I apologize if this has been addressed in the past. I (well, my wife) currently lease an 97 A4 2.8. I have noticed what sounds like a valve knock "or ping" when accelerating. I don't know what it is, but it sounds like a valve ping. I've taken it to the dealer and they stated it was low on oil. This is not the case. When I got the car back, it still made the pinging sound. All be it, a little better. I don't really care, cause we are returning it soon with a A6 2.8 in mind.

So what gives….

My car is at the dealer (not the audi, another car). They gave me a loaner A4 2.8 (looks like a 99). Guess what? It has a same pinging sound. I understand the A6 has the same motor. IS this true? Should I be concerned this may be a chronic problem? Thanks in advance.

-doug

Are you sure it's knock? With the loaner, put it in second gear and stomp on it (windows down). Does it sound like marbles in a coffee can? Which then stops if you let off the throttle a little bit? Rev it to almost redline in second gear, only applying the throttle slowly. What noises does it make then?

There are a number of parts that can ring at higher revs, but only knock is bad for the car.