2.5 V6 TDI (AKE) vs 2.5 TFSI I5

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
2.5 TFSI I5 BUY 83/100
+41 points over 2.5 V6 TDI (AKE)
0 / 100
AVOID 2.5 V6 TDI (AKE) Audi
0 / 100
BUY 2.5 TFSI I5 Audi

Specifications

2.5 V6 TDI (AKE)
2.5 TFSI I5
Brand
Audi
Audi
Verdict
AVOID
BUY
Reliability
42
83
Years
1997--2005
2009--present
Displacement
2496 cc
2480 cc
Layout
V6
I5
Type
Diesel
Petrol Turbo
Power
150--180 hp
340--400 hp
Known Issues
1
2
Total Risk Cost
€2,000--€6,000
€700--€1,600

Character

2.5 V6 TDI (AKE)

"C5 A6 2.5 TDI. Camshaft wear is catastrophic — soft cam lobes wear flat, destroying engine. Timing belt replacement critical. Turbo failure. EGR clogging. One of Audi's least reliable engines."

2.5 TFSI I5

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

Issues Comparison

2.5 V6 TDI (AKE) 1

◆ CRITICAL
Camshaft lobe wear (catastrophic) €2,000--€6,000 80,000 km--150,000 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

2.5 V6 TDI (AKE) 3

A6 C5 1997--2005 A4 B5 1998--2001 A4 B6/B7 2001--2006

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 2.5 V6 TDI (AKE) Report Full 2.5 TFSI I5 Report