Which year's A4L does not burn engine oil?
3 Answers
The Audi A4L is prone to burning engine oil, which is a common issue with this model. Engine oil burning typically occurs only after the engine has been used and worn to a certain extent. Symptoms of engine oil burning: Engine oil burning refers to a condition where the cumulative oil consumption exceeds 0.3 liters after running 1,000 kilometers. If the car is properly maintained, oil burning issues may only arise after running 100,000 kilometers. Solutions for engine oil burning: One can opt to use higher viscosity engine oil to improve the sealing between the engine pistons and cylinder walls. However, the ultimate solution to completely resolve the oil burning issue is to conduct a thorough inspection and repair of the vehicle to address the root cause.
From my experience driving Audis, oil burning is indeed a common issue with the A4L, but models after 2013 have shown significant improvement. The reason lies in the early EA888 engines, especially those before 2012, which had design flaws in the piston rings and oil seals, leading to excessive oil consumption—many owners complained about needing to add a liter of oil every 1,000 kilometers. After the third-generation EA888 was introduced in 2013, Audi made optimizations, such as improving turbo seals and the oil-gas separation system, which greatly reduced the problem. Post-2017 versions are even more stable, with virtually no oil burning. Of course, no model year is absolutely reliable—maintenance habits matter, like timely oil changes and using genuine filters to extend engine life. When buying a used A4L, prioritize 2015 or later models, check the owner’s manual, or visit a dealership to measure the dipstick. Don’t cheap out on older cars. Having driven for over a decade, I’ve seen this lesson many times—newer models are indeed more worry-free, at least ensuring a few years of trouble-free driving.
As a car enthusiast, I've followed many Audi forum discussions, and the general consensus is that the post-2013 A4L has made significant improvements in oil consumption issues. The older models, especially those from 2010-2012 with the EA888 engine, were notorious oil guzzlers—some users reported needing to top up engine oil every few months, primarily due to carbon buildup on piston rings causing poor sealing. However, Audi upgraded to the third-generation engine in 2013, optimizing design and materials, which brought oil consumption down to normal levels. Models from 2018 onwards are even more reliable. Community-shared cases show that with proper maintenance, newer models rarely have issues. I recommend checking owner groups before purchasing and physically measuring the oil dipstick—cold engine checks after overnight parking yield more accurate results. For routine maintenance, stick to factory-standard oil specifications and avoid arbitrary changes. Don't worry—if you choose the right model year, the A4L remains dependable. I personally tested a friend's 2016 model, which ran flawlessly for 100,000 kilometers.
