Audi A8 4.2 V8 Quattro
Discussion
Afternoon all,
Just finally getting round to getting a thread written up for the Audi A8 4.2 I bought last week.
The story of this car started with my obsession with the D2 A8. I have always loved luxobarges, but it's not something I had really done before. My previous commute was down A and B roads through a suburban area and it just didn't make sense to own a big car at the time. Earlier this year, I bought a house which needed some doing up. The plan was that I would renovate, redecorate and get moved in when I could. This would see my work commute changing from the short, stop/start journey I was doing to a run of about 90% dual carriageway.
The Impreza GX, which I had bought as a cheap, economical runner whilst I was working on the house, has served me well but with the move to the new place being on the cards over the next few weeks, I decided on a more appropriate car for cruising the new route to work.
I have always loved 'old' Audi. Before DLR's, blingy styling and the feeling that you were in a dressed up Volkswagen. I don't hate new Audi as such, but the older, more stoic design language and engineering style appeals to me so much more. The D2 A8 being the height of that appeal. I've driven many older luxobarges. I've probably spent the most time with E38 BMW 7's. Earlier this year I was very taken with a W220 Mercedes S320 CDi. The A8 had always been something of a mystery to me. Rare in barge circles (see the smoker barge thread), and with a distinct look about it. I had never driven one though, and the scare stories about the gearbox worried me. Then I thought "you only live once", and decided I'd rather have a go with an A8. If worst came to worst, I could later look back and laugh and reminisce about owning a luxury car. But there was every chance that it could turn out to be an amazing car. And it was certainly something that I felt passionate enough about to want to keep on the road.
I asked on Pistonheads for advice on buying an A8. Adrian E pointed me in the direction of this car, essentially flagging it up as the best one for sale in the country. He made some enquiries with the owner, as it was listed on the A8parts.co.uk forum. I wasn't expecting much of it, like most luxury cars with decent history that have been well looked after, I was expecting it to be in Norfolk, Kent, Surrey or anywhere in the pleasant south of England. That kind of car can seem rare up North.
As luck would have it, it turned out the current owner was in Middlesbrough. I was soon in touch, and the car seemed as safe a bet as any A8 for sale. It has recently been owned by the owner of the A8 parts business, and had had a number of electrical niggles rectified. In April 2012 it had had cambelt, alternator belt, tensioners and water pump changed. It's history over the past few years can be traced back through the A8 Parts forum to Pistonheads. There is a stack of history from over the years. At this age of car, I would always buy on history and condition, and the car impressed in both respects, being immaculately presented with all the toys working.
I'll list some of the equipment/features below and describe the impact they have on the car:
1) S8 Avus alloy wheels, wing mirror covers and half leather/alcantara interior fitted. I thought I'd want to swap the seats back for full leathers but they really are joyous. Heated front and rear too! Supremely comfortable and adjustable. Combined with the arm rests, they feel like sitting room chairs! There is a memory function in the key too, which you can code using the coding unit in the door. It'll store memory settings for the seats and steering wheel and revert to the settings saved on the key you use.
2) Analogue televison/Audi Navigation Plus. The analogue television is no longer working, given that the analogue broadcast signal has ceased. I may get a digital switch over kit at some point, though I can't imagine ever wanting to sit in the car watching television! The Sat Nav is on a 2007 disc, I may update this too at some point though I don't think I'll use it much! It works well though, and you can even have the directions mapped through the screen in the instrument cluster.
3) Tilt and slide sunroof with solar roof panel. Controlled by a switch next to the rear-view mirror. You can choose how far to have it open, or you can tilt it and slide it backwards. I just prefer it open fully if I'm having it open! This will really come into it's own on sunny days. The solar roof panel is used to power a cooling fan which you can set to run when you're out of the car, so you can have the car pre-chilled on hot days.
4) In car phone. Hooked up to a neat charger and cradle assembly that pops out of the passenger arm rest when you lift it up. It's an old, brick like Nokia mobile phone which still works. I will probably get a SIM card for it and make occasional use of it for a laugh.
5) Side window and rear electric blind. I love the rear electric blind. Push a button and up it pops. Not just nice for cutting out excessive glare, but a neat toy for snubbing tailgaters too. Preferably before steaming off into the distance.
