Audi S5
Supercharged V6 with 260 kW. Proven drivetrain for S4/S5 and SQ5 with linear power delivery and good throttle response.
Turbo V6 replaces supercharger — faster but the charm is gone
0-60 in 4.3 instead of 4.9 seconds — better on paper. In practice, the predecessor's supercharger whine is gone, and the turbo character is more generic. Good looking, fast enough for anything, but the B8 with its supercharger had a more distinct personality.
Engine Weaknesses 8
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.
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.
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.
Beyond water pump failure, EA839 engines also show coolant loss from seal failures elsewhere in the cooling system. Regular coolant level checks important.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible leakage, overheating warning, coolant smell in engine bay.
Turbocharged version of the EA839 without supercharger, but still direct injection: oil mist from crankcase ventilation settles as coke on intake valves.
Symptoms: Hesitation, power loss at part throttle, cold-start problems, rough idle.
The EA839 CWGD shows elevated oil consumption during spirited driving and high revs from piston rings. Vehicles frequently on track or driven at full throttle are particularly affected.
Symptoms: Regular top-ups required, oil consumption above 0.5 L/1,000 km during spirited use.
The EA839 CWGD responds to worn spark plugs with misfires and elevated fuel consumption. Change interval of 30,000–40,000 km recommended for spirited use.
Symptoms: Hesitation under load, misfire fault codes, increased consumption, slight power loss.
Excessive manufacturing tolerances between injector lines and rail cause petrol vapour leaks. Fuel smell inside the car is the typical symptom.
Symptoms: Petrol smell inside after switching off, especially with a warm engine.
Vehicle Weaknesses 11
Oxidation on the occupant detection system (PODS) connector cable causes a false diagnosis that deactivates the passenger airbag even when the seat is occupied. Approximately 243,000 vehicles affected.
Stress corrosion on the rear axle attachment nut can cause play between the control arm and wheel carrier. A subsequent action (42L5) omitted a wheel alignment check, leading to uneven tyre wear on one side.
Display goes dark while driving; only the speedometer and rev counter remain visible. HUD fails simultaneously, steering wheel controls become unresponsive. A software update usually resolves the issue; unit replacement is rarely needed.
At higher mileages, control arm bushings and joints on the front axle wear out. The sport suspension setup promotes premature wear of the rubber bushings, especially with frequent motorway use.
The S-tronic gearbox occasionally shows harsh shift behaviour. Neglected gearbox oil changes (interval 50,000–60,000 km) worsen the judder and delayed shifts. Hard engagement when changing up under full load.
Navigation favourites delete themselves, the sat nav reinitialises while driving. Bluetooth connections are forgotten, wireless CarPlay works sporadically.
Standard sport brake discs and pads wear considerably faster than on the A5 under spirited driving. Brake discs warp under heavy thermal load. The front axle is more affected.
The third brake light seal becomes porous and allows water into the tailgate. Water can damage expensive antenna modules. Affects the Sportback.
Early F5 models built until late 2017 were delivered with non-stainless-steel exhaust systems. From spring 2018 Audi fitted stainless steel as standard. Iron rust on centre and rear silencers is typical.
The starter battery shows low-voltage warnings after only a few years. The many control units in the F5 place a constant load on the electrical system. Cold-start problems in winter are an early warning sign.
Trim panels on the A, B and C pillars and the dashboard produce creaking noises at temperatures around 20–25°C. On the Cabriolet this is amplified by body flex.