Kris Hansen

have trans problems, or air bag problems, ever. =)

Seriously, I'm sure it's been discussed, but if someone could give me a quick digest version, since I'm a n00b..

mjposner

Only sold in model year 04 and 05. 05s are still under warranty and may be certified so I would go with an 05 unless a bargain 04 is available. TC issues were fixed mid year model year 04 for the 2.7t, not sure if this is even a 4.2 issue. I also think the trannies are different.

If out of factory warranty, an extended warranty is still a must with these cars. Air suspension is a major problem, the bushings are soft and wera out quickly, electrical maladies are costly to repair, though you won't have turbo issues with a 4.2.

scfan

No getting around the air bag issues down the road, but as Michael states, that is where a warranty can help. Now that there is a viable third-party bag option that is more affordable and lifetime warranted, seems less of an issue. Plus you have the option of going with non-air too. So at least the options are greater these days with lower cost.

Michael is correct on the trans issue. 4.2 uses a different trans than the 2.7T; the ZF 5HP24A versus the 5HP19FLA used in the 2.7T. The 5HP24A is the same trans used in nearly all 4.2 models Audi models. It's sister, the 5HP24 is used across the industry in the BMW V8 cars. It was not subject to the torque converter problem.

My '05 4.2 has been an absolute gem in comparison to my ownership experience with my '01. After the '01 car, I feel a bit cheated on the warranty...as I've only had two warranty items since buying the car in 2005, and they were rather minor (rear hatch lock and sunroof blocked by headliner support). My '01 had a warranty file near the thickness of a King James bible... To Audi and my dealer's credit, everything was always fixed and it never left me stranded.

You also have the option of the APR flash to take it to 340/353 hp on the 4.2. While I haven't done it yet, I have driven one that was done...and it is pretty close to the acceleration on my S4.

In addition, you get all the freebies that come with the 4.2, like HP2 calipers up front (like the earlier allroads), bigger and vented rear brakes, power tilt/telescope, etc. And no timing belt to break or replace.

If you're looking for higher reliability, lower cost, and a great performance-oriented car for the family, the 4.2 is a good choice. Mileage is not great on either engine; I've found I lost on average about 1 mpg between the switch from 2.7T to my 4.2.

Good luck on your search.

difficulTT

(knocks on wood)... Had it chipped since the summer GTG with no problems. Now added an APR exhaust as well. Let me know when you want to drive it!!

Geoff

2.7tDallas

so - the chip adding 50hp - is it true?

scfan

It is definitely more power than mine stock. It acts more like my S4 on the upper end. Whereas my allroad 4.2 feels like it is somewhat more reserved above 5000 rpm, the flashed/chipped version really comes on strong and keeps going to redline. There is noticeably more power across the whole band, but upper end is where I really felt it.

I'm waiting till mine goes off warranty next year and then I think I'm game. It depends on your ECU number, but I think most 4.2 '04 models have enough memory to flash the APR software with all options. The '05 models, from most we've heard from on the board, seem to have less memory and are only able to hold one program without modification to the ECU.

Kris Hansen

Awesome info, thanks.

Kris Hansen

about allroads.. I've been bouncing back and forth between S6 and allroad 4.2, and am finding more of the latter than the former on used car lots..

Kris Hansen

or is there a history of gremlins I need to fret about?

difficulTT

Anytime you wanna go take it for a spin :-)