6) Front and rear parking sensors. Handily, you can switch these on and off via the switch on the dash. They warning tone chooses the appropriate speakers in the cabin, giving you a 'surround sound' feel, and telling you where the hazards are by biasing the warning tone through different speakers.
A few of the other toys include the Bose Concert stereo system (makes the amazing Dolby stereo in my old Volvo S60 sound like a ham radio!), ski hatch, walnut trim, tiptronic control, xenons, double glazed windows and a few other things I have no doubt forgotten now!
To drive, it is a joy. The aluminium construction makes it feel quite nimble and the Quattro AWD allows you to feed the power progressively round corners whilst having masses of torque available to punch out once you're past the apex. Road noise is minimal too, it is incredibly refined. It's the first auto I have owned, but it certainly strikes me as a good autobox. It never seems to struggle to find the right gear, it never hesitates and the changes are so slick and smooth you barely notice them. On the little run I had last night I was averaging 26mpg, not hanging about. A dual carriageway run has seen me 32mpg, which is pretty reasonable for a 4.2 V8!
Just finally getting round to getting a thread written up for the Audi A8 4.2 I bought last week.
The story of this car started with my obsession with the D2 A8. I have always loved luxobarges, but it's not something I had really done before. My previous commute was down A and B roads through a suburban area and it just didn't make sense to own a big car at the time. Earlier this year, I bought a house which needed some doing up. The plan was that I would renovate, redecorate and get moved in when I could. This would see my work commute changing from the short, stop/start journey I was doing to a run of about 90% dual carriageway.
The Impreza GX, which I had bought as a cheap, economical runner whilst I was working on the house, has served me well but with the move to the new place being on the cards over the next few weeks, I decided on a more appropriate car for cruising the new route to work.
I have always loved 'old' Audi. Before DLR's, blingy styling and the feeling that you were in a dressed up Volkswagen. I don't hate new Audi as such, but the older, more stoic design language and engineering style appeals to me so much more. The D2 A8 being the height of that appeal. I've driven many older luxobarges. I've probably spent the most time with E38 BMW 7's. Earlier this year I was very taken with a W220 Mercedes S320 CDi. The A8 had always been something of a mystery to me. Rare in barge circles (see the smoker barge thread), and with a distinct look about it. I had never driven one though, and the scare stories about the gearbox worried me. Then I thought "you only live once", and decided I'd rather have a go with an A8. If worst came to worst, I could later look back and laugh and reminisce about owning a luxury car. But there was every chance that it could turn out to be an amazing car. And it was certainly something that I felt passionate enough about to want to keep on the road.
I asked on Pistonheads for advice on buying an A8. Adrian E pointed me in the direction of this car, essentially flagging it up as the best one for sale in the country. He made some enquiries with the owner, as it was listed on the A8parts.co.uk forum. I wasn't expecting much of it, like most luxury cars with decent history that have been well looked after, I was expecting it to be in Norfolk, Kent, Surrey or anywhere in the pleasant south of England. That kind of car can seem rare up North.
As luck would have it, it turned out the current owner was in Middlesbrough. I was soon in touch, and the car seemed as safe a bet as any A8 for sale. It has recently been owned by the owner of the A8 parts business, and had had a number of electrical niggles rectified. In April 2012 it had had cambelt, alternator belt, tensioners and water pump changed. It's history over the past few years can be traced back through the A8 Parts forum to Pistonheads. There is a stack of history from over the years. At this age of car, I would always buy on history and condition, and the car impressed in both respects, being immaculately presented with all the toys working.
I'll list some of the equipment/features below and describe the impact they have on the car:
1) S8 Avus alloy wheels, wing mirror covers and half leather/alcantara interior fitted. I thought I'd want to swap the seats back for full leathers but they really are joyous. Heated front and rear too! Supremely comfortable and adjustable. Combined with the arm rests, they feel like sitting room chairs! There is a memory function in the key too, which you can code using the coding unit in the door. It'll store memory settings for the seats and steering wheel and revert to the settings saved on the key you use.
2) Analogue televison/Audi Navigation Plus. The analogue television is no longer working, given that the analogue broadcast signal has ceased. I may get a digital switch over kit at some point, though I can't imagine ever wanting to sit in the car watching television! The Sat Nav is on a 2007 disc, I may update this too at some point though I don't think I'll use it much! It works well though, and you can even have the directions mapped through the screen in the instrument cluster.
