Opinions requested: 2013 RS5

[SpectreGadget]

Hi all,

I am looking at possibly trading in my high-mileage '12 stage 2 A7, and ran across this 2013 Audi RS 5 quattro Coupe AWD.

Before the A7, I owned a '12 S5, which I replaced with the A7 for more family space, but don't necessarily need anymore.

This RS5 has had 3 owners, but decent mileage, and no accidents showing on the CARFAX.

What would you be sure to look at before considering a good purchase? I'd probably buy an aftermarket warranty as well.

Thanks!

[Don Arco]

The biggest issue of concern, especially for 2013 RS5s is the transmission. The mechatronic solenoid is known to fail eventually, so it’s best to be prepared for that. Beyond the solenoid, make sure that there’s great maintenance records around when the DSG fluids have been changed. If not changed properly, you’re at risk of rear diff or the entire DSG unit failing - huge cost. Do you know if the car has remained stock? If you’re nearby, I’d definitely test drive it (and several others nearby) to get a feel for which RS5 is in better shape.

[SpectreGadget]

The biggest issue of concern, especially for 2013 RS5s is the transmission. The mechatronic solenoid is known to fail eventually, so it’s best to be prepared for that. Beyond the solenoid, make sure that there’s great maintenance records around when the DSG fluids have been changed. If not changed properly, you’re at risk of rear diff or the entire DSG unit failing - huge cost. Do you know if the car has remained stock? If you’re nearby, I’d definitely test drive it (and several others nearby) to get a feel for which RS5 is in better shape.

Thanks, yes it's very close by. I am going to try to go up there tomorrow. Probably won't take my A7 so I won't be tempted with an impulse trade/buy.

I have a friend at Audi service, so I think I'll ask him to run the history on the car to see if the DSG fluids have been changed and where. When I look at it, I'll know more if it's stock, although it looks like it.

Do you know roughly how much replacing the mechatronic solenoid would cost at a good indie? I have one I can ask on Monday.

I appreciate your reply!

[Don Arco]

Thanks, yes it's very close by. I am going to try to go up there tomorrow. Probably won't take my A7 so I won't be tempted with an impulse trade/buy.

I have a friend at Audi service, so I think I'll ask him to run the history on the car to see if the DSG fluids have been changed and where. When I look at it, I'll know more if it's stock, although it looks like it.

Do you know roughly how much replacing the mechatronic solenoid would cost at a good indie? I have one I can ask on Monday.

I appreciate your reply!

It’s a tricky question. I’ve been told there’s select specialist shops which rebuild them. I’m thinking it would run you around $2-3K for the rebuild. The shitty thing is that if you go to Audi, I believe they’ll try to convince you to replace the entire unit which is outrageous.

[Overbias]

Yes thats a good ballpark for a rebuild. There is a refurb kit on ECS for $550ish it replaces all the electronics in the Mech. The labor to do it is considerable, about the same as a fluid change which should be ~$1500 fluids included. You will need a full fluid change during a mech change as well so thats all fluids, gaskets and filters. I had a very long drawn out issue and many will say that these cars have fussy fueling systems. Certainly the main high pressure fuel pumps are mechanical and do fail but as long as you have the car PPI’d and the service history comes up clean you have a great car. Mine is over 80k miles. With oil changes every 5k and transmission fluid changes every 20k should be good for a long time yet (fingers crossed!)

If the car checks out and you go for it you won’t be disappointed! Brings a smile to my face every 8k RPM ;-)

[hahnmgh63]

The Mechatronic mechanical part isn't what normally goes bad, it's normally the electronics, they (Audi) had problems with some circuit boards. Audi's Mechatronic repair kit (around $400) is just the electronics. A good home mechanic can do an install but with the pan off it obviously means a fluid and filter (2 filters) change so the pan gasket, fluid, 2 filters might be another $200 plus. So $1000 to $1500 would be an estimate for a good independent. I wouldn't want to take it to a place that doesn't specialize in Audi's and has never done one before. There are a couple of great writeups on Audizine here on how to do it, I have and like I said it isn't that difficult but there are a couple little gotchas if you aren't careful. There is also a separate chamber in the transmission for gearbox oil that Audi doesn't usually do but you should have it done, and the rear differential which is also 2 separate fluids.

[BigAngryBananas]

There is also a separate chamber in the transmission for gearbox oil that Audi doesn't usually do but you should have it done

Are you referring to G-052-529-A2 or something else?

