Audi S5 F5

The first diesel with an S badge in history — and that is not a marketing claim, it is a technical statement. The EA897 evo delivers 700 Nm across a wide band, and the electric compressor (EAV) closes the gap between throttle input and turbo boost build-up in under 250 milliseconds. The result is a diesel with no perceptible turbo lag — when powering out of corners or overtaking, the engine responds immediately because the EAV is already compressing air with up to 7 kW before the exhaust turbo gets up to speed. The 48V system carries not just the EAV but also the belt starter-generator for recuperation and coasting. On the maintenance side: camshaft fractures are the known catastrophic failure pattern of this EA897 generation. Check service history carefully before purchase and ask for evidence of completed TPI measures. Oil pressure drop at idle is by design due to the electronically controlled oil pump — not a fault, but worth noting if it shows up under load.

• !! Low oil pressure from variable oil pump from 150,000 km

  The ECU-controlled oil pump reduces pressure at idle to approx. 1.0–1.4 bar. At high motorway oil temperatures with bearing wear, this pressure is insufficient — con-rod bearings seize from 150,000 km.

  Symptoms: Oil pressure warning at idle or on country roads, knocking noises, in severe cases engine failure
  8,000–20,000 $
  Ad Öldruckregelventil 3.0 TDI EA897 059119
• !! Camshaft breakage (material defect) from 80,000 km

  All 272-hp variants built before January 2017 contained faulty camshafts. Tooth flank noise and fractures are possible; Audi acknowledges the problem, goodwill depends on mileage.

  Symptoms: Clattering or ticking from camshafts even after brief warm-up, rough running, in severe cases sudden engine stall
  3,500–20,000 $
  Ad camshaft 3.0 TDI EA897 059109021
• !! Timing chain drive worn (4-chain system) from 160,000 km

  The EA897 uses four timing chains — one per cylinder bank, one connecting chain and one for the oil pump. All chains, tensioners and guides must be renewed together.

  Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, metallic knock on throttle, engine light with camshaft faults
  2,500–5,000 $
  Ad timing chain 3.0 TDI EA897 059109229

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

The first diesel with an S badge in history — and that is not a marketing claim, it is a technical statement. The EA897 evo delivers 700 Nm across a wide band, and the electric compressor (EAV) closes the gap between throttle input and turbo boost build-up in under 250 milliseconds. The result is a diesel with no perceptible turbo lag — when powering out of corners or overtaking, the engine responds immediately because the EAV is already compressing air with up to 7 kW before the exhaust turbo gets up to speed. The 48V system carries not just the EAV but also the belt starter-generator for recuperation and coasting. On the maintenance side: camshaft fractures are the known catastrophic failure pattern of this EA897 generation. Check service history carefully before purchase and ask for evidence of completed TPI measures. Oil pressure drop at idle is by design due to the electronically controlled oil pump — not a fault, but worth noting if it shows up under load.

• !! Low oil pressure from variable oil pump from 150,000 km

  The ECU-controlled oil pump reduces pressure at idle to approx. 1.0–1.4 bar. At high motorway oil temperatures with bearing wear, this pressure is insufficient — con-rod bearings seize from 150,000 km.

  Symptoms: Oil pressure warning at idle or on country roads, knocking noises, in severe cases engine failure
  8,000–20,000 $
  Ad Öldruckregelventil 3.0 TDI EA897 059119
• !! Camshaft breakage (material defect) from 80,000 km

  All 272-hp variants built before January 2017 contained faulty camshafts. Tooth flank noise and fractures are possible; Audi acknowledges the problem, goodwill depends on mileage.

  Symptoms: Clattering or ticking from camshafts even after brief warm-up, rough running, in severe cases sudden engine stall
  3,500–20,000 $
  Ad camshaft 3.0 TDI EA897 059109021
• !! Timing chain drive worn (4-chain system) from 160,000 km

  The EA897 uses four timing chains — one per cylinder bank, one connecting chain and one for the oil pump. All chains, tensioners and guides must be renewed together.

  Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, metallic knock on throttle, engine light with camshaft faults
  2,500–5,000 $
  Ad timing chain 3.0 TDI EA897 059109229

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

With the B9 generation Audi swapped the supercharger for a twin-scroll turbo — and built in a character compromise. The EA839 runs the Miller cycle with late intake valve closing and 11.2:1 compression, making it more efficient on paper than its predecessor. In practice: a broader rev band (500 Nm from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm), but the immediate supercharger feel is gone. The turbo sits in the hot-V between the cylinder banks — keeping the engine bay compact, but demanding thermally. Known weak points: the oil filter housing in the hot section tends to leak, and the thermostat shares its housing with the water pump — if one fails, both usually get replaced. Misfire on cylinder 6 starts appearing around 100,000 km, often from aged spark plugs or faulty ignition coils. The timing chain sits on the engine side, not the gearbox side — a genuine advantage over some contemporaries.

