2011 S5 - Any major issues to be aware of?

[amusante]

So there's a certified 2011 S5 Prestige with 49K miles near my hometown that I want to take a look at. Any major upcoming service items, major issues, watch-outs, options, etc I should be aware of? I drove the 4.2 V8 in my father's B6 S4 for quite a while, and I love the sounds coming out of it, but I know it can be a maintenance nightmare like my B5 is right now.

Link for info.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...31887850&Log=0

Thank you

[HazeMyth]

Carbon buildup that requires somewhat frequent cleaning.

[rushpuppy]

check takata airbag recall


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[A4-B6]

My 2011 S5 needed 2 HPFP @ 23K (Warranty). The first carbon clean came up at 50K-ish with a CEL (Warranty). I had carbon buildup checked/done again at 70Kish during SC install, but it was fine and didn't really need it. Other than that no other problems from mine.

[AWDfreak]

My 2012 needed the coolant flange replaced at 20k miles--6 hours labor job. Watch for coolant level dropping.

[makeshift101]

I just picked up my 2011 S5 last week, my back up camera works about 1/2 the time. Other than that I haven't noticed anything

[SDS]

Front suspension wears out really fast, and replacement parts are all over the place.....different bushing sizes and ball joint ends depending on your production date, and no one seems to know exactly what's what. I've got my front lower (aft) arms off, and the bushings are see-through with less than 60k miles (car shakes). New replacement bushings are too big for my control arm, so I'm looking at having to buy new arms......BUT, the ball joint may also be different depending on your VIN. It's ridiculous. This should be a recall, or at least AoA assisted.

[Slobo7x]

Low miles are a good safety net, but don't let that fool you.

1) I think they are asking too much.

2) Check the PITA components for maintenance, engine mounts, carbon cleaning, clutch.

Everything else is pretty typical as with any other cars, but those 3 things are a major difficulty to do yourself. Very expensive to do at the dealer as well.

[SLU_S5]

My 2010 has been decent from 30k-65k miles over my two years of ownership. Pretty much what I expected from owning a German sports coupe. I'm meticulous when it comes to maintenance and I love my car.

Repairs outside of normal maintenance (oil, tires, filters, brakes):

- Rear camera works 95% of the time. Screen occasionally goes black - not to the point where it requires a fix.

- Sunroof shade got stuck in the closed position and the screen tore when I tried opening it - Took it in to Audi for repairs and they quoted me $1200... I just cut the screen out and leave it in the open position. It doesn't bother me anymore. I'll eventually get a new screen and repair it myself for $250 or less.

- Replaced my AC Blower Motor around 50k ($400 parts and labor)

- Replaced Clutch, Flywheel, and all related components at 64k ($3700 parts and labor)

- Replaced Front wheel bearing at 64k ($300 parts and labor)

Things that will probably require attention within the next 10k - 15k miles (next summer):

- Carbon clean

- Replace motor mounts

- Endlinks and/or control arms

[TTRStud]

The 4.2 S5 is solid, with some known issues that are expected to happen to most cars at one point or another, and some sooner than later. Most of the commonly known issues have been mentioned above, and they are relatively minor compared to what I would consider real issues. Here is a comprehensive list, and I will indicate which I have experienced myself on my 2010:

1) sunroof screen tears from the sliding mechanism - I had this problem. Ordered the replacement part and replaced it myself. $265 for the part if I recall correctly.
2) start/stop button's writing flakes off - I had this problem, and simply replaced it with the updated, better looking red-ring start/stop button. $65 for the part and a very easy DIY.
3) worn/torn front suspension bushings - I had this problem at around 48k miles; mainly the trailing lower control arms, which have hydraulic bushings, fail after the bushings break and leak. As a result, I replaced ALL of my control arms (upper and lower, bushings, ball joints). An OEM kit can be put together for around $800 while shopping from different vendors. I have a detailed thread on this topic, with part numbers, vendor sites, etc. Also, the sites address which bushing sizes are the appropriate ones based on when the car was built - which was reported as a concern above.
4) supposedly the coolant overflow reservoir has a tendency to turn brittle and crack - I have not had this issue, but it is a simple DIY if/when it happens, and not expensive.
5) engine mounts fail at around 50k miles - I had this problem as well. Like the trailing lower control arms, the engine mounts are hydraulic/fluid-filled. These also tear and leak, causing powertrain play. I went ahead and had mine replaced with the 034 65-durometer solid mounts (the OEM ones are made of 45-durometer rubber), which feel great, and will not break and leak given their solid nature. The mounts go for about $400, however, I purchased my set during a promotion and got it for around $300. Another advantage about these mounts is that they can be purchased individually if/when they fail in the future; they do not need to be purchased in pairs.

***6) the carbon cleanup issue is overinflated for the 4.2 S5 engine. The RS4's v8 had the real predominant issues, often requiring cleanings every 10,000-20,000 miles. That is not the case with the S5's engine. So even though this may become an issue for a low percentage of owners in the future, it is not common. The trick is to stick with the highest octane fuel possible, open up the car every now and then letting that engine breathe, and avoid short trips when the car is cold. Some techs claim that the length of time for which the engine is run after it has cooled down entirely has an effect on the carbon build up. Even when the coolant temperature gauge is sitting at half, they recommend for the car to run for at least 10-15 minutes, ensuring that the oil has reached operating temperature.***

Other than the items listed above, the 4.2 on these cars was Audi's bread and butter for a while, and it's basically a bulletproof engine. If you take care of it, it will take care of you.

Best of luck. If you end up acquiring the car, you will love it. It is heavy, yet feels balanced, and the rumble of the 4.2 is amazing (specially when paired with a nice exhaust).

[Atmmac]

I just had to do some fuel runner flaps and solenoid. This was under warranty since I have CPO. My car is at 37k miles. Backup camera had to be replaced as well.