'09 vs. '10 changes or fixes?
 

In our considerations for a replacement of my wife's X5 we are looking at '09 and 2010 Q5's. I own an 01.5 S4 (back when the "S" actually denoted some performance ;)) and want the Sline package for the Q5 as well albiet mostly cosmetic, as well as a certified warranty.

(1) I am leaning towards the 3.2l vs. the 2.0t, can someone who's driven both please weigh in on perfermance and handling differences for me? After the warranty is up the idea of tuning the turbo is appealing vs. the NA engine.

I like to avoid the first model year any vehicle comes out as there are usually always issues that are flawed and fixed for subsequent years (some would call it the guinea pig effect) I am wondering if this is the case with the Q5?

(2) Are there any issues with the '09's that were improved or rectified on the 2010 models, or performance changes that I need to be aware of?

Thanks!

2009 was the best year IMHO. No servotronic steering, heated seats that actually work, no 2.0T engine, best looking 20" Sline wheels and it displayed what gear you were in rather than just D or S.

As you can see in my signature I didn't order another one.

The gear display is changed in 5 minutes with a vagcom change...
while NO difference in performance, etc... it is one of my favorite changes so far...right up there with the cute gauge sweep !!!

the 2.0T has more torque than the 3.2, but only 211 hp to the 3.2's 240 iirc?

the 2.0 has the best auto transmission I've ever had - the 8 speed is a joy to drive and is always in the right gear (especially if in the S mode where it holds gears for response and quicker shifts)

coming from the turbo diesel world and seeing increases of 150 hp and 250 lbft for $400 ... I am let down on the 50 hp increase (if that) for $1500 :)

Will probably still do it in time, but awaiting a little more break in...


given the popularity of these, I'm not sure you will benefit that much from going used... higher interest rates and higher resale seems to be the rule...

We came very close to an x5 purchase, but soon as the wife saw the Q and the difference in price... it was an easy decision...

good luck !

Not everyone has 350 for a vagcom to render what was already there in 09'. If he lives in a colder climate he will appreciate having heated seats that work. Nor will he get a 2.0T in NA in 2009 and 10.

Is it confirmed that 2010 and later models received a revision to the heated seats? And what does "Nor will he get a 2.0T in NA in 2009 and 10" even mean? If you are not happy with the 2.0T, the same 3.2L engine is still offered.

It means the 2.0T came out in 2011 if he lives in North America! Also after 09' the heated seat temps were cut back, a lot of complaints here.

Well that answers the question of 2.0t or 3.2 if we're looking at '09's and '10's it sounds like I'll be looking at 3.2's!:D

Can anyone else think of an issue I need to be aware of when looking at and driving '09's, or something that was fixed after that model year?

The lack of response is a good thing, right?

2009 has the TPMS in the wheel, 2010 they moved it to the external or hub/wheel sensor.
If you run different wheels you will need to buy sensors for the '09.

Sorry I don't have time right now to look it up so going from memory issues with the 09/10 3.2s have been:

Leaking injectors

Plastic water pump failing and stranding folks (a recall was issued but you'd want to verify it's been replaced)

Issue with a hose in the steering column (there's a service bulletin about this)

Several folks have complained of rough shifting when starting/stopping

DRLs have gone out (I think there was a recall for this)

And yes the 2010 heated seats suck.

That's all I can think of at the mo.