[pickle.rs]

Another thing to consider if you get the car is the RMR transmission cooler which (among other things) protects the longevity of the transmission.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KHkgBHrraeI

[hahnmgh63]

G-052-529-A2 is the DSG fluid, the gear oil side, actually in the rear is G055532A2 which is for the gearbox side and the center differential. On the RS5 the drain plug for the Center diff/gearbox oil is the temp sensor on the bottom just above the forward edge of the crossmember which will need to be removed for access, I used Redline MT-90. Now if were talking about a DL-501 in a S5/S4, there is just a drainplug in the back and not a temp sensor I believe.

[Ape Factory]

Ok. So I'll do the cliff notes version.

Audi has updated the mechatronic on the DL-501 numerous times since it's introduction in 2010. They were a real problem in pre-2012 cars (just search the S4 section!). There was an update in late 2012 and again in 2014. The 2013's haven't really proven to be any less reliable than later model years despite there being an update. Solenoid part numbers are identical.

What DID change, as hahnmgh63 mentioned was the electronics, specifically the PCB board which is attached to the mechatronic. The PCB board update was a new encasement, new ATF-spec fluid and a larger heat sink. The fluid change was due to a reaction it had with the PCB board seal. The larger heat sink was a band-aid for not having a proper transmission cooler (enter the RMR transmission cooler!).

A physical rebuild of the mechatronic, solenoid replacement, is generally about $500 from specialty shops. Just for the rebuild. That does not include removal and installation. The PCB's tend to float at or below $500 but shop around.

Mechanically, the solenoids do wear over time. My theory it's due to viscosity breakdown of the ATF fluid not providing enough lubrication to the solenoid shaft in the bore. This is most likely due to heat (again, enter the RMR trans cooler!) and the breaking down of the ATF fluid.

I think a normal replacement cost for the mech, through Audi, is probably around $3K these days. That's removal and installation of a new/rebuilt unit.

It's rare though. You can do things to preserve the transmission. Change the fluids, both sides, every 20K. And install a proper transmission cooler (RMR as it's the ONLY one out there).

This is where service history comes in. The car will be far less likely to have issues with proper fluid change intervals. That goes for the transmission and rear differential. I wouldn't be consumed with it, just make sure it's been changed regularly.

Realize they use this same transmission in the A4/S4, A5/S5/RS5, A6/S6 and A7/S7 as well as the Q5/SQ5, Porsche Macan and a few others.

[SpectreGadget]

Thanks guys for all this great information! I went and test drove the car yesterday. I can't believe how dirty the car and engine bay is, but everything drove nicely. I asked about the service history, but as it's not an Audi dealership, they really didn't have a clue; which is what I expected. Next step, I'll get with a buddy in service at Audi and get the history from the system.

Even dirty, that Panther Black is such a beautiful color with the subtle purple hues.

Thanks again!

[ICU2]

[QUOTE=SpectreGadget;14116611]Thanks guys for all this great information! I went and test drove the car yesterday. I can't believe how dirty the car and engine bay is, but everything drove nicely. I asked about the service history, but as it's not an Audi dealership, they really didn't have a clue; which is what I expected. Next step, I'll get with a buddy in service at Audi and get the history from the system.

Even dirty, that Panther Black is such a beautiful color with the subtle purple hues.


I completely agree but I’m biased given I have the same color. In addition to all the above mentioned items may I humbly suggest a proper PPI (Pre Purchase
Inspection) preferably an Indy shop local to you. I understand how intoxicating the car is, but spend the $ now to hopefully prevent you from spending A LOT more down the road in a short period of time. Additionally, ask ~, & or have the brakes looked @ also. If they haven’t been converted to an aftermarket setup, factory replacements go for $3500-4500, depending on your location & the dealership pricing. IIRC, there are 3 aftermarket companies that offer full bolt on replacement Options & are all ~ the same $, but definitely less than factory for comparable or better performance. JHM, ECS & Griodisc(? Spelling) in no particular order. Plenty of threads on the matter so I won’t direct you any particular way, just look it up & decide for yourself, if you purchase the car. Good luck & happy hunting!!

[SpectreGadget]

In addition to all the above mentioned items may I humbly suggest a proper PPI (Pre Purchase Inspection) preferably an Indy shop local to you.

Yep, thanks. I have a great Audi indy shop that I regularly use. He will definitely be able to give me skinny on the car.

[namvar]

Dirty engine bay is a bad sign for me. Means people did not really care for the car and treated it as such. But that is me...

compression test, leak down test that would be a must for me.

