Audi S5
EA897 evo (3rd generation 3.0 TDI), fitted from 2016 in A4 B9, A6 C8 and Q5 FY. The fully electronically controlled oil pump deliberately reduces pressure at idle — a design feature that can become a liability with age. Camshaft failures and low oil pressure are known major damage patterns.
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 5
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
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
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
Injector failures with oil dilution from fuel ingress. Less common on EA897 evo than predecessors, but costly to repair: replacing multiple injectors can cost €4,000.
Symptoms: Rough engine, rising oil level (fuel ingress), heavy soot production, increased consumption
The 3.0 TDI in the SQ5/S4 B9 needs sufficiently long runs for DPF regeneration. Predominantly short-trip use accumulates ash in the filter. Above 45 g load, ceramic melting is at risk.
Symptoms: Engine warning light 'particulate filter system fault', noticeable power reduction (limp mode), increased fuel consumption. DPF regeneration runs more frequently and for longer.
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.