Models · Audi
Audi S3 8P buying guide
The second S3, built from 2006 to 2012 as a three-door, joined by the five-door Sportback at the 2008 facelift, with a 265PS 2.0 TFSI and quattro four-wheel drive.
The versions
- 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder turbo (BHZ, later CDLA), 265PS and 350Nm
- Six-speed manual; six-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic optional from the 2008 facelift
- quattro four-wheel drive with a Haldex coupling, updated at the facelift
- Three-door hatchback and, from 2008, five-door Sportback
What to check on a 8P S3
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
The cam follower
What to look for: Look in the history for the fuel pump cam follower being checked or replaced. If there's no record, plan to have it done straight away.
Why it matters: The small follower between the camshaft and the high-pressure fuel pump wears prematurely on this engine and, once worn through, scores the camshaft, which then means a new cam and fuel pump. Checked yearly it's an inexpensive service item, and specialists treat it that way.
The cambelt and water pump record
What to look for: Find the last cambelt and water pump change in the history, with date and mileage.
Why it matters: Unlike the later S3, this engine uses a toothed cambelt. The usual interval is 70,000 miles or five years, whichever comes first, with the water pump done at the same time.
Oil level and use
What to look for: Check the dipstick and ask how much oil the car uses between services.
Why it matters: This engine can use a fair amount of oil, so the level needs watching. The sump's oil pick-up can also clog and starve the engine, and some owners have replaced the pick-up pipe as a precaution; an invoice for that is a good sign.
Also in the full guide
- Coolant temperature on the drive
- S tronic shifts and servicing
- Haldex servicing
- Misfires and boost problems
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 8P S3
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.