Will this type of use avoid DPF issues?

Simon42

Simon42

Simon42

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I am in the market for a reasonable size used estate or saloon and have been looking at Audi A6 (possibly A4) and BMW 5 series so far.

I like the Audi A6 (current style) but almost every example with a more powerful engine is a diesel, so my usual preference for petrol given my mileage doesn't seem an option. The 3L diesels are great to drive but I am concerned about possible DPF issues as I only do around 8 to 10K per year. Of that mileage my daily commute is around 11 miles with around 7 on the motorway each way.

Does that daily commute seem enough to keep me clear of DPF issues in conjunction with the odd 20+ mile drive a couple of times a month?

If not then any recommendations for a good A6 alternative with 200BHP+ petrol engines?
 
On an 11 mile daily commute the engine won't reach operating temp, really isn't the sort of use that suits these engines.

There are a few 528i around with either the 3 litre six or 2 litre turbo four depending on age. These tend to be usefully cheaper to buy and more suited to your usage profile.
 
I thought that would be the case. It's a shame that when I finally come to get myself a good car, diesels with DPFs are the main option :(

Just searched on AutoTrader for a 5 series with applicable criteria and nationally there are almost 20 times more diesel than petrol for saloons and for estates 1 petrol, 159 diesel. Changing cars may be a harder task than I expected!
 
I had the same dilemma. Have ended up just going for the one that felt right and focused more on the car overall rather than petrol vs diesel.

If you take the 5 series as an example I have a thread "buying advice help" on a BMW forum and there is a long discussion around this ...on other threads as well. Petrol engines are not absolutely faultless, they all have their issues too! When I finally narrowed down the model I wanted with the petrol engine and the options I wanted there was no car available in all UK withing my budget :-)

Depending on how hands on you are, there are things you can do ... In short, look for a 525i and up LCI and if it ticks all the boxes with you on spec and mileage, and in your budget go for it. The 1.8T turbo on audi wasn't a bad engine and was used on multiple VAG cars, but if you ask me, I think it would be good enough for an A4 only
 
klaxhu said:
The 1.8T turbo on audi wasn't a bad engine and was used on multiple VAG cars, but if you ask me, I think it would be good enough for an A4 only
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They used to drink oil like water though and still do, although not as bad as they used to be.
 
Does any one have any thoughts on the Audi 2.0TFSi engine?

I've found an A4 Avant with that engine but am still considering an A6 3.0 TDI. I just keep getting tempted by the extra cabin space and newer look despite the possible DPF problems.

I can accept that the powers that be force DPFs on diesels, it's the lack of petrol alternatives from manufacturers that surprised me. With the A6 there's just a 2.0 petrol hybrid or a 4.0 V8, butt a total of 7 diesel engines.
 
Even if you got the temp of the engine up to operating level during the journey you won't be getting the DPF up to burnoff temp and will be stuck in the collect cycle which does bad things :(
 
EddScott said:
You can always have the DPF gutted and re-fitted. It will still pass the MOT. No more DPF issues.
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Apart from the malfunction indicator lamp coming on? And the increase in particulates which could be detected at an MOT (since that is what is measured on a diesel exhaust).
 
Dogbreath said:
Apart from the malfunction indicator lamp coming on? And the increase in particulates which could be detected at an MOT (since that is what is measured on a diesel exhaust).
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Once mapped its not a problem and can be mapped to pass emissions. Mine does.

[TW]Fox;25845844 said:
Ok no a 10 year old car less ok on a nearly new car covered by warranty.
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Didn't realise OP was looking at nearly new.
 
You get plenty additives you can put in your fuel to keep the stupid DPF clean. A good thrash once a month does the same job mind u. I'm all for cutting out and remapping, increased power and fuel economy is a major plus. Warranty's lol.
 
i own a 525d 2007 reg.

i let my mrs drive the car to work and back, as i dont fancy putting 15k miles a year by driving it to work.

i have had the car for 3 years and my mrs is probably doing about 8 miles a day to work and back.

had no problems with the dpf.

i would worry about the dpf when it goes wrong.

just as a caution, i dont use supermarket fuel. only shell regular fuel.
 
I am going to take the risk with a diesel A6 as I really like the car and the 3.0 diesel is such a relaxed drive. If I buy another make/model I'll be forever wondering.

If I do get issues then I'll try switching cars with my other half when she's got longer journeys. Fingers crossed this works out!
 
They did a 3.0TFSI petrol in the current C7 A6 (it's the supercharged V6 engine from the S4 & S5), but hardly anyone bought them. Last time I looked on howmanyleft for the A6 Avant S-Line 3.0TFSI there was 66 registered on the road :( but eleventy million diesels. I think now they've stopped listing it for new builds as it was so unpopular.

It took a while of looking, but I did eventually manage to find one come up on Audi AUC http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?p=25717196.
 
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