Sarge

Prior to that only the A6 4.2 SEDAN had the V8, starting in 2000.

So if you want an allroad V8, '04 is the first year. Otherwise the S6 is a sports version of the avant, complete with recaro seats, higher output 4.2 V8 (344 HP vs 300), sport suspension, etc.

Ultimately, the decision will be decided by price as much as anything.

Starting in 02, you can purchase a 3.0 avant with 220 HP, or in 1999 the 2.8 began production w.th 200 hp. The 2.8 is underpowered, but the price is in the teens or 20's depending on the year and miles. An '01 allroad will run around 30 or more, an 02 S6 will run 40k or more, and an 04 allroad V8 will run more than $50k.

Which one is in your target price range?

Larry Martin

We tend to hold onto our cars for many years, and to drive them hard. So price is relative - I'd like to keep it around or under 30K. I've heard that the 2.7 turbo Allroad is close in acceleration to the S6 4.2 at less money and upkeep. True? I also heard that the turbo's on the Allroad in 2001 were problematic, and that this year should be avoided. True?

Sarge

It started US production in '00 and the '01 allroad should have all the general improvements including better oil cooling, etc, some others around here can expound on this, but I haven't read of very many turbo failures on the allroads.

I think between the demographics, car dynamics, and '01 improvements to the system, they have faired much better than the previous S4 and 2.7T A6, both of which have higher failure rates for a host of related reasons, part of which is the engineering changes.

They may have been further improved for '02, I'm ont sure on that, but they were definitely improved in '01 over '00, and '01 is the first year the allroad was available here.

BTW you can make the allroad corner a LOT better with new tires (the 'allroad' Pirelli and GY tires are junk) and the H-Sport sway bars - do a search and you'll find lots of information.

It will never be an S6, but it will be a substantial improvement.

Larry Martin

Thanks Sarge - its great to get the feedback, particulary since I haven't driven anything but BM'ers in the last 20 years. I am now trying to find an affordable late model 2001 or 2002 Allroad, and then will add sways and tires.

NORPAC

I have a 2001 allroad with an APR performance chip. Makes 250 hp into 310 hp and 258 ft/lbs into 366 ft/lbs. Incredible improvement in performance. The turbo comes alive. Check out www.goapr.com

Larry Martin

Any indiciation that this particular turbo can run hot and burn out?

NORPAC

I have had no problems in the 8 months since installation. The chip operated within the parameters of the twin turbos. I'm sure that APR can explain how the chip works in detail. There's quite a bit of info on the web site, www.goapr.com