be to get to this level
5:35 and 12:33 I love the fact that the engine started and revving while being taken apart. Who said Audi's are unreliable?
Really enjoy your running commentary. You enunciate very well and explain what and why. I have a hearing issue but I followed you all the way through very well, even with your speedy commentary.
*A ten millimeter gets most things removed on Lexus 04 GS300, although it's difficult to change simple things such as spark plugs if you have a stock engine bay*
Spark plugs aren't hard on a 2JZ...I have a video on that