EA897 3.0 TDI vs EA888 Gen 3

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
EA888 Gen 3 BUY 80/100
+22 points over EA897 3.0 TDI
0 / 100
CAUTION EA897 3.0 TDI Audi
0 / 100
BUY EA888 Gen 3 Audi

Specifications

EA897 3.0 TDI
EA888 Gen 3
Brand
Audi
Audi
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
58
80
Years
2004--2020
2012--2020
Displacement
2967 cc
1984 cc
Layout
V6
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Turbo
Power
204--286 hp
180--306 hp
Known Issues
3
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,100--€3,200
€1,000--€2,300

Character

EA897 3.0 TDI

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

EA888 Gen 3

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

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--∞

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

Models

EA897 3.0 TDI 2

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

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
Full EA897 3.0 TDI Report Full EA888 Gen 3 Report