The Baby - long

[DOUBLDz at aol.com]

Dear Audi Enthusiasts,

It's been a long time that I've been in my self imposed seclusion. I notice
that many of the names that I am familiar with are still around, so hello to
all of you...many of you have been extraordinarily helpful to me in the
past...so thank you again.

I'm writing tonight because I had a rather unsettling experience with Baby
today and was hoping for some expert feedback. Just an update: Baby is seven
years old and has 109,000 miles. I have been right on top of all the routine
services along with an additional oil change halfway between the services
(that Audi doesn't even call for).  I've been taking her to the same shop and
they really know the car inside and out and I have always felt quite
confident in their honesty, integrity and skill. They aren't the cheapest
folks around but I really feel they are the best.

Last oil change, I told them that I thought Baby was burning too much oil. I
was putting in like 2 quarts myself between oil changes, which as I said were
frequent. Basically, I've been using Mobil 1 since I started on this list (4
years). Bottom line is that I don't think I could have done more to add to
the longevity of this engine. Today they did an engine compression and
balance test. Results from these tests along with oil fouled plugs in
cylinders #3 and 6 indicated worn piston rings and valve guides. They also
did a labor cylinder leak test which showed blow by past rings. A couple of
other things turned up as well, unrelated to the oil issue.

The owner of the shop himself called me to tell me the results. He's been
building engines for 30 years (Porsches, I believe...that's what he races
these days anyway). He worked on Audis for 20 years and claims to know those
engines top to bottom too. Anyway, knowing the service record on the car and
assuming I drive it like a lady ;-) he seems to feel that the Mobil 1 is the
cause of the damage to the engine. I was floored. How can you do something
which you think is a good thing (and spend more money while you're at it) and
have it end up screwing up your engine?  I must have some sort of really bad
karma going.

Where to go from here: His suggestion to me was to check the oil at every
other fill up and when it appears to be down a quart, to bring it in and let
them top it off so they can get an accurate accounting of exactly what's
going on. Once we do that, at the next oil change he's going to use regular
oil and then repeat the process, to see if there is an improvement. The
existing damage will remain but his hope is that we can slow things down by
changing the oil. We haven't even discussed the price of fixing the internal
damage to the engine...I don't think I want to hear it! I had been giving
serious thought to a new TT (and lately I've also been thinking about the
redone A4) BUT, I'm mad as hell. I wanted to buy a new car at my leisure. I
think I had a right to expect Baby to hold up for a lot longer than 109,000
miles!!! Its not fair! I traded my Celica with 142,000 and it didn't burn a
drop of oil and I wasn't an "enthusiast" then, I hardly ever changed the oil.
I've spent half a fortune to keep this car on the road and I've apparently
failed miserably. Makes me wonder if I really want to buy another Audi.

Sorry to vent, you guys are the only folks I know that would understand.
feedback is gratefully appreciated.

Dee
95 A6q Pearl