2008 Audi A5 2.7L Diesel · BP08 SSJ

A recurring theme in this 2008 Audi A5 is the intermittent failure of the engine management indicator combined with a steady progression of tyre and brake wear; the latest MOT on 6 September 2023 passed with no recorded defects, showing that recent remedial work has temporarily brought the car back into compliance after a series of earlier failures. Earlier tests reveal repeated engine MIL faults in 2018, 2019 and 2020, alongside a cluster of advisories in 2022 for front‑tyre tread near the legal limit and scored front and rear brake discs, suggesting a pattern of wear that has required attention but has not yet escalated to a failure. At 131,867 mi the vehicle averages roughly 7,300 mi per year, a mileage rate that sits comfortably within normal usage for an eighteen‑year‑old model. The MOT record shows a gap in 2021 where no test is listed, and a dual entry in November 2020 where a failure for the engine MIL was followed by a pass after repair, indicating that at least one corrective intervention occurred within the same year. The relatively consistent annual accumulation implies the car has not been subjected to extreme high‑speed or heavy‑load duty, but the mileage does mean consumables such as suspension bushings, brake discs and tyres are likely approaching the latter stages of their service life. Prospective buyers should verify that the engine management light remains extinguished under a range of operating conditions; a lingering MIL could point to unresolved sensor or ECU issues that may affect emissions and drivability. On a test drive, listen for any clunk or knock when traversing bumps, which could indicate lingering wear on the lower front suspension arm pins or bushes that were flagged as excessively worn in the 2019 failure. Examine the front and rear brake discs for surface scoring or uneven wear that could translate into pedal pulsation or reduced stopping confidence, especially given the 2022 advisories that noted pitting on all four discs. Finally, inspect the front tyres for edge wear or cupping that matches the 2022 advisories, and confirm that the tread depth exceeds the legal minimum across the entire width. Check the condition of the rear tyre that was described as slightly damaged in 2018, looking for cracks or sidewall bulges that could compromise safety. Verify that both windscreen wipers clear the glass effectively, as prior failures were recorded in 2018 but not in later tests; any hesitation or streaking may indicate worn blades or motor issues that should be addressed before regular use.