Saying Hi from a new member and looking for advice

[Remodot]

Hi Folk, I've just joined the Forum, looks like a lot of good information shared and help.

I am seriously looking for an S5, not yet decided which variant but kind of leaning towards a convertible. I had a fantastic Audi 80 Sport back in the 80s, wish I'd kept it. I've had VWs, Alfas, Jags and SAABs since then, currently I have a 2006 Porsche Boxster S but need something a little more practice along side it. My choice would be a 3Lt S5, probably around a 2014 model.
As I have no experience of more recent Audis it would be great if I could get some pointers of what to look for, what to avoid (if anything) and possibly any recommendations.

Thanks in advance, I look forward to being a part of the forum.

 

[tigerhonaker]

Terry

 

[Remodot]

Thank you Terry.

 

[V6_Man]

Hi Folk, I've just joined the Forum, looks like a lot of good information shared and help.

I am seriously looking for an S5, not yet decided which variant but kind of leaning towards a convertible. I had a fantastic Audi 80 Sport back in the 80s, wish I'd kept it. I've had VWs, Alfas, Jags and SAABs since then, currently I have a 2006 Porsche Boxster S but need something a little more practice along side it. My choice would be a 3Lt S5, probably around a 2014 model.
As I have no experience of more recent Audis it would be great if I could get some pointers of what to look for, what to avoid (if anything) and possibly any recommendations.

Thanks in advance, I look forward to being a part of the forum.

Hi @Remodot, welcome to ASN and great selection of cars you've had over the years.

In terms of B8.5 S5 (2012 - 2016), there are quite a few threads on the subject here as well as on Audizine. I have provided the links below but will also try to summarise as much as I can:

• https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/b8-5-s4-uk-advice.402122/
• https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/buying-s4-thoughts-and-advice-needed-please.316547/
• https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/any-common-issues-with-the-3-0t-engine.245794/
• https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/recall-affecting-crec-engines-2014-s4.386507/
• https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/latest-s4-engine.244796/

B8.5 S4 and S5 use the same 3.0 Supercharged engine - 2009 - 2012 was a CAKA, 2012 - 2014 was CGWC and 2014 - 2016 was CREC with the latter one coming with a few updates to the engine and internal components as well as reduced emmissions. The one and the major diffrence between an S4 and S5 is that the former is a better looking car than an the latter - @Dippy might disagree though but it is understandable.

To say that these engines are bullet proof is both an understatment as well as an exegeration. However, if the car has been maintained at regular intervals and used rather than abused then you'll be fine. A few things to look out for are:

1- DSG Service - you'll see this mentioned in the above threads. Dependant on the mileage it should be serviced regularly. Walk away if it has not been. If not maintained and it decides to go kaboom, you are looking at around £2500 to get it repaired. It is mainly an issue on B8, improved on B8.5 with 2014 onwards using a GEN 3 gearbox. This includes both CGWA and CAKA engines.
2- Gearbox - Whether the gearbox has been serviced or not, and depending on how the car has been used the gearbox can start to mis-behave. If you are test driving one, just make sure you follow the guidance / advice provided in the first thread above by @Dippy and others.
3- PCV and Thermostat - a maintenance item and might requires a change on the CGWC (2012 - 2014) engine but should be good on CREC (2014 - 2016) however, there are a few CREC owners who have replaced
4- Timing Chain - issue on B8 (2009 - 2012) engines. It was improved on B8.5 (2012 and 2014) and further changes made on the B8.5 (2014 - 2016) engines. However, these are mechanical components and there is no 100% guarantee that any improvemnets and lifelong.
5- Supercharger Clutch - supercharger clutch slippage and then eventual replacement is reported by a few CREC (2014 - 2016) car owners. Again, a £500 - £600 replacement but based on what we have seen / read so far there are not many.

Apart from that, I cannot think of anything else. If tuned, these cars can run somewhere between 400ps - 490ps, which is quite a bit for our motorways. There are a few good tuners out there offering Stage 1 (software only) and Stage 2 tunes (software plus a few other bits). These range from MRC, Bevo, APR, and Reevo. There are than other Toms, Dicks and Harrys who are also offering tunes on these cars, so quite a few to choose from.

Hope it all helps!

 

[Dippy]

It would be best to get the CREC engine so that's probably a 2H 2014 build or later. Possibly there might be 1H 2014 cars with the CREC but you'd need to check. The CREC has a different cover (its a complete unit rather than the part-cover on the previous engine) and the supercharger pulley is bolt-on which is fairly obvious when you see it. As well as being more beautiful than the S4, the S5 sportback is more practical. The S5 coupe and convertible are nice if you like impractical cars.

 

[V6_Man]

It would be best to get the CREC engine so that's probably a 2H 2014 build or later. Possibly there might be 1H 2014 cars with the CREC but you'd need to check. The CREC has a different cover (its a complete unit rather than the part-cover on the previous engine) and the supercharger pulley is bolt-on which is fairly obvious when you see it.

