Considering a Used S5 Convertible
Discussion
I’ve had a 2010 s5 convertible since July 2018, and done about 5,000 miles in it. It’s now on 93k miles. During my ownership it’s had a minor service at a specialist (£200), front pads (£100), and an MOT (£300 as it failed due to a failed xenon levelling sensor). Doesn’t use any oil, but it likes to drink fuel. Work is a 14 mile each way drive, and taken sedately is 22mpg. Best I’ve ever done was a pootle to Glasgow airport (150 miles) and it managed 30mpg. It’s an easy car to drive swiftly, but 90% of the time you may as well be in a torquey diesel, it’s not a “fun” car. But for a swift, reasonably practical 4-seat convertible, it’s a good car.
It replaced a 2.0t petrol a5 cabriolet s line manual which was probably a better all round car for lance of performance versus mpg.
One thing I would say, is this is the 2nd s5 I’ve had. The first one was swapped by the dealer as it had a head gasket failure, my specialist (former Audi master tech) said it was the first he’d seen on this engine, so it looks like I was very unlucky!
In terms of spec, I’ve got full drive select (wouldn’t bother), satnav (wouldn’t bother, too outdated), AMI (nice to play music via Bluetooth). Don’t have B&O (but did have it in the dead S5), and it is worth having, as are heated seats. Removable wind deflector is useful but only if you never use the back seats.
Please ask if there is anything I haven’t covered?
It replaced a 2.0t petrol a5 cabriolet s line manual which was probably a better all round car for lance of performance versus mpg.
One thing I would say, is this is the 2nd s5 I’ve had. The first one was swapped by the dealer as it had a head gasket failure, my specialist (former Audi master tech) said it was the first he’d seen on this engine, so it looks like I was very unlucky!
In terms of spec, I’ve got full drive select (wouldn’t bother), satnav (wouldn’t bother, too outdated), AMI (nice to play music via Bluetooth). Don’t have B&O (but did have it in the dead S5), and it is worth having, as are heated seats. Removable wind deflector is useful but only if you never use the back seats.
Please ask if there is anything I haven’t covered?
I’ve got a 2015 facelift (B8.5) most important thing if you’re looking at an early car is that the gearbox has had its regular oil and filter changes. In theory they should have had two by now at the age you’re looking at, you really don’t want to know how much a replacement box is, but at worst there is a specialist box rebuilder in Bristol who will collect your car and fix for £3k or so, A whole lot less than a new box.
Otherwise they’re spec sensitive, early cars unless demos or press cars will be poverty spec, you really want the hard disk nav and B&O sound options, which although not earth shattering sound wise lift the interior and is a lot better than the standard one. Also fuel consumption as above, 23 around town, just over 30mpg if treated gently on a run is the very best you’ll get, boot it and that rapidly drops.
If you fancy tuning a remap and pulley will release well over 400hp! Just ask if you want to know any more. I’ve had mine for 5 years now and in a real quandary what I’d replace it with, it excels at long journeys.
Otherwise they’re spec sensitive, early cars unless demos or press cars will be poverty spec, you really want the hard disk nav and B&O sound options, which although not earth shattering sound wise lift the interior and is a lot better than the standard one. Also fuel consumption as above, 23 around town, just over 30mpg if treated gently on a run is the very best you’ll get, boot it and that rapidly drops.
If you fancy tuning a remap and pulley will release well over 400hp! Just ask if you want to know any more. I’ve had mine for 5 years now and in a real quandary what I’d replace it with, it excels at long journeys.
pbarlow0032 said:
I’ve had a 2010 s5 convertible since July 2018, and done about 5,000 miles in it. It’s now on 93k miles. During my ownership it’s had a minor service at a specialist (£200), front pads (£100), and an MOT (£300 as it failed due to a failed xenon levelling sensor). Doesn’t use any oil, but it likes to drink fuel. Work is a 14 mile each way drive, and taken sedately is 22mpg. Best I’ve ever done was a pootle to Glasgow airport (150 miles) and it managed 30mpg. It’s an easy car to drive swiftly, but 90% of the time you may as well be in a torquey diesel, it’s not a “fun” car. But for a swift, reasonably practical 4-seat convertible, it’s a good car.
It replaced a 2.0t petrol a5 cabriolet s line manual which was probably a better all round car for lance of performance versus mpg.
One thing I would say, is this is the 2nd s5 I’ve had. The first one was swapped by the dealer as it had a head gasket failure, my specialist (former Audi master tech) said it was the first he’d seen on this engine, so it looks like I was very unlucky!
