Pull the trigger on the new S5?

[alexza4]

So, stopped by the dealer again and they're giving me a pretty decent trade in price on my '15 ($22500), it has 45k on it and pretty much stock other than the ecodes and lowered with springs. The thing is I still love the look of my S5, drives great and its all paid off, but the dated and slow infotainment is starting to get on my nerves and the warranty is no more (and I no longer have the time to tinker with my cars, like in the old days). On the flip side, the look of the new gen is growing on me and the technology is pretty cool... So decisions, decision...
What ya'll think?

Some side by side of mine and the new one sitting on the lot.
IMG_9124.jpgIMG_9123.jpg

[03TLSinCO]

Gotta say, I like the looks of the B8.5 better. You can add a warranty/service plan to your existing (PAID) car. Nothing you can really do about the infotainment system.

How do you like the way the B9 drives? Not sure I'd care for the turbo as opposed to the SC, nor the automatic as opposed to the DSG, but that's just me and I haven't driven the B9 yet.

[snocat17]

Gotta say, I like the looks of the B8.5 better. You can add a warranty/service plan to your existing (PAID) car. Nothing you can really do about the infotainment system.

How do you like the way the B9 drives? Not sure I'd care for the turbo as opposed to the SC, nor the automatic as opposed to the DSG, but that's just me and I haven't driven the B9 yet.

For looks, stay with the B8.5. I think extended warranties are overrated. If it lasts 50K with no issues, why won't it last 95K if you stay with the recommended maintenance?

I agree the new infotainment system is nice, but is it really that important? The new B9 is faster, but doesn't feel the same to me.

[11S5V8]

Flex, don't talk about it, be about it!

[brilliant_black]

$22500 honestly seems pretty low for a 15 with 45k miles.

My 2011 fair sale price is 21-23k at 46k miles

2015 cars near 45k are going for $30k here in socal

I'd try carmax or selling privately.


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[03TLSinCO]

$22500 honestly seems pretty low for a 15 with 45k miles.

My thoughts as well.

[BuyTheWarranty]

I personally think the B8.5 body style is much more appealing. The new models look too futuristic and I despise the rims. The interior (seats), infotainment, Apple car play, and the giant digital tach/Mac screen is amazing.... but that’s about all.

[brilliant_black]

I personally think the B8.5 body style is much more appealing. The new models look too futuristic and I despise the rims. The interior (seats), infotainment, Apple car play, and the giant digital tach/Mac screen is amazing.... but that’s about all.

B8.5 front end is better, but the B9 rear end is a huge leap forward. Looks mean!


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[BuyTheWarranty]

I think I agree. Change out the rims, and add the B8 front grille! The back is growing on me ...

[alexza4]

yeah well we definitely all in agreement about B8.5 still looking better! You guys really think 22.5 is low? I've seen quite a few go for that price as private sales here on east coast... maybe a location thing. I will look around and maybe throw it on for sale locally just to see what I can get.

btw the b9 still comes with 20" rotors, just like the ones I have now. which I like. Definitely, would get that grill switched out to RS if possible, like I did on mine. Also, I'd be getting the black optics package anyway, so none of that chrome is there. Looks much better without it

[brilliant_black]

yeah well we definitely all in agreement about B8.5 still looking better! You guys really think 22.5 is low? I've seen quite a few go for that price as private sales here on east coast... maybe a location thing. I will look around and maybe throw it on for sale locally just to see what I can get.

btw the b9 still comes with 20" rotors, just like the ones I have now. which I like. Definitely, would get that grill switched out to RS if possible, like I did on mine. Also, I'd be getting the black optics package anyway, so none of that chrome is there. Looks much better without it

It could be a location thing too, but still I think 22k is too low. I say $26k is reasonable.

Drive the new car. At the end of the day the B9 is the newer car with better interior, technology, and is faster stock. Honestly if the front end was a little better, I'd choose the B9 in a heartbeat.

The B9 needs an RS grille and some sort of front splitter to look nice imo.

B9 RS5 front is nice, they just played it too safe for the S5.


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[altobeast]

yeah well we definitely all in agreement about B8.5 still looking better! You guys really think 22.5 is low? I've seen quite a few go for that price as private sales here on east coast... maybe a location thing. I will look around and maybe throw it on for sale locally just to see what I can get.

btw the b9 still comes with 20" rotors, just like the ones I have now. which I like. Definitely, would get that grill switched out to RS if possible, like I did on mine. Also, I'd be getting the black optics package anyway, so none of that chrome is there. Looks much better without it

It's location location location. In SoCal that would be low but in Maryland idk. Check the carmax in Laurel, it takes like 30 min and you'll have a second opinion. Their offer is honestly sometimes fair.

