wigwam666 Posted January 21, 2009 Report Share Posted January 21, 2009 Hi all, Can anyone help with this one please? Acquired an A6 avant 2.0tdi SE multitronic 3 weeks ago. It's an 08 reg with 6,000 miles. (PD engine) I can feel a vibration through the steering wheel and also sense it through the car when the engine is in the 1500 rpm range, (any speed) which being the multi box is nearly all the time. Under load, ie uphill it is more evident. The problem is ever present and completely spoiling the pleasure of driving the car. By manually causing a gearchange and thereby increasing the revs to say 1800 / 2000 rpm, the vibration virtually disappears. As it is rev dependent and not speed or gear dependent this would seem to rule out the tyres and transmission. The dealers say that Audi consider that this is a characteristic of the car, which I find amazing, given that I exchanged an 03 plate 1.9tdi (94Kmls) which was as smooth as silk. Presumably, if it is a characteristic of the engine, then there are lots of others out there with the same issue? Any body else with this complaint? John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj84 Posted January 23, 2009 Report Share Posted January 23, 2009 I dont know whether to help you or hate you! I have had a 9month case with Audi for an identical issue to yours on a 2.0 TDI A6 (Saloon) The car was repairs for over a month in total and was finally handed back to me on the basis of "We identified the problem, Audi Germany have now got a DIS on it but cannot give a resolution or timescale on when this issue could be fixed...here is your car unfixed" I was told it was a characterstic until I drove several other cars which were OLDER than my 07 plate and they all were silent/no problems. The newer ones had it on some, others were fine. In my opinion, the "vibrations" caused other things to go wrong and by the 9th month, the entire dash was vibrating. They changed the shocks, power steering pump, steering rack, piping for steering, and the entire dash but no go! I have finally resolved the case (which I still need to update on the thread on here) by paying £3500 to settle the car and give it back Out of pocket but Audi would not budge in accepting it was a problem and enough to warrant a replacement/refund....and i did not have the time or money to take this further I can assure you that I personally don't think it is a characteristic. Why don't you request a test drive on the same car/engine and see if the problem is there Also the ndrive a newer and older one...again, see if its there I was also given in all the loan cars from Audi, an Audi 2.0 TDI A6 on two occassions both different ages/mileage and neither of them had the issue. I now have a 2.7 TDI which is perfect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigwam666 Posted January 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 24, 2009 Hi, I read you original post recently but did not respond because of how you described a noise at start up and a more severe vibration. The problem with my car is, at the moment, not as severe as you seem to have experienced. The vibration cannot be seen or heard, just felt. I have been to two dealers who both acknowledge the problem but the technicians won't commit to it being a fault. (Now there's a surprise). Regarding trying other cars, I have tried: 2.0Tdi manual '08 plate same wheels and tyres - Same mild vibration (and the gear lever 'fizzed', not nice at all). Yesterday a 2.0 Tdi multitronic - same spec. brand new, therefore I guess the common rail engine, just the same. 2.7 Tdi multi, beautifull, smooth a silk. Conlusion - Audi can't design a 2.0Tdi engine that is fit for purpose? But why aren't other owners commenting? I had been looking at the 2.7 - what consumption do you get? man or auto? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj84 Posted January 24, 2009 Report Share Posted January 24, 2009 My issues initially started in the way yours is...felt not seen/heard but it developed overtime to different symtoms and after the many dealerships trying to repair it...all the symptoms merged into one so that I was getting vibrations, could hear it and it expanded to other areas Having said that, I was not getting this when I first got the car and as I mentioned, it was not something I saw in the other loaners. Who knows...! The 2.7, I will let you know tomorrow. I only filled it up full tank the other day only realising that I have a 80litre tank instead of 70. Quite shocked when it drank 75 litres! I now do only local driving so it might not help you THAT much but I will report back tomorrow. It's an Auto in my case I love the car, very quick in picking up and is very quiet in comparison to the 2.0 which I always felt to be a tractor, especially when cold. This one no matter how cold or hot outside, it seems to be a nice subtle rumble - almost sporty rather than a TDI I don't think I could ever go back to the 2.0 now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigwam666 Posted January 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2009 Thanks for the feedback. Are there any A6 2.0tdi users out there with no symtoms as described? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted January 25, 2009 Report Share Posted January 25, 2009 All VAG 4-Cylinder diesels rattle and vibrate. It's a standard part of a 4 cylinder engine. You don't get that with 6/8/10 & 12 cylinder diesel engines - due to the extra cylinders firing and smoothing everything out. If you can afford it, always go for the V6 diesel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigwam666 Posted January 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2009 Thanks for the reply and I appreciate what you say but my old 1.9Tdi was pretty smooth. Never felt anything through the steering wheel. Also, today I noticed that if I move the steering wheel slightly (I mean only a few cms) whilst stationary, in park and handbrake on, I feel a similar vibration? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted January 25, 2009 Report Share Posted January 25, 2009 I drive the 1.9 PD (but in a Bora), manual with 160K miles on it, and it does vibrate a bit. However, I had the alternator bush/drive/pulley wheel thing changed recently (40K miles ago) when my Boar started doing the same. Move the wheel and there was lots of vibrations - the alternator pulley wheel bearing was siezing up, so need more revs to get the same oomph. Battery charging and electrical power to the car was not affected though - maybe due to the miles I do. Worth a look? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigwam666 Posted January 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2009 Happened on my 1.9 Tdi A6 last August (90K). The freewheel pulley on the alternator seized. Mega noisy when I turned the wheel. Sounded just like the steering pump. But no problem with vibrations through the steering wheel until full lock. In the 2.0 Tdi the vibration is there irrespective of wheel movement, its just that I felt some feedback when I was stationary today. Right pain, Great to look at and sit in but not nice to drive!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aj84 Posted January 25, 2009 Report Share Posted January 25, 2009 As promised...an update on MPG... During my morning journey from North West London to Croydon, I averaged 30 mpg pretty much all the way. It dipped a little during overtaking the sunday numptys on the road (naturally) but other than that, remained at 30. I would say it was mainly 30mph driving, into 40 and then the A3 at 50mph Not much stop/start either. On the way back, I had parked up leaving the engine on and it went from 28 to 15mpg On taking off... about 25mins later, I was on around 26mpg finishing on around 30/31mpg Bearing in mind it was ALL local stop/start driving on the way back, I was impressed and not at all annoyed at it being about 1mpg lower than what I was getting on the 2.0 - with the 2.0 I had to push more which is probably why it was so low. This is all with the A/C off although half way through, I had turned it on Hope that helps! Oh, since filling up to the top, my local stop/start journies so far as taken me in 100miles and that 100 reflects from the needle being on the first line under full on the fuel gauge...not quite sure its 1/4... Not THAT happy with that result as its a 80litre tank...the 70 in the last one would get me about 120miles to that mark but I am a little biased as I had the 2.0 mainly for motorway journies From that point, I have 415 miles to go until empty tank giving a theoritical result of 515 miles in a full 80 litre tank. Let's see what I get Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wigwam666 Posted January 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 29, 2009 Sorry to ask the same question again but are there any 2.0 Tdi owners out there with vehicles that don't give a mild vibration through the steering wheel at 1200 - 1800 revs? I really would appreciate some feedback either way as I would love to keep the car but can't see me doing it if I can't improve matters, ie is it typical of the vehicle with this engine? Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pxr5 Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 An old post I know, but I can confirm that I can sense this in a 2.0tdi multi box. It's a '58 s-line and I too get the mild vibration as described. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowdrop999 Posted November 23, 2009 Report Share Posted November 23, 2009 I have a 2006 Audi A6 2.0.TDI Avant multitronic(which i've had for 6 months), I too am suffering from vibration through the steering wheel at all speeds. Ive changed the tyres to no avail. I have been back to Audi for a couple of faults - erratic idling (audi replaced EGR cooler, problem although improved is still there) intermittent whirring noise from steering wheel (audi could not replicate it). My last visit to Audi involved a road test where suprisingly enough they could find nothing wrong with it ! To cap it all off the service desk had the gall to tell me that I should let any problem that I felt was there to 'develop' as they could not start replacing parts willy nilly, any future visits and they will charge me for their time (car still under warranty) !! Looks like I will have to bide my time and get rid of this pile of #### when I can. Totally disillusioned with the Audi experience. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted November 23, 2009 Report Share Posted November 23, 2009 An old post I know, but I can confirm that I can sense this in a 2.0tdi multi box. It's a '58 s-line and I too get the mild vibration as described. And that's the new common rail engine too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lomondview Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 Not trying to hijack this thread but I've got a similar problem... I've had an A6 3.0TDI Quattro (54 plate, auto) for almost a year now and during the last few months it has developed a vibration that you not only feel through the steering wheel but also through the floor and seat. It doesn't go away at any speed (autobahns are great aren't they? ) It's worse when the car is driven from cold or immediately after a stop during a long journey. It's worst when driven from cold on a long sweeping bend - it almost feels like the wheels are bent! I've had the wheels balanced (by a tyre fitter I know and trust) but this made no difference. I've had the car into Audi (Cardiff) but (of course) they could not reproduce the fault. I'm beginning to think it might be the discs or wheel bearings? Does this ring any bells with anybody? Are there any other things I could get checked? This vibration is spoiling what would otherwise be a perfect car (for me!). Thanks in advance Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruiser647 Posted November 30, 2009 Report Share Posted November 30, 2009 Does it vibrate at idle and when standing still? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lomondview Posted December 1, 2009 Report Share Posted December 1, 2009 Does it vibrate at idle and when standing still? No, well no more than a normal diesel! Very cold this morning, car stood on drive all night = bad vibration driving to work this morning... Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowdrop999 Posted December 3, 2009 Report Share Posted December 3, 2009 I have a 2006 Audi A6 2.0.TDI Avant multitronic(which i've had for 6 months), I too am suffering from vibration through the steering wheel at all speeds. Ive changed the tyres to no avail. I have been back to Audi for a couple of faults - erratic idling (audi replaced EGR cooler, problem although improved is still there) intermittent whirring noise from steering wheel (audi could not replicate it). My last visit to Audi involved a road test where suprisingly enough they could find nothing wrong with it ! To cap it all off the service desk had the gall to tell me that I should let any problem that I felt was there to 'develop' as they could not start replacing parts willy nilly, any future visits and they will charge me for their time (car still under warranty) !! Looks like I will have to bide my time and get rid of this pile of #### when I can. Totally disillusioned with the Audi experience. Cars been back to Audi, AGAIN, after a road test they agreed to book the car again for a closer inspection. Result is the car needs a new steering rack ! ( So I wasnt imagining it!). Will let you know if it cures my problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzer Posted December 3, 2009 Report Share Posted December 3, 2009 I have just started looking for an A6, as the 2.0 TDi A4 doesn't have hardly any (120mm) leg room behind my drivers seat for the kids, considering I am 6 ft+ tall. I am particularly looking for an S Line (as I like the look and am not gagging for speed). The 2.0 TDi seems ok, but I am concerned about it being under powered? Although the 2.7 & 3.0 Diesels seem a bit thirsty? I found the A4 2.0TDI S Line (05 - 08 140PS model) a reasonable drive with a bit of poke if required? Is this not the same engine as in the A6? I currently have a 2.0 TDDI Mondeo, which dispite being a bit of a bus, does have a decent enough pull. I searched the web for reviews and found reports that although playing the car up as 'World Car of the Year' Feb 2005, also quoted the following, with regard to the A6 2.0 TDi (140PS or PD): The only diesel engine in the range that is not chain cam driven. :D Extraodinary fuel economy of 53-58 mpg reported using BP Ultimate Diesel (140PS model)? :mad: 'Reports of engine vibrations from the 2.0TDI manuals after around 30,000 miles, apparently caused by "melted injector seals" from using the wrong fuel'? :confused: Seemingly widespread problem with dual mass flywheels on the A6 2.0TDIs which causes stalling. These can start to separate and the clutch can fail by 45K miles requiring expensive (£1200) replacement? Fuel guages suffer a fault og needle stuck on emptywhen the tank is full (software upgrade required). Parking brakes are intermittently not releasing (again software upgrade required). I was looking to test drive and potentially purchase a 2.0TDI 140PS S Line A6 in Black with 35K miles, SAT NAV, Cruise and Parking Sensors, from Yeovil Audi (£14,995), but now I am a little concerned! Can anyone advise, please! ?????????????????????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfgf Posted December 4, 2009 Report Share Posted December 4, 2009 Sorry to ask the same question again but are there any 2.0 Tdi owners out there with vehicles that don't give a mild vibration through the steering wheel at 1200 - 1800 revs?I really would appreciate some feedback either way as I would love to keep the car but can't see me doing it if I can't improve matters, ie is it typical of the vehicle with this engine? Thanks. I drove a 2005 2.0TDi S-Line for three years/70000 miles, and never experienced this kind of vibration through the wheel. My current A6 with the 2.0TDi CR engine doesn't do this either. MF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pxr5 Posted December 4, 2009 Report Share Posted December 4, 2009 I drove a 2005 2.0TDi S-Line for three years/70000 miles, and never experienced this kind of vibration through the wheel. My current A6 with the 2.0TDi CR engine doesn't do this either.MF. Is it a multi box or a manual? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfgf Posted December 7, 2009 Report Share Posted December 7, 2009 Manual gearbox - both cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knightrider2030 Posted June 20, 2010 Report Share Posted June 20, 2010 Hi, I don't know if this thread is linked anymore, but I am having EXACTLY the same problem, where I can feel the vibration on the steering weel and also on the car body, even at idle. It is very apparent at about 1550RPM and then upon further accelaration, the RPM needle jumps to about 2000RPM and the vibration seems to subside. Changed engine mounting, with no change to the vibration. Took it back to AUDI dealership and they told me that it was the alternator pulley. They changed it and said everything was fixed. Drove the car out and felt the vibration was stronger than ever. Drove back in to the dealership and asked for the foreman to accompany me for a test drive. He complied to the test drive and within a few seconds could feel it himself. He seemed suprised and started wondering what could be causing the vibration. These guys had the car for days, and I am wondering if they even drove it to see what the vibration was all about. Anyway, a few days later, they called me and said that it had been fixed. They had apparently changed the mounting again. I did the test drive and the vibration was indeed lower. But it still drives like an old broken down taxi with about a million miles on it. Audi now says this is a characteristic of the car. Point is this. If it was a characteristic of the car, why do most of the other AUDI A6s (06,07 & 08 models) that I am test driving not having this vibration? I don't know about other countries, but in Singapore where I live, this car costs US$124,000. Having spent this much, its is frustrtaing to hear that vibrations that cause fatigue after 20minutes of driving is a standard characteristic of the car! In the past month, I have been made to chang all the tires, mounting, timing belt, water pump, battery, alternator without solving the problem. I would appreciate it if there is anyone out there who has been able to solve this similar problem. The car just crossed the 3 year warranty mark a month ago. I certainly do like the car, comfort, fuel efficiency etc. But I am absolutely sure the folks at VAG would not have manufactured a car that vibrates. Something is not right. Knightrider2030 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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