So, I was dumb enough to buy a used '03 Allroad. It has the dreaded 2.7T motor, and it is an automatic. Seemed like a great car when I boought it, but now I have more problems than I knew about when I purchased it. Here is the list I have been putting together since I got it a couple of days ago:

1. Chk Eng light just came on last night - looks like it is an SAI issue - codes were P0491, P0492. I have read that the pump housing likes to come apart - where do I find it so I can check it out?

2. Oil Leak, and smoke in engine bay. Haven't been up underneath yet, but it looks like it is leaking and smoking on both sides of the engine, not really the back - more on the sides of the motor. I have records that show that many gaskets and seals have been replaced on this motor, so not sure what to think. Maybe a turbo oil line seal?

3. Front Left air bag issue. It is sagging on the front driver corner, mainly when parked on an incline. When level, the pressure seems to hold up better. This particular bag has been replaced at least once already. I knew about this when I bought the car, so not so bent out of shape over it.

4. Sunroof is binding up. Will go up and down, but binds up when sliding backward. I got it to go all the way back normally one time, but binds up every time since.

5. Need wheel center cap for one wheel. Not sure where to get one of them.

6. Need a new front bumper. I guess I'll go to a junk yard. I am wondering how hard it is to change one of these out.

Other than that, I guess it is a great car. I hope it is not a money pit. I was hoping to drive this car for at least a year without it putting me in the poor house.

Any feedback or comments would be much appreciated. I'll post up pictures soon.

 

first of all, my condolences to you on buying an allroad, i have one as well that i've had for 2 months and im trying to get rid of. i have some answers to some of your questions

1. im not sure

2. its probably valve cover gaskets, those are notorious for going out, turbo oil line may be leaking as well but chances are its the valve covers.

3. if its starting to sag that means that its leaking and needs to be replaced. get a replacement from Arnott, much cheaper and much better quality. if you let it go too long you can burn up the air compressor since its constantly working overtime, and that'll set you back about $350.

4. hey mine does that too, i guess theyre all crappy. i heard that its a sensor or something on the rail.

5. no idea, ebay maybe?

6. the bumper is pretty easy but time consuming to change but you have to pull the radiator. while its off you might want to consider doing the timing belt, water pump and tensioner. there are some write ups on here for doing that, i can find a link for you.

The car is definitely a money pit and WILL put you in the poor house!

 

Call Bryan at Audis4parts, for all your replacement allroad parts. Tell him Zach sent you and he will give you preferred pricing, and super-fast shipping.

(520)204-1484

 

I've had some similar issues with my 01 allroad, hope some of the stuff I've done can help.

1. Im not sure if you can hear a "high pitch" whine or a sound similar to a turbine spooling when you start your car (cold) but thats usually related to bearings failing in the pump motor. They are fairly easy to replace. Heres an article I read some time ago: http://home.broadpark.no/~sskute/sec...ection_1_2.pdf. I changed mine and the pump is working fine.

2. You mentioned you had records of work done on your allroad. It is really common to have the rear camshaft seals fail and cause engine oil leaks/smoke.
Maybe you can check and make sure you had those replaced, if not ... chances are you got some bad seals. They tend to be overlooked since they are in a tight spot.

3. Pretty sure you got a leaky air bag just like somebody else mentioned here.

4. I think ECStuning has a sunroof track guide repair kit. I know they are out there.

5. ECStuning has wheel center caps in stock.

6. Not really sure where to get one but they are designed to come off since most of the maintenance in the engine is done that way. Not really hard to do and just like someone else mentioned, it would be a good opportunity to do other maintenance.

 

The leaking oil seals may be a symptom, rather than a cause. Make sure the spyder assembly (basically a PCV system) is working correctly. If not, it overpressurizes the oil and starts blowing seals. This will usually (but not always) go along with exhaust smoke when accelerating.

Hope this helps...