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Audi · Compact · 2006–2012

Audi S3 8P

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Body Variants

The Audi S3 8P is available as Schrägheck and Limousine and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Schrägheck
1 Engines 1× Stay Away!
view Schrägheck →
Limousine
1 Engines 1× Stay Away!
view Limousine →
Cabrio
1 Engines 1× Stay Away!
view Cabrio →

Generations

Engine Overview

The Audi S3 8P is available with one engine variant at 256 hp.

S3 · Benziner· 256 PS
2006 2012
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses

The Audi S3 (Benziner, 256 PS) has the BHZ (2.0L TFSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Side engine mounts crack

The side engine mounts on the S3 8P are subject to heavy wear and can even crack. The problem occurs earlier under spirited driving or with a chip tune.

Symptoms: Vibrations in the cabin, shunting when accelerating, knocking noises under hard acceleration
from 70,000 km
Ad engine mount Audi S3 8P seitlichMotorhalter A3 8P 2.0 TFSI
 Medium
!Haldex pre-charge pump blocked

The Haldex pre-charge pump screen blocks due to old oil and prevents pressure build-up. The all-wheel drive then fails and the rear wheels receive no drive. Often the expensive coupling itself is replaced incorrectly.

Symptoms: Only front-wheel drive detectable, rear wheels don't spin up under slip, AWD fault in display
from 80,000 km
Ad Haldex Filter Audi S3 8PHaldex Vorladepumpe A3 8P quattroHaldex oil filter Sieb
 Medium
●Wheel bearings wear prematurely

Wheel bearing damage on the S3 8P manifests as humming in corners. The quattro drivetrain and higher weight compared to the A3 cause faster wheel bearing wear.

Symptoms: Humming that gets louder in corners, steering wheel vibrations at higher speeds
from 80,000 km
Ad wheel bearing Audi S3 8P frontwheel bearingsatz A3 8P quattro
 Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 12 weaknesses have been documented for the Audi S3 8P (2006–2012) — 6 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: BHZ (2.0L TFSI). Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Rust, Gearbox.

What to watch out for with the Audi S3? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Audi S3 8P have? +
The Audi S3 8P has 6 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Audi S3 8P? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
None of the available engines are rated 'Good Choice'. Stay away! The most fun to drive is the BHZ (2.0L TFSI). Problem engine: BHZ (2.0L TFSI) — stay away!
Which Audi S3 8P engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Audi S3 8P — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 265 hp, Haldex AWD, first S3 with optional DSG. Objectively fast and competent, subjectively missing a soul. The predecessor with the 1.8T had more character, the Golf R32 had more sound. For a quiet, efficient AWD compact: perfect. For goosebumps: wrong address.
Is the Audi S3 8P worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Audi S3 8P — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi S3 8P? +
The Audi S3 8P is available with engine variants from 256 to 256 hp. Petrol: BHZ (2.0L TFSI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee