EA888 Gen 3 vs 3.0 V6 TDI

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Reliability score
Tied 80/100
0 / 100
BUY EA888 Gen 3 Audi
0 / 100
BUY 3.0 V6 TDI Audi

Specifications

EA888 Gen 3
3.0 V6 TDI
Brand
Audi
Audi
Verdict
BUY
BUY
Reliability
80
80
Years
2012--2020
2004--2020
Displacement
1984 cc
2967 cc
Layout
I4
V6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Diesel
Power
180--306 hp
204--272 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,000--€2,300
€1,800--€4,800

Character

EA888 Gen 3

"Game changer. Dual injection solved carbon. Metal tensioner. 200k+ mi. Best VW Group 4-cyl."

3.0 V6 TDI

"Torque monster. Amazing highway economy. BiTDI = 313hp. Avoid city-only."

Issues Comparison

EA888 Gen 3 3

● MODERATE
Water pump failure €400--€900 60,000 km--120,000 km
○ MINOR
Intake carbon buildup (reduced vs Gen 1/2) €300--€600 60,000 km--120,000 km
○ MINOR
HPFP noise / wear at high mileage €300--€800 120,000 km--200,000 km

3.0 V6 TDI 3

▲ HIGH
DPF blockage — city driving €600--€1,800 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
EGR valve + cooler fouling €400--€1,000 80,000 km--150,000 km
○ MINOR
Timing chain stretch at very high mileage €800--€2,000 150,000 km--∞

Models

EA888 Gen 3 13

A4 B8 2008--2015 A3 8V 2014--2020 TT 8S 2014--2024 TT 8S 2015--2024 Q7 4M 2015--present A5 F5 2016--2024 A4 B9 2015--2019 A4 B9 2015--2019 R8 Type 4S 2015--2019 A6 2.0 TFSI C7 2011--2018 Sedan Q3 2.0 TFSI 8U 2011--2018 SUV Q5 2.0 TFSI FY 2017--2024 SUV Q5 2.0 TFSI 8R 2008--2017 SUV

3.0 V6 TDI 24

A4 B6/B7 2004--2008 Touareg 7L 2004--2010 A8 D3 2003--2010 A6 C6 2004--2011 Q7 4L 2006--2010 A5 8T 2008--2016 A4 B8 2008--2015 Q5 8R 2008--2017 A8 D4 2010--2017 A6 C7 2011--2018 A7 4G 2010--2018 A6 C7 2011--2018 Q5 8R 2013--2017 A6 C7 2011--2018 Q7 4L 2010--2015 Touareg 7P 2010--2018 A5 F5 2017--2024 A4 B9 2015--2019 A4 B9 2015--2019 Q5 FY 2019--present A7 4K 2019--present A4 B9 2019--2023 A6 C8 2019--present Q7 3.0 TDI 4M 2015--2024 SUV
Full EA888 Gen 3 Report Full 3.0 V6 TDI Report