2018 Audi A5 2.9L Petrol · MM18 ABK

A recurring pattern of suspension degradation and tyre wear defines this vehicle's recent history, moving from brake and tyre advisories in 2024 to a fractured offside rear coil spring and worn front suspension linkages in 2025. While the vehicle achieved a pass on 31 March 2026, the presence of undertrays obscured several testable components during that inspection, meaning the current state of the underbody remains partially unverified. With a recorded mileage of 36,138 miles over eight years, the vehicle has averaged approximately 4,517 miles per annum. This low annual accumulation suggests a light usage profile, which typically preserves the engine and gearbox but can contribute to the premature degradation of rubber components and suspension bushings through lack of regular articulation or prolonged periods of inactivity. Particular attention must be paid to the offside front suspension, where both the lower arm bush and the upper arm ball joint were flagged for wear and play. During a test drive, listen for metallic knocks or clunks when traversing uneven road surfaces or during low-speed manoeuvring. The history of inner-edge tyre wear on both the nearside and offside front tyres, alongside the previous rear tyre wear, strongly indicates a requirement for a comprehensive four-wheel alignment check to ensure no ongoing tracking issues are accelerating component wear. The brake system has a history of thin pads and worn discs across both axles, which should be verified against current service records to ensure they have been replaced. Ensure there is no pulsation through the brake pedal or steering wheel under deceleration, which would indicate warped discs. Given the 2026 advisory regarding obscured components, a physical inspection of the underbody is necessary to confirm that no new corrosion or leaks have developed behind the engine and underbody covers.