3) Tilt and slide sunroof with solar roof panel. Controlled by a switch next to the rear-view mirror. You can choose how far to have it open, or you can tilt it and slide it backwards. I just prefer it open fully if I'm having it open! This will really come into it's own on sunny days. The solar roof panel is used to power a cooling fan which you can set to run when you're out of the car, so you can have the car pre-chilled on hot days.
4) In car phone. Hooked up to a neat charger and cradle assembly that pops out of the passenger arm rest when you lift it up. It's an old, brick like Nokia mobile phone which still works. I will probably get a SIM card for it and make occasional use of it for a laugh.
5) Side window and rear electric blind. I love the rear electric blind. Push a button and up it pops. Not just nice for cutting out excessive glare, but a neat toy for snubbing tailgaters too. Preferably before steaming off into the distance.
6) Front and rear parking sensors. Handily, you can switch these on and off via the switch on the dash. They warning tone chooses the appropriate speakers in the cabin, giving you a 'surround sound' feel, and telling you where the hazards are by biasing the warning tone through different speakers.
A few of the other toys include the Bose Concert stereo system (makes the amazing Dolby stereo in my old Volvo S60 sound like a ham radio!), ski hatch, walnut trim, tiptronic control, xenons, double glazed windows and a few other things I have no doubt forgotten now!
To drive, it is a joy. The aluminium construction makes it feel quite nimble and the Quattro AWD allows you to feed the power progressively round corners whilst having masses of torque available to punch out once you're past the apex. Road noise is minimal too, it is incredibly refined. It's the first auto I have owned, but it certainly strikes me as a good autobox. It never seems to struggle to find the right gear, it never hesitates and the changes are so slick and smooth you barely notice them. On the little run I had last night I was averaging 26mpg, not hanging about. A dual carriageway run has seen me 32mpg, which is pretty reasonable for a 4.2 V8!
It is superb. Everything I had hoped it would be and more. If I have one concern, it is only that I couldn't imagine what I could buy later in life that would impress me as much as this. Another A8? 
No, I am thrilled to bits with it.
As far as older luxury cars go, it's definitely top of the list for me.
No, I am thrilled to bits with it. As far as older luxury cars go, it's definitely top of the list for me.
Awesome barge, just bought an Audi S6 V8 myself and love it 
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
milu said:
I wish I didnt have to run an estate for my daily 'cos I'd love barge.
That's no excuse, my V8 is an estate so the dogs can come too I did have a little chuckle as I was taking it out for a spin last night. Just a quick cruise round after work to get used to the car and all the toys. I was driving along the border between Newcastle and Northumberland, and there was a girl in a white 107 somewhere behind me on one of the roads; she seemed somewhat impatient. Buzzing around behind me on a well sighted 60mph road, obviously wanting to go faster but lacking the grunt to make a pass in the space she had. Not normally a good idea either as it's a haunt for police cars in the early hours too.
Out onto a 60mph roundabout, I kept left, just cruising along. The 107 flies up the inside and we both turn out right onto a dual carrigeway. I exit at about 40mph, the 107 exits on two wheels (almost). A quick test of kickdown sees me propelled by legendary thrust. I stepped off the accelerator before I flew past the 107 (and 70mph). At the next roundabout entrance, I again slow down and ease myself in. 107 predictably flies up the inside, making a ghastly noise as we enter the next roundabout. As we entered the next dual carriageway, I slowly squeezed the throttle. Without even dropping a gear, I was away and the 107 was just blip of light in my rear view mirror. It's not the kind of car that begets showing off, or other vulgar behaviour but it does have stacks of power on tap to dispatch aggressively driven French eco-boxes.
Out onto a 60mph roundabout, I kept left, just cruising along. The 107 flies up the inside and we both turn out right onto a dual carrigeway. I exit at about 40mph, the 107 exits on two wheels (almost). A quick test of kickdown sees me propelled by legendary thrust. I stepped off the accelerator before I flew past the 107 (and 70mph). At the next roundabout entrance, I again slow down and ease myself in. 107 predictably flies up the inside, making a ghastly noise as we enter the next roundabout. As we entered the next dual carriageway, I slowly squeezed the throttle. Without even dropping a gear, I was away and the 107 was just blip of light in my rear view mirror. It's not the kind of car that begets showing off, or other vulgar behaviour but it does have stacks of power on tap to dispatch aggressively driven French eco-boxes.
