B8 S4 Ownership
Discussion
RoVoFob said:
I’m booked in to see a 2011 S5 Sportback over the weekend. Are there any S5-specific issues to watch out for?
I’m assuming the typical issues are the same (with on-time S tronic and Quattro servicing being important), though I understand from this thread that gearboxes are more robust than with pre-facelift S4s. Have I got that all right? Thanks.
That'll be the 4.2 V8 rather than the 3.0 V6, then?I’m assuming the typical issues are the same (with on-time S tronic and Quattro servicing being important), though I understand from this thread that gearboxes are more robust than with pre-facelift S4s. Have I got that all right? Thanks.
silentbrown said:
RoVoFob said:
I’m booked in to see a 2011 S5 Sportback over the weekend. Are there any S5-specific issues to watch out for?
I’m assuming the typical issues are the same (with on-time S tronic and Quattro servicing being important), though I understand from this thread that gearboxes are more robust than with pre-facelift S4s. Have I got that all right? Thanks.
That'll be the 4.2 V8 rather than the 3.0 V6, then?I’m assuming the typical issues are the same (with on-time S tronic and Quattro servicing being important), though I understand from this thread that gearboxes are more robust than with pre-facelift S4s. Have I got that all right? Thanks.
You don’t need to worry about gearboxes as per 09-10 s4 and whether they’ve got the extra gearbox filter, as the Sportback always had it
If the car your viewing has a lump in the back right corner of the boot it should have the sports diff
Adrian E said:
All S5 Sportbacks are v6t engined with stronic box (the coupes were v8 until facelift)
You don’t need to worry about gearboxes as per 09-10 s4 and whether they’ve got the extra gearbox filter, as the Sportback always had it
If the car your viewing has a lump in the back right corner of the boot it should have the sports diff
It may not have been an S5 Coupe, but I have just sold an Audi with that 4.2 V8, so I’ve ticked that box already!You don’t need to worry about gearboxes as per 09-10 s4 and whether they’ve got the extra gearbox filter, as the Sportback always had it
If the car your viewing has a lump in the back right corner of the boot it should have the sports diff
Thanks Adrian. That’s what I thought. Does this mean that all S5s have more robust gearboxes than 2009-2010 S4s or are the S5 gearboxes the same as the supposedly more reliable facelift S tronic boxes, too?
Yes, I remembered your nugget about how to spot Sports Diffed S5s. It’s proven very handy for prioritising which cars to look at since they’re seem to be more S5s than Avants around at the moment.
Are there any negatives for S5s over the S4 Avant - bar boot access/seats down space? Most reviews when the cars were new were very positive for the S4 Avant, but less so for the S5, which has always confused me. Thanks.
I was under the impression that the earlier DSG transmissions (DL501) had issues, unless revised parts were fitted?
This link mentions 2009-2013
https://tvsengineering.com/en/dsg-gearbox/dl501/
This link mentions 2009-2013
https://tvsengineering.com/en/dsg-gearbox/dl501/
RoVoFob said:
It may not have been an S5 Coupe, but I have just sold an Audi with that 4.2 V8, so I’ve ticked that box already!
Thanks Adrian. That’s what I thought. Does this mean that all S5s have more robust gearboxes than 2009-2010 S4s or are the S5 gearboxes the same as the supposedly more reliable facelift S tronic boxes, too?
Yes, I remembered your nugget about how to spot Sports Diffed S5s. It’s proven very handy for prioritising which cars to look at since they’re seem to be more S5s than Avants around at the moment.
Are there any negatives for S5s over the S4 Avant - bar boot access/seats down space? Most reviews when the cars were new were very positive for the S4 Avant, but less so for the S5, which has always confused me. Thanks.
The boxes in general were much less likely to fail after Audi fitted the additional filter - any early failures would’ve got the later style as well - the box itself didnt change. I’m not sure facelifts are any different? The cars are all getting on a bit now - our 2011 hit 90k miles this week. I’ve had the mechatronics repair in the last year, which is due to iffy wiring and a circuit board IIRC. They’ll all do that eventually I suspect. Bill isn’t horrific (£300-ish parts and a chunk of labour to drop the bottom off the box)Thanks Adrian. That’s what I thought. Does this mean that all S5s have more robust gearboxes than 2009-2010 S4s or are the S5 gearboxes the same as the supposedly more reliable facelift S tronic boxes, too?
Yes, I remembered your nugget about how to spot Sports Diffed S5s. It’s proven very handy for prioritising which cars to look at since they’re seem to be more S5s than Avants around at the moment.
Are there any negatives for S5s over the S4 Avant - bar boot access/seats down space? Most reviews when the cars were new were very positive for the S4 Avant, but less so for the S5, which has always confused me. Thanks.
Main negatives - pre-facelift Sportback is a 4 seater only -
No 5th seatbelt fitted. I miss the practicality of an estate but the boot is a decent size - you just pay for the sloping angle in terms of how usable it is. I’ve owned it 10 years so it’s not bothered me that much!
