The Audi A5 Sportback is one of the best-looking cars Audi has ever made. It's got the sleek shape of a coupe, five doors, a big boot and looks that still turn heads today. But here's something you might not know. Underneath those good looks are a few technical issues that could cost you a lot of money if you don't know what to watch out for. I'm talking about the first-generation 8TA (2009–2016) and the second-generation F5 (from 2016 onwards). At Das Auto Service, we work on both, so I'll tell you what I like about them, what worries me and what I'd check before spending my own money on one.
Who is the Audi A5 Sportback for?
Someone who wants a beautiful car without giving up practicality. The A5 Sportback looks like a sporty coupe, but you've actually got five doors and a boot that can hold far more than you'd expect. For me, that's exactly what makes this model so appealing. You don't have to choose between a car you love looking at and one that's useful every day. You get both.
What automatic gearboxes does the Audi A5 Sportback have?
This is where I want you to pay attention, because two A5 Sportbacks that look identical can have completely different gearboxes. And that means different servicing requirements and different things to watch out for. It's not enough for the seller to tell you, "It's an automatic." You need to know exactly which automatic gearbox it has.
- The first-generation 8TA came with a manual gearbox, Multitronic on front-wheel-drive models, S tronic on quattro models and Tiptronic on some V6 engines.
- The second-generation F5 has a 7-speed S tronic, while some V6 TDI versions also came with an 8-speed Tiptronic.
Multitronic, S tronic and Tiptronic aren't three different names for the same gearbox. They're three different designs, each with its own characteristics. That's why, when you ask me which A5 you should buy, one of my first questions is always about the gearbox. The answer makes a big difference.
What are the Audi A5 Sportback common problems?
First-generation 8TA with 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI – oil consumption and timing chain
"Kris, the car drives beautifully, but it drinks oil." That's exactly the sort of thing I don't like hearing about the early 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI engines. Excessive oil consumption is a well-known issue with these engines. We're not just talking about topping up a little oil now and then. We're talking about a problem that needs investigating so you know what's causing it. And please, don't accept "They all use oil like that" as a proper diagnosis.
The other big concern is the timing chain and its tensioner. If you hear a rattling noise when you start the engine, don't just put it down to the engine being cold. The chain and tensioner have a very important job, and you really don't want to discover just how important when it's already too late. I've explained how to tell if your timing chain is causing problemsin a separate article. Give it a read, especially if you've got your eye on a petrol A5 from the first generation.
Multitronic – why does the gearbox judder?
Multitronic is one of those gearboxes where I really want you to understand what you're buying. Owners often describe the problem quite simply: "It judders when I pull away" or "It doesn't drive smoothly." That's reason enough to get it checked properly, rather than just clearing the fault codes and hoping everything will sort itself out. I've written a separate guide on Multitronic – why it judders and whether it can be repaired. If you're looking at a front-wheel-drive A5 with this gearbox, take a few minutes to read it.
S tronic – mechatronics and clutches
With S tronic, it's a different story. You've got a mechatronic unit, which is basically the gearbox's brain, and clutches that need to work precisely and smoothly. If the gearbox starts kicking, banging into gear or juddering, it doesn't automatically mean everything inside needs replacing. First, we need to find out what's actually wrong. I've written a detailed guide covering S tronic 0B5 (DL501), the mechatronic unit, clutches and two different oils .
Front suspension – where is that knocking noise coming from?
A good-looking car should drive beautifully too, shouldn't it? But sometimes an A5 starts making knocking noises from the front, and the owner wonders whether it's something serious. The multi-link front suspension has several control arms and quite a few places where a noise could be coming from. That's why I'm not a fan of repairs based on "Let's replace this part and see what happens." Have a look at why Audi suspension arms start knockingso you know what needs checking.
Second-generation F5 with 2.0 TDI – AdBlue and DPF
On the newer A5 Sportback with the 2.0 TDI engine, AdBlue and the DPF become more important. These are the systems that help control harmful emissions from the diesel engine. The DPF is the diesel particulate filter, which traps soot, while AdBlue helps reduce harmful nitrogen oxides. If a warning light comes on, don't immediately assume it's something minor. But don't agree to an expensive repair straight away either. First, we need to find out exactly what's wrong.
What should I check before buying an Audi A5 Sportback?
If you've found an A5 Sportback you really like, don't let those good looks make the decision for you. I'd start with three checks that could save you a lot of trouble. All three matter, especially on the first generation.
- Check oil consumption on TFSI engines. Don't settle for someone telling you the engine runs perfectly. You need to know whether it's using oil and what's known about its condition.