[alexza4]

You guys are right. 22.5 is low. Just did the KBB instant offer and they're offering me 24.5. I think I can get closer to 30 on her. Anyone interested? ;)))

[altobeast]

You guys are right. 22.5 is low. Just did the KBB instant offer and they're offering me 24.5. I think I can get closer to 30 on her. Anyone interested? ;)))

Holy cow 24.5 on KBB instant!?

They gave me close to that on my RS5 with same mileage lol

[alexza4]

Holy cow 24.5 on KBB instant!?

They gave me close to that on my RS5 with same mileage lol

Ya. for the matter effect, already got an email from the local dealer, asking to come in, they'll buy it at that price.

[kjeeper10]

I personally think the B8.5 body style is much more appealing. The new models look too futuristic and I despise the rims. The interior (seats), infotainment, Apple car play, and the giant digital tach/Mac screen is amazing.... but that’s about all.

Agree even more now seeing the comparison picture. Holy cow.. not sure i like the futuristic look over the bulkier hood/front end of the 8.5.

[kjeeper10]

Fwiw i paid 30k for my 15 with 55k. Trade in value at the time was 27-28 depending on the condition.

[Johann@Carbnlab]

One thing we could mostly agree with is that the b9 looks newer. Does it looks better? Well that is subjective but newer models always take some time to grow on people.

Here is a comparison of my previous b8.5 vs my b9. Both cars got mostly the same treatment: same drop, same wheels, black optics and rs grille. The b9 now has a carbon fiber splitter as seen on the first pic because imho the b9 needs it, not the b8.5

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[Hey_T_S5]

I’ve noticed that the new B9 style just doesn’t like pictures that much...don’t know if it’s the lines in the hood or the style of the grill? But one thing is for sure, see it in person and the car will surprise you, again not sure why but even the A5 I saw at the dealership looked really nice...the RS5 that whipped by me on the road looked down right mean!!!


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[alexza4]

Fwiw i paid 30k for my 15 with 55k. Trade in value at the time was 27-28 depending on the condition.

How long was that? Which area?


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[oohnoo]

Damn dude I got a trade-in valve of 21k for my '13 S5 w/64k and I think they're low balling me a little. Love the new S5, especially the Sportback, Black w/red nappa leather seats. OMFG! Hate, HATE the informat stuck on top of the dash, why couldn't they bury it in the dash or make it retractable.

[alexza4]

One thing we could mostly agree with is that the b9 looks newer. Does it looks better? Well that is subjective but newer models always take some time to grow on people.

Here is a comparison of my previous b8.5 vs my b9. Both cars got mostly the same treatment: same drop, same wheels, black optics and rs grille. The b9 now has a carbon fiber splitter as seen on the first pic because imho the b9 needs it, not the b8.5

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Hold up. Why is yours front end look different from the one above next to my car? Aside from the grill, the rings are on the hood and the bumper looks different. I don’t remember seeing that option. Or is this custom/aftermarket? I like this look much better.


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[rnp614]

My god does the B8 look so much better than the B9.....

[BASARAB]

B9 looks like some new Mazda or Mitsubishi...

[Ape Factory]

Not a B9 fan, have to say. You CAN update/upgrade the infotainment on your B8.5. RSNav. https://rsnav.com/products/audi-8-8-...stem-for-a4-b8

[kjeeper10]

How long was that? Which area?


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CT last year

[Johann@Carbnlab]

Hold up. Why is yours front end look different from the one above next to my car? Aside from the grill, the rings are on the hood and the bumper looks different. I don’t remember seeing that option. Or is this custom/aftermarket? I like this look much better.


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It is an aftermarket splitter

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[Johann@Carbnlab]

I’ve noticed that the new B9 style just doesn’t like pictures that much...don’t know if it’s the lines in the hood or the style of the grill? But one thing is for sure, see it in person and the car will surprise you, again not sure why but even the A5 I saw at the dealership looked really nice...the RS5 that whipped by me on the road looked down right mean!!!


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Exactly, the b8 has a very organic design and is still very photogenic for a 10+ years old car. But when you see it on the road, it really shows it's age and that doesn't do it for me anymore. Put a b8 and a b9 side by side in real life and you will be amazed by the difference and will start to look at you b8 like it's an old car.

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[HazeMyth]

Nothing you can really do about the infotainment system.

Actually, there's methods for upgrading the hard drive to an SSD, which helps the infotainment load times. It doesn't seem to be a common mod, but if you poke around you'll see a guide posted here on AZ for it.

[snocat17]

It could be a location thing too, but still I think 22k is too low. I say $26k is reasonable.

I agree $22K might be low, but you're talking private sale value. He's looking to trade it in to a dealer, which will be a few thousand less than private party.

My 2016 with 68K miles in my zip code is worth $33K trade in or $37K private party.

[alexza4]

Exactly, the b8 has a very organic design and is still very photogenic for a 10+ years old car. But when you see it on the road, it really shows it's age and that doesn't do it for me anymore. Put a b8 and a b9 side by side in real life and you will be amazed by the difference and will start to look at you b8 like it's an old car.

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Got ya, Can you post some pics of the front? Better lighting, angles. close up... I definitely like this front a lot better. Still not as good looking and aggressive as my B8.5, but much better than the original B9.

[mpo77]

I'd also agree that $22k seems low. As another data point, I was offered $18k trade-in value for my 2013 S5 with 75k miles (I'm in Arizona). At least here my offer seems consistent with what similar S5s are available for.

I also can give another data point with regards to the earlier comment about not needing much outside of recommended maintenance. When I took my S5 in for its 75k service, they found quite a few other issues. Cracked upper and lower control arm bushings (seems to be an expected item at this age), engine main seal was leaking oil, water pump was leaking coolant and back-up camera was occasionally failing. Thankfully, all of the above were taken care of under CPO warranty (which expires Feb 2019). The dealer had my car for 10 days (was over x-mas holiday) and when I picked it up, my SA said they did over $7k of work.

[alexza4]

Not a B9 fan, have to say. You CAN update/upgrade the infotainment on your B8.5. RSNav. https://rsnav.com/products/audi-8-8-...stem-for-a4-b8

nah that's not really an options. these after market Chinese systems, look good from the initial view, but not great functionality wise. Plus no Sat radio, which is the biggest killer for me. I've ran one of these in my old M3, it was ok.

[alexza4]

Still pretty hard to beat this look...





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[Neil F]

Yea 8 over 9 overall but the white 9 without the chrome looks a lot better than the black one.

[Johann@Carbnlab]

Got ya, Can you post some pics of the front? Better lighting, angles. close up... I definitely like this front a lot better. Still not as good looking and aggressive as my B8.5, but much better than the original B9.

Sure I will try to find you more pics when I get home tonight. Of course most people on the b8 forum are going to be biased towards the car they own. Go ask the same question on the b9 forum and you will find that most won't even look back at the previous models. I bet you could go on the b5 forum and ask them which s4 looks the best and they would say it's the b5 hands down. When a newer model comes out, those who plan to move on the new car will adopt it's look sooner than those who plan to keep their older car, it is very common in every brand/model/platform.

Now it comes down to tech and performance. Tech is not even worth discussing. I have owned all s5 generations and performance keeps getting better and better, this is not subjective, it's a fact. The b9 is considerably lighter and has much better weight distribution/chassis to a point that understeer is now virtually non-existant if you have the sport diff and adaptive steering compared to the previous chassis. With only a piggy back I run stage 2 b8.5 times on the track (11.6@118). The turbo engine has a lot more torque down low and more power up top but lacks the throttle response of the supercharger which to me is the only downside. Still throttle response is really not as bad as some people would say, it's just not a supercharged car. With the greater power potential from a turbo setup vs a supercharged setup, a bit of lag is to be expected. The ZF8 transmission can take more abuse than the DL501, will shift as fast and be smoother when cruising around town. I would take that any day of the week over the DL501. Would I have prefered a newer, stronger, better s-tronic? Of course but we have to be realistic.

In a few weeks I will be installing my hybrid gtx3582 bb tuned for a considerable amount of boost only using a jb4, that by itself is miles ahead of the b8.5 in tunability and for me that is a good enough reason to move on to the new platform. I am sure that the b8.5 still looks like a brand new car in a lot of areas where you guys live. Here, people change their cars very often and we don't see older models so much so on the road, the b8.5 looks old on our roads. I am not discrediting the b8.5 or trying argue with you guys I am just bringing elements from the other side as alexa4 is really considering the b9.

[alexza4]

Sure I will try to find you more pics when I get home tonight. Of course most people on the b8 forum are going to be biased towards the car they own. Go ask the same question on the b9 forum and you will find that most won't even look back at the previous models. I bet you could go on the b5 forum and ask them which s4 looks the best and they would say it's the b5 hands down. When a newer model comes out, those who plan to move on the new car will adopt it's look sooner than those who plan to keep their older car, it is very common in every brand/model/platform.

