The Audi A8 4.0 TDi engine...?

[J B L]

I am looking for a comfy motorway cruiser that will allow me to do 200+ miles a day (not everyday I might add) easily, without fuss, in maximum comfort in sometimes stop-start traffic.

The A8 looks a natural choice but although I was well aware of the 3.0 and 4.2L TDi engines I completely forgot it originally came in 4.0L version.

Can anyone give me a low down on this engine? Reliability? Consumption? General behaviour?

Cheers

[PositronicRay]

Quite old tech, Heavier and not much more poweful than the 3.0TDI |(and higher RFL bracket). Beware timing chain stretch.
For mile munching I'd choose the 3.0TDI unit, although the V8's do have huge torque, good for overtaking.

ETA the "L" is for LWB, (except S8) this was available with all engines. LWB is a bit smoother with huge rear legroom but on the 3.0TDI can push it into a higher RFL bracket.

Edited by PositronicRay on Tuesday 7th April 07:59

[Dr G]

Gruff old thing and has suffered problems; the later 4.2 is excellent, however. Stick to looking at this and the 3.0 TDI.

[J B L]

Thanks gents. There's the reason they always come up quite a bit cheaper than the rest then.

[Adrian E]

Not mentioned above is their propensity for ingesting manifold flaps with catastrophic results, which is why most have either died already or are so cheap now. Only fix is a replacement manifold, which has redesigned parts, but is a 4 figure bill for the part alone!

Don't think anyone makes bits to remove them like on the BMWs that suffer similar failures on diesel autos.

The 4.2d is a peach, by all accounts