3.2 V6 FSI vs 3.0 V6 TDI

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
3.0 V6 TDI BUY 80/100
+18 points over 3.2 V6 FSI
0 / 100
CAUTION 3.2 V6 FSI Audi
0 / 100
BUY 3.0 V6 TDI Audi

Specifications

3.2 V6 FSI
3.0 V6 TDI
Brand
Audi
Audi
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
62
80
Years
2005--2012
2004--2020
Displacement
3123 cc
2967 cc
Layout
V6
V6
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
255--265 hp
204--272 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€1,900--€5,000
€1,800--€4,800

Character

3.2 V6 FSI

"B7/B8 A4/A6. Direct injection V6. Carbon buildup on intake valves (no walnut blast = power loss). Timing chain tensioner failure. High-pressure fuel pump. Beautiful engine, high maintenance."

3.0 V6 TDI

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

Issues Comparison

3.2 V6 FSI 2

◆ CRITICAL
Timing chain tensioner failure €1,500--€4,000 80,000 km--150,000 km
▲ HIGH
Carbon buildup on intake valves €400--€1,000 60,000 km--120,000 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

3.2 V6 FSI 3

A4 B6/B7 2004--2008 TT 8N 2003--2006 A5 8T 2007--2012

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 3.2 V6 FSI Report Full 3.0 V6 TDI Report