Goodbye V10 diesel Phaeton hello W12 Audi

[selym]

There is an RS6 local in the very same colour, and it is stunning. Enjoy it OP.

[BIRMA]

Thanks all regarding the colour, I guess it is down to personal choice/taste but I like it. I believe the colour is, according to the Audi Exclusive colour range Samba Brown Pearl effect and in bright daylight it certainly sparkles many, many different colours.
Being a bit of a gadget freak it certainly has all the things I've been after but have failed to find in the S8 version.
On an Audi open day I tried the 4.2 V8 Diesel that was stunning and as fast as you would want. Then I tried the S8 and I was sold on the car, I still have reservations about the hot V V8 engine but was prepared to give it a go.
Then I tried the W12 version, quite hard to find one as I believe only 40 were registered in the UK. The power delivery is very difficult to describe but if anyone has tried any of the V12 Mercedes/AMG range compared to the other models you'll know. On this car in particular the 8 speed autobox is a delight as is on the rest of the later A8 range but the torque/grunt of the W12 is a surprise even using the S8 as the benchmark.

[Leveret]

BIRMA said:

I've managed to buy the registration W12 AXE from the DVLA for peanuts, I think it'll suit the car.

I found this thread idly searching 'W12' - I wonder what the odds are of it meeting my rare 2005 sports quattro W12 AYE, also bought from DVLA for peanuts!

[Paracetamol]

is it a short wheelbase?

[Leveret]

(belated reply - not often on here)......yes. It's developed a leaky front strut, takes about 2 days to go down. I diagnosed a leaky top O ring, and partially repaired it with industrial grade sealant into the the top of the strut where the bubbles appeared (soapy water test). As long as I remember to leave it in jack mode it rapidly pumps up without straining the compressor unduly - indeed, it sometimes doesn't come on, the valves just direct some air from the accumulator when turning off the jack mode. Otherwise the car bleeds air from the accumulator as it fruitlessly keeps trying to level itself and the compressor has to work hard to replenish it. I can live with it as these days it only gets driven a few days a month. I've had it nearly seven years now and it's only cost me a couple of sway bar drop link bushes and a barrel of oil, so I reckon I've had my £12k's moneysworth. Hope this tip might help someone with a leaky strut straying onto this thread, they apparently cost a lot to replace.

[Tommie38]

Bought with a warranty?

I do think cars like this are absolutely to be enjoyed when new-ish and protected by a good warranty. 18 years old and showing 171k on the clock? Not so much...!

Edited by Tommie38 on Friday 25th December 11:09

[Leveret]

No warranty, just a gamble of £12K nearly seven years ago. Only 15yrs old and 71,000 miles, so just run in.