Stylish four-cylinder diesel coupe and sportback built on the proven B8 platform, shared with the A4 and Q5. European cars ran the 2.0 TDI at 136, 143, 150, 170, 177 and, in 2014-2015, 190 hp. Most are the EA189, which is fundamentally solid and economical; the 190 hp car uses the CNHA, which Audi classes as EA288 Gen I and which is therefore outside the EA189 emissions action. Most examples are automatics (multitronic CVT or S-tronic dual-clutch), and the transmission choice matters more for reliability than the engine itself.· more· less
Economical and refined diesel engineElegant design, strong residual value
Automatic gearbox reliability concernsDPF/EGR issues on short-trip cars
Buy if: You want a stylish diesel grand tourer with good fuel economy and can verify the transmission has been properly serviced.
Avoid if: You mainly drive short urban trips (DPF problems) or the car has a multitronic CVT with unknown service history.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€12,500
median asking price, typically 195,000 km
Typical range€9,900 – €15,900
Maintenance cost
€900 – €1,600/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€550 – €900 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€350 – €700 /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.
Diesel particulate filter clogs if the car is driven mainly on short urban trips · more· less
The DPF requires regular passive regeneration during sustained motorway driving at higher RPMs. Cars used primarily for short urban trips below 15 km often fail to complete regeneration cycles, causing soot buildup. Early symptoms include a DPF warning light and reduced performance. Professional DPF cleaning costs around €250-500. If cleaning fails, replacement costs €800-1,500 with an aftermarket unit, or up to €2,000 with a genuine Audi part. Prevention is straightforward: regular motorway runs of 30+ minutes at 2,500+ RPM. Cars with complete service history showing mainly motorway use are significantly less likely to have DPF issues.
EGR valve and cooler failure
€400 - 1,2002 of 7
EGR valve clogs with carbon deposits, cooler can develop coolant leaks · more· less
The exhaust gas recirculation valve accumulates carbon deposits over time, especially in engines that do a lot of short trips or low-RPM driving. Symptoms include rough idle, poor acceleration, increased fuel consumption, and the engine management light illuminating. The EGR valve itself can be cleaned for €100-200 at an independent specialist, but if the valve or cooler needs replacement, costs run €400-800 at an independent shop. Audi dealer quotes for EGR cooler replacement with all associated parts can reach €1,200. Cleaning the EGR and intake manifold during scheduled servicing is a worthwhile preventive measure.
S-tronic (DL501) mechatronic failure
€1,500 - 3,5003 of 7
7-speed S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox suffers mechatronic unit and solenoid wear · more· less
The DL501 (0B5) 7-speed S-tronic transmission is the most common automatic in the A5 with quattro. The mechatronic unit is the most frequent failure point, with solenoid valves wearing out due to contamination from internal component breakdown. Symptoms include harsh shifting, hesitation between gears, loss of reverse, and limp mode. Early B8 models (2009-2012) are most affected. A mechatronic repair kit costs around €300-500, but complete repair with labor typically runs €1,500-2,500 at a specialist. Full mechatronic replacement at an Audi dealer can reach €3,500. Regular S-tronic fluid changes every 60,000 km are essential prevention. Manual gearbox and multitronic-equipped cars are not affected by this issue.
Multitronic CVT chain and valve body wear
€1,200 - 3,0004 of 7
CVT transmission suffers chain stretch, jerking, and valve body faults at higher mileage · more· less
Front-wheel drive A5 models use the multitronic CVT instead of S-tronic. This transmission can develop problems including chain stretch, jerking during acceleration (especially between 30-50 km/h), and valve body faults. Symptoms often appear after 100,000 km if fluid changes were neglected. Gearbox driver replacement costs around €1,000-1,300 including labor. Chain and oil replacement adds approximately €300-500. Full gearbox rebuild or replacement runs €2,000-3,000. Prevention: regular CVT fluid changes every 60,000 km using the correct Audi-specified fluid. S-tronic and manual gearbox cars are not affected.
Turbocharger actuator or wastegate failure
€500 - 2,0005 of 7
Electronic turbo actuator sticks or wastegate develops play, causing boost loss · more· less
The turbo actuator can stick due to carbon buildup, particularly on cars driven gently at low RPMs. Symptoms include EPC warning light, limp mode, and loss of power. Fault code P00AF is common. Actuator repair at a specialist costs around €300-500, avoiding the need for complete turbo replacement. However, if the turbo internals are damaged (worn bearings or shaft play), a full turbo replacement costs €1,200-2,000 including labor. Complete turbo failure is uncommon on well-maintained engines. Regular spirited driving helps prevent actuator sticking.
