Premium sport coupe with Audi's most reliable performance engine. The 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 is widely considered one of Audi's best engines with owners regularly reporting high mileage on routine maintenance. Key watch points: timing chain tensioners (listen for cold start rattle around 60,000-100,000 km), water pump/thermostat on 2010-2012 models, and DL501 S-Tronic gearbox mechatronics on pre-2013 cars. Carbon buildup is less severe than the V8 thanks to forced induction. The 2013-2016 B8.5 S5 is the most reliable iteration with updated parts. Quattro AWD system is robust. Avoid cars with incomplete service history.
Hydraulic tensioners lose pressure overnight causing 1-3 second cold start rattle · more· less
Typically occurs between 60,000-100,000 km. The upper chain tensioners are hydraulic and can lose oil pressure after sitting overnight, causing a distinctive rattle for 1-3 seconds on cold start. Audi issued a TSB in 2015 with updated tensioners. If rattle persists beyond a few seconds, the chain, guides, tensioners and sprockets all need replacing. Engine must be removed from the bay to access components. Independent specialist costs €2,500-4,000, dealer quotes can reach €8,000+. Ignoring this can lead to chain skip and catastrophic valve damage.
Water pump and thermostat failure€1,200 - €2,300
Early 2010-2012 models use inferior materials that fail prematurely · more· less
Water pump and thermostat are common failure items, especially on 2010-2012 models before Audi implemented design improvements. The pump is belt-driven and can leak from the bearing weep hole. Thermostats can stick closed causing overheating. From 2013 onwards, updated water pump with better materials proved more durable. Symptoms include coolant leaks, rising engine temperature, or low coolant warnings. Repair requires removing the supercharger and intake components. Parts cost around €260 for a complete kit, labor adds €900-2,000 depending on dealer vs independent specialist.
Heat kills electronics board and driver position sensor, mainly 2009-2012 cars · more· less
The 7-speed DL501 dual-clutch transmission mechatronics unit is a frequent source of failures, particularly on 2009-2012 models. Around 80% of reported gearbox problems come from 2009-2010 cars. The electronics board fails due to heat, and the G676 driver position sensor is a known weak point. Symptoms include EPC/PRNDS warning lights, harsh gear changes, limp mode, jerking, sticking in gear, or deactivation of half the gears. Third revision from May 2013 onwards is more reliable. Prevention: change ATF fluid and filters every 30,000 km and add a transmission cooler. Mechatronics replacement costs €1,500-4,000, with parts around €400-500 and significant dealer labor. Manual gearbox models avoid this issue entirely.
PCV valve failure€150 - €3,800
Common around 60,000-80,000 miles, supercharger must be removed · more· less
The positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve controls engine pressure and emission control. Located under the supercharger with coolant flowing through it, making access difficult. Symptoms include misfiring, loss of supercharger boost, engine not exceeding 4,000 rpm, and phantom coolant loss. Common issue on all 3.0T engines regardless of year, typically appearing at 60,000-80,000 miles. DIY parts cost around €220-270 including gaskets and hoses. Professional service ranges from €150 for simple repairs to €3,800 when combined with other services. Job requires a full day and opening both coolant and fuel systems. TSB exists for updated parts.
Carbon buildup on intake valves€800 - €1,400
Direct injection causes buildup, less severe than V8 but still needs walnut blasting · more· less
Direct injection means fuel never contacts intake valves, allowing carbon deposits to accumulate from PCV oil vapors. The supercharged 3.0T is less prone than naturally aspirated engines, but cleaning is still needed around 70,000-100,000 km. Symptoms include cold engine misfires and rough running. Walnut blasting is the standard cleaning method - intake manifold is removed and each port is manually cleaned with walnut shell media. Process takes about 30 minutes per cylinder plus 4-6 hours manifold removal, totaling around 10 hours labor. Costs €800-950 at specialist shops. Prevention: install catch can and avoid only short trips.
Control arm bushings wear€360 - €2,000
Front control arms start wearing as early as 40,000 miles on enthusiast-driven cars · more· less
Factory front control arms can wear out as early as 65,000 km, especially on cars driven hard. Symptoms include knocking/clunking noises over bumps and vague steering feel. Replacing bushings alone costs €360-500 but is labor-intensive. Most shops recommend replacing entire control arms with new bushings and ball joints - more cost-effective when factoring labor. Full control arm replacement costs €1,600-2,000 at dealers, €800-1,200 at independent shops. DIY with quality aftermarket arms (034 Motorsport, etc.) runs around €850 in parts plus 6-10 hours labor.
Oil consumption€0 - €200
Less problematic than 2.0 TFSI but some cars consume 1L per 1,000-2,000 km · more· less
Oil consumption is not as severe as first generation 2.0T engines but still occurs. Early first generation 3.0T engines before mid-2012 had higher pressure PCV regulation causing increased consumption. Updated PCV valve (lower pressure) and tighter piston rings from 2013 onwards improved the situation. Some owners report consumption of 1L per 1,000-2,000 km. Check for leaks from chain cover seals and valve covers. Switching to manufacturer-specified oil (Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 0W-30 or 5W-30) can reduce consumption. Oil capacity is 6.6-6.9 liters. Monitor MMI oil level warnings and check dipstick regularly.
