Audi R8 V10 Plus
5.2-litre V10 FSI with 610 PS for the performance variant — naturally aspirated with 40 valves. Very reliable with correct servicing; intake valve carbon build-up from FSI technology possible from 50,000 km. Oil changes every 10,000 km mandatory; check recall completion (fault governor seal) before purchase.
610 hp, larger intakes, V10 screaming
The V10 Plus Gen2 with the sport exhaust system as standard. With the valves open it is louder than a Gen1 with an aftermarket system. 3.2 seconds to 100 km/h — the fastest everyday R8 experience.
Engine Weaknesses 7
Gen2 V10 5.2 FSI has four timing chains. Chain tensioner pressure loss possible with overly long oil change intervals. Less common than Gen1 due to improved seal materials; remains a risk factor if neglected.
Symptoms: Metallic rattle on cold start; disappears after a few seconds; if neglected, permanent chain rattle
NHTSA recall 18V639000 for R8 model year 2018. Gearbox vent hose can lose oil at high speed, which may ignite on hot engine parts. Dealers replace single hose with double hose free of charge.
Symptoms: No driver-noticeable symptom; possible smoke from engine bay during high-performance driving
7-speed S-Tronic (Gen2 onwards) shows clutch judder and shift shocks if gearbox oil change (interval: 60,000 km) is neglected. Mechatronics total failure costs 3,000–5,000 €. Mixing ATF+MTF internally causes irreversible total failure.
Symptoms: Judder and shudder on pull-away or slow driving, shift hesitation or hard shift shocks, gearbox warning in instrument cluster
Gen2 V10 occasionally shows elevated oil consumption at high mileages due to ageing valve stem seals. Better than Gen1 due to new manufacturing tolerances. No valve carbon from dual injection, so oil not contaminated by residue.
Symptoms: Slightly increased oil consumption, occasional blue smoke on cold start
10 ignition coils and 10 spark plugs (NGK PFR7S8EG / 06H905601A) require replacement every 30,000 km. V10 Spyder particularly labour-intensive due to restricted access. NGK coil upgrade recommended. Cost 500–900 € parts and labour.
Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, engine vibrations, P030x fault codes, power loss with failed coil
Gen2 V10 with up to 6 lambda sensors (pre/post cat, both banks). Dual injection increases the thermal load on the sensors. Individual failures possible without immediate power loss; long-term catalytic converter damage.
Symptoms: MIL light, elevated fuel consumption, P0130/P0150/P0136 fault codes, catalytic converter wear over time
KBA recall 26P7 affects over 5,000 R8 Gen2 worldwide (1,956 in Germany). Software update to both engine control units. Exhaust flaps must remain closed more often in Sport mode for noise reduction. Older software fails MOT.
Symptoms: No driver-noticeable symptom; after update Sport mode exhaust sound is slightly muted; without update MOT failure possible
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
The optional carbon-ceramic brake system (RSCB) is extremely susceptible to stone chip damage and thermal shock. A single disc costs up to €5,000; no repair option exists.
The Gen 2 R8 also has reports of failing Magnetic Ride dampers and the 'Damper Control Fault' warning. Cost: around €900 per damper plus fitting.
The 7-speed S tronic (0BZ) is prone to clutch pack overheating and wear under spirited driving. Clutch pack replacement costs around €1,025 plus VAT; full gearbox replacement from €12,000.
Hydraulic cylinders operating the folding roof develop leaks with age. A full replacement at a dealer costs €1,500 and up.
Faulty Matrix LED units cannot be repaired at component level. Full headlight replacement costs €3,000–5,000 per side.
Even the standard steel brake setup incurs significant maintenance costs: front pads ~€820, rear ~€710, full replacement including discs up to €3,400.
The AC condenser is exposed at the front and vulnerable to stone chip damage. Leaks lead to refrigerant loss. Replacement €400–1,000.
Alcantara on the steering wheel, seats and trim wears visibly with regular use. Re-trimming costs €500–2,000.