A beautiful Audi A5 with a 3.0 TDI V6, quattro and enough power to put a smile on your face every time you put your foot down. Sounds like a dream, doesn't it? Trouble is, that dream can cost you a fortune if you buy one with an unknown history. I often get asked, "Kris, what do you think of the Audi A5 3.0 TDI?" My answer is that it's a brilliant car, but you need to know what you're buying. In this Audi A5 3.0 TDI review, I'll show you where the weak spots are, what we check at Das Auto Service and how to enjoy that lovely V6 diesel without becoming a regular visitor to the workshop.
Who is the Audi A5 3.0 TDI for?
If you cover a lot of miles, love good-looking cars and want an engine that pulls strongly without breaking a sweat, the Audi A5 3.0 TDI is definitely worth considering. Whether you're looking at the Coupe or the Sportback, you're getting a stylish car with a big V6 diesel under the bonnet. This is a car you buy because you really want it, not just because you need something to get you from A to B. But there's something I want you to understand before you even start browsing the adverts. An A5 with this engine is not for someone looking for cheap maintenance.
I know how it goes. You spot a lovely example, fall for the specification, start the engine and you're already imagining yourself driving it home. But I'm looking at the other side of things: what's under the bonnet, what's been serviced and what bills might be waiting for you after you've bought it. Because a beautiful car is still beautiful when it's sitting in pieces in the workshop. You're just not enjoying it quite so much then.
Which engines and gearboxes does the Audi A5 3.0 TDI have?
We're talking about two generations here: the Audi A5 8T, built from 2007 to 2016, and the Audi A5 F5, from 2016 onwards. Both came with the 3.0 TDI V6, but the power outputs and gearboxes are different. So when you ask me whether a particular A5 is a good buy, the first thing I want to know is exactly which version you're looking at. Just telling me "the three-litre diesel" isn't enough.
- Audi A5 8T – 3.0 TDI V6 with 204, 240 or 245 bhp. This is the first generation you'll come across in the used car adverts.
- Audi A5 F5 – 3.0 TDI V6 with 218 or 286 bhp. The newer generation, from 2016 onwards.
- Gearboxes – S tronic 0B5, Tiptronic on the more powerful F5 versions and Multitronic on front-wheel-drive models. There are quattro versions too.
Why am I making such a fuss about the gearbox? Because not all automatic gearboxes are the same, and they don't all need the same servicing. When you're buying a used A5, the gearbox service history matters just as much as the engine's. And if the seller doesn't even know which gearbox the car has, that's exactly where I'd start checking.
Audi A5 3.0 TDI review: what problems do we see?
Timing chains – why is replacing them such a big job?
On the 3.0 TDI, the timing chains are something I really don't want you to overlook. The reason is simple: the engine has to come out to replace them. Yes, you read that right. This isn't one of those jobs where we lift the bonnet, change a few parts and hand you the keys an hour later. If you want to understand why so much work is involved, I've explained it in detail here: why the engine has to come out to replace the timing chains on a 3.0 TDI.
That's why I always ask whether the timing chains have been checked and whether there's proof of any repairs. Someone telling me "it's fine, the engine runs perfectly" isn't good enough. I want to know what's actually been done to the car. Because when a repair involves removing the engine, getting it wrong when you buy the car is no small mistake.
Swirl flaps, EGR and oil cooler – what goes wrong?
Other areas we pay close attention to are the swirl flaps, the EGR valve and the oil cooler. The swirl flaps control how air flows into the engine, while the EGR valve sends some of the exhaust gases back into it. When something goes wrong, you might notice the car doesn't pull as strongly as it should. With the oil cooler, we're looking for leaks. I'm not trying to frighten you with technical terms. I just want you to understand why a proper diagnostic check matters so much.
S tronic 0B5 – why does it have two different oils?
There are two things you need to know about the S tronic 0B5 gearbox: it has a mechatronic unit and it uses two different oils. The mechatronic unit is the brain that controls the gear changes. That's why I'm not satisfied when someone simply says, "The automatic gearbox oil has been changed." I want to know exactly which oil was changed and how the service was carried out. If you'd like to understand it better, read how the S tronic 0B5 works and what you need to know about its mechatronic unit and two oils.
What should I check before buying an Audi A5 3.0 TDI?
If you've already found an A5 you like, don't rush to put down a deposit just because it looks lovely. There are a few things I want you to check before making your final decision. They're easy enough to understand, but they could save you a lot of trouble. Here's where I'd start.
