A4 3.0 Idling Noise
 

I have a 2004 A4 3.0 with about 66K on it. When the car is idling, or when I drop it into gear (auto transmission) I hear a slight rattling, almost diesel-like sound, coming from the front of the engine. It sounds almost rhythmic or like it could be valve chatter but I use a good synthetic oil and premium gas always. Anybody else have this issue?

Also, how often should synthetic oil be changed out? The dealer recommends every 15K or about once/year but that seems like way too long between oil changes. I usually go no more than 6 months but maybe I'm throwing money away. Any recommendations?

Thanks!

Re: A4 3.0 Idling Noise
 

Sup, I have an 02 3.0 and it seems to me that I get the same noises as you. VW / Audi engines seem to have that slight diesel noise (german). Rhythmic low ticking with another slight tick is normal. I get 2 little ticks (at the same time) just like I described on the sentence before. As long as you dont get loud and rattling ticks I think you are fine. Ive heard from many great sources that it is normal. So far as oil it is 3,000 miles or 3 months. However don't go past 5 months or 3,000 miles. Listen for the ticking you have now but much louder and ear piercing is when you have a problem with your valves. Hope this helps. Do that timing belt and Catalytic converters before your warranty is out. Timing belt won't be covered but catalytic converters should. Just complain about low gas-mileage and performance and hopefully they will replace them both. I got mine done and it is so much better with the clean flow! Don't forget about this. Many people complain about gas mileage and performance and it is those catalytics. Try to only use shell or chevron premium gas. No BP or exxon from what ive heard. By the way warranty is 80,000 miles or six years.

Re: A4 3.0 Idling Noise
 

coil pack?