2018 S5 vs 2018 S6 Reliability?

[Asianxwu]

Are there any reliability issues with these vehicles?

I know early on, the 4.0L TTV8 had some turbo failure issues. Has that been fixed?

And I know the 3.0L Supercharged V6 was pretty bulletproof. In the 2018+ vehicles, did they keep the same block and just implemented a turbo instead of a supercharger? Is the reliability still pretty good?

On my old B8.5 S5, the biggest issue I had was an issue with the power steering

I went from a B8.5 S5 to a Lexus GS350 and I've been itching to get back into an Audi. The Lexus was extremely ergonomic and I've had no issues in the 3 years of owning it. This is going to be a family car, so reliability is a big factor in my decision. The Lexus was extremely reliable, but with the small trunk and no fold-down seats, it was impractical most of the time. And it definitely was not as fun to drive.

[moneromadmen]

No issues as of yet, 4k miles as a second hand owner.

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[SHCKR]

And the S6 has not had the facelift yet for that model year

[JohnEnglish]

As far as I know, Audi is still putting in the oil screens (albeit with large holes) under the turbos.

[thehobbithouse]

Of course personal preference is a factor… But I went to the dealership fully intending to buy a S6. After seeing my bow S5 SB behind it, I couldn’t even look at the S6 anymore. My father has a RS7 APR Stage 2 that I’ve driven extensively, so I figured I would need a S6 with some work to be able to enjoy a sedan… But honestly the S5(especially with a tune) has me grinning ear to ear, and pops even is a little jealous of the styling!

That being said, for reliability, it certainly seems from my research that the S5 is a safer bet.

[Asianxwu]

Yeah, currently I'm leaning towards the B9 S5 SB. Seems a little more reliable, I like the styling more and it definitely feels more nimble.

[JD S4]

I cross shopped these two as a family guy looking for reliability and choose the S5. No regrets for me. My 8 year old who has cerebral palsy has a little tricky time getting in and out of the back door openings - but that could have happened in the S6 too (no clue). Very happy with my choice. Running E85 EPL tune Ans it’s plenty fast.


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[Speedguy21]

I'm actually looking at these two options right now, 2018 S5 vs 2018 S6.

The S6 is going to be way faster, but I'm a little concerned about reliability. I can get either with 4 years of CPO warranty for $4K, but that's an extra $4K on top of a low $50K car.

What would you do, with all other specs the same?

S6 @ 50K miles
S5 @ 20K miles

[JD S4]

I'm actually looking at these two options right now, 2018 S5 vs 2018 S6.

The S6 is going to be way faster, but I'm a little concerned about reliability. I can get either with 4 years of CPO warranty for $4K, but that's an extra $4K on top of a low $50K car.

What would you do, with all other specs the same?

S6 @ 50K miles
S5 @ 20K miles

8% for 5 years of piece of mind? Easy money - so long as you’re not going to tune it.


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[Speedguy21]

8% for 5 years of piece of mind? Easy money - so long as you’re not going to tune it.


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Def not going to tune. Still deciding between the S5 and the S6, both 2018. Similar prices, but mileage is way different (S6 has 50K miles, while the S5 has 23K).

[JohnEnglish]

If you do go for the S6, have the turbos and oil screens inspected. It's a big job because the oil screens are under the turbos in the "V" of the engine so you need to remove them to inspect the screens. However, it's cheaper than buying new turbos because they were oil starved.

[MattyMarkey]

If you do go for the S6, have the turbos and oil screens inspected. It's a big job because the oil screens are under the turbos in the "V" of the engine so you need to remove them to inspect the screens. However, it's cheaper than buying new turbos because they were oil starved.

He mentioned getting both CPO, which would cover turbos. You could get it inspected, but it’s a waste of money IMO.

If the OP isn’t planning to tune/upgrade the car, I personally would have zero qualms about reliability of the 4.0t, especially with it being CPO. 50k miles is a lot for a MY18, but like any car - if maintained well, shouldn’t be a problem - CPO is the piece of mind!

At the end of the day, two completely different driving experiences and function for your needs.


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[jkim20]

50k miles is alot for a used car in my book. honestly imho if its a burden paying more for a car with less miles, i would downgrade the car with less miles.
Of course theres a chance it was REALLY well taken care of but who knows?

if you are only looking at these two cars and size isn't a issue, id get the s5. looks better imo

[Speedguy21]

Those of you who have driven both - how is the experience? I'm waiting to drive thru S6 (being prepared for the dealer), but have driven the S5 and it corners great.

