Audi B8/8.5 S4 & S5 Buyer's Guide - Models, Engines, Options, And More!

►We're back with another installment of our Buyer's Guide series. This episode we take an in-depth look into the B8 and B8.5 S5, S4, & SQ5.
In this video, we address all of the burning questions that come up when shopping for an Audi B8 or B8.5 S4 and S5. We discuss the entire S-Line model range, different engine variants, trim levels, options. We also go over the different transmissions offered in each model along with Audi's famous Quattro AWD system and its differential. This comprehensive overview is for anyone looking to purchase or just learn more about the Audi S-Line.
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[@colehabeeb4207]

Picked up my b8 s5 (4.2, 6MT) a few months ago for $13,500 AFTER taxes/registration/emissions etc! Mid-high mileage but every single scheduled maintenance (and I mean EVERY scheduled maintenance) done and stamped by Audi dealers! One owner, came from Texas (I live in CT), fully loaded (nav, b&o, sport diff, carbon trim interior), bone stock (has an exhaust but that doesn’t rly count) without a single scratch on her! Great deals are out there, just gotta take your time and do your research

[@jeff346]

Your were lucky , price went up like crazy now

[@colehabeeb4207]

@@jeff346 I know, I was expecting them to go up in value but not as much as I’ve seen. I’ve been offered $18k which is really hard to turn down but I just can’t put it past myself to let her go

[@christopho3255]

@@jeff346 Any more is overvalued. VAG products are only good for DIY enthusiasts.

[@Katiemtz099]

What year ?

[@LibertyGunsBeerTrump]

Im pretty sure on your motor the plastic chain guides are a common issue to go out on older mileage examples. Its at the back of the engine so its very expensive to fix

[@Koachise]

This is such an informative ass video. This platforms has been around for almost a decade now and these cars are still selling like crazy. Perfect time to get one considering the price performance and quality. Thanks for the content folks!

[@fcpeuro]

Happy to bring you the video Chev! Hopefully we leaned heavier on the informative side and less on the ass end of things. We cant agree more though these cars are hitting a sweet spot for picking up off the used market. Thanks for watching!

[@f44had]

Informative 'ass' video... Sigh..

[@Uzis1k]

I was literally coming to the comments to post the exact same thing lol. Really great quality video! Shame these don't get more attention.

[@jakejohnson6120]

Bruh…

[@gatovoker7069]

Excellent delivery! Full information from beginning to end. Clearly spoken and straight to the point. No annoying editing/cuts, great audio quality. This video was very satisfying to watch plus I learned so much!

[@coreykononchuk]

The only correction I would make is that leather/Alcantara seats were standard (as they are to this day); Fine Nappa leather (full leather) seats were optional, originally an extra $1,000. Great video! I loved my 2012 B8 S4 6MT; got it brand new as a lease. I've driven these cars with as many as 144k miles and they're still very solid!

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks for the info!

[@arturoperez9742]

I recently got my 2013 b8.5 S4. Best car I have ever owned. I installed a carplay module and now I have an updated entertainment system that connects to my phone wireless. I learned I have the Alu-Optics version, and I always wondered why my car said "supercharged" while others said V6T. I also got the Alcantara seats, they look sharp but are a bit of a pain to keep clean. I love this car!

[@zain4388]

Did u ever have to do timing chain service

[@arturo74r]

@@zain4388I have not but I am not yet at 100K miles and there is little to no chain rattle at cold starts. I’ll have it checked at 100K but I have heard many engines make it to 200K no issues

[@austinmoore8252]

That’s crazy I started looking for a b8 s4 yesterday and then BAM this comes out! Couldn’t have been better timing 🤘🏻

[@fcpeuro]

Its like we knew Austin Moore 😁

[@DillyGee]

@@fcpeuro same here. im torn between s4 or s5

[@toramax80]

google is always watching you. be careful :)) lol

[@warrenguy442]

I have an S4 for sell! B8 with Sport diff and DSG!

