EA888 Gen 1 vs 2.5 TFSI I5

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
2.5 TFSI I5 BUY 83/100
+48 points over EA888 Gen 1
0 / 100
AVOID EA888 Gen 1 Audi
0 / 100
BUY 2.5 TFSI I5 Audi

Specifications

EA888 Gen 1
2.5 TFSI I5
Brand
Audi
Audi
Verdict
AVOID
BUY
Reliability
35
83
Years
2006--2009
2009--present
Displacement
1984 cc
2480 cc
Layout
I4
I5
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Turbo
Power
170--211 hp
340--400 hp
Known Issues
2
2
Total Risk Cost
€1,500--€6,500
€700--€1,600

Character

EA888 Gen 1

"Notorious oil burning + plastic tensioner failure. Class-action. Avoid."

2.5 TFSI I5

"Legendary 5-cyl. 9x Engine of the Year. Forged internals. Surprisingly reliable."

Issues Comparison

EA888 Gen 1 2

◆ CRITICAL
Excessive oil consumption — design flaw €0--€3,000 20,000 km--100,000 km
◆ CRITICAL
Plastic timing chain tensioner failure €1,500--€3,500 60,000 km--130,000 km

2.5 TFSI I5 2

○ MINOR
Wastegate rattle (2015-2018 production) €300--€800 20,000 km--80,000 km
○ MINOR
Carbon buildup (DI engine) €400--€800 60,000 km--120,000 km

Models

EA888 Gen 1 17

A3 8P 2003--2008 Golf Mk5 (1K) 2003--2008 Ibiza Mk3 (6L) 2003--2008 Ibiza 6L 2004--2008 A6 C6 2005--2008 Passat B7 (3C) 2010--2014 Alhambra 710/711 2010--2020 Superb 3T 2008--2015 A3 8P 2008--2012 Golf Mk6 (5K) 2009--2012 Q3 8U 2011--2018 TT 8J 2008--2014 A3 8P 2006--2012 GR Yaris GXPA16 2020--present GR Yaris GXPA16 2024--present A4 2.0 TFSI B8 2008--2015 Sedan Q5 2.0 TFSI 8R 2008--2017 SUV

2.5 TFSI I5 5

Ducato 250/290 2011--present TT 8J 2009--2014 Q3 8U 2013--2018 A3 8Y 2022--present TT RS 2.5 TFSI 8S 2016--2023 Coupe
Full EA888 Gen 1 Report Full 2.5 TFSI I5 Report