thinking about a V8 S5
 

[knocks dust off user-name]

BIL is getting an RS5, and trading in his 2010 S5. 45k miles, manual, great condition. The dealer offered him $30k for a trade in.

I don't need the S5... but I want the S5

Who wants to talk me into or out of an S5? :D

Does it have rear sports diff ( important option IMHO)?
Secondly, does it have drive select controls (these became standard later)?
Bang & Olufsen?
Color?

They are gorgeous cars, and I don't think too much trouble.

I'm not sure how similar the '10 v8 engine is to the '04 4.2 v8 I had in my s4 avant. I believe very similar (minor updates, mine was rated 340hp). I personally prefer the 3.0"T", supercharged engine, but one thing I must say is that I'm not getting the fuel mpg's i hoped. Still only getting around 20 all-around, maybe 22-23 on longer trips. That's only 2-3 better than the v8, not 5-6 better as expected.

Also, per Galves $30k is a strong trade-in.

Hey equ, You ever think about changing the 6th gear in your old S4??

a little expensive but if I ever have to "go there" (clutch or tranny) I might order this

How about changing the rear end? Wouldn't the gears all be a bit smoother then? Also not sure how much labor would be. Agreed that the v8 s4 felt geared short as a dd (but I guess geared well for a track weapon for the 0.01% of the buyers who use it as such).

You'd have to change both front and rear, of course.

I wouldn't, though--the V8 S4s I've driven always struck me as torque challenged in the low part of the rev band. I don't think going to a taller final drive would be satisfying.

I like the way the S5s look. I love the way they sound. I think it would be a nice daily driver, but I tend to agree with equ; the V6 is a better engine, even if it doesn't have the same aural character.

I drove it again yesterday. Really fun car, and beautiful in white.
It has the sports diff, drive select, and B&O. The only thing it doesn't have is rear-view camera.
Yeah, He's picking up a loaded RS5 and Macan. I'm sure in the wash, the dealer is making out well on the deal.
I did find it insane what kind of RPM the motor is running at highway speeds. I would definitely consider something like this. The MPG is the main hold-up for me.

Since the front diff is part of the transmission, I think it would be easiest to just change the 6th gear.

http://advancedautomotion.com/shop/images/01E%20AWD.jpg

Ach! Forgot that there are two "rear" ends... Yeah, agreed. I don't know 6th didn't bother me too much, I didn't think there was any way around it. S4's always rev a good bit. FWIW, the v6 supercharged s4 has slightly *higher* highway rpm than the much less powerful 2.0T a4 in 6th. Still revs below 3,000 at 80mph.

Hard not to like the V8 S5. Beautiful car, nice interior, sounds great and has the versatility of AWD. A little underpowered considering the fairly poor fuel economy but I'd probably overlook that. If you don't like it, you could probably unload it in a few years without losing too much.