The entry-level petrol in the A5 B8 lineup, offering a good balance between performance and efficiency. Early cars use the 125 kW CABD, pre-facelift cars from 2008 the EA888 Gen 2 CDHB with 160 hp, the B8.5 facelift the improved Gen 3 CJEB with 170 hp, and European cars from 2015 the 130 kW/177 hp CJEE. The later engines are meaningfully better for oil consumption and timing chain durability, so production year matters. European catalogues list the 1.8 TFSI only with front-wheel drive and either the six-speed manual or the multitronic CVT; quattro and S tronic were reserved for the larger engines.· more· less
Efficient with adequate performanceGen 3 engine notably improved
Oil consumption on pre-2012 enginesMultitronic CVT unreliable
Buy if: You want a stylish petrol coupe or sportback and can find a 2012+ model with manual gearbox and verified service history.
Avoid if: You are considering a pre-2012 model with unknown oil consumption history, or any model with the multitronic CVT.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€8,000
median asking price, typically 180,000 km
Typical range€5,900 – €11,000
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€800 – €1,500/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €850 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€300 – €650 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Used price
€8,000
Typically €5,900 – €11,000, at around 180,000 km.
Kilometres driven
Maintenance
€800 – €1,500per year
€500 – €850
service, tyres, brakes
€300 – €650
repair buffer
Price & maintenance
Used price
€10,800
median asking price, typically 160,000 km
Typical range€8,100 – €12,000
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€800 – €1,500/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €850 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€300 – €650 /yr
Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Hydraulic tensioner loses ratchet pressure, chain rattles on cold start and can skip teeth · more· less
The EA888 timing chain tensioner is the most critical known issue on these engines. The hydraulic tensioner relies on oil pressure to keep the chain taut. As the ratchet mechanism wears, the piston retracts when the engine is off, causing a distinctive rattle on cold start lasting 1-30 seconds. If the chain skips teeth, valve-to-piston contact causes catastrophic engine damage. Pre-2012 Gen 2 engines (CDHB) are more commonly affected, typically between 80,000-130,000 km. The Gen 3 CJEB (2012+) has a revised tensioner that is notably more durable, though not immune. Preventive replacement of tensioner, chain, guides, and sprockets costs approximately 1,200-1,800 euros at an independent specialist. If the chain has already skipped, cylinder head repair runs 2,500-3,500 euros. VW/Audi issued revised parts. Cold start rattle is the most important pre-purchase check.
Excessive oil consumption (pre-2012 engines)
up to €3,5002 of 8
Thin piston rings allow oil past bores, consumption worsens progressively with mileage · more· less
The EA888 Gen 2 (CDHB, pre-2012) engines are widely reported for excessive oil consumption caused by undersized piston ring oil return passages that clog with carbon deposits. Consumption of 0.5-1.0 litres per 1,000 km is common on affected cars, typically becoming noticeable after 80,000-100,000 km. Audi considers up to 0.5 litres per 1,000 km as within specification. Mild cases can be managed by topping up regularly at 200-400 euros per year in oil. Severe cases require piston and ring replacement, costing 2,500-3,500 euros due to engine strip-down. The Gen 3 CJEB (2012+) has revised piston rings and is significantly less affected, though not entirely free from the issue. Always check the oil level on inspection and ask about consumption between services.
Water pump and thermostat housing failure
up to €1,0003 of 8
Integrated plastic water pump and thermostat housing leaks coolant, typically fails between 60,000-100,000 km · more· less
The EA888 uses an integrated water pump and thermostat housing with a plastic body that is a well-documented failure point across the engine family. The seals and housing degrade over time, causing coolant leaks visible as drips or stains around the front of the engine. Symptoms include low coolant warnings, poor cabin heating, and possible engine overheating if left unaddressed. The integrated part costs approximately 200-350 euros depending on brand, with 3-4 hours labor. Total replacement cost is 500-1,000 euros at an independent specialist. This is common by 100,000 km and should be considered a near-certainty on higher-mileage cars. Metal impeller aftermarket replacements are more durable than the original plastic design.
Carbon buildup on intake valves
up to €8004 of 8
Direct injection means no fuel washes the intake valves, carbon deposits accumulate and restrict airflow · more· less
All EA888 TFSI engines with direct injection suffer from carbon buildup on the intake valves because fuel is injected directly into the cylinder, bypassing the intake ports. Oil vapour from the PCV system bakes onto the valves, progressively restricting airflow. Symptoms include rough idle, cold-start misfires, hesitation, and reduced power, typically becoming noticeable between 80,000-120,000 km. The fix is walnut shell blasting of the intake ports, costing 400-800 euros at a specialist in Western Europe. The Gen 3 CJEB engine adds a secondary port injection system that partially mitigates this issue, making it less severe on 2012+ cars. Sustained high-RPM driving and quality fuel can slow the buildup but do not prevent it.
Multitronic CVT chain and clutch wear (FWD auto only)
up to €3,5005 of 8
CVT transmission suffers chain stretch, clutch judder, and control unit faults at higher mileage · more· less
Front-wheel-drive A5 models with automatic transmission use the multitronic CVT, which has documented reliability concerns. Common failures include chain stretch causing jerking during acceleration (especially between 30-50 km/h), transmission control module faults causing limp mode and flashing PRND lights, and clutch pack degradation. Problems typically surface after 100,000 km, especially when fluid changes were neglected. Audi marketed the CVT fluid as a lifetime fill, but specialists strongly recommend changing it every 60,000 km. Gearbox controller repair costs around 800-1,200 euros; full rebuild runs 2,000-3,500 euros. Cars with the six-speed manual are not affected. Audi's own A5 technical programme documents seven-plate forward and reverse clutch packs for the 0AW multitronic from the original launch, so a later build year is not by itself a mechanical upgrade.
