S5 4.2 Reliability??

[USMC1488]

On a recent trip to the dealer for service I spotted an A5 with two car seats in it. That started me thinking again, I miss my A5 prestige!

For the past few months I’ve been researching/hunting for a RS4 or a 08 B7 S4, I want that lovely V8. Through research I’ve found that the B7 V8 in the S4 is starting to develop a trend of issues with its valve train at high miles. I’m still not convinced its and actual trend but that is for another forum Happily I’ve discovered that the S5 can now be found for 35,000, my max budget.


Now for my questions are there any catastrophic (expensive) issues that you guys are experiencing with the V8 drive train. I’ve searched and happily discovered nothing (unlike the B7 forum). I’m aware about the carbon cleaning, that is something I’ve accepted I’ll have to do regardless.

[pdubb]

Depends on the MY. My 2012 has had no issues. Of course earlier models had TSB's with the clutch etc. but with 22k miles on my 2012, I can say I have not had 1 issue with it. V8 still sounds great... still smooth, and extremely fun. This is my daily driver too. I just had to replace tires though . So make sure it has good shoes on it (Rosso P-Zero's suck).

[chrissurfr]

The only problem I had with my 09 was the clutch that need replacing after 3.5 years of crazy driving. Solid car.

However, it may need a carbon cleaning around 50k miles. That will run around 800 bucks.

[Fallen33]

From what I've seen, the 4.2 is a good engine aside from the carbon issues. Treat it well and it will return the favor!

[Steve_K]

I have a '09 S5 tiptronic that I've had for around 6 months. I had a '05 S4 prior to that with the 4.2 V8 motor which I had for about 2 years. These engines are bulletproof, the problem comes in when other things start going wrong. My S4 had to have the Air-con compressor pump replaced, the power steering pump, the oil pump and thermostat, etc, etc. Although I got rid of this car because of these things, the engine was still very good. I actually met the guy who purchased my old S4 and he hasn't had a day problem for over 6 months.

If you can get a S5, you won't look back, trust me. Apart from the R8, it's the best looking Audi there is to date.

[Wilbur]

On a recent trip to the dealer for service I spotted an A5 with two car seats in it. That started me thinking again, I miss my A5 prestige!

For the past few months I’ve been researching/hunting for a RS4 or a 08 B7 S4, I want that lovely V8. Through research I’ve found that the B7 V8 in the S4 is starting to develop a trend of issues with its valve train at high miles. I’m still not convinced its and actual trend but that is for another forum Happily I’ve discovered that the S5 can now be found for 35,000, my max budget.


Now for my questions are there any catastrophic (expensive) issues that you guys are experiencing with the V8 drive train. I’ve searched and happily discovered nothing (unlike the B7 forum). I’m aware about the carbon cleaning, that is something I’ve accepted I’ll have to do regardless.

go to Sticky in B7 S4 forum an look under "catastrophic failure" (I think). Every car has issues. I put 120,000 kms on mine and it was flawless. I miss that V8 sound SOOOO much.

[JimWB]

I was recently looking at Consumer Reports and the 12 MY was rated extremely high in reliability. The other years were fairly solid also, but the 12 was exceptional.

I saw an 09 at CARMAX, 44k miles and they were asking 37k. I was tempted, but I think I'm going to go new. The 09 at CARMAX had full tan leather seats.....is that custom or was it an option that year?

[pdubb]

I was recently looking at Consumer Reports and the 12 MY was rated extremely high in reliability. The other years were fairly solid also, but the 12 was exceptional.

I saw an 09 at CARMAX, 44k miles and they were asking 37k. I was tempted, but I think I'm going to go new. The 09 at CARMAX had full tan leather seats.....is that custom or was it an option that year?

I think it was an option. I don't believe its standard but I could be wrong.

[davmatt40]

Other than the recent issue with the motor mounts causing the fuel pump to act irractically and the carbon build up, one sweet F'n car.