Hi Folk, I've just joined the Forum, looks like a lot of good information shared and help.
I am seriously looking for an S5, not yet decided which variant but kind of leaning towards a convertible. I had a fantastic Audi 80 Sport back in the 80s, wish I'd kept it. I've had VWs, Alfas, Jags and SAABs since then, currently I have a 2006 Porsche Boxster S but need something a little more practice along side it. My choice would be a 3Lt S5, probably around a 2014 model.
As I have no experience of more recent Audis it would be great if I could get some pointers of what to look for, what to avoid (if anything) and possibly any recommendations.
Thanks in advance, I look forward to being a part of the forum.
Hi
@Remodot, welcome to ASN and great selection of cars you've had over the years.
In terms of B8.5 S5 (2012 - 2016), there are quite a few threads on the subject here as well as on Audizine. I have provided the links below but will also try to summarise as much as I can:
B8.5 S4 and S5 use the same 3.0 Supercharged engine - 2009 - 2012 was a CAKA, 2012 - 2014 was CGWC and 2014 - 2016 was CREC with the latter one coming with a few updates to the engine and internal components as well as reduced emmissions. The one and the major diffrence between an S4 and S5 is that the former is a better looking car than an the latter
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@Dippy might disagree though but it is understandable.
To say that these engines are bullet proof is both an understatment as well as an exegeration. However, if the car has been maintained at regular intervals and used rather than abused then you'll be fine. A few things to look out for are:
1- DSG Service - you'll see this mentioned in the above threads. Dependant on the mileage it should be serviced regularly. Walk away if it has not been. If not maintained and it decides to go kaboom, you are looking at around £2500 to get it repaired. It is mainly an issue on B8, improved on B8.5 with 2014 onwards using a GEN 3 gearbox. This includes both CGWA and CAKA engines.
2- Gearbox - Whether the gearbox has been serviced or not, and depending on how the car has been used the gearbox can start to mis-behave. If you are test driving one, just make sure you follow the guidance / advice provided in the first thread above by
@Dippy and others.
3- PCV and Thermostat - a maintenance item and might requires a change on the CGWC (2012 - 2014) engine but should be good on CREC (2014 - 2016) however, there are a few CREC owners who have replaced
4- Timing Chain - issue on B8 (2009 - 2012) engines. It was improved on B8.5 (2012 and 2014) and further changes made on the B8.5 (2014 - 2016) engines. However, these are mechanical components and there is no 100% guarantee that any improvemnets and lifelong.
5- Supercharger Clutch - supercharger clutch slippage and then eventual replacement is reported by a few CREC (2014 - 2016) car owners. Again, a £500 - £600 replacement but based on what we have seen / read so far there are not many.
Apart from that, I cannot think of anything else. If tuned, these cars can run somewhere between 400ps - 490ps, which is quite a bit for our motorways. There are a few good tuners out there offering Stage 1 (software only) and Stage 2 tunes (software plus a few other bits). These range from MRC, Bevo, APR, and Reevo. There are than other Toms, Dicks and Harrys who are also offering tunes on these cars, so quite a few to choose from.
Hope it all helps!