So am I understanding that P0018 engine code is equivalent to the blue screen of death? This is so disheartening. :( I love my A6, really gonna miss it.

You guys (audigy, jon) need to make clear what year and what motor. Read sticky. For those w/ A6, either ask on the right board there or at least i.d. the motor and the year better. If it is C5 A6, then basically same as D3 early 4.2. If C6 A6 or C5 4.2 allroad (an unusual one), then it is same in general (allroad w/ slight nuances IIRC) same as A8 4.2 late.

First part of post from scooterfree is clear it is a 2007 A8 4.2 BVJ. Thus an FSI motor with chain drive, and thus really bad news if it shows a cam timing misread--since the cam drive system are chains in back of motor. But if you have a 2004-2006 A8, you have belt on a 4.2. Then if still running and no apparent signs of bent valves, it may just be a belt job. Importantly, belt, tensioner, etc. in the front of the port injection earlier 4.2's and it does not need motor out like the chain ones do. For knowledgable folks on here who want to help, we need that accurate info going in...again, see the sticky and why it matters in cases like this.