W261w261

Btw, forget about Autozone. Your mechanic for your $85 should give you a comprehensive report
VASCOM codes
Redo compression test (will prob cost Xtra, or at least show him the previous results)
CV joints
Suspension bushings
Differential seals
Any coolant leaks
Condition of each exhaust component
(downpipe, cat, resonator, mufflers etc)
There's something on the intake plumbing on 3.0's that can be problematic - I have a 1.8 so don't know exactly, but your mechanic knows his B6's he'll check it if you mention it

The main thing here is to get a sense of where you're at. You don't want to sink money into other parts of a car that has a bad engine. A 1.8 out of a wreck is around 1200 to buy, I didn't look for a 3.0, but you can do much better than 8 grand.
Do you have an emotional attachment to the car? You may have to quantify how much you love it, because economically it's probably not worth fixing if it needs a new engine

AudiChic8

Thank you, so appreciate your help. I find it slimy that the dealer replaced all the parts (brakes and links for sure) and then told me I needed a new engine (assumed). It's hard to be emotionally attached to something that is causing me pain. I've learned to let things go, and for the better. I needed this car to get me through another few years. It's brave to stand up to a dealer's injustice, to call them out - which I'll do. I'll call Audi of America right in front of them. I'll contact BBB..that has worked for me in the past. Believe me, my life experience has taught me that we ourselves have the power to stand up to anything. Why isn't the dealer taking responsibility to fix their own engine? Because I didn't buy the car there? Because it's "old". Let's see what Audi of America thinks about that.

W261w261

Before you go back to the dealer, you might want to see what an independent opinion turns up. Certainly the dealer has as much as admitted he screwed up, by charging you for parts only. His main mistake was as you said, not looking at the big problem before fixing the smaller one.

AudiChic8

You think I ruffed them up enough ... The car is at the dealer & I have to pay for it. Then drive it to the indie shop for diagnostic. It's a mistake that costs me - if it truly needs a new engine. That's a grand put out for no car. Do folks sell cars like this? If it truly does need what dealer claims? Guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there. Thanks for getting me thru this - you're a saint.

turbo510

100 PSI is low compression, but not NO compression. You said that the car was running fine before the pothole incident, but if the engine was truly that bad, it would run rough and have a shaky idle. Here's my suggestion: when the compression check is re-done, have them pay attention to the condition of the spark plugs, especially #2. If it is extra oily, then that could be from a piston ring problem. Is oil consumption an issue? The 3.0 shouldn't be much of an oil-user. However, the thing maybe just needs to be driven wide-open up a long hill a few times!

AudiChic8

Thanks, Turbo! So I'm wondering if hitting the pothole caused something to fail, loosened something up - or moved it forward if it was beginning to fail. How could it be just coincidence? Yes, it does consume oil. They gave me the compression numbers and the leakdown numbers which I am now just confirming. I'll have them check the plug! I just called Audi of America. They said that taking apart an engine to look at the cause could cost as much as a used engine. ? The dealer said they would absolutely not open up the engine. So, for whatever it's worth - Audi of A is calling the dealer. I really think they are blowing the problem out of proportion, honestly, which is what happened to me at another dealer. Thanks for your input, dude!

AudiChic8

So leakdown on Cylinder 2 is 100% per Audi

AudiChic8

Once upon a time....are you ready for a good story? The German Auto Specialist shop showed me the compression test and there is no problem with my engine. Spark plugs smell bad though. Possibly when I hit the pothole it threw the computer off kilter. Thx for all your priceless contributions W261 To be continued...

AudiChic8

Re-did the compression test at the new shop and the engine is fine. Spark plugs smell bad though. Will find out more soo. Thx for your assistance Turbo

turbo510

Well that is good news. The spark plugs smelling "bad" are the next clue. Smells like un-burned fuel, or what? Your post on the 8th mentioned a conversation with an Audi person: "they said it was probably fine that the light [cel] was on steady (and not flashing)". That's odd that they wouldn't tell you why it's on. The pothole episode may or may not be relevant. Your story seems to be that the check engine light was on, though the car ran fine, then someone tells you the engine is shot, finally that the engine is likely OK. If you can give a clear timeline of events, and fault codes, it will help us help you.