• !! Rocker Arm Roller Failure (GP0 Production)

  Early CWGD units with P-code GP0 (up to production date 06.08.2018) have poor-quality rocker arm rollers. The small bearing rollers can fall out and end up in the oil sump — camshaft and piston damage possible.

  Symptoms: Combustion misfire, engine fault light, rough running, clattering noise from cylinder head.
  500–3,000 $
  Ad rocker arm CWGD S4 B9 3.0 TFSI 06M109417HSchlepphebel EA839 GP0 0P2109417rocker armrollen S4 B9 CWGD repair
• !! Water Pump Internal Failure with Coolant in Vacuum System from 80,000 km

  The EA839 water pump is vacuum-controlled. On internal failure, coolant enters the vacuum system and spreads to further engine components. The old 4-bolt pulley is the prime suspect — identifiable if original pump still fitted.

  Symptoms: Coolant warning light, coolant loss without external leakage, P0299 (boost pressure too low), 'drivetrain fault', 12V battery no longer charging.
  800–2,000 $
  Ad water pump CWGD S4 B9 EA839 6-Bolzencoolant pump S4 B9 3.0 TFSI repairVakuumventil water pump EA839 CWGD
• !! 48V Mild Hybrid System Fault (from 2019 Facelift)

  The belt starter-generator (BSG) and the 48V battery can fail, especially on vehicles before 2021 without the protective cover over the control unit. Diagnosis and calibration required after replacement.

  Symptoms: '48V system fault' in display, start-stop disabled, no recuperation, rough or delayed starting, limp mode.
  1,500–4,000 $
  Ad 48V RSG CWGD S4 B9 repairRiemenstartergenerator EA839 CWGD Defekt48V battery S4 B9 3.0 TFSI replacement

+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

With the B9 generation Audi swapped the supercharger for a twin-scroll turbo — and built in a character compromise. The EA839 runs the Miller cycle with late intake valve closing and 11.2:1 compression, making it more efficient on paper than its predecessor. In practice: a broader rev band (500 Nm from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm), but the immediate supercharger feel is gone. The turbo sits in the hot-V between the cylinder banks — keeping the engine bay compact, but demanding thermally. Known weak points: the oil filter housing in the hot section tends to leak, and the thermostat shares its housing with the water pump — if one fails, both usually get replaced. Misfire on cylinder 6 starts appearing around 100,000 km, often from aged spark plugs or faulty ignition coils. The timing chain sits on the engine side, not the gearbox side — a genuine advantage over some contemporaries.

• !! Rocker Arm Roller Failure (GP0 Production)

  Early CWGD units with P-code GP0 (up to production date 06.08.2018) have poor-quality rocker arm rollers. The small bearing rollers can fall out and end up in the oil sump — camshaft and piston damage possible.

  Symptoms: Combustion misfire, engine fault light, rough running, clattering noise from cylinder head.
  500–3,000 $
  Ad rocker arm CWGD S4 B9 3.0 TFSI 06M109417HSchlepphebel EA839 GP0 0P2109417rocker armrollen S4 B9 CWGD repair
• !! Water Pump Internal Failure with Coolant in Vacuum System from 80,000 km

  The EA839 water pump is vacuum-controlled. On internal failure, coolant enters the vacuum system and spreads to further engine components. The old 4-bolt pulley is the prime suspect — identifiable if original pump still fitted.

  Symptoms: Coolant warning light, coolant loss without external leakage, P0299 (boost pressure too low), 'drivetrain fault', 12V battery no longer charging.
  800–2,000 $
  Ad water pump CWGD S4 B9 EA839 6-Bolzencoolant pump S4 B9 3.0 TFSI repairVakuumventil water pump EA839 CWGD
• !! 48V Mild Hybrid System Fault (from 2019 Facelift)

  The belt starter-generator (BSG) and the 48V battery can fail, especially on vehicles before 2021 without the protective cover over the control unit. Diagnosis and calibration required after replacement.

  Symptoms: '48V system fault' in display, start-stop disabled, no recuperation, rough or delayed starting, limp mode.
  1,500–4,000 $
  Ad 48V RSG CWGD S4 B9 repairRiemenstartergenerator EA839 CWGD Defekt48V battery S4 B9 3.0 TFSI replacement

+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

With the B9 generation Audi swapped the supercharger for a twin-scroll turbo — and built in a character compromise. The EA839 runs the Miller cycle with late intake valve closing and 11.2:1 compression, making it more efficient on paper than its predecessor. In practice: a broader rev band (500 Nm from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm), but the immediate supercharger feel is gone. The turbo sits in the hot-V between the cylinder banks — keeping the engine bay compact, but demanding thermally. Known weak points: the oil filter housing in the hot section tends to leak, and the thermostat shares its housing with the water pump — if one fails, both usually get replaced. Misfire on cylinder 6 starts appearing around 100,000 km, often from aged spark plugs or faulty ignition coils. The timing chain sits on the engine side, not the gearbox side — a genuine advantage over some contemporaries.