Adrian E said:
The boxes in general were much less likely to fail after Audi fitted the additional filter - any early failures would’ve got the later style as well - the box itself didnt change. I’m not sure facelifts are any different? The cars are all getting on a bit now - our 2011 hit 90k miles this week. I’ve had the mechatronics repair in the last year, which is due to iffy wiring and a circuit board IIRC. They’ll all do that eventually I suspect. Bill isn’t horrific (£300-ish parts and a chunk of labour to drop the bottom off the box)
Main negatives - pre-facelift Sportback is a 4 seater only -
No 5th seatbelt fitted. I miss the practicality of an estate but the boot is a decent size - you just pay for the sloping angle in terms of how usable it is. I’ve owned it 10 years so it’s not bothered me that much!
That’s good gearbox-wise. The S5 I’m looking at sounds like a similar age/mileage to yours, so a mechatronics replacement may be on the cards. The seller has sent me service book pics and seems like it’s covered reasonably well on the oil service front, as per the mileages/dates below. Main negatives - pre-facelift Sportback is a 4 seater only -
No 5th seatbelt fitted. I miss the practicality of an estate but the boot is a decent size - you just pay for the sloping angle in terms of how usable it is. I’ve owned it 10 years so it’s not bothered me that much!
Can only see one S tronic oil and filter service at 72,339 miles, though. Am hoping there was another on time S tronic service, which considering the first five services were at Audi main dealers, isn’t out of the question. Four seats is probably fine for me, since I have an 18-month-old whose child seat practically covers any middle seat by itself. Would rather an Avant, but probably not a real issue…
Seems very well specced with full Drive Select, inc. sports diff, plus B&O, DAB, tech pack high, memory driver’s seat, Bluetooth high, adaptive cruise, hill hold, reversing camera along with side assist and high beam assist and some other bits.
Oil changes:
11,775 miles 5/10/12
22,741 miles 22/8/13
33,386 miles 7/7/14
48,687 miles 25/6/15
58,628 miles 7/1/16
68,032 miles
69,219 miles
70,948 miles 31/8/17
72,339 miles
That sounds very high spec 
It would be surprising if the first stronic service was missed. Hopefully a call to the servicing dealer will confirm, if there’s no paperwork
The mechatronics fault on ours didn’t impact how the car drove at all - just had a gearbox warning pop up briefly when driving around a car park looking for a space. When it did it the second time within a matter of weeks I booked it in, as if it’s left the clutch pack can be damaged which massively ramps up cost. Just mechatronics and it can be done with box still in the car
It would be surprising if the first stronic service was missed. Hopefully a call to the servicing dealer will confirm, if there’s no paperwork
The mechatronics fault on ours didn’t impact how the car drove at all - just had a gearbox warning pop up briefly when driving around a car park looking for a space. When it did it the second time within a matter of weeks I booked it in, as if it’s left the clutch pack can be damaged which massively ramps up cost. Just mechatronics and it can be done with box still in the car
Adrian E said:
That sounds very high spec
It would be surprising if the first stronic service was missed. Hopefully a call to the servicing dealer will confirm, if there’s no paperwork
The mechatronics fault on ours didn’t impact how the car drove at all - just had a gearbox warning pop up briefly when driving around a car park looking for a space. When it did it the second time within a matter of weeks I booked it in, as if it’s left the clutch pack can be damaged which massively ramps up cost. Just mechatronics and it can be done with box still in the car
Yep. Definitely stuffed with options, including some rarer ones.It would be surprising if the first stronic service was missed. Hopefully a call to the servicing dealer will confirm, if there’s no paperwork
The mechatronics fault on ours didn’t impact how the car drove at all - just had a gearbox warning pop up briefly when driving around a car park looking for a space. When it did it the second time within a matter of weeks I booked it in, as if it’s left the clutch pack can be damaged which massively ramps up cost. Just mechatronics and it can be done with box still in the car
Annoyingly, I didn’t manage to catch Audi before they closed yesterday for servicing check but hope paperwork today will show evidence of S tronic services. If there’s no evidence of the first S tronic service (or paperwork for 73k one, bar tick in service book from unknown garage), would you say that’s enough to avoid buying the car, even if everything else is fine?
Thanks again for your advice. It’s much appreciated.
RoVoFob said:
silentbrown said:
4 services between 68k and 72k ?
Yes. Not really sure the story there…It does amaze me how many people ignore servicing - mine has always been done annually, irrespective of mileage, and never on the 'longlife' schedule.
Adrian E said:
I'm assuming those are dates for garage visits, not necessarily for a 'service' - noting the 2017 one aligns with the gearbox oil service info. What's it had since 2017?
It does amaze me how many people ignore servicing - mine has always been done annually, irrespective of mileage, and never on the 'longlife' schedule.
Likewise but I suspect that's the general difference between an owner who plans to keep the option open to keep the car for a long time versus those just hoping to get through a year or two without having to fork out any money before dumping it for the next car. It does amaze me how many people ignore servicing - mine has always been done annually, irrespective of mileage, and never on the 'longlife' schedule.
These semi performance, affordable cars have high running costs that lots of buyers simple can't afford. Ergo, most you go to look at are utter dogs.