Good luck

[BuyTheWarranty]

Dirty engine bay is a bad sign for me. Means people did not really care for the car and treated it as such. But that is me...

compression test, leak down test that would be a must for me.

Good luck

+1

[spa]

+1

x2 it will be a buyers market soon enough, get the most immaculate car you can for your money, even if you have to travel to get it!

[SpectreGadget]

I'm gonna call my Indy guy and see if I can get him to do a PPI. My audi service guy is going to run the records tomorrow.

I appreciate the recommendations and information. I've been enjoying the 3.0T on my A7 (stage 2, single pully), and I know a lot about that, but definitely a different animal.

[SpectreGadget]

Got a good validation from my service rep that this car had Audi Care, and has had all services up to it's current 40K mileage. DSG service done as part of the 35K service. Good news.

[JamesRS5]

Got a good validation from my service rep that this car had Audi Care, and has had all services up to it's current 40K mileage. DSG service done as part of the 35K service. Good news.

Sounds like it's a good one.

[Leedaar]

The Mechatronic mechanical part isn't what normally goes bad, it's normally the electronics, they (Audi) had problems with some circuit boards. Audi's Mechatronic repair kit (around $400) is just the electronics. A good home mechanic can do an install but with the pan off it obviously means a fluid and filter (2 filters) change so the pan gasket, fluid, 2 filters might be another $200 plus. So $1000 to $1500 would be an estimate for a good independent. I wouldn't want to take it to a place that doesn't specialize in Audi's and has never done one before. There are a couple of great writeups on Audizine here on how to do it, I have and like I said it isn't that difficult but there are a couple little gotchas if you aren't careful. There is also a separate chamber in the transmission for gearbox oil that Audi doesn't usually do but you should have it done, and the rear differential which is also 2 separate fluids.

Which chamber is it? The ATF side or MTF side? I had the same issue with my dealer. “DSG service oil and filter replacement” ended up doing only that side. I asked for the other side and they said it’s not recommended even though it’s listed on Audi website.

[Leedaar]

Got a good validation from my service rep that this car had Audi Care, and has had all services up to it's current 40K mileage. DSG service done as part of the 35K service. Good news.

Good luck with the purchase! RS5s are a great value and exciting car to own!

[hahnmgh63]

Leedaar, the ATF side is the DSG side with the two filters that the dealer should be doing on the Mx schedule. Why they don't recommend the other side (gear oil) side who knows, but in their Tiptronic's Audi has been calling the ATF fluid for life even though ZF, who manufactures most all Autoboxes Audi uses 5HP, 6HP, 8HP, recommends a service interval. What is the "Life" of a fluid. If you plan are keeping your car and/or just a car lover then you really need to at least do the Gear oil side every 40~50k in addition to regular changes on the DSG side.

[Leedaar]

Leedaar, the ATF side is the DSG side with the two filters that the dealer should be doing on the Mx schedule. Why they don't recommend the other side (gear oil) side who knows, but in their Tiptronic's Audi has been calling the ATF fluid for life even though ZF, who manufactures most all Autoboxes Audi uses 5HP, 6HP, 8HP, recommends a service interval. What is the "Life" of a fluid. If you plan are keeping your car and/or just a car lover then you really need to at least do the Gear oil side every 40~50k in addition to regular changes on the DSG side.

Thanks for clarification. Even Ape chimed in on a different thread. I’ll have JHM do the rest for me. Still boggles me that some Audi dealership skips these now.

[hahnmgh63]

Just a Corporate thing. RS6 transmissions were lucky to last 60~70k but that was "Life" since the warranty was only good until 50k.

[DJMustard]

I have been the proud owner of a 2013 for the past two years I bought used. I definitely recommend some kind of warranty, my car came CPO and I got my value out of it. I echo all of the above. The mechatronic unit went on me after one year of ownership, right after my warranty ended :( Thankfully, and after much deliberation, Audi went halfsies with me on the repair so it was only ~$750 out of pocket. I consider that a good outcome. That being said, it looked like a pain in the butt and labor intensive. But, it came with a fluid change :)

The transmission is pretty beefy, but it's hard not to appreciate the way it clips through gears at 8,000+RPM, or blips effortlessly on every downshift.

I've had my fair share of mechanical issues over the past two years, but I absolutely love the car. I drive it every day to work, and it can take me to a track day as easily as the ski slopes with little more than a change of tires, if that. Also, I think the B8.5 is an absolute stunner. Mine is Panther Black, beautiful color.