Hi everyone, new to the group! hopefully this is okay to post

I've just purchased a new A4, i already have one before but was really wanting a step up. 

So i have purchased a 2013 (b8.5) A4 3.0 Diesel, Black edition spec and quattro with a manual gearbox. 

Is there anything different compared to the 2.0L aside from size, chain compared to the 2 litres belt, and power? my previous was a 2 litre technik SE (that is now for sale)

many thanks for any help!

Coming from a belt-driven 2.0 TDI to chain driven 3.0 V6, then I would recommend changing the oil a bit more frequently. You’ll be familiar with cam belt and water pump expense, every 5 years, and oil changes every 8-10k miles. I’d recommend oil changes every 5-7k miles and go easy on the throttle until it gets to operating temperature. On a manual transmission, treat it to a gear oil change by 100k to 120k miles including rear diff. Other than that, run a can of Forte diesel conditioner through it occasionally and renew fuel filter every 20k miles.

The 3.0 TDi is a great engine, my favourite. I've had all versions back to the A6 Allroad, up to the S4 Avant, and currently have an A8 TDI, which is ridiculously economical on a run.

My two bits of advice are that with high mileage, the EGR cooler can need swapping, and the fuel injectors can go bad (6 of at £200/250 each for the correct ones) but my A6 didn't need any of these until 158k on the clock. Gearbox oil change is definitely worth doing on an auto (lots of oil!) But your manual is less critical.

I have religiously used Miller's Diesel Eco Power Max for years, adding a bit every few tanks, and never had an issue with anything 'mechanical'. A lot of people swear by it, and others will say its snake oil, but I agree with the former.

They are solid engines - I had a Revo remap done on the Allroad at 120,000 miles which brought it safely up from 240bhp to the 286 /282 I now have in my A8.

Enjoy !

 

 

 

Edited December 25, 2025Dec 25 by DieSel-Q

Okay cool, so it’s pretty much keep a keen eye on the oil levels and change it every year really as I do about 6-8k miles a year. And check the diff oil too, it’s at 105k miles currently so it may need changing soon. I’ve got a full inspection of it in the new year from an Audi specialist so I’ll ask them to look at it then.