Flashark Cold Air Intake for Audi B8/B8.5 S4 S5 Q5 SQ5 3.0T V6

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  Fitment Note: Fits 3.0T Supercharged V6 models only. Does NOT fit 4.2L V8 S5, 2.0T, or 3.2L naturally aspirated models. NOT street legal in California or CARB-regulated states.*

  
  

Audi B8/B8.5 S4 S5 Q5 SQ5 3.0T V6 Cold Air Intake FAQs

Q1: Is this cold air intake legal in my state?

A1: This kit does not carry a CARB Executive Order, so it is not legal for sale or use in California (and other CARB-adopting states). If you live outside CARB-adopting states, confirm your state and local emissions rules before installing on a street-driven vehicle. For off-road or competition-only use, this kit can ship and be installed anywhere in the U.S.

Q2: Will this fit my Audi S4, S5, Q5, or SQ5?

A2: It fits 2010–2016 Audi S4 (B8 / B8.5), 2013–2017 Audi S5 (B8.5), 2013–2017 Audi Q5, and 2014–2017 Audi SQ5 models powered by the supercharged 3.0T V6 (EA837). It does not fit the 4.2L V8 S5, the 2.0T four-cylinder, or the 3.2L naturally aspirated V6 — check your engine code on the build sheet before ordering. If your year / model / engine combo is not on the fitment list, contact us with your VIN before purchasing.

Q3: How much horsepower will this add?

A3: Typical intake-only gains on a supercharged 3.0T V6 are approximately +5–15 hp / +5–15 lb-ft of torque when paired with supporting hardware. Actual results depend on the vehicle state, ECU calibration, supporting modifications, and how the heat shield is seated. For the most accurate read on this platform, see our dyno guide on the B8/B8.5 3.0T.

Q4: Will a cold air intake improve my MPG?

A4: MPG is dominated by driving habits and load. An intake alone can’t guarantee a measurable fuel-economy gain. Expect the main benefits as sharper throttle response and a more audible supercharger note rather than steady-state fuel savings.

Q5: Will this void my warranty?

A5: Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, an aftermarket part cannot void your factory warranty unless the manufacturer proves the part caused the failure. This kit is designed as a direct bolt-on replacement that keeps the factory MAF sensor location, vacuum lines, and couplers untouched. If a dealer pushes back, ask them to document the part caused the specific failure.

Q6: Will it throw a check engine light (CEL)?

A6: The kit is engineered to retain the factory MAF sensor location and bore, which keeps the MAF signal within the OEM calibration envelope. CELs on this platform are usually the result of an intake leak, an over-oiled filter (not applicable here — this kit ships with a dry filter), or a disturbed vacuum line — not the intake swap itself. The heat shield plays a big role in IAT control under heavy load; see Cold Air Intake Heat Shield: Real IAT Results and What Actually Works.

Q7: Do I need a tune after installing?

A7: No tune is required. Because the factory MAF sensor stays in its original mounting location and bore, and the factory vacuum lines are reused, the ECU stays within its design window. If you later add an aftermarket throttle body, larger supercharger pulley, or a different supercharger inlet, a custom tune becomes recommended.

Q8: Is this safe in rain or deep water?

A8: Normal rain driving is fine — the filter pulls from the factory cold-air duct and is shielded from direct splash. Avoid deep water crossings; water ingestion can cause hydrolock and severe engine damage on a supercharged 3.0T V6. If you regularly ford water, plan a high-mount or filter-relocation setup.

Q9: How do I clean the filter?

A9: The included filter is a dry, oil-free conical element. Do not oil it. Clean it with a compatible spray-on dry-filter cleaner per the kit instructions, let it dry fully, and reinstall. Re-oil only if you swap to an oiled-cotton aftermarket filter of the same dimensions.

Q10: What does it sound like?

A10: You’ll hear a deeper supercharger whine under acceleration as the smooth-bore tube and heat-shielded filter remove factory sound baffles. At steady cruise the note quiets back down. The character is more “factory-unleashed” than “aftermarket-ricey”; if you want the loudest possible note, consider a cat-back exhaust for the same platform.

Q11: What's included / what do I still need?

A11: The kit ships with the high-flow aluminum intake tube, the high-flow conical dry air filter, the heavy-duty steel heat shield with weather stripping, the silicone coupler set, and the full clamp & installation hardware. The factory MAF sensor is reused (not included in the box). You supply basic hand tools; no tune, no drilling, and no additional parts are required for a stock install.

Q12: Will it work with an aftermarket throttle body or larger supercharger inlet?

A12: The kit is engineered around the factory throttle body bore and the stock supercharger inlet geometry. If you run an oversized throttle body or an aftermarket supercharger inlet, verify the coupler size and MAF housing diameter with our support team before ordering — the factory MAF calibration expects the OEM bore.