Buying Audi S8 D3
Discussion
I am new to this forum but reasonably well acquainted with fast road and race cars.
I have decided I would like to find an S8 V10 and the questions I have are:
x What are the important things to look out for?
x What are the extras that would be considered advisable to have?
x Is a post face lift car (2009) with MMI 3G a much better bet than earlier cars (2006-08) with similar mileage and condition?
X Finally and most important for me: can anybody recommend a expert
who would be able inspect any car I choose to go for?
Thanks
I have decided I would like to find an S8 V10 and the questions I have are:
x What are the important things to look out for?
x What are the extras that would be considered advisable to have?
x Is a post face lift car (2009) with MMI 3G a much better bet than earlier cars (2006-08) with similar mileage and condition?
X Finally and most important for me: can anybody recommend a expert
who would be able inspect any car I choose to go for?
Thanks
Hi Durham,
I have been a D3 S8 owner for 5 years and 100,000 miles. My car is a 2006 model which has steel brakes and B&O hifi.
I would recommend you register with the A8parts.co.uk forum which will provide lots of knowledge at expertise from fellow A8 owners, most of whom have been through the common problems. Some may also be willing to help with checking out cars for you and you may also hear of forum member cars for sale.
These are sophisticated cars with lots of electronic systems driven by nearly 100 controllers hidden all over the car. Most of us have bought a diagnostic cable (vcds) to read the status of each module and see where the problems are. In some ceases, you can also change settings such as ride height.
In general they are reliable and offer superb performance in a package which is discreet, comfortable and best of, rustproof due to aluminium body.
Common issues are parking brake motors, suspension compressors, power steering pumps/ hoses, carbon build up on inlet valves (consequence FSI), loose or broken flaps in the inlet manifold, worn suspension arms, various sensors such as ride height.
My car is pre face lift and I have no experience of post face lift. As far as I am aware, you get better screen/MMI with 7 digit post code sat nav. The folks on A8parts will give you chapter and verse.
If you are in the Thames Valley, happy to show my car and talk you through my experience.
Cheers
Richardracer
I have been a D3 S8 owner for 5 years and 100,000 miles. My car is a 2006 model which has steel brakes and B&O hifi.
I would recommend you register with the A8parts.co.uk forum which will provide lots of knowledge at expertise from fellow A8 owners, most of whom have been through the common problems. Some may also be willing to help with checking out cars for you and you may also hear of forum member cars for sale.
These are sophisticated cars with lots of electronic systems driven by nearly 100 controllers hidden all over the car. Most of us have bought a diagnostic cable (vcds) to read the status of each module and see where the problems are. In some ceases, you can also change settings such as ride height.
In general they are reliable and offer superb performance in a package which is discreet, comfortable and best of, rustproof due to aluminium body.
Common issues are parking brake motors, suspension compressors, power steering pumps/ hoses, carbon build up on inlet valves (consequence FSI), loose or broken flaps in the inlet manifold, worn suspension arms, various sensors such as ride height.
My car is pre face lift and I have no experience of post face lift. As far as I am aware, you get better screen/MMI with 7 digit post code sat nav. The folks on A8parts will give you chapter and verse.
If you are in the Thames Valley, happy to show my car and talk you through my experience.
Cheers
Richardracer
Hi Durham,
There are usually few decisions on options because the cars have a very good spec to start with.
Brakes - steel or ceramic. Be aware of replacement cost of latter at £5k but if you want to go on track, it is a big fairly heavy car where ceramics would be wonderful.
Hifi - Bose of Bang & Olufsen. The latter is a rare £5k option but makes the car into a concert hall.
ACC - auto radar cruise control, maintains distance to car in front as well as speed. Rare as hens teeth.
Cheers
Richardracer
There are usually few decisions on options because the cars have a very good spec to start with.
Brakes - steel or ceramic. Be aware of replacement cost of latter at £5k but if you want to go on track, it is a big fairly heavy car where ceramics would be wonderful.
Hifi - Bose of Bang & Olufsen. The latter is a rare £5k option but makes the car into a concert hall.
ACC - auto radar cruise control, maintains distance to car in front as well as speed. Rare as hens teeth.
Cheers
Richardracer
Hi Richardracer
Many thanks for those tips. I have joined (or started the process of joining!) A8Parts.
It will be interesting to see what comes from those guys. Presently I am inclined to find a late (2009 maybe) car without ceramic brakes and with Bose if possible. May be dreaming!
Out of interest: does the racer tag to your name mean you race a bit?
Many thanks for those tips. I have joined (or started the process of joining!) A8Parts.
It will be interesting to see what comes from those guys. Presently I am inclined to find a late (2009 maybe) car without ceramic brakes and with Bose if possible. May be dreaming!
Out of interest: does the racer tag to your name mean you race a bit?
Hi Durham,
There are usually few decisions on options because the cars have a very good spec to start with.
Brakes - steel or ceramic. Be aware of replacement cost of latter at £5k but if you want to go on track, it is a big fairly heavy car where ceramics would be wonderful.
Hifi - Bose of Bang & Olufsen. The latter is a rare £5k option but makes the car into a concert hall.
ACC - auto radar cruise control, maintains distance to car in front as well as speed. Rare as hens teeth.
Cheers
Richardracer
There are usually few decisions on options because the cars have a very good spec to start with.
Brakes - steel or ceramic. Be aware of replacement cost of latter at £5k but if you want to go on track, it is a big fairly heavy car where ceramics would be wonderful.
Hifi - Bose of Bang & Olufsen. The latter is a rare £5k option but makes the car into a concert hall.
ACC - auto radar cruise control, maintains distance to car in front as well as speed. Rare as hens teeth.
Cheers
Richardracer
Durham said:
I am new to this forum but reasonably well acquainted with fast road and race cars.
I have decided I would like to find an S8 V10 and the questions I have are:
x What are the important things to look out for?
x What are the extras that would be considered advisable to have?
x Is a post face lift car (2009) with MMI 3G a much better bet than earlier cars (2006-08) with similar mileage and condition?
X Finally and most important for me: can anybody recommend a expert
who would be able inspect any car I choose to go for?
Thanks
I am about to sell mine. Had it for four years, loved every minute. Brilliant cars if well maintained and fitted with the right extras. Send me a mail and I can give you details if you're interested?I have decided I would like to find an S8 V10 and the questions I have are:
x What are the important things to look out for?
x What are the extras that would be considered advisable to have?
x Is a post face lift car (2009) with MMI 3G a much better bet than earlier cars (2006-08) with similar mileage and condition?
X Finally and most important for me: can anybody recommend a expert
who would be able inspect any car I choose to go for?
Thanks
Hi Purso
Yes I did. Very recently. It is a 2007 in Metallic Grey with Ceramics and B&O. Really good condition but there is a bit a brake judder when braking gently from about 80 (or more) MPH. Hopefully will be able to sort that. Have had the rotors, callipers and pads checked at and they all seem fine.
Will post some pictures and update my profile when i have a moment.
Happy Christmas!
Yes I did. Very recently. It is a 2007 in Metallic Grey with Ceramics and B&O. Really good condition but there is a bit a brake judder when braking gently from about 80 (or more) MPH. Hopefully will be able to sort that. Have had the rotors, callipers and pads checked at and they all seem fine.
Will post some pictures and update my profile when i have a moment.
Happy Christmas!
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