So, you’re eyeing an Audi S5, a performance coupe known for its blend of luxury and power. A common question pops up for prospective owners: what’s the real cost of keeping an Audi S5 running? Particularly, how much does maintaining a V8 model set you back? Let’s dive into the ownership experience of a 2009 Audi S5 4.2L V8 manual, drawing from real-world maintenance logs to give you a clearer picture of potential expenses.
A Deep Dive into Audi S5 Maintenance Expenses
This breakdown comes from an owner who’s diligently tracked costs since acquiring their used S5 in March 2017. Purchased with around 85,000 miles on the odometer, the car has now clocked over 112,000 miles. This journey offers valuable insights into the typical maintenance needs of a higher-mileage Audi S5.
Year 1: Initial Care and Addressing Common Issues (March – December 2017)
Right after purchase, the focus was on establishing a baseline and tackling some expected maintenance.
- 85,000 Miles Service (March 2017): Oil and filter change at the dealership – $130. A standard service to ensure a fresh start.
- Thermostat and Cooling Fan Replacement (April 2017): This was a more significant repair. Thermostat issues are not uncommon at this mileage, but a cooling fan failure is less typical. The likely cause was the fan overworking due to a failing thermostat in hot conditions.
- Thermostat: $90
- Cooling Fan: $600
- Coolant Fluid: $50
- DIY Labor (6-7 hours). This highlights the potential savings of DIY work.
- Front Control Arm Replacement (July 2017): Control arm bushings wear is common around this mileage. An upgrade to 034 Motorsport Density Line control arms was chosen for improved performance.
- 034 Motorsport Density Line Control Arms: $500
- DIY Labor (couple of hours). Aftermarket upgrades can increase costs but offer performance benefits.
- Oil Filter Housing Gasket Replacement (August 2017): A labor-intensive job, but the gasket itself is inexpensive. This was coupled with a DIY oil change.
- Oil change (DIY): $80
- Gaskets: Few dollars
- DIY Labor (Saturday). Carbon cleaning was also needed at this point, indicating potential additional maintenance for V8 models.
- Clutch Slave Cylinder Replacement (December 2017): An unexpected issue requiring a tow.
- Clutch Slave Cylinder: $30
- Tow: $60
Year 2: Tires, Actuator, and Clutch System Overhaul (March 2018 – December 2018)
Year two saw more routine maintenance mixed with addressing persistent clutch issues.
- Oil and Filter Change, Exhaust Clamp Replacement (March 2018): Regular maintenance and minor exhaust work.
- Oil and filter change: ~$100
- Tire Replacement (May 2018): A necessary expense for any car owner.
- Four Tires with Installation: ~$700
- Driver Door Lock Actuator Replacement (August 2018): Electrical component replacement.
- Driver Door Lock Actuator: $170
- Clutch Slave Cylinder Replacement (October 2018): The clutch issue resurfaced, leading to another tow and an upgrade to a full metal slave cylinder and braided clutch line.
- Upgraded Slave Cylinder and Clutch Line: $190
- Tow: $60
- Clutch Kit, Flywheel, Rear Main Seal, Heater Hose, Master Cylinder Replacement (December 2018): A major clutch system overhaul to resolve the recurring pedal sticking issue. Aftermarket performance parts were chosen.
- Clutch Kit, Flywheel, Rear Main Seal, Heater Hose, Master Cylinder: ~$1,800
- DIY Labor (25 hours). Significant labor cost savings were achieved through DIY. The root cause was eventually identified as a faulty master cylinder, even after replacement with a new Audi part (which was later warrantied).
Upcoming Maintenance:
- Spark Plugs: $110
- Carbon Cleaning (DIY materials): $60
- Fuel Filter: $50
- Driver Side Turn Signal Mirror (aftermarket sequential): $90
Understanding the Audi S5 Cost Factors
This detailed log reveals several key factors impacting the overall Audi S5 Cost:
- DIY vs. Professional Service: The owner highlights significant savings through DIY work. Labor costs at dealerships or independent shops can substantially increase maintenance expenses.
- V8 Engine Maintenance: While the original text mentions the 3.0L V6T as potentially less maintenance-intensive, the V8 does have specific needs like carbon cleaning and potentially higher parts costs for some components.
- Manual Transmission: Manual transmissions, while engaging, can also lead to higher maintenance costs compared to automatics, particularly concerning clutch system components.
- Mileage and Age: As a car ages and accumulates miles, wear and tear items will inevitably require replacement. This log reflects the typical maintenance cycle for a car with over 100,000 miles.
- Parts Choices (OE vs. Aftermarket): Choosing aftermarket parts can sometimes offer cost savings or performance upgrades, but OE (Original Equipment) parts are often recommended for reliability and fitment.
The Verdict: Is the Audi S5 Costly to Maintain?
Over roughly two and a half years, the total spent on repairs, including some upgrades, was under $5,000. While this isn’t insignificant, it’s also not an exorbitant “$1,500/month” as some might fear. The owner emphasizes that DIY capability significantly reduces costs.
For those considering an Audi S5, particularly a V8 manual model, this real-world example provides a realistic perspective on potential maintenance expenses. Being prepared for potential repairs, especially as mileage increases, and exploring DIY options can help manage the overall Audi S5 cost and ensure enjoyable ownership.
