Audi A8 VANOS Fix: Fuel Drain & Engine Light Fix Cost

Had similar problems on my 2008 Audi A6 3.0L FSI. The symptoms matched exactly, check engine light and poor fuel consumption. The issue turned out to be a failing inlet camshaft VANOS solenoid causing improper variable timing. This affected engine performance significantly, leading to low power output and increased fuel usage. The variable timing system wasnt working correctly, which meant the engine was running inefficiently. The repair required replacing both the VANOS solenoid and associated wiring harness as there was a power supply issue to the component. This is a serious repair that requires special diagnostic equipment to properly identify the failing components. The job needs to be done by someone who really knows these engines, as the VANOS system is complex and integral to proper engine operation. If left unfixed, it can potentially cause additional engine damage over time. Consider getting the fault codes read first, common codes for these issues are P0010 and P0011. Worth noting that genuine parts are crucial for this repair, as aftermarket VANOS solenoids often dont last. This is definitely not a DIY job unless you have advanced diagnostic capabilities and proper technical documentation.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the VANOS issues. My Audi A8 had nearly identical symptoms last year. I ended up having similar repairs done with the inlet camshaft and timing components. The engine runs much smoother now and fuel economy is back to normal. Just wondering, do you remember roughly how much you paid for the complete repair? Also, has everything been running smoothly since the fix, or have you noticed any other issues pop up? Would help to know for future reference since these variable timing systems seem to need attention as the cars age.

Finally got back to share the repair costs, it ended up being 250 Euro for fixing the inlet VANOS solenoid issue. The mechanic found a faulty camshaft solenoid valve causing the engine misfire and power delivery problems. Since the repair six months ago, everything has been running perfectly. The check engine light hasnt returned, fuel economy is back to normal, and the engine runs much smoother during acceleration. The VANOS failure symptoms completely disappeared after replacing the defective components. Its definitely worth fixing these variable timing issues promptly when they appear. If left unchecked, a malfunctioning VANOS system can lead to more serious engine damage and costlier repairs down the line. Regular maintenance and using quality parts seems to be key in preventing these problems from recurring. The investment was worth it considering how well the car performs now. Just make sure to find a shop that specializes in these engines, as proper diagnosis of the VANOS system requires specific expertise and testing equipment.

My Audi saga is finally over. I took it to a different mechanic this time who actually specialized in German cars. The inlet camshaft was indeed causing the problems, just like others mentioned. They found a failing VANOS solenoid that was messing up the variable timing system. Total cost came to 280 Euro for parts and labor. The mechanic was thorough and showed me the worn components. Much better experience than my previous shop visits. Its been about three weeks since the repair. The engine misfire is completely gone, and fuel economy has improved significantly. The check engine light hasnt come back on either. Really glad I got this fixed before it led to bigger issues. For anyone facing similar problems, finding a specialist mechanic made all the difference. They knew exactly what to look for and fixed it right the first time.