• !! Rocker Arm Roller Failure (GP0 Production)

  Early CWGD units with P-code GP0 (up to production date 06.08.2018) have poor-quality rocker arm rollers. The small bearing rollers can fall out and end up in the oil sump — camshaft and piston damage possible.

  Symptoms: Combustion misfire, engine fault light, rough running, clattering noise from cylinder head.
  500–3,000 $
  Ad rocker arm CWGD S4 B9 3.0 TFSI 06M109417HSchlepphebel EA839 GP0 0P2109417rocker armrollen S4 B9 CWGD repair
• !! Water Pump Internal Failure with Coolant in Vacuum System from 80,000 km

  The EA839 water pump is vacuum-controlled. On internal failure, coolant enters the vacuum system and spreads to further engine components. The old 4-bolt pulley is the prime suspect — identifiable if original pump still fitted.

  Symptoms: Coolant warning light, coolant loss without external leakage, P0299 (boost pressure too low), 'drivetrain fault', 12V battery no longer charging.
  800–2,000 $
  Ad water pump CWGD S4 B9 EA839 6-Bolzencoolant pump S4 B9 3.0 TFSI repairVakuumventil water pump EA839 CWGD
• !! 48V Mild Hybrid System Fault (from 2019 Facelift)

  The belt starter-generator (BSG) and the 48V battery can fail, especially on vehicles before 2021 without the protective cover over the control unit. Diagnosis and calibration required after replacement.

  Symptoms: '48V system fault' in display, start-stop disabled, no recuperation, rough or delayed starting, limp mode.
  1,500–4,000 $
  Ad 48V RSG CWGD S4 B9 repairRiemenstartergenerator EA839 CWGD Defekt48V battery S4 B9 3.0 TFSI replacement

+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

With the B9 generation Audi swapped the supercharger for a twin-scroll turbo — and built in a character compromise. The EA839 runs the Miller cycle with late intake valve closing and 11.2:1 compression, making it more efficient on paper than its predecessor. In practice: a broader rev band (500 Nm from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm), but the immediate supercharger feel is gone. The turbo sits in the hot-V between the cylinder banks — keeping the engine bay compact, but demanding thermally. Known weak points: the oil filter housing in the hot section tends to leak, and the thermostat shares its housing with the water pump — if one fails, both usually get replaced. Misfire on cylinder 6 starts appearing around 100,000 km, often from aged spark plugs or faulty ignition coils. The timing chain sits on the engine side, not the gearbox side — a genuine advantage over some contemporaries.

• !! Rocker Arm Roller Failure (GP0 Production)

  Early CWGD units with P-code GP0 (up to production date 06.08.2018) have poor-quality rocker arm rollers. The small bearing rollers can fall out and end up in the oil sump — camshaft and piston damage possible.

  Symptoms: Combustion misfire, engine fault light, rough running, clattering noise from cylinder head.
  500–3,000 $
  Ad rocker arm CWGD S4 B9 3.0 TFSI 06M109417HSchlepphebel EA839 GP0 0P2109417rocker armrollen S4 B9 CWGD repair
• !! Water Pump Internal Failure with Coolant in Vacuum System from 80,000 km

  The EA839 water pump is vacuum-controlled. On internal failure, coolant enters the vacuum system and spreads to further engine components. The old 4-bolt pulley is the prime suspect — identifiable if original pump still fitted.

  Symptoms: Coolant warning light, coolant loss without external leakage, P0299 (boost pressure too low), 'drivetrain fault', 12V battery no longer charging.
  800–2,000 $
  Ad water pump CWGD S4 B9 EA839 6-Bolzencoolant pump S4 B9 3.0 TFSI repairVakuumventil water pump EA839 CWGD
• !! 48V Mild Hybrid System Fault (from 2019 Facelift)

  The belt starter-generator (BSG) and the 48V battery can fail, especially on vehicles before 2021 without the protective cover over the control unit. Diagnosis and calibration required after replacement.

  Symptoms: '48V system fault' in display, start-stop disabled, no recuperation, rough or delayed starting, limp mode.
  1,500–4,000 $
  Ad 48V RSG CWGD S4 B9 repairRiemenstartergenerator EA839 CWGD Defekt48V battery S4 B9 3.0 TFSI replacement

+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses