Camshaft Adjuster (VANOS) Failure / Timing System Codes
high- Typically appears
- 60–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $1,500 – $4,500
2007 Audi
S6Sedan
Sedan
The 2007 Audi S6 is the high-performance variant of the A6 lineup, powered by a 5.2L naturally aspirated V10 engine — the same basic architecture shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo. Producing 435 horsepower and paired with a 6-speed automatic, it delivers genuinely exotic performance wrapped in a discreet executive sedan body. Quattro all-wheel drive keeps all that power planted in every season. This is a luxury sports sedan built for drivers who want real performance without announcing it. The interior is well-appointed with high-quality materials, and the ride is composed enough for daily use while the V10 is always ready. It's a remarkable piece of engineering for the money on the used market — but that engineering comes with complexity and maintenance costs to match. Owning a used S6 of this generation is not a casual commitment. Parts are expensive, labor is intensive, and many routine jobs that would be simple on a domestic car become multi-hour affairs. Buyers who go in eyes-open and budget accordingly get an exceptional car. Those who don't are in for a rude awakening.
Reliability
2/5
Verified data
Specs shown for S6 — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
[object Object]
Drivetrain
AWD
Fuel
Premium gasoline
MPG
14 city / 19 hwy / 16 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Midsize Cars
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2007 Audi S6 is the high-performance variant of the A6 lineup, powered by a 5.2L naturally aspirated V10 engine — the same basic architecture shared with the Lamborghini Gallardo. Producing 435 horsepower and paired with a 6-speed automatic, it delivers genuinely exotic performance wrapped in a discreet executive sedan body. Quattro all-wheel drive keeps all that power planted in every season. This is a luxury sports sedan built for drivers who want real performance without announcing it. The interior is well-appointed with high-quality materials, and the ride is composed enough for daily use while the V10 is always ready. It's a remarkable piece of engineering for the money on the used market — but that engineering comes with complexity and maintenance costs to match. Owning a used S6 of this generation is not a casual commitment. Parts are expensive, labor is intensive, and many routine jobs that would be simple on a domestic car become multi-hour affairs. Buyers who go in eyes-open and budget accordingly get an exceptional car. Those who don't are in for a rude awakening.
Known for
- 5.2L V10 engine shared with Lamborghini Gallardo platform
- Quattro AWD with confident all-weather capability
- Understated exterior hiding exotic-level performance
- Premium interior with high material quality
- Smooth, linear power delivery across the rev range
Best for
- Enthusiasts who want exotic performance on a relative budget
- Drivers who cover highway miles in comfort and speed
- Wisconsin winters where AWD is a genuine advantage
- Those who can do some of their own maintenance or have a trusted independent shop
Watch for
- High ownership costs — parts, oil, and labor are all premium-priced
- Complex electronics with expensive repair paths when they fail
- V10 oil consumption if maintenance has been deferred
- Camshaft adjuster and timing system issues that get costly fast
- Finding a shop with real Audi/VAG experience is essential in this area
Common issues by mileage
6 knownIntake/Exhaust Valve Timing Solenoid Failure
high- Typically appears
- 60–100k mi
- Estimated repair
- $400 – $1,200
Secondary Air Injection (Smog Pump) Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 60–100k mi
- Estimated repair
- $600 – $1,800
Oxygen Sensor / Sensor Heater Circuit Failure
medium- Typically appears
- 80–130k mi
- Estimated repair
- $300 – $900
Electrical / CAN Bus Communication Faults
medium- Typically appears
- 80k+ mi
- Estimated repair
- $500 – $3,000
Cooling System Degradation (Thermostat, Water Pump, Hoses)
medium- Typically appears
- 70–110k mi
- Estimated repair
- $800 – $2,200
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 10,000 miles or 1 year — do not stretch further Oil and Filter Change
The V10 holds approximately 8.5 quarts and requires oil meeting VW 502.00/504.00 specification. The camshaft adjusters are oil-pressure fed — dirty or low oil is the #1 cause of expensive timing system failures on this engine. Drain plug torque is 25 ft-lb. Use the OEM filter (part 079 198 405 B) or equivalent spec replacement.
- 2 Inspect at 80k mi; replace wear items proactively by 100k mi Timing System Inspection (Camshaft Adjusters, Chain, Tensioners)
Timing chain stretch and camshaft adjuster wear are the most expensive failures on this engine. If the service history is unknown, budget for a full timing system inspection before anything else.
