EA897 3.0 TDI vs 2.5 TFSI I5

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
2.5 TFSI I5 BUY 83/100
+25 points over EA897 3.0 TDI
0 / 100
CAUTION EA897 3.0 TDI Audi
0 / 100
BUY 2.5 TFSI I5 Audi

Specifications

EA897 3.0 TDI
2.5 TFSI I5
Brand
Audi
Audi
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
58
83
Years
2004--2020
2009--present
Displacement
2967 cc
2480 cc
Layout
V6
I5
Type
Diesel
Petrol Turbo
Power
204--286 hp
340--400 hp
Known Issues
3
2
Total Risk Cost
€1,100--€3,200
€700--€1,600

Character

EA897 3.0 TDI

"Powerful V6 diesel. Earlier models: injector and turbo issues. BiTDI variants add complexity. Highway king with care."

2.5 TFSI I5

"Legendary 5-cyl. 9x Engine of the Year. Forged internals. Surprisingly reliable."

Issues Comparison

EA897 3.0 TDI 3

▲ HIGH
Turbo oil feed screen blockage — documented TSB €500--€2,000 40,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
Intake carbon buildup (V8 DI) €600--€1,200 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
High maintenance cost — flagship V8 €0--€0 0 km--∞

2.5 TFSI I5 2

○ MINOR
Wastegate rattle (2015-2018 production) €300--€800 20,000 km--80,000 km
○ MINOR
Carbon buildup (DI engine) €400--€800 60,000 km--120,000 km

Models

EA897 3.0 TDI 2

RS6 4.0 TFSI C8 2019--2024 Wagon RS7 4.0 TFSI 4K 2019--2024 Fastback

2.5 TFSI I5 5

Ducato 250/290 2011--present TT 8J 2009--2014 Q3 8U 2013--2018 A3 8Y 2022--present TT RS 2.5 TFSI 8S 2016--2023 Coupe
Full EA897 3.0 TDI Report Full 2.5 TFSI I5 Report