4.2 V8 40V (ARS/ASG/AQJ/ANK/BAS/BAT/BBK) vs 3.2 V6 FSI
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
3.2 V6 FSI
BUY
81/100
+21 points over 4.2 V8 40V (ARS/ASG/AQJ/ANK/BAS/BAT/BBK)
0
/ 100
CAUTION
4.2 V8 40V (ARS/ASG/AQJ/ANK/BAS/BAT/BBK)
Audi
0
/ 100
BUY
3.2 V6 FSI
Audi
Specifications
4.2 V8 40V (ARS/ASG/AQJ/ANK/BAS/BAT/BBK)
3.2 V6 FSI
Brand
Audi
Audi
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
60
81
Years
1999--2009
2005--2012
Displacement
4163 cc
3123 cc
Layout
V8
V6
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
299--344 hp
255--265 hp
Known Issues
1
2
Total Risk Cost
€1,380--€3,220
€0--€0
Character
4.2 V8 40V (ARS/ASG/AQJ/ANK/BAS/BAT/BBK)
"The 40-valve port-injection 4.2 V8 of the S4 B6/B7, S6 C5 and A6 4.2. Glorious sound, but the plastic guides and tensioners of the rear-mounted timing chains break up with age and heat - an engine-out job, and if the chain jumps a tooth the valves meet the pistons. Listen to a cold start and look for proof of the chain job."
3.2 V6 FSI
"Direct-injection 3.2 V6 in the A4 B7, A6 C6, A8 D3 and A5 8T. The timing chains sit at the gearbox end, so a stretched chain or failed tensioner is an engine-out job, and German guides report piston slap and cylinder-wall damage that usually means a replacement engine. Intake-valve carbon needs cleaning. Buy only with service history and a quiet cold start."
Issues Comparison
4.2 V8 40V (ARS/ASG/AQJ/ANK/BAS/BAT/BBK) 1
◆ CRITICAL
Plastic timing-chain guides and tensioner break up - engine-out repair
3.2 V6 FSI 2
◆ CRITICAL
Timing chain tensioner failure / chain stretch - chains at the gearbox end
● MODERATE
Carbon buildup on intake valves