Carbon Build Up...Sell It?
 

Yup got the bad news...carbon build up... need to take the engine apart and clean it! 2011 3.2 s-line with 50k on it-covered under warranty. Did some research and found this is a bigger problem than I initially thought. Anyone out in cyber space have this done and then have the problem return later??? Luv the truck but don't want to be stuck with a money pit as it ages...

Trade it, buy a new one. No need to get stuck with a possible headache. You should get a pretty penny on the current car and good rates on a new one. The new 3.0T model will be awesome.

I flip my Audi's every 45,000 miles and have never been upside down.


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Guaranteed to happen again after the cleaning. You'll buy yourself some time, but definitely dump it if somebody doesn't come up with a better (cheaper) solution.

cue the 2.0t guys about how amazing their turbo 4 bangers are and no carbon build up.

Unfortunately, carbon build up seems to plage new direct injected vehicles. I wonder if there is a way to avoid it? Like less idling? driving harder or longer?

You keep beating the same drum. If you are so unhappy with your car you should probably sell it.

I'm in the same situation - a 2010 3.2 with only 29K miles having to have the carbon removed. Love the car, but I hate to have to face major repairs every 30K miles. I am considering doing the repair and then selling the car, as it will still be under warranty and is in prime condition. Shame, as I love driving the Q5.

Kent in Michigan

The RS4 being the first direct injection engine was also the first to report the issue. The forums there are full of tricks that were tried and non have worked. Toyota has fixed the issue with a fuel injector added to the manifold to get fuel to also be injected on the valves that allows the fuel cleaners in fuel to work.

Most of us on the RS forum look at carbon cleaning as the way we use to look at a timing belt change. Part of the routine maintenance,

it will be gone soon enough. just isn't the same as my 09' was. Waiting for a Porsche Cayenne Diesel. Wouldn't mind getting away from this forum. the community isn't what it used to be....

I had the carbon build up repaired on an A4 at 45k miles. Audi actually replaced the gaskets and did some major engine work. Slowly over time I started using more oil and noticed the black on the tail pipe. At 75k it was cleaned again. I traded the car in. Honestly even though I miss the car, I love having a newer audi and I know from several others the carbon build-up always returns.
I was also told that long term, the catalytic convertor will fail and that is just additional very expensive repair.
Get rid of it!

Thanks everyone! Pretty clear on what my next steps will be! Anyone wanna buy a 2011 Q5?