Catalytic converter failure€2,000 - €4,000
Poorly positioned cats overheat causing internal honeycomb to clog · more· less
The 3.0T has poorly positioned catalytic converters placed too close to the engine directly after the supercharger. When driven hard, they get extremely hot causing the internal materials to melt and clog, creating backpressure. Symptoms include failed emissions tests, chemical odors from exhaust, and rough acceleration. More common post-2013 due to lower quality materials, though improved somewhat. Covered by emissions warranty up to 15 years/240,000 km under federal law. Replacement costs €2,000-4,000 depending on whether one or both cats need replacing. Modified/tuned cars experience higher failure rates.
Engine mounts failure€400 - €1,300
Rubber mounts wear around 80,000-100,000 km causing vibration and clunking · more· less
Engine mounts typically show wear around 80,000-100,000 km. Symptoms include rough/shaky idle, vibration through steering wheel and floor, clunking when shifting into drive/reverse, and increased noise over bumps. Failed mounts allow excessive engine movement. Oil may leak from fluid-filled mounts. OEM mounts cost around €250 each plus €270 installation (€520 per mount). Both mounts replacement totals €800-1,300 depending on shop. Sometimes loose connector at engine mount sensor mimics failure symptoms - check connections first before replacing mounts. Aggressive driving and harsh climates accelerate wear.
Reliable for a performance car, but not maintenance-free
The 3.0 TFSI is widely regarded as one of Audi's most dependable engines with owners regularly achieving 250,000+ km on proper maintenance. The B8.5 (2013-2016) models with updated components are the most reliable. Early 2009-2012 cars have more issues with water pumps and gearbox mechatronics. Key to longevity is strict adherence to service intervals, quality oil, and avoiding only short trips. When problems do occur, labor costs are high due to packaging complexity.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Audi dealer or specialist service records essential. Verify oil changes every 15,000 km maximum, ideally every 10,000 km. Check gearbox service at 60,000 km intervals.
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 3mm), tire age from date codes (replace after 6 years regardless of tread), and uneven wear indicating suspension issues. Common size 255/35R19.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold (overnight). Listen carefully for rattling in first 3 seconds - this indicates timing chain tensioner wear.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including varied speeds, acceleration, and highway. Transmission needs to reach full operating temperature to reveal issues.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch, panel gaps. Examine wheel arches for damage from lowering or hard driving.
Specific for this vehicle
Listen for cold start timing chain rattle
Most critical check. Start completely cold and listen for rattle in first 1-3 seconds. Brief rattle is normal, but rattling beyond 3 seconds or getting worse indicates tensioner failure requiring €2,500-8,000 repair.
Check coolant level and condition
Low coolant with no visible leaks suggests PCV valve or water pump issues. Brown/milky coolant indicates head gasket or oil cooler failure. Check expansion tank for oil residue.
S-Tronic gearbox operation (if equipped)
Drive for minimum 20 minutes to fully warm transmission. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, clunking when stopped, or delays engaging reverse. Check for EPC/PRNDS warning lights. Pre-2013 cars most problematic.
Verify model year and avoid early 2009-2012 if possible
2013-2016 B8.5 models have updated water pump, improved gearbox, and better PCV valve. Significantly more reliable than early B8.
Check for oil leaks
Inspect valve covers, front crank seal, chain cover seals, and oil cooler for leaks. Oil residue around intercooler piping indicates PCV issues.
Test all electronics and MMI system
Check MMI navigation, all windows, locks, climate control, heated seats, parking sensors. MMI failures and sensor faults are common. Test rain sensor and all menu functions.
Check for suspension clunking
Listen for clunks over bumps indicating worn control arm bushings. Check for play in steering. Drive over uneven surfaces and speed bumps during test drive.
Verify VIN for TSB/recall completion
Contact Audi dealer with VIN to confirm timing chain tensioner TSB (2015) and any other recalls completed. Check service history for documented TSB work.
Water pump and thermostat (2009-2012)Check service history
DL501 mechatronics updatesPre-2013 most affected
Oil consumption PCV valve updateVerify completed
Contact an Audi dealer with VIN to verify all TSBs and recalls completed. The 2015 timing chain tensioner TSB is particularly important. Check if car has updated water pump (post-2012 design) and PCV valve. Request complete service history documentation.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all B8 S5s
Extended warranty available€600-€1,100/year
Emissions warranty (catalytic converters)Up to 15 years/240,000 km
All B8 S5s are outside original factory warranty. Extended warranty (Audi Pure Protection or third-party) available in tiers: Essentials (€600-700/year), Standard (€900-1,000/year), and Plus (€1,000-1,100/year). Coverage varies - check what's excluded. Note that some common issues like oil leaks may not be covered. Catalytic converters remain covered under emissions warranty.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.