Audi A5 auto boxes

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Wed 24 Jun 2020 09:59
Audi A5 auto boxes - Stackman II

I am looking to replace my Saab convertible and am drawn to either a BMW 3 series coupe or an Audi A5.

I would like to get an automatic. I know there are no real issues with BMW autos but I am unsure about the Audi. It seems some have the Multitronic gearbox and some the S-tronic.

I understand that the S-tronic is the DSG box and the Multitronic a stepped CVT.

I would be looking for a 2.0 TFSi engine in a car from 2008 - 2010, around £5k.

I know to avoid the DSG box at this age but does anyone have experience with the multitronic box ?

If these aren't to be recommended then I would happily drive the 6-speed manual.

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Wed 24 Jun 2020 10:03
Audi A5 auto boxes - RT

Some had a conventional Tiptronic with torque converter & planetary gears

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Wed 24 Jun 2020 10:10
Audi A5 auto boxes - elekie&a/c doctor
I would avoid both . The multitronic can be more trouble than a Dsg . Any fault with this box can easily make the car an economic write off .
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Wed 24 Jun 2020 17:05
Audi A5 auto boxes - Avant

Agreed. I like Audis as you know but I wouldn't go for one of that vintage unless you're willing to put up with the manual.

BMWs can be a gamble but there seems to be general agreement that the six-cylinder petrols are less problematic than the fours. And you'd get that lovely straight-six engine: you can put a glass of water on the bonnet of one of those and the water will hardly even move, let alone spill. Lots of torque as well as acceleration.

You could consider the 1-series convertible as well as the 3: the 125i is the sweet spot with no turbo to go wrong. I had one for a time - no problems.

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Fri 26 Jun 2020 08:29
Audi A5 auto boxes - Stackman II

Looks like a manual A5 is the way to go.

If I decide to go for the 3 series then it would definitely be a six-cylinder. I had an E46 325 coupe before and loved the engine. The newer ones are more powerful and economical, even with the auto box.

I never really liked the styling of the 1 series. Our son has a 116 and it does nothing for me. I prefer the wife's A3.

Anyway, the Saab passed its MOT and had a service so there's no rush while the sun is shining.

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Wed 2 Sep 2020 09:24
Audi A5 auto boxes - Stackman II

Thought I would give an update on my search for a replacement for the Saab.

After searching long and hard I settled on an Audi A4 convertible.

The car is a 2009 2.0 TFSi with a six speed manual gearbox. It has done just over 100k miles.

It drove really nicely, its quite firm on its S-Line suspension but felt solid with no rattles or squeaks. There was a full service history, mostly Audi, later specialist and it had a full-size spare wheel which is essential round the lanes here.

The previous owner had taken really good care of it and his house and other cars were immaculately maintained and in a really nice suburb of Bournemouth. All positive indicators.

I pick it up tomorrow night, delay occasioned by the owner having to transfer off its private plate. Very excited to put some miles on it.

No doubt many of you will have horror stories about the models reliabilty, my sister's reaction was that her neighbour has one and they have had lots of roof problems.

I know this engine can use a lot of oil but is there anything else for which I should keep an eye out ?

Edited by Stackman II on 02/09/2020 at 09:24

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Wed 16 Sep 2020 06:48
Audi A5 auto boxes - balleballe

It should be fine. Audi suggest that upto 500ml of oil every 1000 miles is normal with this engine. Just make sure you check it frequently.

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Tue 13 Oct 2020 12:04
Audi A5 auto boxes - Stackman II

Thought I would drop in a 6-week update on the Audi.

The car has been a great thing to drive, roof up or down and we have had a trip to North Wales to enjoy the mountains, roads and scenery in the sunshine.

However, its not been all roses and sunshine.

First off I knew it needed new tyres when I bought it and so I bit the bullet and put 4 new Kuhmos on. Unfortunately they are 235/45 x 18 so a slightly odd size and so £105 per corner.

Next up was an issue with the idle speed. Research lead me to believe the crank case pressure relief valve would be the culprit and this proved to be the case and I booked it in for a replacement.

The next blow was after visiting my Dad he rang me to tell me my new car had dumped a load of oil on his drive. Off to the garage for further investigation.

When the timing cover was removed it appeared that the oil pump housing was cracked. This was caused by a bolt dropping down on it from inside the cover, breaking the drive ear and cracking the casing. The repair necessitated removing the front bumper and radiator but at least I got a new cam belt and water pump out of it.

The result of all this is that the car has cost me around £1,250 in addition to the purchase cost. Luckily my man-maths tells me that this puts the car at around the maximum I had budgeted for replacement and around the price of similar cars available online.

Now we are looking forward to a trouble-free winter.

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