Audi R8 42
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
435–570 PS
5.2L V10 FSI Benzin
The original Lamborghini V10 in an Audi body
Legendary!435–570 PS
5.2L V10 FSI Benzin
11 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Audi R8 42 is available as Coupé and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Audi R8 42 is available with 4 engine variants — from 420 to 570 hp. 3 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Audi 4.2L FSI V8 (Benziner, 420 PS) has the BYH (4.2L FSI V8) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.
The Audi 5.2L V10 FSI (Benziner, 525–560 PS) comes with 2 different engines: BUJ (2006–2015, Stay Away!) und BUJ (2010–2012, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 5.2L V10 FSI!
The Audi R8 4.2 (Benziner, 430 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CAUA (2006–2012, Be Careful) und CNDA (2012–2015, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the R8 4.2!
The Audi R8 V10 plus (Benziner, 549–570 PS) comes with 2 different engines: BUJ (2012–2015, Stay Away!) und CTPA (2012–2015, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the R8 V10 plus!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Magnetic Ride Dampers — Premature Failure Magnetic Ride dampers start leaking oil from as early as 40,000–70,000 km. A single damper costs around €900 plus VAT; a full set of four can reach €5,300. Symptoms: Car bottoms out on bumps, harsh or uneven ride, 'Damper Control Fault' warning, oil weeping from damper body from 55,000 km | High |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues
A total of 56 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi R8 42 (2006–2015) — 46 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: BUJ (5.2L V10 FSI), CTPA (5.2L V10 FSI). Typical issues affect Suspension, Body, Gearbox, Brakes.
R8 (BUJ, 2006–2015) — Stay Away!: Chain tensioner pressure loss (4 timing chains), R-Tronic hydraulic actuator / hydraulic accumulator defective, Coolant expansion tank cracks — fire risk (Recall 2019). Power: 525 PS.
R8 (BYH, 2006–2015) — Be Careful: Timing chain on gearbox side — most expensive repair on the R8, R-Tronic (to 2009): shift forks — known weakness, Camshaft adjusters — sensitive to oil quality. Power: 420 PS.
R8 (CAUA, 2006–2012) — Be Careful: Timing chain on gearbox side — replacement requires engine removal, R-Tronic gearbox (to 2009): shift forks wear, Camshaft adjusters — wear as on all 4.2 FSI. Power: 430 PS.
R8 (BUJ, 2010–2012) — Stay Away!: Chain tensioner pressure loss (4 timing chains), R-Tronic hydraulic actuator / hydraulic accumulator defective, Coolant expansion tank cracks — fire risk (Recall 2019). Power: 560 PS.
R8 (BUJ, 2012–2015) — Stay Away!: Chain tensioner pressure loss (4 timing chains), R-Tronic hydraulic actuator / hydraulic accumulator defective, Coolant expansion tank cracks — fire risk (Recall 2019). Power: 570 PS.
R8 (CNDA, 2012–2015) — Be Careful: Timing Chain — Gearbox-Side Position Requires Engine Removal, Camshaft Adjusters — Oil-Sensitive, Intake Valve Carbon Buildup — FSI-Typical. Power: 430 PS.
R8 (CTPA, 2012–2015) — Stay Away!: Chain Tensioner Pressure Loss (4 Timing Chains), R-Tronic Hydraulic Actuator / Hydraulic Accumulator Failure, Coolant Expansion Tank Crack — Fire Risk (Recall 2019). Power: 549 PS.
What to watch out for with the Audi R8? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee