Couple Questions - Buying a 2010-2015 S5 Convertible (thanks for your thoughts)

[FarmerBob]

Hi, I've sold my RS4 and looking at buying a 2010-2015 S5 Convertible (TFSI 3.0 with dual clutch) for my daily commute. I had a couple questions, if I could get your opinion. I know of 2013 facelift to S5 (front grill, headlights, electric steering), but:

1. Are the V6 supercharged engines the same for 2010-2015 (no upgraded engine internals or major difference in those years? and 2010-2015 no particular year prone to engine issues?
2. Are there any major difference in the dual-clutch transmission from 2010-2015, that would push you to get a 2013-2015 instead of pre-2013?
3. Do these TFSI 3.0 engines have carbon build up issues pre-2013, and/or timing chain failure issues like the V8 S4 engines had?
4. Besides the interior cosmetic and exterior differences, would you - mechanically - see any major difference between buying a 2010-2012 (with higher mileage) versus 2013-2015 (with lower mileage)? Thanks for your opinion.

I could buy a higher (85,000 miles) 2010 for around $16,000 and have extra $$ for pulley upgrade/throttle body/ecu tune etc, or lower mileage 2013-2015 but in the $25-27,000 range. Your thoughts?

[brilliant_black]

Buy a 2014 if you want the S5 cab.

The pre facelift B8 S5 cab has the same exact 3.0T as the B8/B8.5 S4 and B8.5 S5.
The dual clutch transmission in the B8 S4 had mechatronic failures, some requiring full tranny replacements.
The B8 S5 cab uses the same transmission, but you don't hear about this problem in the S5 cab since very few were sold compared to the coupe which had a V8 and regular auto.

Some early build 2013 cars had the same older dual clutch and late build 2013 and later cars got the updated DSG that didn't have any problems so I would play it safe and just get a 2014.

The 3.0T engine doesn't suffer from carbon buildup, but eventually it will need a cleaning as it is direct injection.


Just get the 2014 is money isn't an issue
-no potential dual clutch issues
-better looking
-better interior bits (FLAT BOTTOM WHEEL FTW)
-updated MMI with google maps and Bluetooth

If you want an older pre-facelift car to save money for mods ONLY ONLY ONLY buy a MANUAL TRANSMISSION so you don't have to worry about the potential dsg problems.

[FarmerBob]

Thanks Brilliant Black.
So it sounds like getting a 2014 will get me a better DSG (an upgraded DSG) while some 2013's still have the older dual clutch.

What is it about the upgraded DSG that made them better in late 2013 - and onward? I'm guessing it was same DSG from 2008-late 2013 (when upgraded) so DSG probably in need of upgrade by late 2013?

Regarding bluetooth connectivity - was the pre 2013 facelift and MMI not able to connect for streaming music to your iphone - and only after 2013 facelift and upgraded MMI does it now stream bluetooth for music, and phone?

Does anyone know if Audi fixed the carbon build up issue for their S5 engines after 2013 model year (maybe by adding a single port injection for fuel into the manifold? Thanks for your opinion.

[Neil F]

I have a 2014 cab as my daily driver. Love it.

Carbon build up is not an issue with the supercharged 6. It is with the V8

[brilliant_black]

Thanks Brilliant Black.
So it sounds like getting a 2014 will get me a better DSG (an upgraded DSG) while some 2013's still have the older dual clutch.

What is it about the upgraded DSG that made them better in late 2013 - and onward? I'm guessing it was same DSG from 2008-late 2013 (when upgraded) so DSG probably in need of upgrade by late 2013?

Regarding bluetooth connectivity - was the pre 2013 facelift and MMI not able to connect for streaming music to your iphone - and only after 2013 facelift and upgraded MMI does it now stream bluetooth for music, and phone?

Does anyone know if Audi fixed the carbon build up issue for their S5 engines after 2013 model year (maybe by adding a single port injection for fuel into the manifold? Thanks for your opinion.

The second generation dsg in late build 2013 cars and onward were totally revised didn't have any mechatronic problems.

The pre-facelift MMI didn't have bluetooth. I use a tune2air module for bluetooth

For carbon build up many folks have pulled the supercharger at higher mileage to take a look and the carbon build up even on 80k or more on the 3.0T is pretty minor compared to the RS4, RS5, and V8 S5, and V8 R8

[digitalchris]

Some early build 2013 cars had the same older dual clutch and late build 2013 and later cars got the updated DSG that didn't have any problems so I would play it safe and just get a 2014.

Oh boy, I'm the proud new owner of a 2013 S5 cab, which I'm loving.... and now nervous. Is there any way to determine which DSG I have? VIN? Mfr date?

Thanks!

[brilliant_black]

Oh boy, I'm the proud new owner of a 2013 S5 cab, which I'm loving.... and now nervous. Is there any way to determine which DSG I have? VIN? Mfr date?

Thanks!

Honestly not sure. I follow ignitiontube and his B8.5 S4 was an early build with the older dsg. He's currently tuned and has a dsg tune as well and hasn't had any problems.
On these forums that specific issue is 98 percent of the time related to the B8 not B8.5, so I guess you're okay.

I would honestly just buy an aftermarket warranty for piece of mind if you're that worried. I'm sure users here can recommend a good one.

[digitalchris]

Honestly not sure. I follow ignitiontube and his B8.5 S4 was an early build with the older dsg. He's currently tuned and has a dsg tune as well and hasn't had any problems.
On these forums that specific issue is 98 percent of the time related to the B8 not B8.5, so I guess you're okay.

I would honestly just buy an aftermarket warranty for piece of mind if you're that worried. I'm sure users here can recommend a good one.

I will research that. Thanks, I really appreciate the follow-up!


Sent from my Pixel XL using Audizine mobile app

[S5_SID]

Hi, I've sold my RS4 and looking at buying a 2010-2015 S5 Convertible (TFSI 3.0 with dual clutch) for my daily commute. I had a couple questions, if I could get your opinion. I know of 2013 facelift to S5 (front grill, headlights, electric steering), but:

1. Are the V6 supercharged engines the same for 2010-2015 (no upgraded engine internals or major difference in those years? and 2010-2015 no particular year prone to engine issues?
2. Are there any major difference in the dual-clutch transmission from 2010-2015, that would push you to get a 2013-2015 instead of pre-2013?
3. Do these TFSI 3.0 engines have carbon build up issues pre-2013, and/or timing chain failure issues like the V8 S4 engines had?
4. Besides the interior cosmetic and exterior differences, would you - mechanically - see any major difference between buying a 2010-2012 (with higher mileage) versus 2013-2015 (with lower mileage)? Thanks for your opinion.

I could buy a higher (85,000 miles) 2010 for around $16,000 and have extra $$ for pulley upgrade/throttle body/ecu tune etc, or lower mileage 2013-2015 but in the $25-27,000 range. Your thoughts?

I actually just purchased a 2011 Cab and I love it so far!

I bought mine from carmax with a 100k mile warranty and when I purchased the car the headliner was falling down. Carmax replaced the whole top fabric and reglued the rear window glass. Warranty has already paid for itself based on the top repair!

The b8's do not have bluetooth, but an adapter can be purchased for less than $100. Originally I had the tune2air which was alright, but disconnected or wouldn't play easily. I returned that adapter and purchased the BlueStream 3GEN Bluetooth A2DP adapter. The new adapter works every time and connects quickly.

Interior cosmetics can be purchased and upgraded as well, so it would be worth saving money for upgrades.