Audi S3 8P
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
Body Variants
The Audi S3 8P is available as Hatchback and Sedan and Convertible — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The Audi S3 8P is available with one engine variant at 256 hp.
2.0-litre TFSI from the EA113 platform with 265 PS for the S variant. Robust proven unit with cam belt timing — no timing chain issues like the EA888. Known weaknesses: camshaft chain tensioner after 80,000–100,000 km, high-pressure pump follower wear. Watch for increased oil consumption and coolant loss.
- !! Oil consumption from worn piston rings from 80,000 km
Up to 785,000 EA113/EA888 generation engines with 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI consume more than 1 litre of oil per 1,000 km due to undersized oil scraper rings. The BHZ belongs to the affected early engine generation.
Symptoms: Sharply dropping oil level, blue smoke from exhaust especially after start-up, measurable oil consumption above 0.5 l/1,000 km - !! HPFP bucket tappet — critical wear
The EA113-based 2.0 TFSI BHZ has a notoriously soft lobe on the inlet camshaft driving the high-pressure pump. The bucket tappet wears rapidly and can break off — consequential damage exceeds €5,000.
Symptoms: Fuel pressure fault code P0089, power loss, engine stumble, in worst cases sudden engine failure without warning - !! Timing chain tensioner defective from 90,000 km
In the 2.0 TFSI EA113 the timing chain tensioners and camshaft actuators fail, promoting chain skip. When the chain jumps the cylinder head is often damaged as well — costs up to €5,300.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, check engine light, shaking at idle, in extreme cases sudden engine failure
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | 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 | Low |
Alternatives
Alfa Romeo Giulietta 940
Compact (2010–2020)
Citroën C4 II
Compact (2010–2018)
Ford C-Max DXA
Compact (2010–2019)
Honda CR-Z ZF1
Compact (2010–2016)
Hyundai i30 FD-FL
Compact (2010–2012)
MINI MINI Countryman R60
Compact (2010–2016)
Explore more
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? +
What should I look for when buying a used Audi S3 8P? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Audi S3 8P engine is the most fun? +
Is the Audi S3 8P worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Audi S3 8P? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee