Audi Q5 Buyer's Guide - Engine, Transmission, Interior, & Trim Options (2009-2017 Audi Q5/SQ5)

[@gmched52]

That is how all buyers guides should be done

[@jvburnes]

This is a really great summary. We had a 2014 Q5 Prestige S-SLine which got totaled which we're replacing with a low-mileage 2016. Before that my only complaint was the oil breather valve needs to be replaced at about 75k miles and while the oil breather valve in any other car (aka PCV valve) would cost $15 and $100 labor to change, in the Q5 it costs about $300 for the module and around $1500 labor to swap out because it requires the removal of the supercharger. So budget for that. Other than that we loved this car. The non-sport seats are probably the best long-distance trip solution for your butt and back. The instrumentation cluster is so professional, it's like a airline cockpit and obvious that Audi spent a huge amount of time working out the human factors engineering on it. The Bang and Olufsson stereo is fantastic. Before we bought ours we tested about 7 other cars. One dealership lot had some used Q5s in their lot which were open. We sat in them and the reaction for all three of us was "ahhhhhhh". Worth the money if you have it.

[@fcpeuro]

We love the real-world feedback on these vehicles! Thank you for watching and dropping a comment!

[@leslierumkorf7759]

Great vid! Do note that although Audi is saying transmission oil do not need changing, ZF themselves actually indicate an interval. Many Audi specialists in the Netherlands advise a 90k to 120k km (!) Interval. The 3.0 supercharged also has the plastic guides for the timing chain. Audi has an "upgraded" set available over here, but they do stretch and cause an annoying "rattling" sound when idle. According to Audi this will not cause engine failure, but there are 3.0T owners over here that have seen them fail. Quick check is a cold start, idle for 5 to 10 seconds and listen. The engine should be "silent".

[@DWR123]

Such an impressive and information-filled video. Thank you!!

[@fcpeuro]

Happy to share some insight on the Q5 with you DOUG44022!

[@omercarrothers7537]

Great, now I want a Q5

[@IgnitionTube]

Hey, I know that guy!!

[@jackgray1402]

I didn't know he worked for FCP. That's awesome.

[@tytuz1994]

I have basically the same car you had. What's the best way to lower it while still maintaining a quality ride and not breaking the bank? I'm in Florida so my roads are great :).

[@fcpeuro]

Yeah he is alright!

[@23Spiziked]

Hey can you tell that guy that I am coming from Chicago out there this summer . I need my sq5 tuned like his . Thank you 🙏

[@carlosflores1102]

@@fcpeuro I have an Audi Q5 and I am in love with it

[@alanahern2372]

HI Eli, I enjoyed watching your videos and referred to them before I bought my SQ5. I live in Ukraine and bought a 2014 SQ5 supercharged petrol V6 which had come from the USA - with 90,000 miles on the clock. I did all the usual checks before purchasing and after I bought it I took it to a garage to change all fluids and filters, also fitting new front discs and pads as well as rocker gaskets and some suspension joints. I also had the PCV valve changed. About 3 months later, and only 3000km I started to notice a "clunk" which sounded like it was coming from under my feet. It happened initially in slow moving traffic - when I gently touched to accelerator "clunk" and when I lifted off, after a second delay "clunk". It got progressively worse and now I hear it almost all the time at higher speeds when lifting off the pedal. If I accelerate hard there is no clunk - only when I lift off. When I use manual and change down from 4th to 3rd at around 30mph for example, there is quite a loud "clunk" , and at other speeds as well. Also sometimes it is accompanied by a jerking motion. I have taken it to several garages including the Audi main dealer who told me they didn't know what it was but "don't worry about it" - a ridiculous statement to make! No-one seems to be able to pinpoint what is wrong. The propshaft was removed and serviced and a new upgraded centre bearing holder was fitted. Have you ever heard about this problem before, and if so, what do you think might be causing it? I do hope you can help shine some light on this as it has me tearing my hair out - the little I have left. Many thanks Eli.

[@micasa8567]

Now thats a car review..... great work

[@fcpeuro]

Thank you for watching!

[@Iamjustabirdinthesky]

I have a 2017 SQ5 bought it with 98.000km now i have 128.000 km the engine broke down and i had to replace it cost me €10K second hand engine with 110.000km. Now the service lights in the dash go on and off. A lot of bad luck. But this is a my second sq5 i love this cars. With the first one no problems at all

[@Kiss__Kiss]

All I needed to see was the heading/topic and automatically knew it was going to be Eli lol

[@Rakiv74]

just got a 2016 sq5 I love it! gunna order the oil change kit from you guys!

[@grantlingley1385]

Thanks so much for a great video! I am looking for a 2016-2017 Q5 3 litre TFSI so was heartened to hear how well you thought of them!

[@andrewczajkowski7001]

Where can I get the grills featured on these S/Q5s in the background. Great job Eli.

[@murkinranzyz9961]

Your doing gods work thank you

[@iareburgman]

Nice video, lots of great info about this lineup. I have had a 3.0L TDI for the last 3 years that was dieselgate fixed w warranty. Great car so far - the extended warranty is ran out now although it did help with a couple sensor failures in the dpf system. You absolutely should do a transmission flush and filter change on any of these zf models by 100k miles - the transmission is a tank but zf recommends at 50k which is a bit overzealous. I did mine at 113k and it was still decent but made a world of difference and is relatively simple to diy if you have access to a lift. Fcp euro sells a kit I believe - and have a diy video that is great. Get about 36mpg highway since I've had the car and I do some fuel additives to clean the injectors every other oil change in combo w an oil additive before the change - 505c and 505f both are good stuff. Gained about 4mpg all around first time I used them. Probably will do some walnut blasting for carbon and dpf filter clean in the near future. Like any German car prevention is less pricey than replacement in the USA with limited quality euro shops

[@ayewhite333]

I have a 2016 Q5 with the 3.0 supercharged engine. Do you think the standard brakes are good enough to handle some basic power mods, like a Stage 1 tune? Not doing pulleys or anything like that (yet).

[@richolishis94]

I would suggest a set of SQ5 front brakes in the future if you ever plan on a pulleys upgrade with supporting tune. The s4 with pulleys and tune are very quick. I'd imagine the SQ5 would need the bigger brakes to support the overall vehicle weight at greater speeds

[@SudarsanNagiri]

Hi , I bought a 2023 2L Turbo Q5. Can you comment on the reliability of these newer models? Thanks for the great video

[@MrEldan3k]

Best video for people confused with the market situation with these (as I am). Would love similiar video on FY model!

[@JoMonki]

So I know the 2.0T has the speed transmission but it's still turbo. If I wanted non turbo NA engine is my only option to go with 3.2 V6 with the 6 speed? Is that transmission bad? Or should I go with 2.0T

[@og12goat]

how about the long term reliability like a 2015 sQ5 with 200 000 Km should I run away?

[@accordv6er]

Sometimes a high mile car can be a better bargain, since many issues would have appeared/been fixed by then, or be obvious. Then again, what is 200k, like 126k miles? That's not bad. Suspension, axles, bushings etc are likely worn but not obvious yet. So good alignment based on tire wear and good tight drive character is important. Good CV axles. Will need to have had The trans and diff fluid kept up in addition to routine maintenance. The 3.0t is likely one of the best motors Audi made for long term use. Not too much to worry abou, cruise forums, you'll find the stuff

[@ann-marie1330]

great video. I have a 2015 Q5 and constantly have to add oil so this video was very informative with information as to why this is occuring. Do you have a video that gives detail specs of the engine and if so where can I find?

[@fcpeuro]

Glad it was helpful! kzbin.info/www/bejne/inSrYmaNlrmVjZYfeature=shared

[@pratbalvantsinh5555]

Hi, is possible if you can confirm if the US Model 2020 Q5 Premium Plus model should have interior ambiance light on/under the dashboard (right side of the temperature nobs and little above the Quattro embargo). I do see ambience lighting on all doors (under the door handles). I would really appreciate your reply. Thanks.

[@tkorte101]

Great information. What's the deal with the Q5 'S-line' though? I've seen them with the 2 liter, so they're definitely different than the SQ5. Is it just cosmetics, or are there suspension and steering upgrades too?

[@stevenphilips683]

I'm looking at one with 85k miles with lowered suspension what should I look for or run away?

[@chrislantern9272]

Is the brown one a 3.2 ?

[@Capt1001]

About to pick up a 3.0 TDI as a daily

[@rafond]

Awesome video! In Just 15 mins you helped me to make my mind up on which versión to buy….i’ll go with the 3.0T 2016! …my plan is to make the “stage 1” tuneup so I can be as fast as the Sq5. Question: You think suspensión or brakes must be modified as well?

[@fcpeuro]

Nice!! Doing either of those is only going to help complement the power upgrades, so we recommend making it all encompassing!

[@rafond]

From a budget perspective….suspention or brakes first?

[@rafond]

Greetings from Chile! 🇨🇱

[@lonesoldierinsincity7]

*Where can you modify your Audi Q5 in the United States❓with after market Audi parts❓Can Audi dealerships Tune your audi Q5❓* 🤔

[@AcuraKidd]

My wife lost her 2011 Q5 in a hurricane, it was flooded :( We're shopping for a replacement but want something a bit newer. I definitely want the 3.0 supercharged engine, but due to budget constraints we're not sure which model year is most reliable. 2015? 2016? Also, I'm very much into the latest tech, which package has all the latest and greatest? Premium plus or prestige?

[@jvburnes]

Mark, the prestige generally has the latest and I think that includes the technology package. The most obvious thing is that the onboard MMI multimedia and onscreen hardware/software is pretty old. There's an Aussie company that makes a really sweet Android solution for the Q5 that retains the B&O stereo and even interfaces to the old MMI control system. It's a bit pricey at around $1000, but it gives you a completely new 10" widescreen display that smoothly integrates into the older Q5 chassis. You can get upgraded displays on the latest Q5s, but personally I don't like the control systems and integration for 2018+.

[@AcuraKidd]

@@jvburnes are you referring to RSNAV?

[@jvburnes]

@@AcuraKidd That's one of them.

[@carlosrzavala4650]

Alright hear me out, so i have a 2010 q5 3.2 thats my project car. im removing engine & trans.. i also have a 2015 a8L 3.0 donor car that im swapping the 3.0 supercharge on the a8 into the 2010 q5..... will it be compatible & if so what am i getting into lol TYA -

[@ArnaldoSantiniChristStrong]

Can I do staggered wheels on these Q5s ???

[@murkinranzyz9961]

2011 Audi Q5 3.2 quattro Premium Plus I’m gonna buy this maybe next week so I’m trying to learn everything I can if you can drop something in the comments to let me know

[@fcpeuro]

Happy to help where we can! Depending on the mileage, you'll want to to check if the secondary air system has been cleaned. It is one of the main areas of service on that engine that requires a special tool that only the dealership usually has. Codes for secondary air usually means this service is needed. Other than that, look for regular service with oil changes and the usual aspects of how it runs and drives. (smooth, no clunks or loose feeling in suspension, no hard shifting, etc)

[@murkinranzyz9961]

@@fcpeuro when I head to the dealership this weekend I’m gonna go check everything you show me to check out and I really appreciate your inside scoop frfr and I hope you and your family have an excellent Christmas

[@allmäntek]

What , here in Europe Q5 comes with dual cluch 7-speed gearbox

[@bry0ung]

Subbed. Im headed to check out a TDI Q5 in 48hrs. Cheers.

[@fcpeuro]

Goodluck!

[@kelvindonald4154]

Very useful video am looking forward to buy the used Q5 2012 - 2013 2.0T or 3.0T but am concerned with the gas mileage and major issues please advise which one I should go for .... and Happy new Year 🙏🏼

[@emmanuelalva6597]

3.0 seems like the more reliable one, haven’t seen many complaints about them.

[@aaryavgopalakrishna7169]

Doesn't the 3.0tdi have a 7speed?

[@jackalmotorsports]

i dig that SQ5 ;)

[@jayrom6237]

So i have the v8 4.2 l s5 and looking to go q5 3.0t and lower it like yours. Should i

[@fcpeuro]

Both excellent vehicles!

[@jayrom6237]

I Love the s5 but seeing the 3.0t i want the supercharger whine

[@draganj7072]

What about the Q5 TFSI, 2012 Hybrid, 211hp, petrol/electric? Thinking to buy one but I’ve heard that the car jitters a lot when switching from electric to petrol mode and vice versa? And the fuel consumption is far more than what Audi says 34mpg, in normal driving it’s like 21mpg? I would appreciate any info :)

[@gureno19]

Have to laugh at Audi not requiring transmission fluid changes 😂 It's an automatic gearbox.... it absolutely needs fluid changed 😂

[@AP-wu1rv]

So which model would you recommend because they all sound like they have problems lol

[@IgnitionTube]

I personally would be on the hunt for a 3.0T Q5, or a diesel Q5 with a warranty. Of course if money is no object, the SQ is the top dog, but the 3.0T and the diesel are better value.

[@amurikurthy]

Would definitely look at Q5 3.0T or SQ5. The supercharged engines and ZF8 transmission as a combo are basically bulletproof if you take care of their little flaws and quirks.

[@RellupNorth]

So the 3.2 that I have seems to be the most bulletproof. Got it lol

[@mouradaux]

No mention of the mecatronic issues???

[@arkeyfix786]

Zf8 transmission don’t tend to go bad so it’s unlikely to have faults

[@tkorte101]

@@arkeyfix786 They still can suffer from Mechatronic issues. I think a rebuild kit probably fixes that as it's most likely just internal seal degradation. If you change the transmission fluid and filter every 100k or so that would probably protect those seals.

[@arkeyfix786]

@@tkorte101 nice to know 👍🏻, I guess what I was trying to say is that it is more reliable than the dsg7speed 0b8

[@tkorte101]

@@arkeyfix786 I have a Q5 with 220k+ km on it, and it has the 8 speed. So I've looked into it a bit and some people do seem to get shifting issues as the units get up there in age/milage. I don't think the clutches are the problem though, I think the O-rings and such within the mechatronic start to degrade. There are rebuild kits / shift kits available for them. The electronics part of the mechatronic controls the shifting through solenoids that do hydraulic valving, at least that's how I understand it. So when the sealing in the hydraulic part starts losing its effectiveness the transmission can have trouble maintaining clutch pressure. But it's a heavy duty transmission so as long as the problem isn't ignored the clutches should be OK. But I'm not an expert. This is just how I've come to see it after doing some research.

[@iareburgman]

@@tkorte101you'd avoid most of this by atf flush and refill - definitely listen to zf on this. I did it at 113k and the shifts are unbelievably smooth now

[@Dunwelll]

Do they have stop & go adaptive cruise available any year?

[@douglastaylor8039]

If these cars come with these known problems why aren't our greedy Incompetent politicians not making these car companies fix these known problems instead of sticking it to the consumer. We need more ralph naders who care about the ripped off consumers.

[@josephgermain3215]

Sunroof rattle? Don't you ever open it up? hahaha it don't make any noise fully open.

[@iareburgman]

Lol it is an annoying part of this car though. Took me forever to figure out where the noise was coming from when I bought it then later the sunshade failed. Ended up cutting it out and tinting the vehicle which was way cheaper than the insane labor either diy or at a shop. A shop actually recommended the tinting cuz they didn't want to do the ridiculous job of dropping the entire liner.

[@maorlevi2387]

I have Audi q5 and I hate noises from athe sunroof!!!!

[@emotionalintelligence776]

PSA. Stay far far no run away from the 2.0T at all cost no matter how cheap the sale price is. That turbo engine has a horrific history of stretched timing chain and yes when it breaks there goes the engine. The most reliable engine is the V6 diesel or the supercharged V6 with upkept maintenance, performance is Irrelevant on a broken motor.

[@forgodsolovedyou]

The background music is awful and distracting

[@assassinsairsoft3286]

Hi I just got a wee 2015 q5 planning to lower it is ok to use lowering springs and use the OEM strut? Thank you

[@fcpeuro]

Hey there, if you are lowering the vehicle, you will want to use something like a B8 shock that is designed for that; standard units do not take kindly to them and will not provide the correct ride quality.

[@assassinsairsoft3286]

@@fcpeuro any suggestions