S Models: Sport Variants with Model-Specific Issues
S3 (8V MQB, 2015–2020)
The 8V S3 uses the EA888 Gen 3 2.0T at 292–310hp. Same platform as the A3 8V, same service schedule — DSG at 40K, walnut blasting at 60K, VW 508.00 oil on late models. The S3 runs harder than an A3, so it benefits from slightly shorter oil change intervals (5,000 miles rather than 7,500). Suspension wear is faster given the stiffer setup; control arm inspection by 60K is sensible.
S4 — B8 vs. B9
The B8 S4 (2009–2016) uses the 3.0T supercharged V6 — the same engine as the A6 3.0T, which means the supercharger coupler concern applies. Inspect by 80K miles. Full coupler guide here.
The B9 S4 (2017+) switched to the EA839 3.0T turbocharged V6 — a fundamentally different engine architecture without the coupler. The EA839 has been solid in the first 60K miles; longer-term reliability data is still accumulating. Oil spec: VW 504.00 / 5W-30. DSG service at 40K remains.
S5 — B8 and B9
B8 S5 Coupe originally came with the 4.2 V8 FSI — naturally aspirated, excellent, and requiring timing chain attention by 100K miles. B8.5 S5 (2012+) moved to the 3.0T supercharged V6, bringing the coupler issue into the S5 as well. B9 S5 uses the same EA839 3.0T as the B9 S4. Same service considerations apply across the board.
RS Models: Full Performance Maintenance
RS3 (8V and 8Y)
The RS3 carries Audi's beloved 2.5T inline-5 engine — the same unit as the TT RS, now making 394–401hp in the 8V and 8Y generations. The 2.5T is genuinely robust for a performance engine. Key items: oil changes at 5,000-mile intervals (not the 10K displayed on the service indicator — that interval is too long for a 400hp five-cylinder being driven hard), walnut blasting by 50K, DSG service at 40K, and brake fluid every 2 years (or annually if you're doing any track days).
Engine mounts on the RS3 are a known wear item — the 2.5T's torque output accelerates mount degradation. Inspect by 60K miles; symptoms are vibration at idle and a clunk on hard acceleration that isn't the drivetrain.
RS5 (B8 and F5)
The B8 RS5 with the 4.2 V8 FSI is an exceptional car — naturally aspirated, 450hp, and a sound to match. Timing chain service by 80–100K miles. Oil consumption on the V8 at performance use is higher than the spec sheets suggest — check the level at every fill-up. Carbon cleaning every 50K on the V8 given its direct injection architecture.
The F5 RS5 (2017+) uses the EA839 2.9T biturbo V6 — same engine family as the Porsche Macan GTS and Panamera variants. Reliability has been solid in early years. No endemic issues at low to mid mileage; longer-term chain wear data is still accumulating.
RS7 (C7 and C8)
The C7 RS7 uses the 4.0 TFSI twin-turbo V8 — same engine as the S6/S7/S8 with different tune. Four timing chains, significant carbon buildup potential, demanding oil spec (VW 502.00 / 5W-40). This is a 560hp V8 in a four-door fastback; treat it like the performance machine it is and service it accordingly. Walnut blast both banks by 50K. Timing chain inspection by 80K.
Track Use and Service Intervals
If you're doing track days in any S or RS model: oil changes before and after every event, brake fluid every season, brake pad inspection after every event, and tire rotation after every other event. The service intervals published by Audi assume spirited road driving, not sustained track use. A track RS3 run on 10,000-mile oil change intervals will have bearing problems before 80K miles. It won't.