[@warrenguy442]

Dylan Gambino I have a B8 S4 for sell right now! Sport diff and DSG.

[@ANDERZENAMG]

Cool segment from a familiar face when it comes to Audi S models! 💯

[@Samcrac]

Yo Eli, I'm going to get one of these, but you know I'm cheap so I'll definitely be spending some time on FCP to get everything to tidy it up!

[@lifethroughnick]

Yoooo

[@lifethroughnick]

@@anaskaizen1 look at his videos roughly like 20k for a good one or 25k

[@dieselpwr782]

Do you drive yours any or does it sit with the chickens? I’ve got a 8.5 I daily and a b7 that just sits now I brought from fl years ago.

[@vomErsten]

I suddenly, unexpectedly find myself considering one of these very seriously. Good timing, the written article you guys did was also helpful!

[@phillipcuster8036]

When buying my A6 I wasn’t gonna settle for anything but the 3.0T and I love it. Got the honeycomb grill with led Audi badge installed

[@fcpeuro]

Must look cleannnn . Gotta love the 3.0T life

[@joedapro555]

Very impressive that so many of your employees drive the S4. I drive one also. I drive for a living and I can definitely attest that this is a driver's car.

[@fcpeuro]

It really is something, right? Almost as many S4's as we have MK7's in the parking lot!

[@pieorion883]

I was just looking to get into a b8 or b8.5 s4. It’s like you guys are inside my brain.

[@fcpeuro]

Shoot.... now you know!

[@warrenguy442]

I have an S4 for sell with Sport Diff and DSG!!

[@rafaelchianca]

This is really one of the better videos in quality of information I ever see Very good job

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you for watching!

[@carlosorozco4786]

Great info to tell the difference between the B8 and B8.5! Thanks!

[@fcpeuro]

No problem Carlos, happy to help.

[@drisfaviagno5499]

Learned SO much in this video then any other blog or POV driving videos.. cheers man.

[@flabbyhoy]

Best buyers guide ever! Thx guys

[@72defender]

Liked and subscribed once I realized this was my guy from Ignition Tube. Dude’s like the Google of Audi’s!

[@melry88]

Great stuff. Keep them coming! I am a FCP customer and love my Audi S4 B8. Thanks again!

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you for the support, Ryan!

[@mathieulevasseur4082]

I am currently shopping for a B8 S4 with sport diff and manual transmission. I think it's best bang for your buck configuration.

[@gerrit8350]

Trust me, you will not regret spending a little more for the 8.5

[@concon890]

@@gerrit8350 why?

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

Just sold my B8.5 S4 Avant today. Kick ass engine ... whole package. Just want three pedals ... and something trackable

[@gt854t5]

Hey- wish you were on the other side of the world; would love to own an S4 wagon/avant. IMO, all wagons/avant- should have a 3.0 6 cylinder engine 👍🏼

[@toneyclayton485]

This is how knowledgeable this dude is…he is spitting all of that info without reading ANY q cards. That is EXPERIENCE.

[@fcpeuro]

Thanks! It's nice to be able to share this experience!

[@toneyclayton485]

@ I think his/your name is Eli.. not sure. But what I will say is because of your other channel.. I purchased my first Audi… a b8.5 2015 S4. I hope that we can chat because I have a few questions about what to do before modding. But me saying I love my Audi doesn’t explain fully how content I feel. People really need to read the manual and see how much stuff is jam packed into these cars. But yeah. Maybe we could swap emails because I want to do things.. not only right but the right way and in the correct order. And I believe you can help. Thanks

[@zachparsons5476]

Literally just looking at buying one of these cars. You guys come out with the guides at the perfect time! Not to mention the guides at absolutely amazing!!!

[@fcpeuro]

Glad we could help Zach, let us know what you end up with!

[@warrenguy442]

I have a B8 S4 for sell with Sport Diff and DSG!

