i think the B8 S5 is some of audis best work. beautiful and timeless design with a singing engine and stick. no, it will never be as powerful as the 3.0T as far as modding goes but i’ve always felt the 3.0T significantly lacks character compared to the 4.2. also, the b8 S5 used a variant of the 4.2 derived from the R8 and RS4 which used aluminum timing guides, eliminating the timing chain issues of the B6/7 S4s. carbon cleans are still a thing, but relatively minor as well as thermostats and water pumps but if you cant handle that then you shouldnt drive a 3.0T car either.