New R8 Owner - A few questions?

[jdwoodbury]

Hi folks, I have a 1st generation V8 manual coming in over Xmas and I have a few questions from current/past owners:

- What oil did you use for servicing and top-ups? I have read 0w-30 and 5-30w as listed oils from different sites, as the car has done 40k+ miles I would be tempted to go with the thicker oil
- I fancy a Milltek exhaust to release a little more noise and character, at about £1800 fitted its not a cheap option. Do you think it adds any value to the car for resale, would I be better selling it off the car later down the line? (I change cars frequently hence the question)
- As with most high bolster seats the leather is worn in a few places, actually this one is pretty good from some I have seen. I would like to get it looking a bit cleaner, has anyone used Liquid Leather for restoration?

The car is in superb condition and has been lovingly maintained so there is little for me to do other than just small finishes, I can't wait to pick it up....I really am a kid at Xmas ;-)

JD

[Trev450]

5W/30 is the better option for engine oil. Audi recommend Shell Helix Ultra but quite a few owners use Castrol Edge.

An aftermarket exhaust is a 'must have' on the R8 but unfortunately doesn't really add to the resale value. Fit it, enjoy it and remove it prior to selling.

Get yourself over to R8talk.com - it's a wealth of information.

[thebraketester]

Look at BCS exhausts. Better quality than the above and probably cheaper. Works a phone call.... Nige will sort you out.

[Nedzilla]

I use Castrol edge 5w30 in mine as I didn't want to use the Quantum longlife crap that my local Audi dealer uses. And yes,you will need to top it up now and again!

£1800 seems a bit cheap if it's a new miltek including fitting. It is a bit of a job to change the exhaust on a R8 so make sure your labour quote is correct! So from that point of view it might not be worth putting the standard one back on come resale time.

I have done the popular mod of having the exhaust valves open all the time which just gives it more growl at low revs and I'm happy enough with it. The standard exhaust makes a lovely sound imo but could just do with a bit more volume.

[jdwoodbury]

Nedzilla said:

I have done the popular mod of having the exhaust valves open all the time which just gives it more growl at low revs and I'm happy enough with it.

Thanks, do you have a link to the procedure by any chance?
I am familiar with the oil consumption, I had a B7 RS4 some time ago.

JD

[jdwoodbury]

Also if anyone knows a decent independent in the Worcs/West Midlands area I would be grateful for the recommendation.

JD

[cuprabob]

Nedzilla said:

I use Castrol edge 5w30 in mine as I didn't want to use the Quantum longlife crap that my local Audi dealer uses. And yes,you will need to top it up now and again!

Don't know if it's still the case but Quantum Longlife is rebranded Castrol Oil. Castrol Edge 5w30 is also a longlife oil as it meets VW504.00 / VW507.00

[Nedzilla]

jdwoodbury said:

Nedzilla said:

I have done the popular mod of having the exhaust valves open all the time which just gives it more growl at low revs and I'm happy enough with it.

Thanks, do you have a link to the procedure by any chance?
I am familiar with the oil consumption, I had a B7 RS4 some time ago.

JD

http://www.r8talk.com/forums/54-exhaust-systems/1822-disconnect-exhaust-valve-so-always-open.html

It's in the above thread somewhere. It's an easy enough job though,15 mins for anyone remotely handy with a spanner.

[DanL]

Going to slightly hijack this thread, as I'll be looking at R8's in the new year. The current car uses some oil, but puts up a message when it's time to top up. The S2000 I had previously needed checking regularly, which was a pain in the bum.

Which method does the R8 use? Will it prompt for a top up, or does it need checking?

[Trev450]

The V10 will prompt you. Not sure about the V8 though.

[DanL]

Trev450 said:

The V10 will prompt you. Not sure about the V8 though.

Would love a V10, but sadly out of budget! Anyone know about the V8?

[akadk]

of course the V8 will tell you when it needs oil

[jdwoodbury]

akadk said:

of course the V8 will tell you when it needs oil

Do you know I cant remember if my RS4 did now, mind you I never let it get that low. As the R8 is dry sumped I am not sure what the procedure is like for checking oil levels.

[Trev450]

jdwoodbury said:

Also if anyone knows a decent independent in the Worcs/West Midlands area I would be grateful for the recommendation.

JD

Not exactly the Midlands but I'm guessing Swindon isn't a million miles away and definately worth the trip. http://reperformance.co.uk/

[perky85]

Try www.apautomotive.com

They've fitted up a lot of R8 exhausts locally and from over the Midlands. In terms of exhaust the only way to try gain some value back is to buy something like capristo, tubi etc.

All of which the guys at AP Automotive can supply.

Edited by perky85 on Saturday 31st December 18:02

[jdwoodbury]

perky85 said:

Try www.apautomotive.com

They've fitted up a lot of R8 exhausts locally and from over the Midlands. In terms of exhaust the only way to try gain some value back is to buy something like capristo, tubi etc.

All of which the guys at AP Automotive can supply.

Edited by perky85 on Saturday 31st December 18:02

Thanks for this, in the end I went for Milltek as it was such a good price fitted and it seemed one of the more subtle exhausts. I am having it fitted by AMD, it's a bit of a jaunt but I work in London 2 days a week so thought I would time it to coincide. Worth noting these guys for the future though....