Now it comes down to tech and performance. Tech is not even worth discussing. I have owned all s5 generations and performance keeps getting better and better, this is not subjective, it's a fact. The b9 is considerably lighter and has much better weight distribution/chassis to a point that understeer is now virtually non-existant if you have the sport diff and adaptive steering compared to the previous chassis. With only a piggy back I run stage 2 b8.5 times on the track (11.6@118). The turbo engine has a lot more torque down low and more power up top but lacks the throttle response of the supercharger which to me is the only downside. Still throttle response is really not as bad as some people would say, it's just not a supercharged car. With the greater power potential from a turbo setup vs a supercharged setup, a bit of lag is to be expected. The ZF8 transmission can take more abuse than the DL501, will shift as fast and be smoother when cruising around town. I would take that any day of the week over the DL501. Would I have prefered a newer, stronger, better s-tronic? Of course but we have to be realistic.

In a few weeks I will be installing my hybrid gtx3582 bb tuned for a considerable amount of boost only using a jb4, that by itself is miles ahead of the b8.5 in tunability and for me that is a good enough reason to move on to the new platform. I am sure that the b8.5 still looks like a brand new car in a lot of areas where you guys live. Here, people change their cars very often and we don't see older models so much so on the road, the b8.5 looks old on our roads. I am not discrediting the b8.5 or trying argue with you guys I am just bringing elements from the other side as alexa4 is really considering the b9.

I totally agree with you just about on all points. The B8.5 has that timeless design that will look great 20 years from now IMO (See the 90's Supra, 300Z). There was no "its growing on me" with it, the B8 S5 was a stunner from the moment it hit the streets. Probably one of the best looking cars ever produced, at least in its class. Like the pics I posted above, I think it will be damn hard to beat that look and my S5 is mostly stock, aside from the stance and few other things. To this day I still get praises on gas stations regularly. Its hard to argue with any of that. Another thing is you can fairly easily add 100hp to B8.5 for under $3k, something you will not be able to do with turbocharged motor without major work and it is also a major factor.
But when it comes to tech both in and out... is just that, its comparing a decade of technical advancement. There's no competition there. Not even close. No upgrade will fix that.
At the end what it comes down to is personal preference and what you really want out of the car. For me personally, as I get older and older the speed and power is becoming less of an importance as the comfort and tech is. The look is still a pretty major factor though, as the overall dynamic and handling of the vehicle, but believe it or not the stock performance of my S5 is perfectly adequate for me now and that with thinking that I used have some pretty nasty builds B5 and 6's back in the day, plus my Bimmers. But I don't race no more, been many years since I've been to the track. So yeah... to each is own, I love my S5, but I think its time to upgrade.

Yea post some more pics please man.

[Johann@Carbnlab]

I also agree with what you said and you have the best way to explain how the b8 did not had to grow on people, it was perfect for that time. There is only one thing I would disagree when you said you cannot gain 100 hp without major work from the turbocharged 3.0: I went from 12.6@109 stock to 11.6@118 with only a 500$ piggyback system which is about a bump of 100hp if not more. How much do you need to spend on a b8.5 to get those times? A lot more than 500$.

[alexza4]

I also agree with what you said and you have the best way to explain how the b8 did not had to grow on people, it was perfect for that time. There is only one thing I would disagree when you said you cannot gain 100 hp without major work from the turbocharged 3.0: I went from 12.6@109 stock to 11.6@118 with only a 500$ piggyback system which is about a bump of 100hp if not more. How much do you need to spend on a b8.5 to get those times? A lot more than 500$.

What is that piggyback system you’re referring to? I’ve been out of the tuning scene for some time, so I’m still used to spending the $$$$ to gain any kind of considerable power to the turbocharged engine since the tune alone never really did the trick, you were always taking quite a few additional mechanical upgrades (not to mention a potential engine build) whereas with the supercharged 3.0t a pulley and tune does the trick. But again I have no idea what’s available nowadays ))


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[Johann@Carbnlab]

What is that piggyback system you’re referring to? I’ve been out of the tuning scene for some time, so I’m still used to spending the $$$$ to gain any kind of considerable power to the turbocharged engine since the tune alone never really did the trick, you were always taking quite a few additional mechanical upgrades (not to mention a potential engine build) whereas with the supercharged 3.0t a pulley and tune does the trick. But again I have no idea what’s available nowadays ))


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The two most popular options are the BMS JB4 and the DTE (DTUK). I have been experimenting with both, my best 1/4 time was done with the DTE system this season. Now that I am upgrading the turbocharger, I got the JB4 because it has a lot more features than the DTE. It allows to make your own custom maps including boost control per rpm, fuel bias adjustment per rpm, fuel open loop adjustment, wastegate duty cycle adjustment, water/meth control, full logging ability and more.