Buying guide and reliability — Audi A5 B8 (2007–2016)
Introduction
The Audi A5 B8 (coupe, Sportback, convertible) remains a solid choice on the used car market thanks to its style, finish, and handling. However, some engines and components have recurring issues that should be considered before buying.
This guide brings together all the alerts, the precise checks to be carried out engine by engine, and then clear purchase recommendations according to use.
Quick overview
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Period: 2007 → 2016 (restyling 2012/2013 = phase 2 / B8.5).
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Platform: shared with the A4 B8.
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Transmission: front-wheel drive, Quattro, manual / S-Tronic / Tiptronic / Multitronic gearboxes (some versions).
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Objective: to buy with peace of mind, knowing what to test and which versions to favor.
ENGINES
Essence
1.8 TFSI (160–170 hp)
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Excessive oil consumption (piston rings), risk of chain tensioner failure, intake fouling.
2.0 TFSI (180–225 hp)
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The same fuel consumption issues were present on the early models, with valve fouling and sometimes faulty coils/injectors.
3.2 FSI V6 (265 hp)
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Robust overall; points to watch out for: oil leaks, thermostat/water pump, coils.
Diesel
2.0 TDI (143–190 hp depending on version)
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Common problems: clogged EGR, blocked DPF, worn turbo if used in urban areas, injectors.
3.0 TDI V6 (204–245 hp)
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Engine generally durable; monitor the timing chain at the rear, injectors, sequential turbos, and EGR valve. After "Dieselgate," some updates affected mapping and performance.
Frequent transverse defects
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Water pump and thermostat are fragile.
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Silent blocks and running gear (play, clunking).
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Oil leaks on old seals.
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Electronic modules (MMI, sensors) can sometimes be temperamental.
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Multitronic (CVT) = to be avoided if possible.
How to check that the inspected car does not have these defects — engine-by-engine check
General procedure before the test: check logbook/invoices, start cold, listen carefully (first start then 2–3 min), do a road test of at least 20–30 km (city + road/highway), then check the levels when hot.
1.8 TFSI (160–170 hp)
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Chain tensioner : when cold, listen for 1–3 seconds after starting. A brief (repeated) metallic click = warning.
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Oil consumption : check the level before the test and after 30 minutes of driving; marked drop = problem.
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Leaks : visual inspection under the engine (seepage around the crankcase and rocker cover).
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Coils/spark plugs : jerking when cold or unstable idle indicates worn coils.
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Recommendation : ask for chain kit/tensioner invoices if the vehicle exceeds 100,000 km.
2.0 TFSI (180–225 hp)
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Oil consumption : same procedure as for 1.8.
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Intake fouling : if the engine "stutters" after warm-up or lacks acceleration, suspect carbon buildup.
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High-pressure pump/injectors : smell of petrol in the compartment or misfires when accelerating = check injectors/high-pressure pump.
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Test : smooth acceleration; no blue smoke during acceleration.
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Recommendation : favour phase 2 (post-2012) or vehicles whose intake cleaning has been done.
3.2 FSI V6 (265 hp)
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Oil leaks : check around the rocker covers, crankcase and manifold gasket.
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Thermostat / water pump : monitor temperature rise and any overheating.
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Coils : extended testing to detect misfires when hot.
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Recommendation : request regular water pump maintenance and drain readings.
2.0 TDI (all versions)
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EGR valve : unstable idle and smoke when cold → EGR clogged.
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DPF : Check if the vehicle is used for regular long journeys (frequent DPF regenerations = clogging). Scan for fault codes.
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Turbo : over-acceleration → listen for abnormal whistling or loss of power (delay).
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Injectors : vibrations / black smoke = suspect injectors.
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Dual mass flywheel (manual engines): clutch test; strong vibrations = flywheel is faulty.
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Recommendation : require proof of DPF regeneration/cleaning if used in urban areas.
3.0 TDI V6
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Rear timing chain : metallic noise when cold on the firewall side = check.
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Injectors / turbos : no black/blue smoke, clean acceleration.
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EGR / intake : stable idle = good sign; smoke or lack of power = warning.
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Recommendation : request updates following the "Dieselgate" recall, and invoices for injectors/turbochargers if replacement was carried out.
Additional checks common to all engines
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Oil changes : ask for dates and mileages (engine and gearbox).
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S-Tronic gearbox : smooth shifts; jerks = mechatronics to be checked; require oil change if > 60,000 km.
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Water pump / thermostat : symptom = abnormal temperature rise; prefer vehicles where these parts have been replaced.
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Suspension & running gear : noises over speed bumps = silent blocks/wishbones need replacing.
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MMI / electronics : test GPS, Bluetooth, camera and all controls; frequent but less costly faults if addressed early.
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Convertible : soft top leak test and full operation (opening/closing).
Purchase recommendations — depending on usage
Urban/daily use (ease, economy)
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Recommendation: 2.0 TFSI 180 hp (phase 2) — if petrol.
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Diesel recommendation: avoid 2.0 TDI if very short journeys (DPF/EGR) ; if diesel, prefer 2.0 TDI phase 2 177/190 hp with known maintenance history.
Mixed use (city + highway)
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Recommendation: 2.0 TDI 177/190 hp (phase 2) — fuel efficiency, torque and reliability.
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Gearbox: manual or well-maintained S-Tronic.
Long journeys / high-mileage drivers
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Recommendation: 3.0 TDI V6 (240/245 hp) Quattro — comfort, torque, longevity.
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Check: gearbox and chain oil on cold start.
Pleasure / secondary use
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Recommendation: 3.2 FSI V6 (265 hp) — sound, linearity, no turbo.
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Warning: higher fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
Best reliability/cost ratio
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Overall: 2.0 TDI 177 hp phase 2 — robustness and economy.
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In gasoline: 2.0 TFSI 180 hp phase 2 .
Quick purchase checklist (printable for trial)
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Are the ledger and invoices present? Yes/No
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Cold start: chain noise? (yes / no) — note.
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Oil/fluid levels before and after test (30 min).
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Test drive 20–30 km: gearbox jerking? smoke? overheating?
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OBD scanner: faults present? (list)
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MMI test / climate control / camera / sensors.
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Underbody check: any visible leaks? (oil / coolant)
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Sunroof / convertible top: full test.
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Condition of tires (wear) and brake pads.
Indicative costs (common repairs)
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Engine oil change: €100–200
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S-Tronic transmission fluid change: €250–500
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Water pump and thermostat replacement: €250–700
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Tensioner/chain kit (petrol): €800–2,000
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Intake manifold cleaning (carbon deposit removal): €300–1,200
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Diesel injector replacement: €300–1,000 each
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Turbocharger overhaul: €800–€3,000 depending on severity
Accessories and performance parts for Audi A5 B8
We offer a selection of accessories and performance parts specifically designed for the Audi A5 B8.
Enhance the comfort and style of your vehicle with our CarPlay modules:
Our spoilers , interior trim, and replacement buttons to restore your car's interior or carbon fiber mirror housings:
All our products are compatible, tested and guaranteed for 1 year, with free delivery.
Summary verdict and conclusion
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The A5 phase 2 (2012–2016) models are preferable: engine corrections and reliability improvements.
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TFSI petrol engines (1.8/2.0) manufactured before 2012 require vigilance (chain, oil consumption, carbon cleaning).
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Diesel engines are durable if used appropriately (highway) and maintained rigorously (EGR/DPF).
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The 3.2 FSI is an excellent fun engine, but more expensive to run.
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Always demand a complete history and perform a long cold start test + OBD scan.
