D2 A8 4.2/S8

[sparks_E39]

Just after some insight really into running costs and common problems. I know the gearboxes can be an issue. Would it be fair to compare S8 running costs to an E39 M5? This is all just an idea, budget around £3500... want something late and if not an S8 it would need to be a 4.2 Sport.

[Adrian E]

sparks_E39 said:

Just after some insight really into running costs and common problems. I know the gearboxes can be an issue. Would it be fair to compare S8 running costs to an E39 M5? This is all just an idea, budget around £3500... want something late and if not an S8 it would need to be a 4.2 Sport.

Fuel costs are most likely comparable to an M5 - I get high teens normally. Highest tank average I've ever seen was knocking on the door of 21mpg on high octane fuel. A8 4.2 has different gearing and is a fair bit better on fuel, but loses the urgency.

Gearboxes need servicing or to have known to be replaced. Buying one at that price that hasn't had it done is likely to be a lottery. Many go on well over 100k miles but the longer it's left till it's touched the more likely it'll need a full rebuild for £2k+

There's really nothing to go wrong on these mechanically - they're very robust cars. Only non-service items mine has had in over 4 years is the gearbox range select switch (£150), a front ABS sensor (£50 for new old stock) and an alarm module (£100). I've spent a lot more than that on improvements and wear and tear stuff but nothing unexpected for its age.

A8 4.2 is getting hard to find but if one comes up with good spec and condition it's worth a shout. S8 values have firmed over the last 12 months, but only for the best examples. The doggy end of the market is pretty stagnant

[mikes2w]

I've had an S8 and also a 3.7q sport.

You'll get about 50-80 miles more from a full tank of fuel for the lesser engine. An S8 used to return around 380 miles for 80 litres of fuel

They're generally reliable. Gearbox as mentioned. Chances are the suspension arms will need done if not done already. Cambelt is also a costly job.

If I was buying again, it would be another S8.

[QuantumTokoloshi]

Another option is the D2 4.2 Quattro Sport. It has longer gearing than the S8 so gets better fuel economy, I have had 30 MPG on a long run. The QS has slightly less power 300 BHP v S8 330BHP on the earlier cars. The QS also has the S8 suspension, so handling is very decent for a large sedan, while not being jarring.

They are solid cars, if reasonably maintained. The gearbox needs an oil change at 80 - 90K, and thereafter every 20-30K, around the £250 mark, the cambelt is changed every 80K and is a big job, around £800. Consumables are reasonably priced, even renewable suspension components are not bank breaking.

There is quite a bit of information available on the web, if you are handy with a spanner. The one thing they are prone to is blocked drains in the rain scuttle and aircon condensor, I had to clear mine once or two in three years. A great option to aim for is the electric Recaro seats, which are some of the most comfortable seats I have had in a car.

I can heartily recommend them, great vehicles, mine was 18 years old and did not have a single rattle.

Edited by QuantumTokoloshi on Tuesday 24th March 12:36