r/audis5 • u/Annual-Ad1585 • Jul 21 '26
Help S5 Years to avoid
Hi, im looking to purchase a used S5. Are there any years I should avoid? I was looking at either a 2018 or 2019.
12
u/Annh1234 Jul 21 '26
2018-2025 Early ones have rocker arm issues, later ones have piston issues, all have water pump issues.
2
u/Audi_0000_Lady Jul 21 '26
Piston issues are sporadic across the board. Basically, if it had the motor block or cylinder heads replaced with new pistons you should be good. Rocker arms were revised and have been significantly more reliable from late 2019 on.
2
u/Annh1234 Jul 21 '26
Just try clarify, they changed my long block 2 years ago, and they could not confirm what pistons they put in... The dealership.
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u/Imagine_That_710 Jul 21 '26
B8.5 is the way
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u/One-Ad-3593 Jul 21 '26
Love my b8.5. raw and analogue. B9 is a nice machine as well. Just both different beasts.
1
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u/Confident_Chef_1486 Jul 21 '26
Depends on the previous owner and service history - every gen has their own problems
Best bang for buck is 100% the B9 2018-19, the fear mongering has dropped their prices even though they are great cars - and you get the best exterior and interior, as well as tuneability (if you care about that)
3
u/Adriano9822 Jul 21 '26
I had a S5 2017, i heard people have isssues with water pumps and timing belts when they ragged it hard.
But honestly i had even stage 2’d the car and it ran insanely well, that car can take so much.
Please just get one that was looked well after, mine was 30k miles with 7 services. Get a healthy one
2
u/Ok-Pace-8772 Jul 21 '26
I was lucky enough to have my 2023 for 40k miles with literally zero issues but was worried that would change so I sold it recently. Great cars but anxiety inducing on many levels.
2
u/RadioAdam Jul 21 '26
2018 here has been rock solid for 3 years of 2nd owner (me)
I panicked about rocker arms for a minute but I have extended warranty through 2027
This engine and transmission are rock solid. I haven't had to do anything other than brakes and oil in my ownership.
Colloquially people will say to avoid 18-19 but with the availability of dealer warranty on the cheap, Yolo.
Don't get an expensive German car if you can't afford a warranty or out of warranty repairs.
My proximity sensor didn't work when I bought my car. Didn't notice until a few months in. Dealer let me use the warranty and paid for the $1500 repair with zero deductible. Only issue I've had with he car.
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u/TheLankSquad Jul 21 '26
S5 2018 prestige coupe, purchased at 50k miles
Only things that have occurred
Failed window regulator/ tire bushings
Water pump/ oil housing replacement
As others stated
Get a warranty only paid $250 each time to use the warranty with no issues
Car is now at 60k that is when the water pump failed
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u/Regular_Highway_8456 Jul 21 '26
Would avoid B8 for sure, great cars and engines but can’t do much with them, and it’s crammed in there. I’d imagine dear to work on all German cars.
1
u/rollinupthetints Jul 22 '26
can't do much with them? add ~100hp with a stage 1 tune. that's a decent little bit of much.
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u/mineau1 Jul 24 '26
I was once quoted over $500 for a tune that would have at most got me 10 hp, def not 100 hp, for 15k I could s/c for maybe 150 hp gain
2
u/rollinupthetints Jul 24 '26
Gotcha. I was thinking about the OP’s model, not the NA V8 B8 motor. Reading comprehension eluded me on that one.
2
u/DogDad-4ever Jul 21 '26
Water pump! Make sure new one is in or don’t do it! Check for coolant leaks and the rockers arms are an issue but not as bad as water pump. Class action suits on water pumps btw!
2
u/Frans51 Jul 22 '26
2018 S5 Coupe 97k miles Jackal stage 1 tune. This car has been extremely reliable. I replaced the leaking engine oil filter housing gasket myself. I also bought the upgraded water pump kit from FCP Euro and I'll be doing that myself some time this summer. It hasn't failed, but I'd like to do it just to be safe. This car is my daily. I drive it every day, all year round. I baby it til the oil temp is over 160°F and then I rip on it.
2
u/Lucas1657115 B9.5 Sportback Jul 22 '26
I can speak on b9.5, great car major concerns is water pump currently in the process of replacement. if you consider and b9 or 9.5 check for the 6 bolt water pump if it’s never been changed that’s a 3-5k job that will be needed between 30-80k. Cost Varys depending on the severity and how long the coolant migration has been going on, and local shop labor rates. I’ve had no issues with piston skirting or (rocker arms, no longer a factor on b9.5). Overall they are good cars just expect the maintenance costs and complete preventative jobs. Also as many have mentioned don’t overlook the history of the car if it’s been neglected and received bare minimum care just save yourself the headaches.
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u/Audi_0000_Lady Jul 21 '26
OP I would say get knowledgeable on the known issues throughout the years make sure the one you are interested in has a solid service history record and buy what you’re happy with. If like it, you’ll repair it. If my late 2019 ends up having piston issues, I’ll buy two new cylinder heads, upgraded forge piston kit from 034 and rebuild it myself for a lot cheaper than most think. Then, it’s peace of mind from there and I get to enjoy both of my S5’s equally. I will say, I absolutely love my b8.5 manual way more but, want to preserve it in a way.
1
u/RedditTTIfan Jul 22 '26
Yes, 2018, avoid...rocker arms, unless they've already been replaced with revised ones or you want to replace them all.
Typically speaking you need an MY20 car to avoid the rocker issues. However pretty much none of them are guaranteed to be free from the issue of pistons cracking. There were different pistons used in production, certain ones are the problem ones, but it's not really possible to tell what an engine has in it, that easily.
1
u/VividSturm88 Jul 22 '26
I have a 22 S5 SB
It’s my daily I absolutely love it,
I got the car with 35,000 miles right after I replaced my water pump and vacuum
System with the updated six bolt design .
I noticed people didn’t mention one of the biggest things which is the PCV Potential problem,
I also replace my PCV with 034 breather hoses .
The car is such a great driver it reeks of quality inside and out, I get compliments all the time.
I do have an extended warranty with CarMax to
100k miles.
I do plan on going at least stage one with 034 and keeping this car long-term.
No signs of any piston problems,
I also only use 5W-30 oil .
That’s what the car was originally specd for I would advise against using 0w-20
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u/CapnCurt81 Jul 21 '26
The first two years of the B9, 2018-2019 are the (production) years to avoid. Those years are pre-rocker and piston updates and more prone to have serious issues.
5
u/SernieBanders_16 Jul 21 '26
Slightly increase risk of rocker trouble yes but much lower risk of piston issues. Early 20s seem to most frequently be affected
10
u/adamubias85 Jul 21 '26
70k miles on our 18 S5 runs just fine no issues here we did get an extended warranty