Hello everyone, I am currently in the market for a 98-01 A6. I have been looking around for a couple months now and have come across quite a few with the same type of oil leak. The owners are putting in a quart every 3 weeks or so and the front/driver side of the block has ended up witht he most oil on it, not to mention the residue blowing across the whole underside.

Im assuming this is a common problem since its happened on 4 of the 7 Ive viewed. I think it may be the valve cover gaskets but I wanted to see if I can get some better feedback form some experienced owners before I buy one of these and find out its something more serious. Thanks in advance for any help/advice you may have.

 

German cars are designed with oil leaks and oil consumption in mind!
If you feel uncomfortable with leaks => get a Japanese!

 

LOL, but really, according to Audi, a quart of oil consumption in 1000 mile is considered normal. I am not kidding.

But in reality, if all seals are tight and engine is working in optimal condition, you shouldn't need to use a quart every 3 weeks. That is excessive. Mine, with cam chain tensioner leak, used to run through about a quart every 3500 miles or so. Since I replaced the cam seals, cam chain tensioner gaskets and seals, and valve cover gaskets, I run through about 1/4 of a quart every 3500 miles or so. BTW, what I mentioned are typical leaks on C5s.

 

Not to be rude, but if your NOT uncomfortable with a quart every 3-4 weeks and oil covering your engine bay you need your head examined.
Too be honest its the fact thats its german that has me worried, I have had more than one experience with BMW's cracking blocks when the mileage gets up there.

Thanks for the info hxgaser.