Audi A5 Coupe Exhaust System: Specs, Fitment & Common Faults
On the A5, power loss and smoke that looks like DPF failure on related models can genuinely be a faulty back pressure sensor.
Illustration for editorial purposes
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The Part That Announces Its Own Problems
On the Audi A5 Coupe, this is one of the few parts where your ears will catch a problem before your eyes do — a new rattle, a drone, noise that simply wasn't there a week ago. That's a genuine advantage, since it gives you an early warning most other faults don't offer.
Audi A5 Coupe Exhaust System: OEM Part Number
| Front pipe with catalytic converter (petrol) | Genuinely a different part from the diesel front pipe below — confirm your exact engine code before ordering, since petrol variants use several distinct references across the range |
|---|---|
| Front pipe with diesel particulate filter (diesel, where fitted) | A genuinely different assembly from the petrol cat pipe — combines the catalytic and particulate filtration function in one unit on most diesel engines, not sold as two separate parts |
| Centre/intermediate pipe | A genuinely separate section from both the front pipe and rear silencer, confirmed in VW Group's own workshop documentation as a distinct assembly |
| Rear silencer, front-wheel drive | VW Group's own workshop manuals confirm a genuinely different silencer and mounting arrangement for front-wheel-drive cars versus Quattro — the underbody routing differs enough that the two aren't interchangeable |
| Rear silencer, Quattro | A genuinely different silencer and mounting from the front-wheel-drive version above, to clear the rear differential and driveshaft routing |
| S5/RS5 rear silencer | A genuinely different, larger-bore system from the standard TFSI/TDI, and on some versions includes an active valve that changes the exhaust note by driving mode — not a like-for-like swap with the standard rear silencer |
S5 and RS5 models use a genuinely different, larger-bore exhaust system with a distinct sound character compared with standard TFSI/TDI versions — these aren't interchangeable. Catalytic converter theft is also a real risk on this car given the precious metals used, particularly on quattro models parked on driveways.
Audi A5 Coupe Exhaust System: What It Does
On the Audi A5 Coupe, burnt gases leave the engine through the exhaust system, which quiets them via the silencer and treats emissions through a catalytic converter and particulate filter before anything exits the tailpipe. Petrol and diesel versions frequently use entirely different systems, since their emissions treatment needs aren't the same.
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A Genuinely Useful Piece of Context Worth Knowing About DPF Diagnosis — Audi A5 Coupe Exhaust System
If you're facing power loss and heavy smoke, this is genuinely worth knowing before assuming the DPF itself has failed: documented cases on related Audi models describe these exact symptoms traced to a faulty exhaust back pressure sensor giving incorrect readings, rather than the DPF itself, worth checking this cheaper component first.
It's also genuinely worth knowing an important legal clarification: removing emissions control equipment fitted for type approval isn't legal in the UK, regardless of whether a "DPF delete" currently passes an MOT test.
Audi A5 Coupe Exhaust System: Warning Signs, DIY Difficulty & Aftermarket Advice
These are the same regardless of make or model — see our full Exhaust System Guide for warning signs and fault codes to watch for, confirming fitment against your VIN, and which aftermarket brands are worth trusting.
More Audi Exhaust System
The same part, covered across other Audi models.