[@zachparsons5476]

Cameron Curry no way haha. How can I contact you?

[@warrenguy442]

Zach Parsons I put my # on your first KZbin video from a few years ago.

[@7urbine]

I have a B8.5 Audi S5 and I love it! Has been really reliable and it's just an all-around blast.

[@bilalkadri2797]

Really thinking about getting into one, what miles did you buy it at? Because I heard the problems start after 40k

[@7urbine]

@@bilalkadri2797 bought at 63K currently at 72K 👍🏼

[@bilalkadri2797]

@@7urbine and everythings good? No problems so far? What year is it, might be buying one after winter

[@7urbine]

@@bilalkadri2797 mines 2013, and only recent problem has been water pump going bad (which is 1 of 3 common issues with the B8.5 platform). It's a really solid car! I'll do a 1 year ownership cost breakdown in February 2021

[@bilalkadri2797]

@@7urbine thanks bro probably gonna do 2014,

[@effa114]

Shopping these right now at long last (I remember dreaming when the b8 first came out). This video hits the nail on the head. So informative. Another good way to tell if you have sport diff is to check the individual menu in drive select.

[@colbendurham5698]

Broooo thank you so much. My sound cuts out in my car and I had no idea and the fact you just threw in there it’s that amp literally helps me so much thank you

[@danieljonsson2642]

You guys should do one with the rs6 or audi c7 differences between older and newer generations and the packs they come in :) love the videos guys keep it up 👍

[@Smokey_A]

Good video. Didn't mention the adjustable suspension unless I missed it, which is something you may or may not want depending on what you want to do with the car. If you decide later you want coilovers with this, you might need to spend some extra money on a delete system to override the electronics.

[@kitkat0420]

I have a 2011 Audi B8 S4 with the aluminum trim and the Audi exclusive blue and gray!!!! She is my Baby!!!!

[@sergiomorales4553]

This video is everything I needed!! Thank you so much, VERY informative. Will be buying a S4 soon and this definitely helped

[@atmosphere82]

Holy shit best break down of model ever, every car needs this kind of break down.

[@jakejohnson6120]

Holy shit bruh

[@dcssteve1944]

Thank you for that well presented and comprehensive explanation of the Audi build levels. I am planning on acquiring an used S4 in the near future and I think after hearing this, I will confine myself to a B8.5. However, you did not touch upon the Audi timing chain issues.The 3.0T motor has a very complicated timing chain in the rear of the engine with plastic guides and hydraulic tensioner‘s. There is a failure record with these and the motor has to be removed to repair the timing chain; that is very expensive. I don’t want to buy a used S4 to save money and then have to pay $6000-$8000 to have the timing chain repaired. So any comment on that would be appreciated. I also hope they really did solve the DSG issues in the B8.5 build as there were a lot of problems in 2010 and 2011. Models. DSG issues seems to be less in the 2012 models but I really am not sure, the blogs are all over the place. They replaced the supercharged motor with a true turbo motor in 2017 as well as changing to the ZF8 transmission that probably is a much better overall package but still quite expensive.

[@speedtab215]

Y’all couldn’t of made a better video.. thank you

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you Speedtab!

[@jakejohnson6120]

Bruh

[@dannmiranda2487]

Can you guys make a DIY video on how to replace the front and rear wheel bearings for the S4 whether it's B8 or B8.5? Thanks! love the videos!

[@fcpeuro]

Sure can Dann

[@jacoballen4977]

Thanks brother, i'm now buying myself a b8.5 s4. i even found an alu trim!

[@gas-clutch-shift476]

I so want me a B8 6spd. I’m an ex B5 S4 owner and I miss her so much. Current car is a MKV GTI. Which the white rabbit 🐇 is definitely fun but I want fun and fast. This video is awesome 👏🏾 and helped me make my mind. Thanks FCP. Keep up the great work 👍🏾

[@fcpeuro]

You're welcome, Tony! Let us know when you pick up a B8!

