[MattR99]

I'm just looking at buying a 2012 S5 Sportback from an independent dealer. It's done 78k miles.

Can anybody point me to the correct service schedule for UK cars? I've been looking around but everything I find online turns out to be for the US, and I'm not sure if there are any differences. The US info I found seems to suggest 75k is a big service, with V belt for the supercharger, plus S-Tronic oil change. Not sure when plugs are due?

Any pointers on what I need to check has been done before I commit to buying would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Dave Kwatro]

It depends on the previous services. Yes the US schedule is the same.

S-tronic service every 40k niles
Supercharger belt is every 55k miles
Plugs 55k miles
Oil depends on flexi or fixed intervals, but I would change at the most 10k miles on a non tuned car. I do mine normally every 6-7k miles, but now I do less miles a year, still every year regardless of mileage.
Air filter 35k miles
Cabin filter and brake fluid every 2 years.

There aren't really big expensive scheduled services. Even the S-tronic is around £280 at the dealer!

 

[MattR99]

That's really helpful, thanks Dave!

 

[Dippy]

A 2012 S5 will have the 2nd version of the 0B5 s-tronic gearbox. By implication it is better than the 1st version but not the 3rd version, and there have been enough reports of problems on 2013 and earlier cars to be cautious. Service is paramount and unfortunately some owners missed gearbox services. If an S5 with 78K miles has not had 2 gearbox services my advice is walk away. If it only had one service check when it was - if it was late then proceed with caution.

 

[MattR99]

A 2012 S5 will have the 2nd version of the 0B5 s-tronic gearbox. By implication it is better than the 1st version but not the 3rd version, and there have been enough reports of problems on 2013 and earlier cars to be cautious. Service is paramount and unfortunately some owners missed gearbox services. If an S5 with 78K miles has not had 2 gearbox services my advice is walk away. If it only had one service check when it was - if it was late then proceed with caution.

Thanks, great advice. I certainly plan to grill them on the service history. I have the car reserved but it is currently in their prep workshop ahead of being available, so I have the questions lined up!