Models · Audi
Audi S5 8T buying guide
The first S5 launched in 2007 as a coupé with a 4.2 litre V8, offered with a manual gearbox. The cabriolet and Sportback arrived in 2009 with a supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 and S tronic, shared with the S4, and the coupé switched to the V6 in 2012.
The versions
- Coupé 2007 to 2012: 4.2 FSI V8 (CAUA), 354PS, 6-speed manual or tiptronic automatic
- Cabriolet and Sportback from 2009, coupé from 2012: 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 (CAKA, CCBA), 333PS, 7-speed S tronic
- quattro four-wheel drive throughout, with a sport differential available
- Coupé, cabriolet and five-door Sportback
What to check on a 8T S5
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
V6: coolant level and the water pump
What to look for: With the engine cold, check the coolant tank is between its marks and look for dried coolant deposits around the front of the engine. Watch the temperature gauge on the drive. Look in the history for a water pump or thermostat replacement or a recall notice.
Why it matters: The S5's supercharged V6 is the same engine as the B8 S4's. On early cars with it, mainly 2009 to 2010, the plastic-housed water pump could fail and lose coolant quickly, and a recall replaced it with a metal-housed pump. Thermostats could also stick closed. Slow coolant loss is sometimes the oil cooler. A car with the cooling work done is a sign it's been looked after.
V6: oil use
What to look for: Ask how much oil the car uses between services and check the level. Look in the history for a crankcase breather (PCV) valve replacement.
Why it matters: On this shared S4 and S5 engine, units built after mid-2012 got a revised breather valve to reduce oil consumption, and earlier cars are often fitted with it, though use can still reach about a pint every 800 miles. Heavy or rising use is worth investigating.
V6: crankshaft pulley
What to look for: With the bonnet open and the engine running, look at the large pulley at the bottom of the engine that drives the belt. It should spin true, with no wobble and no rubber peeling from between its layers.
Why it matters: The rubber in early pulleys on this V6 can delaminate and let the outer ring wobble, which can lead to serious engine damage. Upgraded pulleys are available, and it's best replaced before that happens.
Also in the full guide
- S tronic behaviour and servicing
- Front wheel bearings
- Windows, locks and the cabriolet roof
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 8T S5
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.