Models · Audi
Audi RS5 F5 buying guide
The second RS5 arrived in 2017 as a coupé, with a five-door Sportback alongside, swapping the V8 for a 2.9 litre twin-turbo V6 co-developed with Porsche, with an 8-speed automatic and quattro. A facelift unveiled at the end of 2019 brought subtle styling changes and new infotainment.
The versions
- 2.9 TFSI twin-turbo V6 (EA839), 450PS and 600Nm from 1,900rpm
- 8-speed tiptronic torque converter automatic
- quattro with a 40/60 front to rear default split; sport rear differential standard on UK cars
- Coupé and five-door Sportback
- Facelift unveiled December 2019: subtle styling, revamped infotainment, RS1 and RS2 drive mode buttons, aluminium paddles
- Optional Dynamic Ride Control and carbon-ceramic brakes
What to check on a F5 RS5
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Rocker arms on early cars
What to look for: Note the build date. On cars built before 2019, ask whether the rocker arms have been replaced with the upgraded parts, and look for the invoice.
Why it matters: A rocker arm problem can affect cars built before 2019. It isn't especially common, and the fix is upgraded rocker arms, often done with an engine service and a new water pump. Paperwork for the work is a real plus on an early car.
The water pump
What to look for: With the bonnet open, look at the pulley on the front of the engine that drives the water pump and count its bolts: six means the revised pump, four the original. Check the coolant tank is between its marks and look for dried coolant residue on the front of the engine and the left-hand cylinder head.
Why it matters: The original pump can leak internally, drawing coolant into the engine's vacuum system, where it can trigger a boost fault and a drivetrain warning and in time cause damage. Audi released a revised pump with a six-bolt pulley, so a car with it fitted has had this dealt with.
Cold start and warm-up
What to look for: Start the car from cold and watch the idle settle. Pull away gently while it's still cold and feel for stuttering. On the drive, check the temperature gauge reaches normal and stays there.
Why it matters: On the RS4, which shares this engine, owners report thermostats sticking, a wandering idle on start-up and stuttering when cold. A car that starts and warms up cleanly is a good sign.
Also in the full guide
- Gearbox changes and leaks
- Recall work and electrics
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the F5 RS5
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Audi.