6.0 W12 vs EA888 Gen 3

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
EA888 Gen 3 BUY 80/100
+38 points over 6.0 W12
0 / 100
AVOID 6.0 W12 Audi
0 / 100
BUY EA888 Gen 3 Audi

Specifications

6.0 W12
EA888 Gen 3
Brand
Audi
Audi
Verdict
AVOID
BUY
Reliability
42
80
Years
2003--2010
2012--2020
Displacement
5998 cc
1984 cc
Layout
V12
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Turbo
Power
450 hp
180--306 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€3,300--€10,900
€1,000--€2,300

Character

6.0 W12

"D3 A8 W12, Phaeton. Two VR6 blocks merged. 4 timing chains. Ignition coil failures (12). Oil leaks everywhere. Coolant system complex. Beautiful engineering nightmare. Parts extinct in some markets."

EA888 Gen 3

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

Issues Comparison

6.0 W12 2

◆ CRITICAL
4 timing chains + guides €3,000--€10,000 80,000 km--150,000 km
● MODERATE
Ignition coil failure (12 coils) €300--€900 40,000 km--80,000 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

6.0 W12 1

A8 D3 2003--2010

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 6.0 W12 Report Full EA888 Gen 3 Report