Diverter valve failure
up to €2506 of 8
Rubber diaphragm in the turbo bypass valve tears, causing boost leaks and power loss · more· less
The original diverter valve uses a rubber diaphragm that degrades from heat and pressure cycling. When it tears, boost pressure escapes, causing sluggish acceleration, a hissing noise from the engine bay, and fault code P0299 for turbo underboost. The revised piston-style valve from Audi (part number 06H145710D) is far more durable and costs approximately 50-80 euros. Labor is typically under an hour. This is one of the most common failures on the EA888, affecting the majority of cars by 100,000 km, but it is also one of the cheapest and easiest fixes. Aftermarket alternatives from Forge or GFB are popular among enthusiasts.
Front control arm bushing wear
up to €1,2007 of 8
Multi-link front suspension bushings wear, causing clunking over bumps and vague steering · more· less
The Audi A5 B8 uses a complex multi-link front suspension with multiple control arms per side. The rubber bushings in these arms deteriorate over time, particularly in the upper control arms. Symptoms include clunking or squeaking over bumps, vague steering feel, and uneven tire wear. This is a wear item rather than a design defect, typically appearing after 80,000-120,000 km. Replacement of all upper and lower control arms on one side costs approximately 500-800 euros using quality aftermarket parts (Lemforder, Meyle HD) at an independent shop. Audi dealer pricing can reach 1,200 euros or more. A complete control arm kit for both sides typically costs 300-500 euros in parts. Wheel alignment is required after replacement.
PCV valve diaphragm failure
up to €3508 of 8
Crankcase ventilation valve tears, causing oil leaks, rough idle, and accelerated carbon buildup · more· less
The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve contains a rubber diaphragm that is prone to tearing, typically after 80,000-120,000 km. When it fails, excessive crankcase pressure develops, pushing oil past seals and gaskets. Symptoms include oil leaks around the valve cover, rough idle, increased oil consumption, and faster carbon buildup on the intake valves. A failed PCV valve worsens nearly every other engine-related issue on this car. The replacement part costs approximately 40-80 euros, with 1-2 hours labor for a total of 150-350 euros. VW/Audi has updated the PCV valve design multiple times, so ensure the correct revision is fitted.
Production year matters significantly for reliability
The A5 1.8 TFSI splits into two distinct reliability profiles. Pre-2012 Gen 2 (CDHB) engines carry meaningful timing chain and oil consumption risks that require vigilant monitoring. Post-2012 Gen 3 (CJEB) engines addressed both issues with revised tensioners and piston rings, making them substantially more dependable. Regardless of year, avoid the multitronic CVT in favour of the six-speed manual. Water pump replacement and periodic carbon cleaning should be budgeted as near-certainties on any high-mileage example. With a 2012+ car, manual gearbox, and complete service history, the 1.8 TFSI is a reasonably reliable ownership proposition.
Service history
Complete Audi dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes every 15,000 km or annually with VW 502.00 specification oil.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. Uneven front tire wear may indicate worn control arm bushings.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen carefully for rattling in the first 30 seconds. This is the single most important check for timing chain tensioner condition.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds and full-throttle acceleration to check boost delivery and gearbox operation.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle test
Engine must be completely cold (overnight soak preferred). Listen at the rear of the engine for rattling in the first 1-30 seconds. Any rattle beyond 2-3 seconds indicates the tensioner needs replacement. This is critical on pre-2012 cars.
Check oil level and ask about consumption
Check the oil level, on the dipstick where one is fitted and otherwise through the MMI oil-level display, since the documented 2012 A5 procedure reads the level electronically. A level well below maximum between services indicates consumption. Ask the owner how much oil they add between changes. More than 0.5 litres per 1,000 km is a concern, especially on pre-2012 CDHB engines.
Inspect for coolant leaks around water pump area
Look for coolant stains or dried residue around the thermostat housing at the front of the engine. Check coolant level in the reservoir. Low coolant or staining indicates imminent water pump failure.
+ 4 more checksShow less
Verify gearbox type and test thoroughly
Determine whether the car has the six-speed manual or the multitronic CVT. For automatics, drive 20+ minutes and check for jerky shifts, hesitation, or warning lights. Avoid multitronic CVT models if possible.
Test boost delivery and listen for hissing
In 3rd gear at 2,000 rpm, apply firm throttle. Any hesitation, fluttering, or hissing sound indicates a failing diverter valve or boost leak.
Check for rough idle and cold-start misfires
Carbon buildup causes rough idle and misfires when cold. If the engine stumbles for the first 30 seconds, the valves likely need walnut blasting.
Scan for fault codes with VCDS
Use a VAG-specific diagnostic tool to read all control modules. Check for timing chain, misfire, boost, oil pressure, and gearbox fault codes. Cleared codes still leave a history.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Takata driver airbag inflator, European campaign 69EP (production 13 Sep 2008 - 26 Nov 2012)Critical - verify completed
Auxiliary heater fire risk, campaigns 80C5/80C6 (affected cars built 2011-2015)Verify completed
The Takata driver airbag campaign is the most critical safety recall on B8 A5s built between September 2008 and November 2012. Contact an Audi dealer with the VIN to verify all applicable recalls have been completed, as both campaigns are VIN-limited.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all B8 A5 models
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)May still apply to 2014-2016 models
Extended warrantyAvailable through Audi dealers, priced individually
All Audi A5 B8 models are outside their original 2-year factory warranty. The 12-year rust perforation warranty may still be relevant for later production cars (2014-2016). Extended warranties are available through Audi dealers but typically exclude wear items and pre-existing conditions.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
