Snow Rocket

Can anyone tell me where to buy internal parts for this transmission? I'm thinking I might take my chances and replace the "F" drum and a few seals.

I will attempt to rebuild this myself... Although I have never worked on a transmission, I am itching to take one apart. I have babied this tranny and it really pi$$es me off that things break that never should. (I would have understood 2nd gear slipping - no problem, but not this)

Charlygirl

Mithril, you seem to know what you're talking about.

Looking at a 2000 A6 4.2 AWD with 85,000 MILES seems to drive smoothly and no problems with reverse. Says it has 'transmission' issues ... is this what you speak of ... must be rebuilt?

Trying to ascertain if the buy price is good - to take into consideration IF the transmission requires rebuild ... saw something on Audi USA stating about the transmission computer?

TIA, any recommendations for great mechanical AUDI work in Calgary

halo777

If the car is at 200k km or less, and everything else seems in excellent shape, then it is worth $1000-$1500 with transmission problems. However, there is no deal even at that price, unless you really love the car (i.e. exterior colour, interior colour, I personally would only buy one with sport seats, etc.)

The transmission is going to cost you up to $5000 CAD to have fixed. If the car has around 200K, it is worth about $4000-$5000 with everything working properly.

Also, it doesnt sound as if you are very familiar with these cars. There are a lot of other costly repairs (front control arms, brakes, timing belt job w/water pump, etc) that could add up to another few grand.

So, even if you get the car for free, it is only something you should buy IF you love the car. Plus, you have to know of a very good Independent garage to work on your car that you can trust, and at a reasonable price.

I love the Audi C5s. I have owned four of them (two A6 4.2s, an S6 and an RS6). Each and everyone had transmission problems. They are awesome cars if you are ready to fix everything on them. But the 'deals' out there usually require more money than they are worth.

Following is a recent thread on Audizine where the guy is getting the car for $100, and it still probably isnt worth it. I am v8a6 on AZ

Buying a 2001 A6 4.2

Charlygirl

Hello Halo777!

thank you kindly for your reply and the referral to AZ which I also read.

After researching A6 4.2 on various other forums with very stunning stories and your comments, I am perplexed why AUDI do not IMPROVE their basic OEM parts quality based upon the exceptionally large market share of consistent failures.

I absolutely love the body styling and the R8 is a very sexy car! I saw 2 on Friday, they make your heart race and I'm not even driving it!

But I am shocked at routine failures at low level miles or kilometers = Canada and USA; the acceptance of regular parts replacement, high priced mechanic bills and frequent, lengthy stays at the garage, while waiting for parts!

I want to be pampered routinely at the spa with facials, 2 hour massage, mani/pedi, enjoy regular dining at chef owned restaurants paired with exceptional vintages of white/red wine and champagne, golf at highly ranked courses across NA and frequent, lengthy stays at fabulous resorts as well as more adventuresome travels with a partner to enjoy and have fun.

Why should my car receive better treatment than me?

If I take the cost of an Audi, add in the plethora of essential engine/transmission/basic integral parts, plus mechanic fees, having to rent a car or taking taxi's when it's frequently in the shop and waiting for parts arrival, my ego and my wallet would be better off with a Mercedes for day in /out driving and find an older 5 speed roadster for fun in the summer (whenever it arrives in Calgary, as we don't have 4 seasons like I'm used to in TO).

So thank you, Halo appreciate your candor along with all those now poor and angry people who were kind to write of their very expensive Audi experience, it was sobering and sad.

Until Audi step up their basic quality, I can cross it off my desired car list and just appreciate the look from afar.

BTW, the gorgeous 2000 A6 4.2 with 85K miles / ~ 140K km (immaculate inside / outside) with 1 cup holder (bizarre), great BOSE stereo, sold for $1500 with known transmission problems; after what I read, it wasn't going to be me.

halo777

Glad I could help.

Audis continue to look great, even when they are close to 15 years old, because they have a galvanized body that resists rust. Plus, the fit and finish are top-of-the-line, and definitely stand out from the lower end cars (especially on the A6).

However, any car that is 15 years old is well out of warranty period, and the mechanical condition will depend on how well maintained the car has been. The transmission issue on the C5 A6 4.2 is a known issue, and most of them have had them replaced by now. A variant of the transmission was used in a bunch of other makes too (Jaguar, BMW, Range Rover ZF 5HP transmission - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia). So, it is not just a problem with Audis. Once that is taken care of, the rest of the car is very reliable, but expensive to maintain properly.

If you want a car that has the same fit and finish of the C5 Audi A6 4.2 (which usually got all top of the line stuff) then you pretty much are looking at a $70,000 car today.

If you want something that will be super reliable and cheap to maintain, then I recommend a base model, no-frills, Import from the last four years, with low mileage and a warranty. Forget about any of the European cars unless you have at least $15-20k to get a newer VW with warranty.

Good Luck!