Cracked engine block
 

I have a 2005 S4 with 19,000 miles (original owner). It recently started leaking coolant, not much, but a puddle would form under the car near the left front tire, after driving, then stop. Dealer told me there is a crack in the block where a gasket is located. I'm not sure exactly where and I'm waiting for them to send photos. From the sound of it, the repair bill would be what the car is worth.

Has anyone heard of this before? Has Audi assisted in out-of-warranty repairs? I hate to say it, but the '05 was the replacement for my '04, an Imola Yellow lemon law buyback.

Are you sure it is the left front tire and not the right front tire?

The endtank on the radiator on my 2000 Audi A8 was weeping at the left front corner 10 years ago and I replaced it.

The oil cooler mounts to the right front side of the engine and has a short 2" long plastic pipe that allows coolant from the block to flow into it. This plastic pipe deteriorates over time and leaks. It is a common problem. There is a guy who sells an aluminum replacement pipe with better seals for like $25. This leak, however, is on the right front, not the left. You might want to temporarily remove the under engine plastic tray to see if you can find the source of the leak.

I've never heard of a 4.2 block cracking. If it was crashed or frozen solid while running straight water for coolant, then maybe, but I can't understand how the block could crack absent some trauma.