[@denvernn]

Great info. Very helpful for someone looking into Audi.

[@architecturehappy]

Would love to see some videos coming out on going OEM plus, like B9 steering wheel, maybe some sound deadening exploration, would be cool!

[@AllanDrJones]

Video on R+R the two SC intercoolers. But more importantly, diagnosing coolant loss through them into the intake runners. And differences in the intercooler options out there. Also, changing the SC oil while doing this..

[@fcpeuro]

All great ideas Allan, noted!

[@FNBen1090]

My boy ignition tube !!!

[@Flyingwalrus42]

Wowowow This isn’t Ignition Tube! What a pleasant surprise to see Eli here

[@kdgreaves]

in the process of getting a B8.5 now i cant wait

[@TheyCallMeMannes]

you forgot about the timing chain tensioners issue. There are so numerous cases of cold start rattle, which is a very very costly fix. here in Germany you should expect prices upwards of 5500€ to have your car repaired.

[@dunktherapper]

I just realized the s5 I’m looking at has the alu package 😳😳😳 even more excited cause I thought it was gonna be a slightly less specced one! Great video thank you.

[@fredwilliams7893]

B8 starts at 2008. Im looking for a s5 now alot of 2009 so im confused by your year start date for the b8

[@bath1968]

Awesome video!!!! subscribed

[@randyranderson1621]

I have the 2008 B8 S5 with the V8. Just a side note, the V8 in the S5 is a detuned B8 RS4 engine. It does not have the chain stretch or chain guide problems like the 4.2ltr V8 in the B8 S4.

[@CarKiller92]

Really nice video, tons of great info.

[@ebmotorsport2006]

What a great video!! Accurate information

[@kingdramanyz]

Had a daily 8.5 and that thing was a beaut. 20 mpg if I drove cautiously and in comfort. 9 mpg if I drove it the way it was intended to be driven. Beautiful machines.

[@armaanmallhi416]

Reliable?

[@walrusswaagg6827]

lmao

[@martytdd1606]

I couldn't daily that for long over here in N Ireland wuth the price of fuel. Currently driving an A5 coupe 3.0 TDI stage 1 tuned, exellent vehicle, but would love a B8 S4 with a manual gear box for weekend fun. 👌

[@johnprince8633]

Just got one and lucked out. Had no clue between the difference and got the b8.5 !

[@DavisKingwasTaken]

Man this video is extremely informative! Great work!

[@S54VR6]

Should we go out there and spread some positivity?

[@fcpeuro]

Thats PreignitionTube talking, Eli doesnt say too much about positivity in the office 😉

[@IgnitionTube]

[@curlyhairedcarguy9299]

Beat me to the punch lol!

[@eeiko321]

Eli calls other higher end cars than his SQ5 “boring”... Don’t see much positivity there... I suppose the only positivity was the transition from S4 to Soccer Mom-mobile

[@bsg2923]

@@eeiko321 Someone jealous?

[@stephenpato5524]

Eli's GOATed.

[@Sabroe_ffs]

You talk a bit about badges, specifically S4 and S5 badges. Now - I know us Europeans have a thing with de-badging our cars, but especially for something like the S4/5, I really think it makes sense. It's such a sleeper and you can easily get upwards of 500 hp from them and keep them looking stock. That sleeper value I think is kinda lost with all the badges. In the end, the people who know what the badges mean would be able to identify it anyway :)

[@t16incho]

I love these. Buyer's Guide videos.

[@fcpeuro]

They love you too Martin

[@SmellMySweatyBalls]

Great video man, informative for sure.

[@dimitrisloufakis916]

Great video! Thank you!

[@mikemaka12]

Dude ur explaining really good

[@jakejohnson6120]

Bruh. Yeah he explains good bruh

[@bpp325]

Nicely done. Thanx. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@fcpeuro]

You're welcome, Bob!

