2009 Audi S5: Open Thread

how is the ground clearance on it? would i have to worry much about steep driveways?

how much would the replacing the tires cost?
how durable is th interior?
would you dragon it?

I am trying to decide to buy '09 BMW M3 Coupe or '09 Audi S5. I CAN'T DECIDE. HELP ME MAKE A DECISION PLEASE??

1. I love the look of S5 and how nice the interior is. It has sufficient power, but

2. The M3 is absolutely amazing and driving and handling. I swear it's glued to the road. I don't like the interior compared to Audi and find all the small buttons hard to locate when driving...

Any advice? (Guy question here: M3 or S5 attracts more silly girls?)

I would think the S5 would attract more attention, because Audis are not as common as BMWs (not that many would care about M vs S I would imagine).

My question: How much would the 420 hp V8 out of the RS4 improve this car? This one is no slouch, but would the improved hp make this a better car? Or would it need more than just increase in hp to make it a substantially better car?

I'm wondering why this VW hasn't caught fire due to electronic issues, every VW has them and this is an Audi so it's just a VW. I'm basing this off of owning my 99 VW.

Do you think this and other Audi's are overpriced for what you get (including the sharp depreciation hit I've noticed on Audi's)

ingenue007, good choices, I was in your shoes 3-4 months ago. I'm a former E46 owner, and I chose the S5, mainly due to the exclusivity factor and the fact I drive a little calmer now. The M3 was truly awesome, but not the car for me. It faster and better handling, but for me the deciding factor was the slightly choppier ride. (Get the air suspension on the audi, btw). I gave the M3 a 10 in driving experience and the S5 is a 9, but I give the audi a 10 in ride comfort and the M a 7 or 8. 0-60 in 4.8 is fast enough for me, and I'm already used to the lighter steering. Got mine in Deep Sea Blue and Tuscan Brown...drop dead gorgeous. Lots of attention and compliments, and I get priority over Aston's at the valet stand. When M3's are parked next to it, the S5 looks like its in a different league. No quality problems so far. My one gripe is the throttle response/ECU calibration...if audi would fix this, the S5 would be perfect.

There needs to be a post about the blinkers.

These A4/5 Audis shut off the LEDs on the side the blinker is flashing. Every time I see one about to turn I call padiddle, because it looks like someone had their LEDs burn out. It's not befitting of a luxury car to look like its broken (especially when it really isn't).

What are the internal differences between this motor and the one found in the rs4? I would imagine it's more than just ecu de-tuning.

Is Audi Drive Select really worth paying $2950? Better to get the 4.2 V8 or wait for next year's V6?

Audi = the sexy
BMW = performance

It's your call.

In response to the question "how much different will the RS5 be?" I'll say this:
My family had an S4 and sold it for an RS4.

The difference will be dramatic. The 420hp engine is absolutely amazing, and has power absolutely everywhere. It even pulls like no other AFTER 5k RPM.
However, I would HIGHLY recommend getting a manual...Audi's bluetooth definitely makes driving it very convenient and hassle-free.

To teamoncerider..."Is Audi Drive Select really worth paying $2950? Better to get the 4.2 V8 or wait for next year's V6?"

I live in a big city with lots of potholes, and to me the the air suspension is worth every penny. I drive to work in Comfort or Auto mode, and on the weekends or on highways switch to dynamic mode.

Go listen to the V8...and you won't ever ask that again.

Thanks audibmwfan, living in Los Angeles I do think it'll be a good option to have. Yes, I've listened to the V8 and its beatiful. I was just in between what works and new technology. Should be getting my own in a few weeks =)

to dddouggg:
The the RS motor is nearly all aluminum. The only parts that the two 4.2 Liter engines share are the water pump and a few pullies...iirc

Like someone asked above,

M3 or S5 and why?

@kingkhalas, ingenue007:

I am biased because I have an 08 M3 sedan, but I can offer you the following reasoning, the prices notwithstanding:
1. The M3's engine offers much better performance than the S5's
2. Direct injection for the S5 or RS4 can lead to sludge problem
3. Fuel economy is not significantly better despite lower tune
4. Audi has no free maintenance
5. Audi back seats are very tight even for the new chassis
6. M3 offers better handling or track performance if you are into that.

thanks pyo_s65.

Audi has "free" maintenance for an extra $25 or so a month. Last time I checked, you even get a 60 percent discount on parts/accessories when you tick that option.

I've followed the S5/A5 since it debuted and there are two questions that would help make my purchasing decision much easier.

1) For a car I'll keep 10+ years, what power-plant would IL recommend for this car (keeping in mind the cost of gas over the next 10 years)?...the current V8, next year's supercharged V6, or go economical and pick the 2.0?

2) How much total length do you have available when the rear seat is folded? (i.e. could you put a 9ft surfboard back there)

@manuelc: $25 a month is $300 a month or $1200 for 4 years. This is a great deal if it covers similar items that the BMW plan covers. 60% discount is very good as well.

@rockhurst: If I were in your shoes (Audi vs Audi), I would wait for the 3.0T. The advantages that engine has over the 4.2 is a no brainer IMO. The 2.0 is playing on a lesser league with a smaller engine and price point.

I doubt you could put a 9 foot surfboard in this car.

I've driven the current A5 and S5. Based on my experience with the A5 and its V6, I wouldn't go anywhere near the 2.0. The 6 is waaay underpowered for what this car should be; I'd think the 2.0 would be as well. Then again, imho this vehicle should only exist in two trims: S5 and RS5.

@pyo_s65: That's where I'm leaning, but I'm getting very tired of my quarterly trips to the dealer maintaining the car I've got and I'm not sure I can wait until the 3.0T drops. I LOVE the S5, but I really struggle to justify the V8 as a car to own long-term which is making me think more and more about the S4 3.0T even though the styling doesn't wow me as the S5 does.