[jlstyle]

I'm considering 2011~2012 S5 as my daily driver.
I always loved it's stance with design cues and its V8 sound.
Does anyone recommend MY13+ V6 vs the V8?
Any known problems with the car?

I'm mainly looking at Pre MY13 in black with red or white interior under 60K miles and uner $40k budget.

Thanks,

[1and1]

As great as they sound, google the timing chain issues. If you must have one be sure the TC has already been swapped. Expensive job and chain is to the rear of the engine...

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...cussion-Thread

http://jalopnik.com/here-s-why-the-v...car-1676466510

Dealer cost is $8,000 for the repair, parts alone $3,000.


On the other hand, supercharged v6 is pretty sweet, but it's still a nose heavy understeering pig. Love them seats tho...

[vsix]

Don't do it.

[R3dliner]

It's a heavy pig and don't forget about the constant carbon cleaning you're going to need to do. Plus VW/Audi's resale value is worse than BMW.

[sales@vivid]

I'm not a fan. My best friends dad had one, and he had to do the timing chain as well, along with a few other things that weren't exactly cheap. Best thing about the car, in my opinion, is the wheel fitment. Being able to run a 10" wide wheel in the front with a deep concave, is pretty awesome. Other than that, I would stick with BMW.

[smrtypants44]

My dad has a q5 w/the supercharged V6, and I know its not a S5, but here are my impressions:

Interior-nicer than my E82
Drive- great throttle response, really lively low end torque. Top end leaves a bit to be desired. AWD=awesome, really holds corners well for a SUV on 20" wheels

I'd say test drive it and see what youd like, but I'd definitely go for the V6 over the V8.

[atxgt3]

I asked an Audi/VW shop here in town that does a lot of repair and tuning work on these cars and they said to stay away from the V8 and go with the SC V6 instead. Much more potential and way less headaches.

[jlstyle]

Thanks for the responses guys.
It definitely sounds better to go with SC V6.
As for the weight of the car and it's agility goes, I'm just looking for a good looking commuter where I think S5 stands out of the crowd. I just can't get enough of black S5 with RS5 honeycomb front grill

[GATORB8]

I test drove an 09 V8 prior to picking up my is. I couldn't stand how uncomfortable the seats were (for me at least) even after a 15 minute test drive. I was literally sitting on the side bolsters of the seat bottom, may have been optional sport seats?

[mremg]

I've always had a sweet spot for the S5. I think it's more of luxury car than a sport sedan but still fun nonetheless. Try getting it in 6-speed MT. I don't know which engine is more reliable, but that V8 sure does sound glorious.

[parksjm7]

I believe the convertible S5s have always had a SC 3.0 V6 if you don't mind going convertible - or heck just get the S4

[eluded]

I hope you get a nice extended warranty because otherwise it's going to be painful.

[Nitrousbird]

Originally Posted by R3dliner

It's a heavy pig and don't forget about the constant carbon cleaning you're going to need to do. Plus VW/Audi's resale value is worse than BMW.

The equivalent BMW would be an E92, which has a WAY worse resale value.

I nearly pulled the trigger on a V8 S5. IMO they look better and the interior is nicer. Shifter feels nicer as well and the V8 sounds WWWWAAAYYYYY better than the N54. Power delivery is smooth and nice.

Why didn't I go with one? Equivalent E92 was a good $10,000 cheaper at the time. Power wise it felt a little faster than a stock N54 but didn't have the potential the N54 has. It also felt bigger and heavier to drive. I'm a DIY person and it was certainly harder to work on. Sure they need carbon cleaning but so does the N54 and N55 to some extent.

[davis449]

I am seriously considering this to replace my 1er in a few years. I, too, have been told by many to go V6 SC over the V8. I want the V6 SC anyway as I have driven the V8 and it's pretty lackluster. My V6 SC experience has been in the S4, and that's definitely the way to go.

[freshwhite335]

Don't do it. Had one for two years. The carbon build up was constantly an issue, the electrics were terrible, the stereo made the whole car buzz, Audi service is terrible. Just don't do it.

[RickFLM4]

I had a 2013 S4 with SC V-6. It was a very good car while I had - granted at the beginning of its life rather than later on. I'd definitely go with SC V-6 over the V-8 in an S5.

I thought Audi service was marginally better than BMW in my area. I am not impressed with service for either brand.

[jlstyle]

I always thought Audi was better in interior finish and exterior look and just wanted to give it a try after owning only BMW for past 10 years. BMW has been lowering quality on 3/4 series considerably and I'm losing my love. I'm now extending my search to used Cayman to benefit from great look and performance.