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2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet/S5 Cabriolet

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2011 A5 Cabriolet/S5 Cabriolet.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (variable gear ratios)

The 2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet (and its performance‑focused S5 variant) is a passenger‑car cabriolet built on Audi’s modular platform, paired with an automatic gearbox that employs variable gear ratios and requires 4.9 qt of 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 oil. Its EPA fuel‑economy ratings of 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and a combined 25 mpg reflect the balance Audi struck between open‑top enjoyment and efficiency. In terms of reliability, the model year recorded 38 owner complaints, most frequently concerning air‑bag systems, and was subject to two recalls, placing it in a modestly middling spot within the A5’s overall durability record.

Model year201220112010

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.9 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 / 5W-40 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque89 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy22/30/25 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 · 760 CCA battery, OE oil filter 06J115403Q. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 48 · 760 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP255-35R19OEM · verified
Wheel / rim8.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter06J115403Q
Engine air filter8R0133843D
Fuel filter8K0201511A
Spark plug06H905601A
Front wiper blades8F1955426B alt 8K1955425A
Serpentine belt06H903137C
Thermostat06J121113A alt 06J121119B
Cabin air filter8K0819439C

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length182.7 in
Overall width72.8 in
Overall height53.9 in
Wheelbase108.3 in
Curb weight3450 lb
Track (front / rear)61.8 / 61.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)52/48

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined22 / 30 / 25 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.9 qt of 5W-30 / 5W-40 API engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 22.1 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.9 Pints
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.5 Pints
Engine Oil5W-30 · 5W-40 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.9 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · 5W-40 · API
Engine Oil Capacity9.3 qt
Engine Oil5W-30 · 5W-40 · API

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper BoltsDiagonally tighting 11 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts6.6 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts7.4 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug22.1 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs17 ft-lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts6.67 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts89 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug15.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug15.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-4-3-6-2-5
Cylinder Firing Order1-5-4-8-6-3-7-2
Spark Plug ManufacturerAudi/VW
Spark Plug Torque22 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Torque22.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Oil GroupPAG
Standard BCI Group Number48
Standard BCI Cranking Performance760 cca
Standard BCI Group Number49
Standard BCI Cranking Performance760 cca
Standard BCI Group Number49
Standard BCI Cranking Performance850 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief20-23 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature188 °F
Pressure Test14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief20-23 psi
Engine Compression159-203 PSI @ RPM. 44 maximum variation PSI.
Engine Compression159-203 PSI @ RPM. 44 maximum variation PSI.
Engine Compression145-203 PSI @ RPM. 44 maximum variation PSI.

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket26 USE NEW BOLTS ONLY ft-lbs / 22 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket26 USE NEW BOLTS ONLY ft-lbs / 22 ft-lbs
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.472 in / 0.866 in / 1.181 in / 0.984 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.472 in / 0.866 in / 1.181 in / 0.984 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.394 in / 0.787 in / 1.102 in / 0.906 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.472 in / 0.866 in / 1.181 in / 0.984 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.472 in / 0.866 in / 1.181 in / 0.984 in
Rotor Discard at or Under0.394 in / 0.787 in / 1.102 in / 0.906 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Torque to Knuckle — tightening sequence 1 stages
174, STEP 290 DEGREES
Torque to Knuckle — tightening sequence 1 stages
174, STEP 290 DEGREES
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 906 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
133 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9033 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
17 ft. lbs., step 2: 907 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., step 2: 20 ft. lbs., step 3: replace bolt and shim15 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil.

130.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
4front bolts only 6.0 ft. lbs.6 ft. lbs
590 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. · Tighten bolts at first to hand tight then continue on with the following procedure.

130.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Use new bolts coated with clean engine oil. Tighten all bolts to finger tight then continue on with the following procedure.

130.0 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees90 degrees
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
144 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9044 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
144 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4544 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
13.7 ft. lbs., step 2: 8.9 ft. lbs., step 3: 11.8 ft. lbs., step 4: step 18.43.7 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1install by hand, step 211 ft. lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
1hand tighten, step 215 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 5,000 mi; spark plugs at 55,000 mi.

At 5,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Headlamp Washer Nozzle (inspect) · Headlamp Washer System (inspect fluid level) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 10,000 miBrake System (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Headlamp Washer Nozzle (inspect) · Headlamp Washer System (inspect fluid level) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (inspect)
At 15,000 miAir Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Air Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Battery (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection)
Every 20,000 miAir Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Air Intake Hose Debris Screen (clean) · Battery (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection)
At 35,000 miBody Lock Cylinders (lubricate) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Hood Latch (lubricate) · Power Steering System (inspect fluid level) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
Every 40,000 miBody Lock Cylinders (lubricate) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · Door Hinge (lubricate) · Hood Latch (lubricate) · Power Steering System (inspect fluid level) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
At 55,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean) · Spark Plugs (replace)
Every 60,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 75,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Belt (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Owner complaints about the 2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet/S5 Cabriolet dominate in one area — the air bags, 25 of 38 reports (66%), well ahead of the next concern. That matters, because the air bags are also the target of recalls 16V-078 and 18V-082 on this vehicle — so the single most useful check before buying or servicing one is confirming they were actually performed. 1 of the reports describe a crash and 0 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the air bags pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
1101
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
38
Owner complaints
1 involved a crash · 0 a fire

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 38 complaints on record, top 7 components.

Air Bags25
Engine4
Unknown Or Other3
Power Train,Engine2
Power Train2
Fuel/Propulsion System1
Unknown Or Other,Engine1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

16V078000Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator ModuleReported 10/02/2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet… Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12…

18V082000Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator ModuleReported 30/01/2018

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2013 Audi A3, 2007-2009 A4 Cabriolet and S4 Cabriolet, 2008 RS4 Cabriolet, 2009-2012 Q5, and 2010-2012 Audi A5 Cabriolet and S5 Cabriolet… Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2018. Owners…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 1101 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TSB_2074729_32026-06-23Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides informationwhen noises/vibration are detected from front of…
TSB_2028405_52026-06-23Power TrainThis bulletin provides infomraiton when there is a Gearbox warning light; DTC P060B00…
TSB_2059335_72026-06-23Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides information when there are noises from the area around the…
TSB_2082323_12026-06-10EngineThis bulletin provides informaiton when the engine is not running smoothly, misfiring.
TSB_2052680_62026-06-04Unknown Or OtherThis Reporting Obligation requires technicains to contact the Technical Assistance Center…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific A5 Cabriolet/S5 Cabriolet. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 48 batteryVehicles taking 4.9 qtEngine oil filter 06J115403QEngine air filter 8R0133843DFuel filter 8K0201511ASpark plug 06H905601A

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBsOBD-II trouble codesTorque specificationsMaintenance schedulesFluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2011 A5 Cabriolet/S5 Cabriolet take?

4.9 qt of 5W-30 OR 5W-40 API MEETING VW SPECIFICATION VW50200, per the factory manual.

Does the 2011 A5 Cabriolet/S5 Cabriolet have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the A5 Cabriolet/S5 Cabriolet get?

EPA figures are 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined mpg.