S5owneralmost

Anyone with an S5 notice pinging noises while accelerating? I noticed this past week. Just hit 16k miles. I will take it in to the dealership, but I expect their response to be “always use premium fuel” which I do. Never once have I used less than 93.

RedKloud

I hear a whistling sound under moderate acceleration - around 3K RPMs in 3rd and 4th gear. Apparently that is normal for this engine.

Nikon1

No pinging from my engine. Granted just under 5K miles but no “unusual / strange noises” from under my hood.

— John

Glisse

I don't have any pinging from either of mine, one tuned one stock. In fact, I haven't experienced detonation / pinging in any car of recent vintage. They'll adjust timing and reduce boost if there is any detonation - so you just lose some power instead. And that's assuming an octane issue. Or perhaps a bad batch of winter fuel with a high butane content, etc. Which doesn't sound your issue.

The final exhaust valve / flap opens around 3000rpm or similar, maybe it sticking or noisy? Can't think what else it may be.

S5owneralmost

That’s encouraging to hear no one saying “me too” so far. I don’t recall the RPMs when I heard the noise. I’ll have to take it out for a spin to listen. I’ll still have the dealer look into it. I’m due for my annual service early July. Thanks!

-=Hot|Ice=-

I hear a ticking, but it comes from the transmission being in too low of a gear. The car sounds like it is going to stall.

Nikon1

I believe you mean too high of a gear. Too low of a gear would have the engine racing.

— John

-=Hot|Ice=-

The car literally starts clattering because it is in too low of a year and it won't shift down. It makes that stalling sound.

Glisse

It's sending you a subliminal message to get it out of D mode and drive it properly

BarkinMadDog

Yes, i had this. Mine sounded like pre-ignition, or a dry bearing. Most pronounced when the engine was under load at 1500 to 3000RPM. Started at <10k miles, multiple trips to the dealer who heard it but didn't know what to do about it. They were planning to schedule time with their regional tech expert. However as of a month ago (17k miles) it went away all on its own.

My current theory is fuel related. Don't know if the summer fuel switchover has happened here in the US but i'm happy the sound has gone.