In terms of spec, I’ve got full drive select (wouldn’t bother), satnav (wouldn’t bother, too outdated), AMI (nice to play music via Bluetooth). Don’t have B&O (but did have it in the dead S5), and it is worth having, as are heated seats. Removable wind deflector is useful but only if you never use the back seats.
Please ask if there is anything I haven’t covered?
Thanks very much for the comprehensive response. Could you elaborate a little more on it not being a 'fun' car?It replaced a 2.0t petrol a5 cabriolet s line manual which was probably a better all round car for lance of performance versus mpg.
One thing I would say, is this is the 2nd s5 I’ve had. The first one was swapped by the dealer as it had a head gasket failure, my specialist (former Audi master tech) said it was the first he’d seen on this engine, so it looks like I was very unlucky!
In terms of spec, I’ve got full drive select (wouldn’t bother), satnav (wouldn’t bother, too outdated), AMI (nice to play music via Bluetooth). Don’t have B&O (but did have it in the dead S5), and it is worth having, as are heated seats. Removable wind deflector is useful but only if you never use the back seats.
Please ask if there is anything I haven’t covered?
I'm looking for that unicorn, an all-rounder. Reasonably practical, everyday driver, fun and with some poke when you use the loud pedal. I'm not expecting it to handle like an Elise, but I would hope it would be enjoyable around some country B roads.
I guess if I want the performance I'll have to suffer the MPG. Do you think the performance vs fuel economy is a fair trade off on the S5? Better trade off with a 2.0t?
If I didn't go for an S5 I'm honestly not sure what other convertible would tick all the boxes. The 'sensible' alternative I was half considering is a Mk5 Golf Edition 30, but would have to give up the soft top.
And thanks for the spec guidance, that really helps. I was going to hold out for a Sat Nav model but that may not be as important now.
Cupramax said:
I’ve got a 2015 facelift (B8.5) most important thing if you’re looking at an early car is that the gearbox has had its regular oil and filter changes. In theory they should have had two by now at the age you’re looking at, you really don’t want to know how much a replacement box is, but at worst there is a specialist box rebuilder in Bristol who will collect your car and fix for £3k or so, A whole lot less than a new box.
Otherwise they’re spec sensitive, early cars unless demos or press cars will be poverty spec, you really want the hard disk nav and B&O sound options, which although not earth shattering sound wise lift the interior and is a lot better than the standard one. Also fuel consumption as above, 23 around town, just over 30mpg if treated gently on a run is the very best you’ll get, boot it and that rapidly drops.
If you fancy tuning a remap and pulley will release well over 400hp! Just ask if you want to know any more. I’ve had mine for 5 years now and in a real quandary what I’d replace it with, it excels at long journeys.
Thanks, I'll definitely look out to make sure there's documentation of gearbox oil changes.Otherwise they’re spec sensitive, early cars unless demos or press cars will be poverty spec, you really want the hard disk nav and B&O sound options, which although not earth shattering sound wise lift the interior and is a lot better than the standard one. Also fuel consumption as above, 23 around town, just over 30mpg if treated gently on a run is the very best you’ll get, boot it and that rapidly drops.
If you fancy tuning a remap and pulley will release well over 400hp! Just ask if you want to know any more. I’ve had mine for 5 years now and in a real quandary what I’d replace it with, it excels at long journeys.
Yes, I'm not sure what other convertible would tick the same boxes. How do you feel the performance vs fuel enconomy trade off? A good balance for what you get?
horizon said:
I'm looking for that unicorn, an all-rounder. Reasonably practical, everyday driver, fun and with some poke when you use the loud pedal. I'm not expecting it to handle like an Elise, but I would hope it would be enjoyable around some country B roads.
I guess if I want the performance I'll have to suffer the MPG. Do you think the performance vs fuel economy is a fair trade off on the S5? Better trade off with a 2.0t?
If I didn't go for an S5 I'm honestly not sure what other convertible would tick all the boxes. The 'sensible' alternative I was half considering is a Mk5 Golf Edition 30, but would have to give up the soft top.
And thanks for the spec guidance, that really helps. I was going to hold out for a Sat Nav model but that may not be as important now.
I’ve got a 2012 Mercedes E500 Cabrio - with the 4.7 biTurbo 408 bhp, V8 lump in it. I guess if I want the performance I'll have to suffer the MPG. Do you think the performance vs fuel economy is a fair trade off on the S5? Better trade off with a 2.0t?
If I didn't go for an S5 I'm honestly not sure what other convertible would tick all the boxes. The 'sensible' alternative I was half considering is a Mk5 Golf Edition 30, but would have to give up the soft top.