Oil pressure drop at idle (CGLC 177 hp engine)
€2,000 - 5,0006 of 7
177 hp CGLC variant suffers from low oil pressure at idle when engine is hot · more· less
This is a documented design issue specific to the 177 hp CGLC engine code. When oil temperature exceeds 100 degrees Celsius, oil pressure drops below the safe threshold at idle, triggering a 'stop engine, check oil level' warning. The root cause is excessive clearance in the aluminum cylinder head's camshaft bearings, which cannot be replaced individually. Solutions include cylinder head replacement or used engine swap. Audi's procedure for the CGLC expects 1.0 to 3.5 bar at idle at operating temperature; the widely quoted 0.8 bar figure belongs to the earlier CAGA and CAHA family. The engine has only a pressure switch, so a real reading needs a mechanical pressure tester rather than a diagnostic scan. The 143 hp CAGA and 170 hp CAHA variants are less commonly affected. When buying, have the oil pressure measured with a mechanical tester while the engine is fully warm and idling.
Dual mass flywheel wear
€1,200 - 2,5007 of 7
The DMF wears out on manual cars and on the 177 hp S-tronic, causing vibration and rattling at idle · more· less
Manual A5s use a dual mass flywheel to absorb drivetrain vibrations, and so does the 177 hp CGLC with the DL501 seven-speed S-tronic, so this is not a manual-only concern. Over time (typically 150,000+ km), the DMF springs weaken, causing a distinctive rattle at idle, vibrations through the clutch pedal, and hard shifting. Replacement usually includes a new clutch kit, making the total job €1,200-2,500 depending on parts choice. OEM LuK or Sachs kits cost approximately €500-700 for parts alone. This is a wear item that turns up eventually on any car that has one, and aggressive driving or the extra torque from a remap brings it forward. Cars with the multitronic CVT are not affected.
Solid diesel engine, but transmission and emissions system need attention
The 2.0 TDI EA189 engine is fundamentally reliable and can exceed 250,000 km with proper care. The main risk areas are the automatic transmission (both S-tronic and multitronic have documented weaknesses) and the diesel emissions components (DPF, EGR). Cars with complete service history, regular motorway use, and documented transmission fluid changes are significantly more dependable. The 177 hp CGLC variant has a specific oil pressure vulnerability that should be checked before purchase.
Service history
Complete Audi dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes, transmission fluid changes, and timing belt replacement.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear. Uneven front tire wear may indicate suspension issues.
Cold start
Start the engine completely cold. Listen for unusual rattling, ticking, or excessive diesel clatter.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including both urban and motorway driving. Pay attention to gearbox behavior when warm.
Specific for this vehicle
Check oil pressure at operating temperature
Have the oil pressure measured with a mechanical pressure tester while the engine is fully warm and idling. This engine has only a pressure switch, so a diagnostic scan cannot give you the number. Audi's CGLC specification is 1.0 to 3.5 bar at idle. Particularly important on 177 hp CGLC engines.
Test automatic transmission thoroughly
Drive for 20+ minutes until warm. Check for harsh shifts, hesitation, jerking between 30-50 km/h, and loss of reverse gear. Both S-tronic and multitronic need checking.
Check DPF condition with diagnostics
Read DPF soot loading and ash content via VCDS. Ask about the car's typical driving pattern. High soot loading indicates a car used mainly for short trips.
+ 4 more checksShow less
Inspect for EGR valve issues
Check for rough idle, excessive exhaust smoke, and EGR-related fault codes. Carbon buildup in the intake manifold is a related concern.
Verify Dieselgate recall completion
All EA189 2.0 TDI engines are affected by the emissions scandal recall. Verify with Audi using VIN that the software update has been applied.
Check timing belt replacement history
Audi's European guidance for this car gives the timing belt at 210,000 km with no time limit attached. If no record exists, budget for immediate replacement.
Listen for turbo whine or rattle
Drive under load and listen for unusual turbo noises. Check for oil residue around the turbo and intercooler piping.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Dieselgate emissions software recall - all EA189 2.0 TDI cars built 2008-2015; the 190 hp CNHA is an EA288 engine and is not part of itCritical - verify completed
Auxiliary heater connector overheating with fire risk - European campaign 80C6, in the UK R/2017/334, for A5s built 2011-2015Critical - verify completed
Takata airbag inflator - Audi France lists the European A5, Sportback and Cabriolet applications principally for 2009-2011 production, so confirm by VINVerify completed
The Dieselgate emissions recall is the most important to verify, and owners report increased fuel consumption and rougher running after the software update. The auxiliary heater campaign is the safety-critical one. Contact Audi with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The airbag control unit corrosion campaign that turns up in searches was issued for the USA and Canada.
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. Extended warranties are available through Audi dealers but 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.
