JohnLEisenberg

I'm going to test drive an '05 4.2 with 125K on it tomorrow and if it checks out, if the air suspension is still operable should I drive it until it fails (in the lowest mode of course) or just replace it with what in your opinion. FYI- I've been an Audi owner since my first 4000csq 5-Cylinder in 1986 followed by an '87 Pearl White 5000csq Wagon with a 5-spd, then a '91 200 20V, then '97 A6 Avant, '04 A6 Avant and finally an '07 A6 Avant.
So this will be my first allroad. I also worked for Audi from '05 to '08 doing product launches of the New A4, New TT, R8 and the Q7 (Worst POS Audi Ever MADE)

So any suggestions would be greatly appreciated as would any other anomalies that have developed over the years.
Thank you.

Johnbach

The air suspension is one of the great things with the Allroad, so I would definitely keep it. I have mine in place and it is working fine. You may have to replace the air bags at some point in time, which are not that hard to do. If so look for the Arnott, which offers lifetime warranty.
If you like a lower ride, you can also adjust the ride high down using the VAGCOM with the air-suspension. There are posts on AudiWorld on how to do that.

JohnLEisenberg

Thank you for your reply.

chadthede1

I have owned a 2005 Allroad 4.2 since I bought it gently used in 2007. I have replaced the air suspension once on the rear and twice on the front. The second time was free because of the lifetime warranty. At that time I replaced all of the control arms, tie rods, etc. I love the car. It has 140k mi. Recently I am convinced the timing chain slipped. As much as I love the car it doesn’t make sense for me to spend the time to remove the engine and repair. I haven’t decided what to do with it.

BeechSierra

For what it's worth, I bought my '05 4.2L automatic in October 2019. It had 102,000 +/- miles. Very clean car from California. I do not have the tools, equipment or knowledge to make all of the major repairs which included transmission work and timing chain. I had the work done because I wanted this vintage of allroad and I am very glad I did. The allroad package is very capable, drives nicely and almost has a timeless design characteristic. There was nothing out there that I would have wanted more, so for me the decision to make the repairs was not that difficult. Best of luck with your decision making. -CL