Originally Posted by
P1054
I also bought my first RS6 when I was a bit younger (23 if I recall correctly), and it was a big step up from my previous Acura. As I fairly quickly discovered, parts are definitely more expensive, and an RS6 tends to need more of them more often, BUT it's absolutely possible to do your own work, including engine pulls and transmission swaps. When I bought mine, the most complex mechanic work I had previously performed was a timing belt change on the aforementioned Acura. I've now done 2 manual conversions (unfortunately my first RS6 ended up totaled), replaced all the front control arms, built and installed custom straight pipes, replaced the timing belt several times, removed and reinstalled the front bumper more times than I care to count, removed and modified the cluster with a new color display, replaced the EGT sensor PCBs with "better" ones, and a handful of other things. It's not that RS6s are necessarily "hard" to work on, you just have to follow the proper sequence.
that is good to hear. I have some experience and have friends with more experience so ill give it a shot
I would highly recommend trying to get ahold of a copy of ElsaWin, the old Audi factory software. It contains detailed step-by-step directions for pretty much anything you could possibly need to repair or replace on the car. I have a Bentley manual as well, but mainly only use it for the wiring diagrams. And if you can track down a copy of ETKA (the Audi part-number software), that will also help. There is also a website called realoem.me (similar to realoem.com for BMW) that contains most of the same information as ETKA that is very useful.
never heard of elsawin but it sounds like this is exactly what i need.
While I'm on the subject of software, get a RossTech VagCom cable if you don't already have one. It will help immensely if/when you have any trouble codes.
Yes im going to order one
For parts, get familiar with sites like ECS Tuning, Pelican Parts, FCP Euro, Autohaus AZ, Blauparts, Genuine Audi Parts, and others.
I owned an aidi before and have purchased from a few of these companies
And finally, spend lots of time on this forum! As with most forums, try and do your due diligence and search before asking a "common" question. If you can't find the answer by searching, post the question and most on here are more than happy to share their wealth of knowledge. I for one have learned a ton from this forum, and even met up with several other local RS6 owners.
Welcome, and hopefully your RS6 experience is a rewarding as mine has been!