Baryonyx said:
I did have a little chuckle as I was taking it out for a spin last night. Just a quick cruise round after work to get used to the car and all the toys. I was driving along the border between Newcastle and Northumberland, and there was a girl in a white 107 somewhere behind me on one of the roads; she seemed somewhat impatient. Buzzing around behind me on a well sighted 60mph road, obviously wanting to go faster but lacking the grunt to make a pass in the space she had. Not normally a good idea either as it's a haunt for police cars in the early hours too.
Out onto a 60mph roundabout, I kept left, just cruising along. The 107 flies up the inside and we both turn out right onto a dual carrigeway. I exit at about 40mph, the 107 exits on two wheels (almost). A quick test of kickdown sees me propelled by legendary thrust. I stepped off the accelerator before I flew past the 107 (and 70mph). At the next roundabout entrance, I again slow down and ease myself in. 107 predictably flies up the inside, making a ghastly noise as we enter the next roundabout. As we entered the next dual carriageway, I slowly squeezed the throttle. Without even dropping a gear, I was away and the 107 was just blip of light in my rear view mirror. It's not the kind of car that begets showing off, or other vulgar behaviour but it does have stacks of power on tap to dispatch aggressively driven French eco-boxes.
I thought I was getting followed by a tractor last week, thought 'thats going a big fast', looked in the rear view and it was a froggy 107Out onto a 60mph roundabout, I kept left, just cruising along. The 107 flies up the inside and we both turn out right onto a dual carrigeway. I exit at about 40mph, the 107 exits on two wheels (almost). A quick test of kickdown sees me propelled by legendary thrust. I stepped off the accelerator before I flew past the 107 (and 70mph). At the next roundabout entrance, I again slow down and ease myself in. 107 predictably flies up the inside, making a ghastly noise as we enter the next roundabout. As we entered the next dual carriageway, I slowly squeezed the throttle. Without even dropping a gear, I was away and the 107 was just blip of light in my rear view mirror. It's not the kind of car that begets showing off, or other vulgar behaviour but it does have stacks of power on tap to dispatch aggressively driven French eco-boxes.
sounded terrible, must be something to with 3 cyl s
t boxesDisco You said:
It sounds pretty awesome. But I don't like the wheels at all, they've been ruined for me by all the plebs fitting replicas to their mk iv golfs.
I don't think I've a Golf with the S8 Avus wheels (or more likely, fakes) on in ages. Seen plenty of these, which also look ste, but then I don't really like this wheel on Audis either. It's also a wheel that crops up on lots of small, older Audis trying to look newer than they are and looks pretty dire there too.
Truth be told, the wheels I wanted on my A8 were actually the A8 Sport wheels, as seen below...
But the S8 wheels are something of an upgrade, and they fit in with the S8 grille, wing mirror covers and interior that have been added. They also look superb in person.
On the jobs to do list, which is very small, I am awaiting the arrival of the A8/4.2 badges from the previous owner. Once I have them they shall be reattached. He also had a foglight cover on order, which will be coming to me to replace the missing one.
I question one thing,
I owned a similar model ( and was a member of A8parts ) and achieved 17 mpg. At best driving like an absolute miss daisy for a week I got no more than 23 mpg. So either you are believing a computer readout or have found a weird car that defies all reasonable laws of physics. don't get me wrong they are lovely beasts when working, but fragile and expensive when broken and certainly not capable of >20 mpg in everyday driving
If the gearbox blows its a min 2.5k and mine with an alleged rebuilt box died within 2k3k, a water leak cost me over 1k to fix ( 2" pipe between block and oil cooler with hairline crack... Think Cambelts, and huge labour bills)
Its a 60k car with 60k running costs, be careful!