- 3 Every 40,000 miles Spark Plug Replacement
The V10 has 10 plugs. Access requires removal of the intake manifold on most cylinders, making this a significant labor job at an independent shop. Don't skip it — misfires put stress on the catalytic converters, which are very expensive to replace on this car.
- 4 Every 3 years / 45,000 miles Coolant Flush and Plastic Component Inspection
Flush with approved Audi G12/G13 coolant only — mixing types causes silicate precipitation and clogs passages. Inspect the thermostat housing, coolant flange, and overflow tank for cracks at each service.
- 5 Every 50,000–60,000 miles Transmission Fluid Change (ZF 6HP)
Audi labeled this transmission 'lifetime fill' but 18-year-old fluid in a hard-working gearbox is not lifetime. Fresh fluid protects shift quality and valve body function significantly.
- 6 Every 50,000 miles Quattro Differential and Transfer Case Fluid
AWD components run dry on many used examples. Correct fluid spec is critical — wrong fluid can damage the Haldex or Torsen unit. Verify with your shop before service.
- 7 Every 2 years regardless of mileage Brake Fluid Flush
DOT 4 fluid absorbs moisture over time. Wisconsin winters with repeated wet/dry cycles accelerate this. The S6's large brakes generate significant heat — degraded fluid raises fade risk.
- 8 Every 20,000 miles or annually Air Filter and Cabin Filter Replacement
The V10 breathes through two air filters. A clogged filter robs noticeable power at this displacement. Cabin filter is straightforward and keeps the HVAC system working cleanly through pollen and winter grime.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$2,000 – $5,000
Fuel
Premium (91+ octane) required. At 16 MPG combined and Wisconsin average driving, budget $3,000–$4,500/year in fuel depending on miles driven.
Insurance
Expect $1,800–$3,200/year for full coverage in Wisconsin on an 18-year-old performance sedan. Actual rates depend heavily on driver profile and zip code.
This is an expensive car to own on a fixed budget. A clean year with only scheduled maintenance runs $2,000–$3,000. A year with one major repair (timing system, cooling, transmission) can hit $4,000–$8,000 without warning. Budget for a repair reserve. The flip side: purchase prices on the used market are low relative to the original $75K MSRP, so cost-per-thrill can be favorable for buyers who maintain it properly.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Switch to a full-synthetic oil with strong cold-flow rating before temps drop below freezing — the V10's tight tolerances and camshaft adjusters need oil flowing immediately on cold starts.
- Test the battery in October. The V10's starter load is substantial, and a marginal battery will fail at -10°F. This car's electronics are sensitive to low-voltage events.
- Use top-rated winter washer fluid rated to at least -20°F — Lake Geneva winters will freeze standard fluid solid in the reservoir lines.
- Inspect underbody wiring harness connectors and plugs for salt corrosion at each winter service. CAN bus faults are more common on cars driven on salted roads.
- If storing for winter, use a battery tender — the S6's electronics draw a parasitic load that will kill a sitting battery in 4–6 weeks.
- Run dedicated winter tires on a second set of wheels. The Quattro system is excellent but it cannot overcome summer performance tires on ice — the OEM rubber compounds are not rated for below 45°F.
Summer
- Check tire pressure monthly — warm pavement raises pressure 4–6 PSI above cold readings. The S6's handling balance is sensitive to tire pressure.
- Inspect the A/C system charge and cabin filter before summer. The automatic climate control works hard in July heat and a weak charge is the first thing noticed.
- Monitor coolant temperature during spirited driving. A V10 that has been sitting in stop-and-go summer traffic will run near the top of the normal range — if it climbs further, pull over. A cooling system failure on this engine is catastrophic.
- Check brake pad depth before summer road trips. The large brakes handle heat well when the pads are adequate, but worn pads fade quickly under repeated hard braking.
Comparable vehicles
2007 BMW
M5
Also V10-powered, similar performance envelope and price tier on the used market. Even more driver-focused but equally expensive to maintain.
2007 Mercedes-Benz
E55 AMG
Supercharged V8 executive sedan in the same performance and price bracket. More common in independent shops; AMG maintenance costs are similarly high.
No catalog match
2007 Cadillac
CTS-V
Domestic alternative with LS2 V8 power — much lower maintenance cost and better parts availability, though less refined interior and no AWD.
2008 Jaguar
XFR
Supercharged V8 luxury performance sedan at a similar used price point. Strong straight-line performance but reliability concerns of its own era.
No catalog match