RoVoFob said:
Yep. Definitely stuffed with options, including some rarer ones.
Annoyingly, I didn’t manage to catch Audi before they closed yesterday for servicing check but hope paperwork today will show evidence of S tronic services. If there’s no evidence of the first S tronic service (or paperwork for 73k one, bar tick in service book from unknown garage), would you say that’s enough to avoid buying the car, even if everything else is fine?
Thanks again for your advice. It’s much appreciated.
If it drives and changes gears smoothly with no warnings it is probably ok. Mine was never done before full Audi main dealer services history. Despite being apparently such a critical service item, it is optional. Annoyingly, I didn’t manage to catch Audi before they closed yesterday for servicing check but hope paperwork today will show evidence of S tronic services. If there’s no evidence of the first S tronic service (or paperwork for 73k one, bar tick in service book from unknown garage), would you say that’s enough to avoid buying the car, even if everything else is fine?
Thanks again for your advice. It’s much appreciated.
I got mine with 60k miles and changed the fluid and filter myself. They both looked fine with nothing worrying to see. I've done a second change at 80k miles to bring it in line.
Adrian E said:
I'm assuming those are dates for garage visits, not necessarily for a 'service' - noting the 2017 one aligns with the gearbox oil service info. What's it had since 2017?
It does amaze me how many people ignore servicing - mine has always been done annually, irrespective of mileage, and never on the 'longlife' schedule.
Looks like they were all oil services from the receipts, including another one at 76k.It does amaze me how many people ignore servicing - mine has always been done annually, irrespective of mileage, and never on the 'longlife' schedule.
Seems very keen. £15k 2011 one on sale at Audi dealer that sold last week was left until well over 20k miles for the first service, if I remember rightly, so guessing which cars are well looked after well can be tricky.
ninjag said:
If it drives and changes gears smoothly with no warnings it is probably ok. Mine was never done before full Audi main dealer services history. Despite being apparently such a critical service item, it is optional.
I got mine with 60k miles and changed the fluid and filter myself. They both looked fine with nothing worrying to see. I've done a second change at 80k miles to bring it in line.
So, it drove well and seems reasonable for the money condition wise. There is some wear and tear and a little rust on the inner wheel arches, but I imagine that’s relatively easily treatable.I got mine with 60k miles and changed the fluid and filter myself. They both looked fine with nothing worrying to see. I've done a second change at 80k miles to bring it in line.
Gearbox wasn’t 100% seamless at low speeds, but I think that’s more the nature of dual clutch transmissions than a problem. Am checking with Audi for evidence of the first S tronic oil change tomorrow.
I think for the price I’ve agreed with the seller, it all seems good - especially considering the spec/miles/oil service level…
Adrian E said:
The boxes in general were much less likely to fail after Audi fitted the additional filter - any early failures would’ve got the later style as well - the box itself didnt change. I’m not sure facelifts are any different? The cars are all getting on a bit now - our 2011 hit 90k miles this week. I’ve had the mechatronics repair in the last year, which is due to iffy wiring and a circuit board IIRC. They’ll all do that eventually I suspect. Bill isn’t horrific (£300-ish parts and a chunk of labour to drop the bottom off the box)
Main negatives - pre-facelift Sportback is a 4 seater only -
No 5th seatbelt fitted. I miss the practicality of an estate but the boot is a decent size - you just pay for the sloping angle in terms of how usable it is. I’ve owned it 10 years so it’s not bothered me that much!
I'll just add that post facelift S5 sportback are also only 4 seats. Main negatives - pre-facelift Sportback is a 4 seater only -
No 5th seatbelt fitted. I miss the practicality of an estate but the boot is a decent size - you just pay for the sloping angle in terms of how usable it is. I’ve owned it 10 years so it’s not bothered me that much!
I've had a 2011 and currently a 2016 but that lack of seat has never given me any bother.
I bloody love mine and having owned 1 (well, 2) for the last 7 and half years, have no idea what I'd replace it with.
It's a great all rounder (not excellent) but does loads of things very well.
- Edited for typo that somehow changed sportback to supercar!
Edited by MattS5 on Monday 21st August 11:33
MattS5 said:
I'll just add that post facelift S5 supercar are also only 4 seats.
I've had a 2011 and currently a 2016 but that lack of seat has never given me any bother.
I bloody love mine and having owned 1 (well, 2) for the last 7 and half years, have no idea what I'd replace it with.
It's a great all rounder (not excellent) but does loads of things very well.
Four seats should be fine from my side, too. Think pre-facelifts also only had four seats as well.I've had a 2011 and currently a 2016 but that lack of seat has never given me any bother.
I bloody love mine and having owned 1 (well, 2) for the last 7 and half years, have no idea what I'd replace it with.
It's a great all rounder (not excellent) but does loads of things very well.
What differences did you find between the 2011 and the 2016 Sportback? Do you need to replace your current one age/condition-wise or do you just fancy a change?
I’m getting to the stage of wanting to keep cars longer and longer, as the newer versions don’t provide the same experience.
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