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Audi A6 / S6 / RS6 vs. BMW 3-Series Reliability by Model Generation

Results are for year ending June 30, 2018. Only successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
Year and Model % of Average Repair Frequency  
2012 - 2018 BMW 3-Series Reliability by Generation2012 - 2018 BMW 3-Series
44.857142857143% Best 116% Worst
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2016 - 2018 Audi A6 / S6 Reliability by Generation2016 - 2018 Audi A6 / S6
65.428571428571% Best 152% Worst
See problems for this generation
2012 - 2015 Audi A6 Reliability by Generation2012 - 2015 Audi A6
51.714285714286% Best 128% Worst
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2005 - 2011 Audi A6 Reliability by Generation2005 - 2011 Audi A6
44.857142857143% Best 116% Worst
See problems for this generation
2006 - 2011 BMW 3-Series Reliability by Generation2006 - 2011 BMW 3-Series
52.857142857143% Best 130% Worst
See problems for this generation
2000 - 2005 BMW 3-Series Reliability by Generation2000 - 2005 BMW 3-Series
62.571428571429% Best 147% Worst
See problems for this generation

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TrueDelta Reviews the Reliability And Durability of the Audi A6

Audi A6 Reliability And Durability: Neutral
YearComment
2016 I wavered on whether to include reliability among the reasons not to buy an Audi A6, and ultimately did not because the issues here are largely potential ones. As it ages, the 2016 A6 could prove troublesome. The 2012s, after a good first few years, have been requiring more than the average number of repairs lately. But over the past year the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 all have been good. Will this change as they near the end of the 4/50 factory warranty? Perhaps, but this remains to be seen. Or not. In general, recent German cars tend to be good for the first four to six years--the latter the point at which CPO (certified pre-owed) warranties end. I often suggest that there are two smart ways to own a German car: under warranty, or if you're willing and able to perform most repairs yourself. And the Cadillac CTS? We have a limited amount of data on the current car. What we do have suggests that it is more troublesome than the Audi. full 2016 Audi A6 review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Audi A6

Audi A6 Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2008 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
This car has never let me sitting and would hope not for the money paid except when i let the gas run to low and was a minute from a gas station. The paint seems to scratch very easily which i have my car in a garage and somehow find new scratches. full 2008 Audi A6 review
2006 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
The 2006 model continues to get good reviews in Consumer Reports and other publications. My experience thus far as been excellent -- have only had one item repaired in 18 months of ownership as I bought the car used. full 2006 Audi A6 review
Audi A6 Reliability And Durability: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2006 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
VERY expensive to fix and maintain full 2006 Audi A6 review
2006 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Broke down (transmission twice and fuel system once) three times and had to be towed back to dealership for stays of three weeks, two weeks, and one week. full 2006 Audi A6 review
2005 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
At the 60,000 milemark the car started to have mechanical problems, in particualr with the fuels system. I went through 5 fuel pumps, both hiigh and low pressure in a 1.5 year time frame. The dealership and a very reputable independant shop could not figure out what was wrong with the fuel system and why the car kept burning out the fuel pump. full 2005 Audi A6 review
2004 4dr Sedan 300-horsepower 4.2L V8
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Owned the car for a year or so. Thermostat stuck shut, differential gear whine started, gas gap failed, small leak around coolant res., LCD screen in car starting to loose pixels. full 2004 Audi A6 review
2003 4dr Sedan 220-horsepower 3.0L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
they seem to have minds of their own some days..electrical gremlins occasionally full 2003 Audi A6 review
2002 4dr Sedan turbocharged 250hp 2.7L V6
6-speed manual AWD
In general, the car is very reliable and durable as long as it is maintained properly, however when something does go wrong it can be VERY expensive to repair. full 2002 Audi A6 review
 

TrueDelta Reviews the Reliability And Durability of the Audi A6

Audi A6 Reliability And Durability: Neutral
YearComment
2016 I wavered on whether to include reliability among the reasons not to buy an Audi A6, and ultimately did not because the issues here are largely potential ones. As it ages, the 2016 A6 could prove troublesome. The 2012s, after a good first few years, have been requiring more than the average number of repairs lately. But over the past year the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 all have been good. Will this change as they near the end of the 4/50 factory warranty? Perhaps, but this remains to be seen. Or not. In general, recent German cars tend to be good for the first four to six years--the latter the point at which CPO (certified pre-owed) warranties end. I often suggest that there are two smart ways to own a German car: under warranty, or if you're willing and able to perform most repairs yourself. And the Cadillac CTS? We have a limited amount of data on the current car. What we do have suggests that it is more troublesome than the Audi. full 2016 Audi A6 review
 

What Our Members Are Saying about the Reliability And Durability of the Audi A6

Audi A6 Reliability And Durability: Pros
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2008 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
This car has never let me sitting and would hope not for the money paid except when i let the gas run to low and was a minute from a gas station. The paint seems to scratch very easily which i have my car in a garage and somehow find new scratches. full 2008 Audi A6 review
2006 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
The 2006 model continues to get good reviews in Consumer Reports and other publications. My experience thus far as been excellent -- have only had one item repaired in 18 months of ownership as I bought the car used. full 2006 Audi A6 review
Audi A6 Reliability And Durability: Cons
YearBody/PowertrainComment
2006 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
VERY expensive to fix and maintain full 2006 Audi A6 review
2006 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Broke down (transmission twice and fuel system once) three times and had to be towed back to dealership for stays of three weeks, two weeks, and one week. full 2006 Audi A6 review
2005 4dr Sedan 255-horsepower 3.1L V6
6-speed shiftable automatic AWD
At the 60,000 milemark the car started to have mechanical problems, in particualr with the fuels system. I went through 5 fuel pumps, both hiigh and low pressure in a 1.5 year time frame. The dealership and a very reputable independant shop could not figure out what was wrong with the fuel system and why the car kept burning out the fuel pump. full 2005 Audi A6 review
2004 4dr Sedan 300-horsepower 4.2L V8
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
Owned the car for a year or so. Thermostat stuck shut, differential gear whine started, gas gap failed, small leak around coolant res., LCD screen in car starting to loose pixels. full 2004 Audi A6 review
2003 4dr Sedan 220-horsepower 3.0L V6
5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
they seem to have minds of their own some days..electrical gremlins occasionally full 2003 Audi A6 review
2002 4dr Sedan turbocharged 250hp 2.7L V6
6-speed manual AWD
In general, the car is very reliable and durable as long as it is maintained properly, however when something does go wrong it can be VERY expensive to repair. full 2002 Audi A6 review