Audi RS5 8T
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
450 PS
RS5 · Benzin
RS5 Coupé — NA V8 in the best-looking B8 body
Legendary!354 PS
4.2L FSI V8 Benzin
12 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The Audi RS5 8T is available as Coupé and Hatchback and Convertible — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Audi RS5 8T is available with one engine variant at 333 hp.
The CFSA is Audi's farewell gift from the naturally aspirated V8 — 8,250 rpm rated speed, 450 PS without a turbo. The character is the opposite of a BiTurbo: the engine demands revs and rewards with a sound no production family car offers any more. Double throttle body in the intake: soft down low, sharp up top. Direct injection (FSI) is the structural weakness: without fuel washing over the intake valves, their backs coke up from blow-by oil vapour. Walnut blasting every 50,000–70,000 km is mandatory. The variable intake manifold with flaps tends to rattle from oil deposits — bolts can come loose and fall into the engine. Timing chain fundamentally robust, needs clean oil and short change intervals.
- !! Timing Chain on Gearbox Side — Most Expensive RS4/RS5 Problem from 120,000 km
CFSA uses simplex chains on the gearbox side. Although more robust than the BBK predecessor, tensioners and guides are wear items. Engine removal mandatory for a full repair. Significantly more durable with regular short oil change intervals.
Symptoms: Rattle on cold start, timing chain noise at low revs, engine warning light - !! Con Rod Bearings at High RPM — RS4/RS5 Revs to 8,250 rpm from 100,000 km
The CFSA revs to 8,250 rpm as a high-revving naturally-aspirated engine. Con rod bearings are under extreme stress. Neglected oil changes or poor-quality oil risk bearing wear. Preventive replacement at 80,000–100,000 km is discussed.
Symptoms: Knocking from the engine at operating temperature, increasingly loud rumbling at high revs, oil pressure drop - !! Camshaft Adjusters — Heavily Stressed at High RPM from 80,000 km
Four camshaft adjusters on the CFSA are more heavily stressed by high-rev operation up to 8,250 rpm than a normal V8. Oil quality and short change intervals are critical for longevity.
Symptoms: Rattle on start, camshaft fault codes, limp mode
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| S-tronic DL501 mechatronic / clutch The 7-speed S-tronic DL501 is prone to judder when pulling away and when shifting, especially under load or at low temperatures. The cause is usually a worn dual-clutch pack or a faulty mechatronic valve block. Symptoms: Judder when pulling away (1st to 2nd gear), hesitant R-to-D shift, shift jolt at low speeds. from 90,000 km | High | |
| S tronic mechatronic unit defective The mechatronic unit of the 7-speed S tronic is a known weak point. A fault message indicating a gearbox problem points to the mechatronic in 99% of cases. Repair requires gearbox removal. Symptoms: Gearbox fault message, harsh shifting in S mode, flashing selector position indicator from 80,000 km | High | |
| Sport differential driveshaft leaking On the optional sport differential the end caps of the driveshafts do not seal permanently. Heat build-up from the exhaust system creates internal pressure that overcomes the adhesive joint. Audi TPI 2025572/1 exists. Symptoms: Oil seepage at the sport differential or under the rear of the car, gear oil smell when the exhaust is warm. from 80,000 km | Medium | |
| Manual gearbox V8 clutch wears prematurely The S5 4.2 V8 with manual gearbox has a heavy clutch that wears prematurely under spirited use. The high torque overloads the clutch plate. Symptoms: Clutch heavy to operate, biting point migrates lower, slipping under high load or when warm. from 80,000 km | High | |
| Sport differential oil change forgotten The RS5 8T has two separate oil circuits at the gearbox; the drive axle circuit requires an oil change every 30,000 km. Even Audi dealers are often unaware of this. Neglect causes damage. Symptoms: Noises from the drive axle, juddering power transfer, elevated operating temperature from 30,000 km | Low |
Top Reported Issues
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 63 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi RS5 8T (2010–2017) — 44 engine-related and 19 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: CFSA (4.2L FSI V8), CGKD (4.2L FSI V8). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Body, Rust.
What to watch out for with the Audi RS5? 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