2013-2017 Audi S5 Front Bumper: A Guide to S-Line Fitment, PDC Sensors, and Headlight Washers

Understanding the B8.5 'Facelift' Generation

The 2013-2017 Audi S5 belongs to the 'B8.5' generation, which was a significant mid-cycle refresh (or 'facelift') of the B8 platform that started in 2008. This is the most important fact to know when shopping for a front bumper. Bumpers from a 2008-2012 (B8) S5 or A5 will not fit a 2013-2017 (B8.5) vehicle due to different headlights, grille shape, and mounting points. This guide applies exclusively to the B8.5 facelift models.

Key Bumper Variations for the 2013-2017 S5

Not all B8.5 S5 bumpers are the same. When buying a replacement, you must match the options on your specific car. Using a bumper with the wrong options will result in either non-functional features or unsightly empty holes.

Parking Distance Control (PDC) Sensors

Many S5 models are equipped with ultrasonic parking sensors embedded in the front bumper. A bumper designed for PDC will have four small, circular cutouts. If your car has PDC, you must buy a bumper with these holes. If your car does not have PDC, you should buy a 'smooth' bumper without the cutouts to maintain a clean look.

Headlight Washers

Vehicles equipped with the Prestige trim level or certain lighting packages feature high-pressure headlight washers. These are small, rectangular pop-up units located below each headlight. A bumper compatible with this system will have corresponding rectangular cutouts with hinged covers. If your car has these washers, your replacement bumper must have these specific cutouts.

S5 vs. A5 S-Line Fitment

The front bumper from a 2013-2017 S5 will also physically fit an A5 of the same generation, but only if the A5 is equipped with the 'S-Line' appearance package. A base model A5 has a different bumper and grille design. The S5 and A5 S-Line share the same fundamental bumper shape, making them interchangeable provided other options (PDC, washers) match.

Black Optic Package

The Black Optic package was an option that replaced the standard chrome or aluminum-look trim with gloss black elements. This primarily affects the main center grille and the fog light grilles, not the bumper cover itself. However, used bumpers are often sold with grilles included, so it's important to verify if the included trim matches your car's package (or your desired look).

Symptoms of a Damaged Front Bumper

Unlike mechanical parts, bumper failure is almost always the result of physical impact. Symptoms are typically visual, but can also lead to electronic issues.

• Cracks, Scuffs, and Punctures: The most obvious sign of damage, ranging from minor cosmetic scrapes on the underside to large, visible cracks from a collision.
• Broken or Torn Mounting Tabs: A common issue where the bumper is pulled away from the fender or headlights. This causes poor panel alignment and can make the bumper feel loose.
• Parking Assist System Malfunction: A single damaged or disconnected parking sensor can cause the entire system to fail. This often results in a flashing parking sensor button on the dash and a loud, continuous beep when the system is activated (e.g., when putting the car in reverse).
• Sensor Warning Lights: Damage to the bumper can misalign or harm the adaptive cruise control (ACC) sensor if equipped, leading to warning lights and system deactivation.

Buying a Used 2013-2017 S5 Front Bumper: What to Check

A used OEM bumper is often a better choice than a new aftermarket one due to superior fit, material quality, and durability. However, careful inspection is key.

1. Verify the Options: First and foremost, confirm the bumper has the correct configuration for Parking Sensors and Headlight Washers to match your car.
2. Inspect All Mounting Points: Carefully check the top, side, and bottom mounting tabs. Pay special attention to the tabs that connect to the fenders and slide into the brackets under the headlights. These are often the first to break and are difficult to repair properly.
3. Look for Hidden Repairs: Check the backside of the bumper for signs of plastic welding, epoxy, or fiberglass patches. A poorly repaired bumper can crack again easily and may not fit correctly.
4. Check the Part Number: If possible, find the part number stamped on the inside of the bumper. A common part number is 8T0807065EGRU, which typically denotes a bumper for a car with headlight washers but without parking sensors. The suffix 'GRU' means the part was supplied primed and ready for paint.
5. Assess the Grilles: If the bumper includes grilles, check them for cracks and verify if they are standard or Black Optic style.

Replacement Information

Replacing the front bumper on a B8.5 S5 is a moderately involved process but is achievable for a skilled DIY mechanic.

• Difficulty: 3 out of 5
• Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
• Tools Required: Torx screwdriver set (T20, T25, T30), 10mm socket with extension, flathead screwdriver, trim removal tools, jack and jack stands.

General Procedure Overview:

1. Safely lift and support the front of the vehicle and remove the front wheels for better access.
2. Remove the screws securing the fender liner in each wheel well to access the bolts holding the bumper to the fender.
3. Remove the series of bolts along the bottom edge of the bumper connecting it to the engine undertray.
4. Remove the bolts on the top edge of the bumper, located under the hood near the radiator support.
5. Carefully pull the sides of the bumper away from the fenders to release the clips.
6. Before fully removing the bumper, disconnect the electrical connectors for the parking sensors, fog lights, and headlight washer fluid line if equipped.
7. Installation is the reverse of removal. It is highly recommended to test fit a used or new bumper before painting.

Cost Comparison: S5 Front Bumper Replacement

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

There are no known recalls specifically for the front bumper cover of the 2013-2017 Audi S5. However, several recalls exist for the model year range for other components like airbags and seatbelts. As mentioned, TSB A9120142060675_1 addresses problems with improperly seated parking sensors causing system malfunctions, a relevant concern during any bumper replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)