I agree with @Dippy here. If you can, go for a CREC engine as it gives you the peace of mind.

As well as being more beautiful than the S4, the S5 sportback is more practical. The S5 coupe and convertible are nice if you like impractical cars.

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[Remodot]

Wow, thanks V6_Man and @Dippy a lot of great information. After looking a bit deeper into cars for sale I think I will aim for a 2015/2016 car, edging towards a cabriolet as I am loving open air driving in the Boxster. My wife has a late 2019 Mazda CX-5 so that's our practice car. Speaking of which there are also a ton of potential faults in the Boxster, mostly more expensive than an Audi might be, you get what you pay for in the end of the day. A well made reliable top class sports car does not come cheap. I took ages to find a well looked after Boxster eventually travelling from Dundee to Southampton for it.
I'll read over all the great info over the next few days, just got back from a wee holiday and have a bit of catching up to do.

Thanks again.
Remo

 

[samhoward95]

Hi Folk, I've just joined the Forum, looks like a lot of good information shared and help.

I am seriously looking for an S5, not yet decided which variant but kind of leaning towards a convertible. I had a fantastic Audi 80 Sport back in the 80s, wish I'd kept it. I've had VWs, Alfas, Jags and SAABs since then, currently I have a 2006 Porsche Boxster S but need something a little more practice along side it. My choice would be a 3Lt S5, probably around a 2014 model.
As I have no experience of more recent Audis it would be great if I could get some pointers of what to look for, what to avoid (if anything) and possibly any recommendations.

Thanks in advance, I look forward to being a part of the forum.

Welcome! I'm currently looking for a S4 Avant B8, happy hunting!

 

[Remodot]

I had a read though all the links sent, thanks again V6_man. I'm probably going to try and get a late 2014 onwards, aim is sub 60k miles. Like most of these types of car maintenance and service with regular oil change is imperative. I tend to change oil every 5k miles and I do carryout a lot of preventative maintenance work, wife doesn't understand as she thinks it it ain't broken don't change it.

Will keep you updated, and if anyone has or sees a suitable car for sale please let me know.

 

[Remodot]

I've seen a 2014, reg June 2014, with low milage. However car is quite far away so I'll be asking a lot of questions before making a long journey. As it's a June 2014 car I'm thinking it'll be CREC engine, I've attached a picture, can you tell from this?

 

[V6_Man]

I've seen a 2014, reg June 2014, with low milage. However car is quite far away so I'll be asking a lot of questions before making a long journey. As it's a June 2014 car I'm thinking it'll be CREC engine, I've attached a picture, can you tell from this?

It is CGWC. CREC in a 14 plate would be hard to find if not impossible. 64 plate would be a CREC. Below is a picture of its cover:

 

[V6_Man]

With the exception of a few, I have always bought all my cars from up north; always clean and low mileage and relatively better priced. One of A4 and the S4 from Aberdeen and Mrs’ A4 and A3 from Dundee. Even when I was looking at getting rid of my S4 and planning on buying another one, I was searching cars mainly up North.

 

[Remodot]

I though 2012-2014 was CGWC?
"B8.5 S4 and S5 use the same 3.0 Supercharged engine - 2009 - 2012 was a CAKA, 2012 - 2014 was CGWC and 2014 - 2016 was CREC with the latter one coming with a few updates to the engine and internal components as well as reduced emmissions."

 

[V6_Man]

I though 2012-2014 was CGWC?
"B8.5 S4 and S5 use the same 3.0 Supercharged engine - 2009 - 2012 was a CAKA, 2012 - 2014 was CGWC and 2014 - 2016 was CREC with the latter one coming with a few updates to the engine and internal components as well as reduced emmissions."

My apologies, I was actually editing the post when you replied.


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[Remodot]

No problem. From what I have read the change from CGWC to CREC is aimed at lowering emissions along with some minor changes.

I'm going to ask a tough question to comment on as there probably isn't a straight forward answer- the car I am looking at is £22000 (probably top end of my budget considering it'll be a 3rd car!!) and has covered 36k miles. Looking at mot history no failures nor any advisories and the car has only done 3k to 6k miles a year since first mot. I still need to see the service records, if all in place does this sound like a car worth travelling almost 300 miles to see? I've only started looking about a week ago so don't know what the market is like, or how often good cars come up, certainly very few in my neck of the woods.

 

[V6_Man]

No problem. From what I have read the change from CGWC to CREC is aimed at lowering emissions along with some minor changes.

I'm going to ask a tough question to comment on as there probably isn't a straight forward answer- the car I am looking at is £22000 (probably top end of my budget considering it'll be a 3rd car!!) and has covered 36k miles. Looking at mot history no failures nor any advisories and the car has only done 3k to 6k miles a year since first mot. I still need to see the service records, if all in place does this sound like a car worth travelling almost 300 miles to see? I've only started looking about a week ago so don't know what the market is like, or how often good cars come up, certainly very few in my neck of the woods.

