dwells

I'm looking for my next allroad. I've had a 2.7T for 10 yrs, and love it. But, I'm wondering if it might be better to go with the V8 this time around. My thinking: no timing belt; no fragile turbos; more reliable transmission(?).

Do the 4.2 models have any congenital defects like the 2.7Ts do?
Thanks,

DW

all_Kobiwon

The chain drive system of the 4.2 is not fool proof. The chain guides can get old and dry and fail. When that happens, huge problem and huge money, sometimes needing to replace the engine. This happens to some after 80-90k, however, there are plenty of 4.2 running well into 100-200k with that never happening. That's the gamble with the 4.2.

That being said... I've owned both and prefer the 4.2 for my driving needs. This is my mountain hauler and ski car, and I don't want a stick. After 7 years with my 4.2, the maintenance cost have been less than half of what it cost me to own the 2.7. If you really want to modify the engine and want ultimate performance, go with a 2.7t manual. If you want a tip, go with the 4.2. The sound of the 4.2 without any turbo lag, is pretty awesome as well.

Oh and in regards to transmission... TC was upgraded in late 04, I believe, so try and find one built in late 04, or 05.

Hope that helps

GTA_Driver

The transmission between the 2.7T and the 4.2 is the same 5HP19.

You want 2005 model year with the upgraded torque converter.

But the V8 feels like a different beast altogether, with instant torque and it's low-end torque. Well suited to the Allroad in my opinion.

dwells

It's not the TC that's bad in my '04, it's reverse gear slippage. I've read about the same issue in LOTS of allroads, but never on a 4.2. I assumed they used a beefier model trans.

DW

GTA_Driver

Interestingly, the 4.2 found in te regular A6 widebody and in the S6 is paired up to a beefier transmission, 5HP24. I believe the same tranny is also in the RS6.

However, it also has a fairly high rate of failure.

In the Allroad, they used a different 4.2 engine from B6 S4, and for packaging reasons it could not fit the 5HP24 transmission. So it was left to share the same 5HP19.

rosco_nz

The 4.2 Allroad uses the ZF 5HP19FLA transmission but is the beefier FXL type code. While not as bad as the 2.7 trans issues, they still suffer from TC seal problems and reduced trans pressure. This in turn stresses and degrades the trans oil. The best thing you can do for any Allroad is oil + filter changes .. say every 80-100k km's .. more regularly if towing.

I have had 2x 4.2's .. the first purchased @ 215k km's with TC lock up issue when I bought it; I serviced the trans & it was still shifting smoothly when I sold it @ 235k km's.

I just bought exactly the same car (AR '04 4.2) with 90k km's and trans has alrady been rebuilt .. so you never can tell how long they might last.