And thanks for the spec guidance, that really helps. I was going to hold out for a Sat Nav model but that may not be as important now.
Its pretty rapid when you press the go pedal, and surprisingly good handling in Sport mode.
£500 odd would get a remap to add another 70 odd bhp….
They only made a handful of these cars with this engine in between 2011 and 2012. They come for sale every now and then - not seen one on Autotrader under 15k yet though,
They came pretty much all options ticked as standard so Distronic, blind spot assist, HK audio, and switchable sports / comfort suspension.
Mine’s averaged 26 mpg in the last 12,000 miles, Hits 30 - 35mpg easily on s steady M6 run. Also gets down to 18 mg easily in heavy traffic or hooning mode.
You can now get a integrated Apple Car Play module so no need to worry about out of date Sat Nav.
horizon said:
Cupramax said:
I’ve got a 2015 facelift (B8.5) most important thing if you’re looking at an early car is that the gearbox has had its regular oil and filter changes. In theory they should have had two by now at the age you’re looking at, you really don’t want to know how much a replacement box is, but at worst there is a specialist box rebuilder in Bristol who will collect your car and fix for £3k or so, A whole lot less than a new box.
Otherwise they’re spec sensitive, early cars unless demos or press cars will be poverty spec, you really want the hard disk nav and B&O sound options, which although not earth shattering sound wise lift the interior and is a lot better than the standard one. Also fuel consumption as above, 23 around town, just over 30mpg if treated gently on a run is the very best you’ll get, boot it and that rapidly drops.
If you fancy tuning a remap and pulley will release well over 400hp! Just ask if you want to know any more. I’ve had mine for 5 years now and in a real quandary what I’d replace it with, it excels at long journeys.
Thanks, I'll definitely look out to make sure there's documentation of gearbox oil changes.Otherwise they’re spec sensitive, early cars unless demos or press cars will be poverty spec, you really want the hard disk nav and B&O sound options, which although not earth shattering sound wise lift the interior and is a lot better than the standard one. Also fuel consumption as above, 23 around town, just over 30mpg if treated gently on a run is the very best you’ll get, boot it and that rapidly drops.
If you fancy tuning a remap and pulley will release well over 400hp! Just ask if you want to know any more. I’ve had mine for 5 years now and in a real quandary what I’d replace it with, it excels at long journeys.
Yes, I'm not sure what other convertible would tick the same boxes. How do you feel the performance vs fuel enconomy trade off? A good balance for what you get?
There's a fair bit of cynicism about this engine - way down on the BMW V6 turbo in the latest M3 and M4. I even read comments amount it being 'gutless' under 5k. Laughable - sure, if you run it in comfort it's quite tame. In sport / dynamic it's a joy. Usable speed.
My first ever drop top. I was unsure, but it was a great choice. You actually get to hear the exhaust properly. I'd happily buy one again.
PSB1 said:
I have owned a B8.5 S4, so the same drivetrain effectively. Impressive, more than fast enough. However, more recently I had an RS5 Cab for 18 months. I think the economy was broadly similar, low 20's. The RS5 is not a precision instrument, but it's such a moreish platform. DSG, with permanent 4wd and the fantastic NA V8 which revs freely beyond 8000 rpm. It would be my choice again.
There's a fair bit of cynicism about this engine - way down on the BMW V6 turbo in the latest M3 and M4. I even read comments amount it being 'gutless' under 5k. Laughable - sure, if you run it in comfort it's quite tame. In sport / dynamic it's a joy. Usable speed.
My first ever drop top. I was unsure, but it was a great choice. You actually get to hear the exhaust properly. I'd happily buy one again.
Thanks very much, some useful insights.There's a fair bit of cynicism about this engine - way down on the BMW V6 turbo in the latest M3 and M4. I even read comments amount it being 'gutless' under 5k. Laughable - sure, if you run it in comfort it's quite tame. In sport / dynamic it's a joy. Usable speed.
My first ever drop top. I was unsure, but it was a great choice. You actually get to hear the exhaust properly. I'd happily buy one again.
AI1694 said:
How about a 335i E93 cabrio with the DCT gearbox? Arguably the S5 looks better inside and out but the BMW would be more fun.
Actually, I have previously considered a 3 series convertible. What put me off is tales of poor reliability and known faults that BMW shrug their shoulders over (Coil Packs). They trade on their reputation of German build quality but since the accountants have taken over that's become history. Has it improved in recent years?Am I right thinking that model has the folding hard top?