[@patobrien4063]

Easy simple explanations. Thanks very much - loved it

[@fcpeuro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@seant9080]

Great video, only correction is that the Nappa Leather interior was the upgraded option. Alcantara came standard. With the alcantara, it had the standard door armrests and center console lid from an A4 (no stitching).

[@thomasdeir6212]

Awesome video and insights on my dream car. Someday..

[@josephgermain3215]

No shit Eli....that's where you went to! I stopped working my last job which meant a lot of youtube time lol I'm now babysitting servers for AI so I've more youtube time :) Picked up a q5 2.0t since watching your stuffs....an S wasn't in the picture then but now that the q5 has a steering rack failure....I think a 8.5 cabriolet is in the future. Nice seeing you again man!

[@edwinvalero666]

I got mine around two months ago, b8.5 2015. Amazing machine! Also will you do the same style video for the b9 models? Excellent video!!

[@fcpeuro]

That's the plan!

[@sondao8495]

Terrific content! Can you please do a buyer's guide for the B7 gen and look at both s4/s5 and rs4?

[@vgidenko47]

No such thing as b7 s5

[@jamesdonlolo6758]

Thanks for the review. Red S4 for the win !!!

[@Black-nf3tx]

There's a 2016 s4 premium+ with the technology pack, 2-tone leather, and 92k miles in my price range but haven't seen much on higher mileage versions. What would be the general things to look out for before buying? I test drove it and it felt great, but this would be my first car that I'll be owning with over 100k miles. Good informative video!

[@arturoperez9742]

If it was properly maintained (scheduled oil changes) you should not have major issues. I would just make sure to replace every fluid possible at the 100K mark; oil, coolant, gearbox, differential, brake fluid, etc.

[@Tony3L4]

Nice Video Would like another video buyers guide for audi SUVs Q5,Q7,Q8 and SQ's 2.0t tfsi and other options Keep up the good work

[@gtr_guy]

Would love to see a full detailed video of Test Pipes being install.

[@fcpeuro]

We can make that happen.

[@gtr_guy]

FCP Euro it’s the one video above most others that B8 and B8.5 owners want to see . Best of it could be shown with keeping the transmission in place.

[@EthanRoyMedia]

@@fcpeuro put me in coach, I'm ready to play ;)

[@fastboatster]

FCP Euro yeah, please do and show how to put the OEM cats back in place for those who live in places where there’s a visual inspection

[@gtr_guy]

FCP Euro any idea of when this could possibly happen. I curious if it’s something I can do because 2 shops I called want over $1200 to do it and I don’t want to be the dumbass who over pays

[@austinstephensparks]

excellent video very informitive!

[@xNiGhTxoP28]

Great video, doing one for the B9 S4 as well?

[@HamzaGuzel690]

Would love it if you guys made a C7 generation video too. A6, A7, S and RS

[@robjames3641]

You’re very knowledgeable!

[@jakejohnson6120]

Yeah bruh. Bruh drops knowledgeable

[@Dwizzlejay]

Love the info...tell you guys have one of these for Saabs

[@ducbox572]

Starting my search and this is a great video. Is there a VIN decoder to decipher options on a particular car?

[@user-ng3tv6uv2m]

would these be more or less reliable than an N55 335i? especially cars with higher mileage

[@chuckdiego719]

Great job kid!

[@zachgriffin394]

Solid info, thanks

[@steameblair]

Great video

[@dmypol9424]

Awesome video! Great production and narration)

[@IgnitionTube]

That's a good looking gentleman right there

[@fcpeuro]

He's alright. We had to do a lot of post work.

[@joeyDrivez]

FCP Euro this is too funny 😂

[@hodarineph638]

Cornball

[@assihassan]

awesome vid didnt know this guy worked at FCP

[@moneymikeslickwill8749]

Great video my guy i hope FCP Euro has the clutch in stock

[@jamiehasted1265]

Interesting about the Black Edition & mirrors, as I am in the UK, have a B8 (2010) with the Black Edition and silver mirrors as standard, but, has the V6 T badge.

