EXPERT IN AUTO PARTS
27 March 2025 Table of Contents
Excessive oil consumption in Audi A5s with a 2.0 TFSI engine is one of the most common complaints. First-generation models (2008-2012) are particularly affected, with the oil level dropping noticeably after just 1,000-2,000 km. Technical analyses show that worn piston rings or coked valve guides are the main causes. Specific error codes such as P052E (oil pressure too low) or smoke formation during cold starts are typical symptoms.
A systematic check is crucial to prevent engine damage. The complex Audi A5 2.0 TFSI engines require regular oil level checks and an oil change every 15,000 km with specific VW 502 00-certified oils. According to the manufacturer, an oil consumption of up to 0.5 l/1,000 km is considered "normal", but many owners report values of over 1 l/1,000 km. Replacing the piston rings or valve stem seals can reduce consumption in the long term.
The 8-speed automatic transmission in Audi A5 models with 3.0 TDI 245 PS or 45 TFSI tends to jerk, shift delays or unintentional reverse rolling from around 100,000 km. This is often caused by defective mechatronic units or worn transmission bearings. In rare cases, software errors lead to imprecise gear selection, especially in Sportback variants with all-wheel drive.
Professional maintenance is essential for the service life of the transmission. The sensitive Audi A5 automatic transmission control units require an oil change and an adaptation of the shift parameters every 60,000-80,000 km. Diagnostic tools such as VCDS often show error codes such as P17BF (torque converter) or P2711 (shift actuator defective). A software update or replacement of the mechatronic components will solve most problems.
The airbag problems in the Audi A5 are mainly due to a problem with the seat heating cable, which can deactivate the front passenger airbag. This problem has led to a recall for the 2018-2020 models.
A systematic check is necessary to ensure that the airbags are working properly. The Audi A5 airbags require regular checks and, if necessary, replacement of defective components to ensure the safety of the vehicle. Professional maintenance can help to detect and rectify such problems at an early stage before they lead to major damage.
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OPEL GM Engine oil
5W-30, 5l, Synthetic Oil
Article number: 19 42 003
£36.99
£7.40
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
VAG Engine oil
0W-30, 1l
Article number: GS55545M2
£12.99
£12.99
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-21%
Article number: 1496
compared to
RRP
£23.65
£18.49
Price per item
£73.96 / Price per 4 items
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-48%
Article number: 110 713
compared to
RRP
£8.39
£4.29
Price per item
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
LIQUI MOLY Engine oil
5W-30, 5l
Article number: 3707
More
£76.49
Price per item
£15.30
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
In Audi A5 Cabrio and Sportback models (model years 2010-2015), the electric parking brake often fails. Affected drivers report warning messages such as "Parking brake: malfunction" or a blocked system from 50,000-80,000 km. The causes are corroded wiring harnesses in the wheel arches or defective control modules (part number 8K0 907 801).
A thorough diagnosis is the first step towards a solution. The susceptible Audi A5 parking brake components require cleaning of the contacts and calibration via the diagnostic device every 2 years. Tips from workshops: If error code C110E (force too low) occurs, it is worth replacing the brake motors prematurely. As a preventive measure, we recommend avoiding contact with salt water in winter.
Owners of Audi A5 3.2 FSI and 4.0 TDI models complain about failing air conditioning systems, especially after 60,000-100,000 km. Typical symptoms are reduced cooling flow or loud whirring of the compressor. Measurements often show a drop in pressure in the refrigerant circuit due to leaking condensers (often in the front bumper area) or defective expansion valves.
Regular maintenance keeps the system intact. The Audi A5 air conditioning components require a check of the refrigerant level every 2 years (target value: 450-550 g R134a or 525-625 g R1234yf). If error code B10AD 29 (pressure too low) occurs, a leak check is essential. Workshops recommend the installation of OEM compressors to ensure a service life of at least 150,000 km.
The infotainment system in the Audi A5 is prone to problems such as the MMI screen freezing or not starting. These problems can lead to driver frustration and are often caused by software errors.
A professional inspection is required to diagnose these problems. The Audi A5 infotainment systems require regular software updates and, if necessary, the replacement of defective components to ensure optimal function. Professional maintenance can help to identify and rectify such problems at an early stage before they lead to major damage.
A jammed fuel filler cap is particularly common in Audi A5 Sportback and Convertible models (2010-2016). Mechanical causes are often broken levers in the lock or a defective actuator (part number 8T0 862 257 C). Electronic failures are indicated by error messages in the instrument cluster.
A professional inspection will clarify the cause. The mechanical Audi A5 fuel filler cap components require lubrication of the hinges every 30,000 km. With error code 02126 (fuel filler flap - signal too high), the servomotor in the lock is usually defective. An emergency opening cable under the rear side panel allows access to the tank in an emergency.
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-9%
Article number: 100 135 0114/SK
compared to
RRP
£90.38
£81.99price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
FEBI BILSTEIN Screw Kit, suspension strut / wheel bearing housing
Front Axle Left, Front Axle Right
Article number: 27876
£2.99
Price per item
£29.90 / Price per 10 items
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-53%
ZF GETRIEBE Automatic transmission fluid
ATF 8HP, 1l, green
Article number: S671.090.312
More
compared to
RRP
£47.78
£21.99
£21.99
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
-61%
Article number: CT1168WP1
compared to
RRP
£509.47
£194.99price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Article number: VE18320
More
£30.49
£30.49
for 1 litre
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Based on feedback from Audi A5 owners, the following problems can occur:
| Strengths | Weak points |
|---|---|
| Elegant coupé design | High oil consumption with 2.0 TFSI |
| Precise chassis tuning | Susceptible automatic transmission control unit |
| Long-lasting TDI engines (up to 300,000 km) | Electronic parking brake prone to defects |
| High-quality interior finish | Air conditioning compressors with limited durability |
| Good crash safety | Tank cap mechanism often susceptible to repair |
| Efficient 40 TDI/40 TFSI engines | Software problems with emergency call function |
The Audi A5 impresses with its design and handling, but requires increased attention when it comes to high-performance engines and electronic systems. Regular inspections of critical components such as the transmission, parking brake and cooling circuits are crucial to avoid high repair costs. Owners should pay particular attention to the maintenance intervals of the components concerned in order to ensure long-term reliability.
SACHS Dual mass flywheel
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BOSCH Control Unit, glow plug system
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BOSCH Sensor, exhaust pressure
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EXIDE Battery
12V 72Ah 760A AGM Battery
Sold by AUTODOC
FEBI BILSTEIN Door lock
with double sealing, Right Front
Sold by AUTODOC
BOSCH Brake disc
318x30mm, 5x112, Vented
Sold by AUTODOC
BOSCH Glow plug
4,4V M 10 x 1, Rod Glow Plug, Length: 130 mm, 10 Nm, 63, Duraterm
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VAG Engine oil
0W-20, 5l
Sold by AUTODOC
MANNOL Antifreeze
G12, violet, 10l, Ready mixed, Contains silicate
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BOSCH Fuel pressure regulator, common rail
without gasket/seal
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