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IE 3.0T Supercharged Engine Health Checklist

The Audi 3.0T supercharged engine is very well-engineered and is capable of supporting far more power than when it rolled out of the dealership. Nonetheless, when installing performance products there are some things to keep in mind. Some of the items mentioned are common maintenance items and others are more related to performance upgrades.

Audi 3.0T Supercharged Maintenance

This article is applicable to the following Audi models:

  • B8 S4
  • B8.5 S4
  • B8 S5 (excluding 4.2L)
  • B8.5 S5 (excluding 4.2L)
  • B8.5 S5 Cabriolet
  • C7 A6
  • C7 A6 Allroad
  • C7 A7
  • 8R Q5 with 3.0T
  • 8R SQ5

If your car feels like it isn't quite running right, consider the following maintenance suggestions. If you have tried all the suggestions below and are still stumped, feel free to reach out to our support team who’s always here to help.

Audi 3.0T Engine Health Upgrades

Ignition System - Spark Plugs and Coil Packs

Ensuring coil packs and spark plugs are in proper working order is essential when upgrading engine software. If misfire codes are present try swapping coils & plugs between cylinders to diagnose the issue. If the misfire follows the swapped parts to another cylinder that signifies the faulty hardware.

Coil packs - Don’t cheap out on low-quality brands. We recommend using factory coils or quality brands.

Spark plugs - Stick to quality brands such as NGK or Denso. It is also important to gap spark plugs with performance in mind. The recommended plug gaps for IE tunes are listed below:

Stage 1 - BKR8EIX gapped to .028”

Stage 2 with Single Pulley - BKR8EIX gapped to .026”

Stage 2 with Dual Pulley - BKR9EIX gapped to .026”

3.0T Supercharger Intercooler Cores

One of the most common failures that the 3.0T experiences are failed supercharger intercooler cores. Typically this is a result of the braising used during manufacturing failing. It may be time to check or replace intercooler cores if you are experiencing higher than normal Air Intake Temperatures (AIT), coolant loss or air continues to enter the system even after bleeding it.

Failed Catalysts

Stock catalysts are common failure points. There can be several “hints” that cats are failing but a common situation may be derived from analyzing data logs. Many times boost will far exceed boost spec/request. In addition fuel trims may be substantially higher than normal. Another symptom of failing catalysts are hesitations when accelerating. If hesitations are occurring this could be a sign of something very serious and should not be driven until diagnosed.

More simply, you may hear a rattling noise from the exhaust system. If this is present inspect the catalysts for obstructions or damaged internals.

Heat Exchanger

The stock unit that comes on the car can even be under spec’d for a completely stock car and more so on stage 1 power levels. If high AITs are present and the coolant system is healthy considering upgrading the heat exchanger.

3.0T Higher Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP)

A failed or underperforming HPFP will result in low fuel rail pressure. If the car does have lower-than-normal rail pressure it may be time to swap it out for a new one. It can also be a good time to upgrade to an Integrated Engineering 3.0T HPFP. It’s the highest flowing pump available and will make the most out of a dual pulley or dual pulley with upgraded throttle body ECU software.

DSG/S-Tronic Transmission Fluid

We recommend using factory transmission fluid. It is very common that the factory transmission fluid will support higher torque levels than other fluids that are available. It is even more important to use high-quality fluids when installing Integrated Engineering transmission software.

Supercharger Bearings

Over time the snout bearing on the supercharger drive shaft may wear out. By pulling back and forth on the shaft you can determine if there is any play. If so, it may be time for a new supercharger altogether.

On another note, it is possible to damage this bearing by incorrectly installing an upgraded supercharger pulley. If it’s a press fit gear make sure it’s well heated before sliding it onto the shaft. If it doesn’t go on far enough DO NOT hit it with a hammer! Remove it using the IE Supercharger Pulley Removal Tool and try again.

Supercharger Belt

Before upgrading engine software it is a good idea to check the wear of the supercharger belt. Ensure that it is not too loose or has any fraying. It may also be worth keeping an extra around as they are cheap and easy to change if a failure occurs.

For Stage 1 and Stage 2 cars, the factory belt should be used. The factory belt part number is 06E903137T.

Stage 2 Dual Pulley cars must use an overdrive serpentine belt. The recommended belt is made by Bando and is part number 7PK1320.

Motor Mounts

Motor mounts are common failure points on many VAG cars. 3.0T engines are no exception and given the added engine weight over smaller engines they are even more failure prone. If under acceleration or braking clunking noises are present, double check their health.

Learn More About 3.0 TFSI Audi Upgrades

For more information on Integrated Engineering's 3.0T Supercharged products and performance achievements check out the following articles:

FAQs

Is the Audi 3.0 T engine good?

Yes, the Audi 3.0 T engine is well-known for its blend of performance, dependability, and versatility. With strong power output and smooth operation, this engine has been used across a variety of Audi models, including the S4, S5, Q7, and A6.

The EA837 supercharged V6, in particular, is celebrated for its durability and tunability, making it a favorite among enthusiasts.

For performance upgrades, its robust internals make it a great candidate for software tuning and hardware modifications. In stock form or modified, it’s a solid performer.

Is the Audi 3.0 T supercharged?

Most Audi 3.0 T engines from around 2010 to 2017 are supercharged, not turbocharged, despite the "T" in the name.

The EA837 Audi 3.0 supercharged engine features a Roots-type supercharger integrated into the "V" of the engine, which delivers instant power with no noticeable lag. This setup makes it responsive and fun to drive.

Later versions, such as the EA839 3.0 T, moved to turbocharging, starting with the 2018 Audi S4 and similar models.

Is the Audi A6 3.0 T fast?

Yes, the Audi A6 3.0 T is fast. Equipped with the supercharged version of the engine, the 2016 A6 3.0 T delivers 333 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds.

Performance-tuned A6 sedans meanwhile, offer even more power.

The newer, turbocharged EA839 3.0 T engines also pack a punch, providing smoother power delivery and improved fuel efficiency.

How much horsepower does a 3.0 twin-turbo Audi have?

The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 in the EA839 family powers high-performance models like the Audi S6, S7, and RS4/RS5 (in some regions). The power output depends on the application:

  • Audi S4/S5 (B9): ~354 hp (single turbo, EA839 3.0 T)
  • Audi S6/S7 (C8): ~444 hp (twin-turbocharged EA839)
  • RS4/RS5 (B9): ~444 hp (twin-turbocharged EA839)

With performance upgrades like ECU tuning, the twin-turbo setup can handle 500+ hp reliably.

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