- Check the gearbox. How does it pull away? How does it change gear? Does it judder or bang into gear? You also need to know exactly which type of gearbox you're dealing with.
- Check the front suspension. Listen for knocking noises and make sure someone inspects the control arms, bushes and ball joints.
The best time to check all this is before you buy the car, not afterwards. That's why we offer a pre-purchase inspection. I'm not saying this to scare you. I'm saying it because once you've bought the car, every fault you missed becomes your problem to pay for.
How should I service my Audi A5 Sportback?
There's nothing complicated about this. I want you to service your car on time, using the correct oils, rather than waiting for something to break. For cars driven in Bulgaria, these are the service intervals I recommend:
- Engine oil and all filters – oil, air, fuel and cabin – every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. This applies regardless of which engine oil you use or what the LongLife service intervals say.
- S tronic – change the gearbox oil every 60,000 km, always using genuine oil, followed by gearbox adaptation after the service.
- Tiptronic – every 120,000 km, or every 80,000 km on the S5 and hybrid models. Gearbox adaptation is carried out after servicing.
- Multitronic – every 60,000 km using genuine oil, followed by gearbox adaptation after the service.
And don't forget the rest. Brake fluid needs changing every 2 years, coolant every third heating season, and I recommend a workshop inspection every 6 months. I've also put together a separate Audi A5 8T 3.0 TDI service schedulefor the first-generation model.
IMPORTANT! If you're looking at an early Audi A5 Sportback with the 2.0 TFSI engine and it's drinking oil, don't underestimate the problem. Don't accept excessive oil consumption as normal until you've found out what's causing it.
Is the Audi A5 Sportback worth buying?
Yes, absolutely. For me, the A5 Sportback is one of those cars that manages to be both beautiful and practical. The first generation has a few things you need to know about, while I think the second-generation F5 is the safer bet. But remember something important: the condition of the actual car matters far more than how good it looks in the photos. Buy with your eyes, but use your head too.
Tip from Kris Mladenov: Before buying an A5 Sportback, find out exactly which gearbox it has. Multitronic, S tronic and Tiptronic all need different servicing and have their own particular issues. Check the engine too, especially if it's a first-generation 1.8 or 2.0 TFSI. A proper inspection today could save you a lot of headaches tomorrow.
I hope you've found this article useful! If you have, I'd really appreciate you sharing it with a friend who owns an Audi A5 Sportback or is thinking about buying one. My mission is simple: when I know something useful, I want more people to know it too. Because the better you understand your car, the harder it is for someone to talk you into paying for repairs you don't actually need.
The solution in our shop
Genuine Longlife III FE 0W30 oil 5L
Genuine LongLife III engine oil is an option for servicing your car, provided it meets the requirements of your particular engine. Whatever oil you use, change it together with all the filters every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first.
View in shop
Genuine service set for Audi S-Tronic automatic gearboxes
Genuine service kit for the 7-speed S tronic 0B5 gearbox fitted to the 8TA, including oil, filters and seals. Gearbox adaptation is essential after servicing.
View in shop
Genuine Audi Multitronic automatic gearbox service set
Genuine Multitronic service kit. Ordered by VIN to make sure you get the correct kit for your particular gearbox.
View in shopRead more
- Pre-purchase inspection
- Routine servicing
- 1.8 and 2.0 TSI/TFSI Oil Consumption Problems
- S tronic 0B5 Problems: Mechatronics and Clutches
- Audi Multitronic Gearbox Problems: Causes and Repairs
- Audi A4 Suspension Knocking: Worn Control Arms
- Audi A5 8T 3.0 TDI Service Schedule
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common Audi A5 Sportback problems?
On first-generation models with the 1.8 and 2.0 TFSI engines, watch out for excessive oil consumption and timing chain problems. With automatic gearboxes, check for juddering and harsh gear changes. And listen for knocking noises from the front suspension.
Should I choose an Audi A5 Sportback 8T or F5?
Personally, I think the F5 is the safer bet. But a well-maintained 8TA is still worth considering, provided the engine, gearbox and suspension have all been properly checked.
Audi A5 Sportback TFSI or TDI?
With first-generation TFSI engines, pay particular attention to oil consumption and the timing chain. On the newer 2.0 TDI, keep an eye on the AdBlue and DPF systems. Ultimately, the condition of the individual car matters most.
How often should I change the S tronic gearbox oil?
At Das Auto Service, I recommend changing it every 60,000 km using genuine oil. We always carry out gearbox adaptation after the service.