Is the car tuned, are there any mods done to it or it is bone stock.

You can ask if it is stealer maintained or by an Audi Specialist. If dealer, you can call Audi and get service records as it is all kept online and can be accessible by even an Audi Specialist.

I have a 14 plate (July) at 42k miles, last year I did only 2k miles and 4k year before. 3k - 6k miles seems like a weekend car or one with an occasional use.

36k seems like a decent mileage and given the current market I believe it looks like a decent price too. Just to give you another example; couple of weeks ago I bought my friend a 66 plate BMW 520d with 44k miles on the clock and we paid £18,200 for it.


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[Remodot]

Thanks for that, I will call them tomorrow. Yes prices are rocketing on high end cars. I bought my Boxster S 3 years ago and I know I can get almost 3k more than I paid, I've been offered 2k more but I don't want to sell, it's crazy.

 

[Remodot]

With the exception of a few, I have always bought all my cars from up north; always clean and low mileage and relatively better priced. One of A4 and the S4 from Aberdeen and Mrs’ A4 and A3 from Dundee. Even when I was looking at getting rid of my S4 and planning on buying another one, I was searching cars mainly up North.

I'm in Dundee. I've found that the selection is better in England, I bought an Alfa in Chorley and my Boxster in Southampton, oddly I have found prices cheaper down south, maybe depends on car, variant etc.

 

[Dippy]

Actually although the CREC was indeed created to meet EU6 emissions, the changes were not minor. The main one for emissions was the addition of manifold injectors which has the separate advantage of reducing the carbon build-up which can plague direct injection FSI engines. Also a supercharger clutch was added to increase efficiency (although this can be a problem for those who want to tune past stage 2). The intercoolers were improved and the timing chains redesigned (the old ones would stretch and rattle). Finally I think that a change was made with the cylinder liners but I may mis-remember on that one. Something that Audi did not improve was the crank pulley which is likely just as prone to failure on the CREC as the previous engine.

We have talked a lot about the engine but don't forget the gearbox. There were problems with the first 0B5 in 2009/10 cars and the revised one for 2011-13 was not a complete solution. Although I have never been able to get 100% confirmation I believe that the final and current version was fitted from Spring 2013 onwards. But even with the latest version it is essential that it be serviced at least as frequently as Audi recommend but probably sooner to be safe. Audi's service interval is 38K. A proper gearbox service requires an actual fluid and filter change and not just a "yes the car is fully serviced" declaration of a dealer.

 

[Remodot]

Dippy thanks for the information, very much appreciated.

 

[V6_Man]

Actually although the CREC was indeed created to meet EU6 emissions, the changes were not minor. The main one for emissions was the addition of manifold injectors which has the separate advantage of reducing the carbon build-up which can plague direct injection FSI engines. Also a supercharger clutch was added to increase efficiency (although this can be a problem for those who want to tune past stage 2). The intercoolers were improved and the timing chains redesigned (the old ones would stretch and rattle). Finally I think that a change was made with the cylinder liners but I may mis-remember on that one. Something that Audi did not improve was the crank pulley which is likely just as prone to failure on the CREC as the previous engine.

We have talked a lot about the engine but don't forget the gearbox. There were problems with the first 0B5 in 2009/10 cars and the revised one for 2011-13 was not a complete solution. Although I have never been able to get 100% confirmation I believe that the final and current version was fitted from Spring 2013 onwards. But even with the latest version it is essential that it be serviced at least as frequently as Audi recommend but probably sooner to be safe. Audi's service interval is 38K. A proper gearbox service requires an actual fluid and filter change and not just a "yes the car is fully serviced" declaration of a dealer.

Another omission on my part; gearbox is one thing that I should not have missed, so thanks @Dippy for highlighting it.

Based on what I have read so far as well as learnt from @Dippy who knows about 0B5 more than Audi themselves / many in the forum, the latest revision / updates were after Spring 2014.

However, and again as Dippy mentions it has to be serviced at regular intervals. Quite a few of us here, myself included have it serviced earlier. I did it at 30k rather than 38k.


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[Remodot]

I put a deposit on a 2016 car today, 44k miles with full Audi service history. Hope to collect it in a week or so.
Thanks guys for all your help, I'll post pictures when I get it.

 

[Dippy]

full Audi service history

Dealer's word or demonstrated with invoices showing parts?

 

[Remodot]

Service book stamped by Audi approved, up with receipts. I am waiting for the pictures. The sales guy is also checking if gearbox service was done as car was serviced specialist ecialist at time it was due.

 

[Dippy]

It's just that there have been a few cases of people buying supposedly FASH cars and then finding out that the gearbox service had been missed!

 

[Remodot]

How much is a gearbox service? It it a case if drain and refill with correct oil? I'm going to pop into my local Audi dealership this week to see if they can access the a team service details. If not 100% I may just have it done again.

 

[Dippy]

IIRC around £200-250