[@fcpeuro]

🤔

[@maximusoptimusTECH]

Manual V8 S5 all the way 😍🙌🏻

[@vincentv1790]

for reliability purposes, 3.2 V6 on the 2008-2010 is the winner for me hahaha

[@jeff346]

@@vincentv1790 08 to 10 is more reliable compare to 13?

[@vincentv1790]

@@jeff346 early years 2.0t has tensioner, oil leaks, burns issue

[@1991donatas]

Love the video, can you do a6/s6 ?

[@ninjadude36]

8:58

[@mptrader1620]

Did I miss the issues with the 2013+ regarding the steering? If it was not mentioned can you address that.

[@offroadfpv2917]

I knew Eli mentioned he was a marketing manager on his channel, but like everyone else never knew he was at FCP. Minor correction/specific on the "supercharged" badge. It was available as an individual option without the full package; on my 2014 S4's window sticker it was $145 for the badge by itself. Only worth it because the "V6T" badge is pointless and ugly.

[@roywhiteo5]

I bought my 2016 s5 a month ago and didnt really know much about it but it turns out i have the sport diff, dark options package and slip on pulley. It has the dsg and only with 8k miles on it! i was wondering why the car was so neutral in the corners

[@naheemniles4182]

Great video, gave me a lot of info. Just got a B8.5 S5

[@fcpeuro]

Glad it was helpful, Naheem! Congrats on the S5!

[@randyhaynes2475]

Did you get the Premium Plus or the Prestige model? Why that choice & was it difficult to find ?

[@naheemniles4182]

@@randyhaynes2475 it’s a premium plus, and I didn’t find any prestige. I got mine from an action.

[@randyhaynes2475]

"an action"??

[@donatasdon1869]

Realy good video with all info. I have s5 b8.5 2012 but i have older mmi,like from b8... this sucks,can someone tell me why? Any solutions for updating it?

[@AllanDrJones]

Look for CarPlay module kits... I bought mine off of autoelectronicsolutions (IG) in Australia. Love the upgrade. Made the car interior instantly relevant. And I now enjoy music again.. and have Google Maps. Which is all I really wanted.

[@J91934]

I'm having the same issue, wanting to price out cost to upgrade.

[@shawnpark7620]

very good vid

[@ArachillesROTMG]

Hey awesome video! I have a question about my car, its a 2012 Audi S5 Sportback, it says B8 whenever i put my registration to websites, but it has the b8.5 look with hood, headlights, fog lights and tail lights. So my question is really, is it a b8 or b8.5 taken consideration the look? It came like this from factory.

[@johnlin1417]

I am looking at a after market Can Bus PKE system for the Q5 2010 model. Would appreciate your advice on this on the downside.

[@jixxiy1029]

Good video but why didn’t you talk about the changes of the piston rings?

[@ingegneriafacile]

great video. I am planning to buy an S5 2013, many owners say that drinks oil. Something like 1 kg each 1200 km. Do you have informations about that? Thanks

[@1180elvis]

Great informative video. I will be buying a S5 very shortly. I had two questions. Can someone tell me how the Alcantara leather holds up for a daily driver. Also autotrader shows a black optic and black optic plus package. Is there a difference?

[@darkspeed62]

What does he mean around 8:00 minutes where he says they both have a 'True' Quattro system? He means that they are Torsen, right?

[@EnviroDouglas]

Really informative! I’m hoping you may answer my question about my ‘11 A4 Avant Quattro 2.0T receiving a heart transplant via 2010-2012 S5 6spd Coupe donor. Is this a straightforward swap or am I looking for headaches? I love the Avants. This is my 3rd. It has less than 60K and I’m the 2nd owner. Also, it was a California car originally, if that may play into this upgrade. Thanks in advance! Subscribed