AlBondigaz said:
I’ve got a 2012 Mercedes E500 Cabrio - with the 4.7 biTurbo 408 bhp, V8 lump in it.
Its pretty rapid when you press the go pedal, and surprisingly good handling in Sport mode.
£500 odd would get a remap to add another 70 odd bhp….
They only made a handful of these cars with this engine in between 2011 and 2012. They come for sale every now and then - not seen one on Autotrader under 15k yet though,
They came pretty much all options ticked as standard so Distronic, blind spot assist, HK audio, and switchable sports / comfort suspension.
Mine’s averaged 26 mpg in the last 12,000 miles, Hits 30 - 35mpg easily on s steady M6 run. Also gets down to 18 mg easily in heavy traffic or hooning mode.
You can now get a integrated Apple Car Play module so no need to worry about out of date Sat Nav.
That's a bit of a beast, though impressive MPG for the engine size. Thanks for the suggestion, will do some research.Its pretty rapid when you press the go pedal, and surprisingly good handling in Sport mode.
£500 odd would get a remap to add another 70 odd bhp….
They only made a handful of these cars with this engine in between 2011 and 2012. They come for sale every now and then - not seen one on Autotrader under 15k yet though,
They came pretty much all options ticked as standard so Distronic, blind spot assist, HK audio, and switchable sports / comfort suspension.
Mine’s averaged 26 mpg in the last 12,000 miles, Hits 30 - 35mpg easily on s steady M6 run. Also gets down to 18 mg easily in heavy traffic or hooning mode.
You can now get a integrated Apple Car Play module so no need to worry about out of date Sat Nav.
horizon said:
Actually, I have previously considered a 3 series convertible. What put me off is tales of poor reliability and known faults that BMW shrug their shoulders over (Coil Packs). They trade on their reputation of German build quality but since the accountants have taken over that's become history. Has it improved in recent years?
Am I right thinking that model has the folding hard top?
I’m no BMW fanboy, but they do rank higher in the reliability indexes than Merc and Audi I believe. And to be fair, Audi have shrugged their shoulders for many years over the timing chain and oil consumption faults on some of the TFSI engines. Am I right thinking that model has the folding hard top?
And yes, folding hard top. My Dad had the car in question (335i DCT cabrio) and it was very good and reliable during his ownership.
AI1694 said:
I’m no BMW fanboy, but they do rank higher in the reliability indexes than Merc and Audi I believe. And to be fair, Audi have shrugged their shoulders for many years over the timing chain and oil consumption faults on some of the TFSI engines.
And yes, folding hard top. My Dad had the car in question (335i DCT cabrio) and it was very good and reliable during his ownership.
Thanks. As I say, I've always liked them. I'll do some research. Thanks.And yes, folding hard top. My Dad had the car in question (335i DCT cabrio) and it was very good and reliable during his ownership.
Maybe I sounded a little too critical when I read my comments back. It gives a good shove when you floor it, and I do find myself cackling maniacally every now and again :-) but those moments don’t seem to come all that often as the roads are just too busy.
The 4wd makes it a fairly easy car to drive quickly, but it feels heavy and it isn’t so much the low mpg that is a pain, more the range. Empty to full is probably 60 litres.
The most fun 4 seat convertible I have driven is a 911s convertible way back in 2006, I still remember it being fun even now, but it certainly isn’t as practical and probably harder to drive as quickly, and would be harder to cope with through a North East winter.....id still love one though, but scared of major engine failures.
Depending on your budget I wonder whether a newer s3 convertible would do most of what the s5 does but using less fuel and obviously with newer interior. Haven’t driven one though.
Have you considered a bmw 650 convertible (4.8 v8 but probably no worse on fuel than s5) or a newer 2012 onwards 640d convertible? 640d msports are at ~£15k, and are probably top of my list to replace the s5 with
The 4wd makes it a fairly easy car to drive quickly, but it feels heavy and it isn’t so much the low mpg that is a pain, more the range. Empty to full is probably 60 litres.
The most fun 4 seat convertible I have driven is a 911s convertible way back in 2006, I still remember it being fun even now, but it certainly isn’t as practical and probably harder to drive as quickly, and would be harder to cope with through a North East winter.....id still love one though, but scared of major engine failures.
Depending on your budget I wonder whether a newer s3 convertible would do most of what the s5 does but using less fuel and obviously with newer interior. Haven’t driven one though.
Have you considered a bmw 650 convertible (4.8 v8 but probably no worse on fuel than s5) or a newer 2012 onwards 640d convertible? 640d msports are at ~£15k, and are probably top of my list to replace the s5 with
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