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Best First Mods for Audi S5 B8.5 (2013–2016 Supercharged)

The Audi S5 B8.5 (2013–2016) is one of those rare cars that balances looks, performance, and refinement right out of the box….

The Audi S5 B8.5 (2013–2016) is one of those rare cars that balances looks, performance, and refinement right out of the box. But if you’re an enthusiast, you already know — stock doesn’t cut it.

Under that sleek coupe (or cabriolet) skin sits the 3.0T supercharged V6 — a powerhouse with tons of untapped potential. With just a few smart mods, you’ll have something that can pull on newer M cars, turn heads on the street, and sound like a jet taking off.

This is the complete guide to the Best First Mods for Audi S5 B8.5 (2013–2016) — real-world upgrades that make a big difference on day one.

Why Mod the B8.5 S5?

Let’s keep it real — the B8.5 S5 is one of the best platforms Audi ever made. Quattro AWD, a supercharged engine, dual-clutch transmission, aggressive RS-like styling… it checks every box.

But Audi played it safe. It’s quiet, conservative, and held back by factory tuning. That’s where the fun begins.

1. Intake System – Unleash the Whine

You haven’t experienced your S5 until you’ve heard that Eaton TVS1320 supercharger scream.

The stock airbox muffles the sound. Throwing on a high-flow intake is one of the best first mods for Audi S5 B8.5 — hands down.

Why it’s worth it:

  • Brings out the signature whine
  • Adds 10–15 hp
  • Cooler intake temps
  • Prepares you for tuning later

✅ Injen Cold Air Intake – Amazon
✅ CTS Turbo Intake – AliExpress
✅ Best Intakes for B8.5 S5 – GermanCarMods

Even at partial throttle, that whine turns heads — and it only gets better at redline.

2. Stage 1 ECU Tune – Wake the Monster

Stock, the B8.5 S5 makes around 333hp. Stage 1 tunes crank that to 400+ crank horsepower — no pulley needed.

What you get:

  • Huge bump in power
  • Sharper throttle + more boost
  • Raised rev limiter
  • Optional crackle maps (depending on tuner)

✅ Integrated Engineering Tune
✅ 034Motorsport ECU Flash
✅ Stage 1 Tune Guide – GermanCarMods

Power comes on stronger, pulls harder, and you’ll leave stock S4s, M340is, and C43s behind with ease.

3. Pulley Upgrade – Stage 2 on a Budget

Ready for even more? Drop in a smaller supercharger pulley or a dual pulley setup and go Stage 2. It’s one of the best bang-for-buck upgrades for the platform.

Benefits:

  • Faster supercharger spin = more boost
  • Supports up to 450+ hp
  • Pairs perfectly with tune + intake

✅ CTS Supercharger Pulley Kit – Amazon
✅ AliExpress Pulley Combos
✅ Pulley Install/Tuning – GermanCarMods

You’ll need a heat exchanger upgrade eventually, but for most drivers, it’s plug-and-play performance.

4. Exhaust System – Let It Breathe (and Scream)

Audi made the S5 refined and subtle. That’s cute. But you didn’t buy a supercharged coupe to sneak around like a Prius.

Best options:

  • Muffler delete – Cheap, loud, raspy
  • Resonator delete – More aggressive tone
  • Full cat-back – Best sound and flow
  • Downpipes – Big power and big volume

✅ Borla or AWE Tuning Cat-Back – Amazon
✅ Custom Quad-Tip Setup – AliExpress
✅ Best Exhaust Guide – GermanCarMods

You’ll get pops, crackles, and a proper soundtrack for every pull.

5. Carbon Rear Diffuser – RS Looks from the Back

Once you’ve got quad tips or an upgraded exhaust, don’t leave the factory bumper hanging.

A carbon fiber or gloss black diffuser completes the look and gives it that aggressive RS5 vibe.

✅ Carbon Rear Diffuser – Amazon
✅ AliExpress Rear Valence Options
✅ Diffuser Upgrade Guide – GermanCarMods

6. RS5-Style Grille – First Thing People See

Let’s be honest — the grille makes the front end. That classic honeycomb RS5 design with a black or silver border instantly makes the S5 look meaner.

Key features:

  • Black mesh
  • No plate holder
  • Audi rings + badge relocation

✅ RS Grille Kit – Amazon
✅ RS Style Front End – AliExpress
✅ Grille Mods – GermanCarMods

Install is easy with basic tools. Most kits include all mounting hardware and emblem mounts.

7. LED Headlights – Modernize the Face

Some B8.5 S5s came with xenons, but they’re getting outdated. A new set of LED headlights brings the car into 2025 — with DRL animations, sharper beam patterns, and a way more aggressive look.

✅ VLAND Headlight Kit – Amazon
✅ Black Housing LED Set – AliExpress
✅ Headlight Replacement Guide – GermanCarMods

Pair this with an RS grille and you’re golden.

8. Lowering Springs – Clean Up the Wheel Gap

Stock ride height looks weak on the S5. A quick drop makes the whole car look faster and sharper.

Suspension options:

  • Eibach Pro-Kit – Mild drop, comfort
  • H&R Sport – Lower and firmer
  • KW/ST Coilovers – Full adjustability

✅ Eibach Springs – Amazon
✅ Lowering Kits – AliExpress
✅ Lowering Tips – GermanCarMods

Aim for a 1.2–1.5″ drop to sit flush with 19s or 20s.

9. Tail Light Upgrade – Match the Rear to the Front

After all the visual mods, the stock tail lights might start looking weak. Smoked LED taillights with sequential blinkers bring that RS-level finish.

✅ LED Taillight Kits – Amazon
✅ Smoked LED Rear Lights – AliExpress
✅ Tail Light Mods – GermanCarMods

10. CarPlay + Interior Tech Boosts

Pre-2016 models might not have full Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. A plug-and-play MMI box solves that in 30 minutes.

✅ Wireless CarPlay Retrofit – Amazon

Pair it with carbon trim wraps, paddle extensions, or a flat-bottom steering wheel to finish the cockpit.

Bonus Mods for the Deep Builds

Once you’ve nailed your first 10 mods, here’s what’s next:

  • Upgraded heat exchanger (for stage 2 cooling)
  • Throttle body spacers (lower IATs)
  • Aftermarket wheels (19×9.5 with meaty tires)
  • Rear sway bar upgrade (better cornering)
  • Drilled/slotted rotors (performance + looks)

Final Thoughts – The B8.5 S5 Is a True Supercharged Sleeper

It doesn’t take much to make your Audi S5 B8.5 look, sound, and perform like an RS5. Intake, tune, exhaust, and visual mods are the key first steps. After that, the build is only limited by how far you want to take it.

Whether you’re daily driving, weekend carving, or just looking to turn heads, this car delivers — especially when modded right.

✅ Want deeper guides, install tutorials, and full build inspiration? Hit GermanCarMods.com/blogs for everything that actually works.

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