Used Audi RS5 review

Exterior:

• Owners of the Audi RS5, particularly in coupe form, frequently report issues with water ingress that can lead to significant electronic problems. Water can seep behind the dashboard, often affecting the pollen filter and eventually making its way into the footwells. This is particularly concerning because the vehicle’s ECUs and other critical modules are located in these areas, which can lead to serious electronic malfunctions.
• The root cause of this problem often lies in the drainage channels around the sunroof or at the base of the windscreen. These channels can easily become clogged, especially if the previous owner has not been diligent in regularly clearing them. A practical tip for potential buyers is to pour water down the windscreen; the water should drain behind both front wheels. If it doesn’t, you may be facing significant water ingress issues.
• Another common issue with the RS5, and many other Audi models, involves the sunroof. Some owners report that the sunroof may refuse to close, which can be due to electronic or calibration faults, a failing motor, or even a misalignment of the sunroof itself. In some cases, the wind deflector’s spring resistance might be too strong, causing the sunroof to perceive an obstruction and refuse to close. While a system reset may resolve the issue temporarily, some owners have found that the problem can recur even after resetting.
• For those considering the convertible version of the RS5, it’s crucial to ensure that the roof operates smoothly and without any strange noises. Convertible roofs are prone to various issues, including water damage, and repairs can be extremely expensive. Additionally, check that the rear spoiler, which is electronically operated, functions correctly by pressing the button on the dashboard—some owners have reported failures.
• It’s also wise to verify that all electronic features, such as keyless entry, door locks, and power windows, are functioning properly. While these systems generally perform well, there have been sporadic reports of failures. In particular, make sure the power windows, which should automatically adjust when opening and closing, are responsive; if they are slow, it can lead to broken window glass due to the frameless design.
• The fuel filler cap is another component to check—ensure that it both opens and closes correctly, as well as stays securely closed. In extremely hot climates, cars fitted with carbon exterior trim pieces may experience issues with the glue adhesive losing its effectiveness, causing the trim to come loose.
• On a positive note, the RS5 is highly resilient to rust. However, if you do encounter rust on the vehicle, it could be a sign of poorly repaired accident damage. If you see rust, it’s best to walk away from that particular vehicle.

Interior:

• Like many vehicles in the Volkswagen Group, the RS5 is not immune to occasional electronic glitches, which can sometimes be related to water ingress into the cabin. One common issue is with the sunroof roller shade, which may come loose and fail to close properly. Audi in Australia is known to charge nearly $3,000 to fix this problem, but savvy owners suggest ordering the part from Audi in the US and fixing it yourself to save a significant amount of money.
• The MMI infotainment system, while starting to show its age, still offers intuitive and responsive controls. However, it lacks modern connectivity features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For those who require these features, there are numerous aftermarket options available that can integrate seamlessly with the vehicle’s systems.
• Over time, the leather upholstery, particularly in high-traffic areas like the seat bolsters, may show signs of wear and tear. While reupholstering these areas is relatively straightforward, some may appreciate the worn look as it adds a bit of patina to the interior, enhancing its character.

Mechanically:

• Mechanically, the B8 and B8.5 Audi RS5 models are considered fairly reliable, but they are not without their issues.
• Occasionally, owners may experience coil and plug problems that can cause misfires.
• The engine’s breather system, which is overly complex, can also develop issues leading to vacuum leaks and lean air-fuel ratios.
• Excessive oil consumption is a known issue, particularly in poorly maintained examples.
• Additionally, carbon build-up is extremely common in these engines, which can reduce power and negatively impact fuel efficiency. Regular carbon cleaning is necessary to maintain optimal performance.
• Coolant leaks, particularly from the thermostat housing, are becoming more common, as are leaks from the water pump.
• Oil leaks can also occur from several areas, including the timing cover, oil filter housing, and valley cover.
• While high-pressure fuel pump leaks have been reported, they are relatively uncommon.
• The engine’s design is quite complex, featuring four separate chains, each with its own guides, tensioners, and gears. While chain failures are not overly common, neglect and high mileage can lead to issues. If the chains, tensioners, or guides fail, it can result in catastrophic engine damage.
• Fortunately, the engine usually provides a warning by producing a rattling noise—if you hear this, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly.
• The timing chains are located at the rear of the engine, which is common in many European vehicles. However, this means that servicing these components requires removing the entire front sub-frame, engine, and transmission, making it an eye-wateringly expensive repair.
• One of the chains drives the power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, and water pump—components that are difficult to access and expensive to repair.
• These V8 engines are among the most complicated you can find in a domestic vehicle. They are well-designed and compact, but this makes them difficult and costly to work on.
• The DSG transmission, while generally reliable, can exhibit lurching and strange behaviour at low speeds, especially in stop-and-go traffic. This is partly due to the transmission’s cooling strategy, which minimises slip to keep temperatures in check.
• Although the DSG is not considered unreliable, it can develop issues with the mechatronics and clutches, particularly if the vehicle has not been well-maintained or has been modified. Regular servicing of the driveline components, including the transmission and front and rear differentials, is recommended every 50,000 kilometres. However, like most aspects of maintaining an RS5, this is not cheap.