I owned a similar model ( and was a member of A8parts ) and achieved 17 mpg. At best driving like an absolute miss daisy for a week I got no more than 23 mpg. So either you are believing a computer readout or have found a weird car that defies all reasonable laws of physics. don't get me wrong they are lovely beasts when working, but fragile and expensive when broken and certainly not capable of >20 mpg in everyday driving
If the gearbox blows its a min 2.5k and mine with an alleged rebuilt box died within 2k3k, a water leak cost me over 1k to fix ( 2" pipe between block and oil cooler with hairline crack... Think Cambelts, and huge labour bills)
Its a 60k car with 60k running costs, be careful!
I am sure if I thrash it I will see 17mpg, quite easily. Coasting along a dual carriageway though, I am quite sure that high 20's is achievable with little effort. The trip computer can be over-optimistic to the tune of 5-10%, I am led to believe. So scome quick scribbles and man maths would suggest my use at the moment is around 29-30mpg. It has dipped on some roads. Given that my main usage of the vehicle will be on dual carriageways, particularly in the early hours, I do not think such a figure will be unobtainable. I will of course be using it as intended when the moment arises and I expect to see a mpg return commensurate with that.
Fuel economy is not my main concern though. If it was, I would just buy a diesel, and then complain when the injectors and DPF went bang. No, I wanted a luxury car. More to the point, I wanted this luxury car. It is to my benefit that they can be had cheaply now. It is genuinely a dream car for me, and something I wanted to own. And unlike many questionable examples appearing with dealers, this has good provenance, a fine file of history and a new, sympathetic owner.
I will of course be retaining a decent war chest to see it through any repairs it needs. I will look after it lovingly and hopefully that will see me right to the car staying in good shape. I think you got stung for the gearbox though. A friend of mine previously had a 4.2 with the same 5 speed transmission which started making some funny noises. He ended up selling the car, only to then discover a local specialist who will replace the box with a reconditioned unit and a year's guarantee for £1500. Audi wanted £5000! I will be bearing them in mind, though I should note that this car has service history for the box, namely oil and filter changes, something I will continue with.
Fuel economy is not my main concern though. If it was, I would just buy a diesel, and then complain when the injectors and DPF went bang. No, I wanted a luxury car. More to the point, I wanted this luxury car. It is to my benefit that they can be had cheaply now. It is genuinely a dream car for me, and something I wanted to own. And unlike many questionable examples appearing with dealers, this has good provenance, a fine file of history and a new, sympathetic owner.
I will of course be retaining a decent war chest to see it through any repairs it needs. I will look after it lovingly and hopefully that will see me right to the car staying in good shape. I think you got stung for the gearbox though. A friend of mine previously had a 4.2 with the same 5 speed transmission which started making some funny noises. He ended up selling the car, only to then discover a local specialist who will replace the box with a reconditioned unit and a year's guarantee for £1500. Audi wanted £5000! I will be bearing them in mind, though I should note that this car has service history for the box, namely oil and filter changes, something I will continue with.
entwisi said:
I question one thing,
I owned a similar model ( and was a member of A8parts ) and achieved 17 mpg. At best driving like an absolute miss daisy for a week I got no more than 23 mpg. So either you are believing a computer readout or have found a weird car that defies all reasonable laws of physics. don't get me wrong they are lovely beasts when working, but fragile and expensive when broken and certainly not capable of >20 mpg in everyday driving
If the gearbox blows its a min 2.5k and mine with an alleged rebuilt box died within 2k3k, a water leak cost me over 1k to fix ( 2" pipe between block and oil cooler with hairline crack... Think Cambelts, and huge labour bills)
Its a 60k car with 60k running costs, be careful!
Thanks. I was getting A8 envy, but this posted reminded why I chickened out of buying one! Every one I found was due as £900 cam belt change.I owned a similar model ( and was a member of A8parts ) and achieved 17 mpg. At best driving like an absolute miss daisy for a week I got no more than 23 mpg. So either you are believing a computer readout or have found a weird car that defies all reasonable laws of physics. don't get me wrong they are lovely beasts when working, but fragile and expensive when broken and certainly not capable of >20 mpg in everyday driving
If the gearbox blows its a min 2.5k and mine with an alleged rebuilt box died within 2k3k, a water leak cost me over 1k to fix ( 2" pipe between block and oil cooler with hairline crack... Think Cambelts, and huge labour bills)
Its a 60k car with 60k running costs, be careful!
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