Highlights
・Extensive service history
・Lovely example
・4.2 litre Biturbo
・Milltek exhaust
The Background
Launched in 2002, the C5 RS6 was Audi's top of the tree, high end performance car, above the S model. The RS initials are taken from Rennsport in German, or translated as Racing Sport. At the time, the RS6 used some of the most advanced technology and engineering available, equaling the power and torque of the larger Audi S8 model but in a smaller body. The performance of the RS6 is where it’s at, along with the practicality of an estate. The 0-60 mph is around 4.4 seconds, and a top speed of 174 mph, limited to 155 mph. The electronically controlled five speed gearbox can be used as an automatic or with the steering wheel mounted paddles, giving the full race car effect. Production of the C5 RS6 lasted for just 2 years, and it wasn't until 2007 that the second generation model RS6 was introduced.
The History
The seller of this lovely 2003 Audi RS6 Avant has owned the car for approximately 6 months. After an impulse buy he has now decided to part with it, even though he has spent a hefty amount on sorting a few issues out.
The first 3 owners of the car are believed to have been Audi dealers, as it was moved around from dealer to dealer. Looking through the paperwork it appears to have been owned by the previous keeper for around 14 years. The owner then had ensured the RS6 was always kept in tip top condition, with all the repairs and parts carried out at main Audi dealers.
A few changes to the suspension and exhaust have been done in recent years. The suspension has been replaced with Bilstein Coilovers and the exhaust was replaced by a Milltek cat back, which obviously sounds amazing with the V8 breathing through it.
The Paperwork
The V5 is present and shows 5 previous keepers for the RS6. It comes with 2 keys.
The history is in excellent order, with plenty of bedtime reading to satisfy you, just don't add it all up. It's clear that the car has been truly cared for by the previous keepers.
There is an MOT on the car which was carried out on 22nd August 2021.
The Interior
Inside, the Audi is in lovely condition and in no way would you say the interior matches the age of the car. The black leather electric Recaros, with their big bolsters, are in excellent condition, with no real wear to them other than some light creasing (quite unusual for Recaros), so this can only be seen as a plus point. This is the same for the driver and passenger seat. The rear seat is also in excellent condition with no obvious signs of wear.
Sitting in the driver's seat, the steering wheel has no signs of heavy use, the paddle controls can operate the tiptronic gear change. The dashboard is finished in black, which is in good condition and the piano black trim is in good order, with just some very faint scratches. The instruments show no fault codes and the odometer is displaying a reading of 117,932. The factory head unit is working as it should, but the satellite navigation does require the CD to be installed, which is missing. Lower down, the climate control buttons have some light wear, but are working as they should.
The carpets are excellent and have the added bonus of some factory mats to protect them. The headlining has been retrimmed in black alcantara and is therefore in excellent condition. In the boot area, the retractable roller blind opens and closes as it should, and the dog guard is also present and working. The carpet is all nice and clean with the luggage net in place. Under the carpet is the Bose stereo system brain, and the usual jack, wheel brace and compressor are present and correct.
The Exterior
Finished in Ebony Pearl Effect black, this 2003 Audi RS6 Avant looks to be in excellent order, with no obvious signs of receiving any paint which we could see. It looks to be a genuinely straight car.
Starting at the front of the RS6, there are a small amount of chips, definitely less than you would expect for the mileage. One of the parking sensors has the paint flaked off but could be easily touched in. The xenon lights are in good condition with no chips to them. There are some light scratches as you often get with plastic headlights. The fog lights are in good order with no chips and the honeycomb grille is free from any damage on both the upper and lower sections.
Around to the sides, and these are nice and straight, the door shut lines are all straight and even to both sides. The rear half of the car has privacy glass, all of which looks to be free from any noticeable scratches. As the car is black there are a few swirl marks which have been collected over the years. A good detailing would certainly make a difference to the appearance.
To the rear, the boot lid aligns even and the bumper is free from any scuffs. The twin exit tailpipes from the Milltek cat back exhaust are finished in satin black.
The wheels are finished in anthracite and have been given a fresh refurbishment to brighten them up. Michelin pilot sport 3 tyres are fitted and are all in nearly new condition.
The Mechanics
Powered by a Biturbo 4.2 litre V8, the RS6 produces an impressive 444bhp, making it the perfect car for the family and the dog.
With the first turn of the key, the mighty V8 barks into life and is music to your ears as the sound exits through the Miltek exhaust system. The car has recently had the timing chain, guides and tensioners replaced following a noisy tensioner, and a service was also carried out at the same time. Now the car is running with no untoward noises.
The car is reported to pull like a train and change gear smoothly through the automatic gearbox, or from the tiptronic controls. The suspension has been replaced at some point with the popular choice of Bilstein coilovers. The height has been set a touch lower than standard for some improved handling and a slightly more aggressive stance.
Bringing the RS6 to a halt are the drilled discs and the Brembo 8 pot calipers. These are reported to stop the car in a straight line with no juddering.
The Appeal
Recently having the timing chain and tensioners replaced is definitely an added bonus for the new owner. A little peace of mind can be had with the extensive service history. This shows the car has been well cared for and usually by a main Audi dealer.
The perfect family estate car with the added bonus of a Biturbo V8. It certainly ticks more than a few boxes on the practicality front and is guaranteed to give you the grin factor!
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