5.0/5.2 V10 vs 3.0 V6 TDI

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
3.0 V6 TDI BUY 80/100
+22 points over 5.0/5.2 V10
0 / 100
CAUTION 5.0/5.2 V10 Audi
0 / 100
BUY 3.0 V6 TDI Audi

Specifications

5.0/5.2 V10
3.0 V6 TDI
Brand
Audi
Audi
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
58
80
Years
2006--2015
2004--2020
Displacement
5204 cc
2967 cc
Layout
V10
V6
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
435--525 hp
204--272 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,000--€2,600
€1,800--€4,800

Character

5.0/5.2 V10

"S6/S8 C6, R8 V10 NA. Lamborghini-shared V10. Carbon buildup on DI variants. Timing chain (complex). Coil pack failures (10). Oil consumption. Incredible engine but expensive to own."

3.0 V6 TDI

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

Issues Comparison

5.0/5.2 V10 2

▲ HIGH
Carbon buildup (DI variants) €800--€2,000 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
Ignition coil failure (10 coils) €200--€600 40,000 km--80,000 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

5.0/5.2 V10 2

A6 C6 2006--2011 R8 Type 42 2009--2015

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 5.0/5.2 V10 Report Full 3.0 V6 TDI Report