sandycec

Hi,
Newbie here. I got an great deal for a 2011 Q5 with 49k miles on it (which I know is more than average for a nearly 3 yr old car). It is a 3.2 Prestige with S-line package.

But when I did some research there were quite a few threads on some carbon build up issues with the engines on this model but there is no new information. Has anyone had first hand experience with this issue and if it keeps reoccuring.

Any other issues to watch out for?

Thanks!

Jeff-AudiUSAParts

Congrats on the new ride, and welcome to the Audi family!

jbbarrette

It's covered under Audi's warranty should there be an issue.

Congrats on the purchase!

MP4.2+6.0

I would get a full scan on the vehicle and a top to bottom inspection. Not that anything is wrong, but if you do that and find even a single issue, it will have paid for itself. Assuming this is a US vehicle, you only have <1,000 miles until the factory warranty is over (earlier of 4 years or 50K miles). If you are handy yourself and have a VAG COM (VCDS) and a good floor jack , or have a friend, you can do this yourself. The scan may pull things electronically you would not find through normal visual reviews, even really thorough ones.

Having run a bunch of Audi's through the end of the relevant warranty and well beyond, each time my final warranty punch list with a close inspection has been 3-5 items and the repair cost would have been $1,000+ (or a lot more in a few cases) at the dealer. And it's not that it will fail or have an issue the next day or month, but you can catch things that are small today (minor leaks, etc.) that can turn into more significant issues a year or two later--pump issues, motor mounts,beginnings of minor radiator or other cooling system leaks, demonstrable suspension component wear, hidden electronics and electrical gremlins that are just reporting occasional errors now, etc.

Meanwhile, enjoy the ride for the longer term!

mhousealum

I have a 2010 Q5 with 42K and my check engine light came on last week. Took it to Jim Ellis Audi in Atlanta and should be getting the car back tomorrow. It's covered under warranty and I've been driving a 2013 Allroad. I like the Allroad but like my Q more. In answer to your question, they no longer have to drop the engine. My advisor said something about putting it on a front end machine and they pressure wash the secondary air port. There could be more to it but I had to get to work and didn't have time to probe. If it's fixed, I'll be satisfied. I had no performance issues or rough starts/idling, just the check engine light.