RS6 Oil Pressure Warning + Engine Noise Signals Major Issue

Had the exact same symptoms on my 2013 S6 last summer. The oil pressure sensor warning came up intermittently at first, then became constant. Engine started making knocking sounds, especially during cold starts. Diagnosis revealed low oil pressure caused by a failing oil pump. This is a serious issue that needs immediate attention, continuing to drive risks severe engine damage and potential bearing failure. The repair involved: Removing the engine oil pan, Replacing the oil pump assembly, Installing new engine bearings as a precaution, Full oil system flush, New oil filter and synthetic oil The job took 3 days at the shop. Main signs to watch for during diagnosis: Oil pressure gauge readings below normal, Metallic particles in oil, Timing chain noise, Low oil pressure at idle When talking to mechanics, request: Oil pressure test results, Physical inspection of old pump, Check for metal debris in oil, Bearing clearance measurements This repair is critical, oil starvation can destroy engine bearings within minutes. Best to have it towed to avoid further damage. Get a second opinion if unsure, but dont delay repairs once low oil pressure is confirmed.

Thanks for the detailed breakdown of the repair process. My RS6 had nearly identical issues and the diagnosis ended up being exactly what you described, a failing oil pump causing dangerous low oil pressure. I parked it immediately after seeing metal particles during an emergency oil check. Did you remember roughly what you paid for the complete repair? In my case the oil pump failure led them to discover some additional wear on the timing chain that they recommended replacing while they were in there. Just wondering if you had any similar secondary issues pop up since the repair? This oil pressure issue seems pretty common on these engines once they get higher mileage. Hopefully documenting our experiences here helps others catch it early before serious engine damage occurs.

Good news, the repair on my S6 was completed successfully and the low oil pressure issue is completely resolved. The final cost came to 755 Euro for replacing the defective oil pump, which included labor and parts. My engine oil pressure readings have been perfect since the fix. Unlike your case, I didnt need any additional timing chain work, though the mechanic did a thorough inspection of related components. The oil leakage was caught early enough to prevent secondary damage. The clogged oil filter was also replaced as part of the service. The repair has been solid for over 8 months now with no oil pressure sensor warnings or unusual engine noises. Regular oil pressure checks show everything running at spec. Definitely worth every cent to prevent catastrophic engine failure. You made the right call parking it when you spotted metal particles. Oil pump failure can escalate quickly into major engine damage if not addressed promptly.

Following up on my repair experience, took the car to a specialty shop after getting several quotes. The total repair came to 2100 Euro including the oil pump replacement, timing chain work, and a complete oil system flush. More than I hoped but less than I feared given the mileage. The shop found metal particles in the oil filter when they did the initial inspection, confirming oil pump failure. The timing chain wear was an unwelcome surprise but made sense to fix while they had everything apart. The oil viscosity test they ran also showed the oil had broken down significantly. Three weeks after the repair now and the engine runs perfectly, no more warning lights or concerning noises. The oil pressure readings are steady and strong. Regular oil changes with the correct spec oil going forward should help prevent this from happening again. Glad I caught it before catastrophic engine damage occurred. Having documentation of the metal debris and failed oil pressure sensor readings helped ensure the shop properly diagnosed and fixed the core issue rather than just treating symptoms.