- Cold start – we listen to the engine and pay particular attention to the timing chains. I want to hear how the engine sounds before it's warmed up.
- Diagnostics – we check the swirl flaps, EGR and DPF. We don't just look to see whether the engine warning light is on. We check what the diagnostic system is actually telling us.
- Gearbox – we check the service history and gearbox oil changes. We pay particular attention to the S tronic 0B5.
That's the starting point, but it's not a complete inspection. If you're seriously interested in the car, the sensible thing is to book a pre-purchase inspection. That way, you'll know what you're buying instead of relying on someone's promises. I'd much rather tell you about a problem before you buy the car than after you've handed over your money.
How should I service my Audi A5 3.0 TDI to avoid problems?
Once you've bought the car, the most important thing is not to cut corners on servicing. At Das Auto Service, we have clear service intervals that I recommend for cars driven in Bulgaria. I don't wait for the car to tell me it's finally time for a service. And I don't believe the long LongLife service intervals are the best thing for your engine.
- Engine oil and all filters – every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. We change the oil filter, fuel filter, air filter and cabin filter together, regardless of which engine oil you use.
- S tronic – both gearbox oils every 60,000 km, using genuine oil. We always carry out a gearbox adaptation after servicing.
- Tiptronic on the Audi A5 – gearbox oil every 120,000 km, followed by an adaptation after servicing.
- Multitronic – gearbox oil every 60,000 km, always using genuine oil and carrying out an adaptation after servicing.
If you'd like a proper service schedule for the first generation, I've put together an Audi A5 8T 3.0 TDI service schedule. I also recommend bringing the car into the workshop for an inspection every six months. That gives us a chance to see what's happening with it before a small problem turns into a big one. It's exactly how I'd look after my own car.
IMPORTANT! With the 3.0 TDI V6, a mistake can be expensive, and you're the one who ends up paying the bill. Don't buy a car based on its looks and the seller's promises alone. Look for one with a clear service history, checked timing chains and a properly serviced gearbox.
What's my verdict on the Audi A5 3.0 TDI?
I really like the Audi A5 3.0 TDI, and I completely understand why someone would want one. It's a beautiful car with a V6 diesel, plenty of pulling power and a lovely driving experience. But I'd only recommend buying one when its history is clear, the timing chains have been checked and we know what condition the gearbox is in. If all those things check out, you've got a wonderful car. If they don't, that beautiful bodywork won't help much when the repair bill arrives.
Tip from Kris Mladenov: When you're buying the car, set some money aside for the timing chains, even if everything seems to be working perfectly. Check the gearbox service history before making your decision too. It's far better to have money put aside and never need it than to be caught out by an unexpected repair. That peace of mind is worth it.
I hope you've found this article useful! If you have, I'd really appreciate you sharing it with a friend who drives an Audi or is thinking about buying an A5 3.0 TDI. My mission is simple: when I know something useful, I want more people to know it too. Because the more you understand your car, the harder it is for someone to mislead you, and the fewer nasty surprises you'll end up paying for out of your own pocket.
The solution in our shop
Genuine Longlife III FE 0W30 oil 5L
Genuine LongLife III engine oil is suitable for servicing according to the engine's requirements. I recommend changing it every 10,000 km or once a year, regardless of the LongLife interval.
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Genuine service set for Audi S-Tronic automatic gearboxes
The S tronic service kit helps you prepare for a proper gearbox oil change. On the 0B5, it's important not to miss either of the two oils.
View in shopRead more
- Pre-purchase inspection
- Routine servicing
- Audi A5 8T 3.0 TDI Service Schedule
- 3.0 TDI Timing Chain Replacement: Why Remove the Engine?
- S tronic 0B5 Problems: Mechatronics and Clutches
Frequently asked questions
What are the common problems with the Audi A5 3.0 TDI?
The main areas I check are the timing chains, swirl flaps, EGR valve, oil cooler and gearbox. Loss of power and leaks are possible, so don't buy one without a proper diagnostic check.
How long do the timing chains last on an Audi A5 3.0 TDI?
I wouldn't promise you a particular mileage without checking the engine first. What's more important is that replacing the chains means removing the engine. That's why I insist on a proper inspection and a clear service history.
Should I choose an Audi A5 3.0 TDI with S tronic or Tiptronic?
Both gearboxes have their own servicing requirements. The S tronic 0B5 uses two different oils and needs servicing every 60,000 km, while we service the Tiptronic on the Audi A5 every 120,000 km. For me, what matters more is which one has been properly looked after.