Lot 12749: 2012 Audi S5 Premium Plus

Great question! The 2012 Audi S5 with the 4.2L naturally aspirated V8 is actually one of Audi’s most reliable engines—many owners report trouble-free miles well past 180,000. That said, at 103,577 miles, there are some specific issues to keep on your radar:

Engine & Fuel System

Carbon buildup is the big one. Since this V8 uses direct injection (FSI), fuel never washes over the intake valves, leading to carbon deposits that can cause misfires, rough idle, and power loss—often appearing after 60k miles. At your mileage, this has likely already been addressed, but worth asking about.

High pressure fuel pump (HPFP) is another known weakness. These typically fail around 120k miles, causing stalling or hard starting. With 103k on the clock, this may be approaching replacement territory.

Oil Leaks

Two common sources: the oil filter housing gasket and valve cover gasket both harden with age and heat. Look for oil pooling around the front of the engine—these are relatively inexpensive parts but labor-intensive jobs.

Suspension

Control arm bushings wear out with age and aggressive cornering (which this car encourages!). Symptoms include wandering, tramlining, or clunking over bumps. The S5’s “comfort-tuned” bushings from this era are softer than ideal for performance driving.

Motor mounts also take a beating due to the V8’s weight—worn mounts cause excessive vibration under acceleration.

Cooling System

Water pump failure is common on the B8 platform. Coolant leaks from the pump or thermostat housing are typical around this mileage.

Timing Chain

Good news here—the 4.2 V8 uses a more robust timing chain system than Audi’s smaller turbo four-cylinders. Major timing chain failure is rare on this engine, though the tensioners can eventually wear.

The Verdict?

Despite this list, this engine has far fewer issues than the 2.0T found in other Audis. The naturally aspirated V8 is overbuilt and understressed. If service records show carbon cleaning and cooling system maintenance, you’re in great shape!

Want me to help you find similar S5 coupes to compare, or look into the market for these?
Check out more examples at: https://classic.com/m/audi/a5/1st-gen/s5/coupe-automatic/