How's the body roll in the S6?

[JD S4]

Those of you who have driven both - how is the experience? I'm waiting to drive thru S6 (being prepared for the dealer), but have driven the S5 and it corners great.

How's the body roll in the S6?

Entirely different car, chassis, engine and experience

S6 feels big, fast and smooth
S5 feels nimble, quick and fun

No wrong answer depending on your preference. But very different


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[MattyMarkey]

I personally don’t think the S6/S7 feels big… I think it feels solid, luxurious, stable, well put together, effortless power.

I think the S5 feels - in comparison - inexpensive, more nimble, smaller, cramped, plenty of power


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[Speedguy21]

I personally don’t think the S6/S7 feels big… I think it feels solid, luxurious, stable, well put together, effortless power.

I think the S5 feels - in comparison - inexpensive, more nimble, smaller, cramped, plenty of power


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I'm more thinking about how the cars handle in turns. Everyday turning from a main street onto a side street; corners on the highway clovers. I can't stand the body roll of some vehicles, and the S4/S5 are grounded. Is the S6 as bad as all the mags say it is for driving performance?

[MattyMarkey]

I'm more thinking about how the cars handle in turns. Everyday turning from a main street onto a side street; corners on the highway clovers. I can't stand the body roll of some vehicles, and the S4/S5 are grounded. Is the S6 as bad as all the mags say it is for driving performance?

What vehicles can’t you stand the body roll on?

It likely has a wider turning radius, so low-speed corners around town it will feel slightly “bigger”, but you can still move that front end quickly and surprisingly nimble. I take corners getting onto the highway at 50mph+ - does have some expected minimal body roll, but put your foot on the accelerator and the AWD/Sport diff plants the car and feels solid through the corner. If you think it’s excessive, spending ~$600 for a rear/front sway bar makes it even tighter.

IMO, once you hear and feel the power of the V8, you’ll forget about all your worries - there is no comparison. Interior matters to me, since it’s where you spend your time - S6 is much more refined.

Still can’t go wrong with either.


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[JD S4]

S6 feels “big” by comparison.


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[JD S4]

I personally don’t think the S6/S7 feels big… I think it feels solid, luxurious, stable, well put together, effortless power.

I think the S5 feels - in comparison - inexpensive, more nimble, smaller, cramped, plenty of power


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This is pretty accurate.


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[QuickHandCam]

I've driven both 2017 S6 and 2018 S5 SB.

The S6 feels cramped on the inside with all the buttons and whatnot. More free-flowing on the S5. I, personally, was way more comfortable in the S5... For some reason the S6 I just couldn't get comfortable with the seating position. Seats were great, just the position I couldn't get right; maybe has something to do with the overly slanted floorboard... idk.

S6 was definitely faster and rode better due to the suspension setup. I wouldn't buy the S6 due to the extremely dated interior (they didn't do any major refreshes from the original 2013 model interior).

[jrhgto]

I recently bought an 18 S4 after looking at 2017/18 S6s...I came from a 2012 A6 so the interior in the S6 (aside from the seats etc) was essentially the same as my A6. The C7 platform technology is from 2011, so I felt that in like 5 years it will be ancient. The turbo issue along with the higher maintenance with e DSG transmission were concerns. I dont like the C8 platform at all, so it was an easy decision to move to a B9

[MattyMarkey]

I recently bought an 18 S4 after looking at 2017/18 S6s...I came from a 2012 A6 so the interior in the S6 (aside from the seats etc) was essentially the same as my A6. The C7 platform technology is from 2011, so I felt that in like 5 years it will be ancient. The turbo issue along with the higher maintenance with e DSG transmission were concerns. I dont like the C8 platform at all, so it was an easy decision to move to a B9

The OP is looking at a 2018 S6, which is a C7.5 and has new(er) MMI tech than your previous MY11 A6.

Compared to the S5 SB, the only differences are; locations of components in the center console / switches vs analog on some controls / in-dash Navigation.

In terms of reliability, I would definitely give the S5 with the 3.0t the edge for sure. I still personally think the 4.0t is reliable - take care of known issues and you’re golden. I had more issues (non engine related) on my 2016 A6 than I have my 2014 S7


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[Speedguy21]

Still between:

B9 S4
B9 S5 SB
C7.5 S6

They are all priced similarly, optioned closely, but the S6 has 45K miles (the others are near 20K).

I do think you can't get some things in the B9 that you can in the S6. If you want acoustic glass and sun shades, you've got to go with the S6.

Still waiting on a part so I can test drive it...