D3 A8 tdi - buying tips
Discussion
Hello gents, been looking at A8's recently, noticed that on paper the running costs between the V6 and 4.2 V8 are pretty comparable (me being in the Netherlands makes for a different calculation than in the UK, so let me leave that part out).
Enough information around on the D3 A8 itself, been looking at C6 Allroad 3.0 tdi earlier so I know a thing or two about the timing chain tensioner wearing out and learned about the 2006-ish batch of piezo injectors going faulty, having owned a C5 Allroad before I know aaaaall about leaky air suspension, though this generation of Audi's is supposed to have less trouble with bags, just needs a pump overhaul once in a while which is where bagpipingandy will be the save of the day.
Few questions though:
1. Engine: I've found a few topics on the 3.0 vs 4.2 (tdi) question in this forum, but as they're a few years old now I was wondering if anything new has popped up on the matter. I know the V8 is built very similar to the V6, yet I've never read about timing chain issues on the V8 while there seem to be a lot of problems with the first generation of V6 tdi's... is the V8 different from the V6, or is it just because the V6 is more common? And did Audi install the first generation 3.0 in all their A8's, even though the facelifted C6 A6 received the updated version?
2. Mileage: Knowing myself I'd love the power of the V8, I've always owned above average powerful cars, but I am wondering how much fuel it actually goes through on average; according to one website the 3.0 and 4.2 are only 2.3mpg apart in real life? 34.4 vs 32.1 combined, my commute is 1 mile getting out of the small town I live in, 2 miles B-road @ 60mph, 16 miles of motorway @ 85, and another 3.5 miles of B-road @ 55-60mph, usually little traffic as I start early and finish late, so I'd expect those combined figures to be realistic in my case, but I'd like to hear from owners here.
3. Transmission: I fear the transmission a little, especially on the 4.2, for example BMW saw fit to upgrade to a ZF 6HP28 with the 2007 facelifted 535d (and other 6 cylinders) and put a 6HP32 (750Nm capable) behind their V8 diesel; while Audi stuck with the weaker 6HP26A (600Nm capable) and iirc for the V6 even a 6HP19A (400Nm capable)... though ZF supplies the transmission and leaves programming to the car manufacturer, it is said Audi uses stronger parts with their transmissions, which sounds unlikely to me. As far as I know, on the 6HP26 the torque converter fails often, and all 6HP's can suffer from faulty solenoids or worn clutch packs, and all ZF transmissions need servicing/flushing after years of neglect ('lifetime', yuch), I'd love to hear some experiences on this matter especially from owners of remapped A8's.
Thank you in advance, would hate to buy the wrong car (again, I hate my BMW e61).
Enough information around on the D3 A8 itself, been looking at C6 Allroad 3.0 tdi earlier so I know a thing or two about the timing chain tensioner wearing out and learned about the 2006-ish batch of piezo injectors going faulty, having owned a C5 Allroad before I know aaaaall about leaky air suspension, though this generation of Audi's is supposed to have less trouble with bags, just needs a pump overhaul once in a while which is where bagpipingandy will be the save of the day.
Few questions though:
1. Engine: I've found a few topics on the 3.0 vs 4.2 (tdi) question in this forum, but as they're a few years old now I was wondering if anything new has popped up on the matter. I know the V8 is built very similar to the V6, yet I've never read about timing chain issues on the V8 while there seem to be a lot of problems with the first generation of V6 tdi's... is the V8 different from the V6, or is it just because the V6 is more common? And did Audi install the first generation 3.0 in all their A8's, even though the facelifted C6 A6 received the updated version?
2. Mileage: Knowing myself I'd love the power of the V8, I've always owned above average powerful cars, but I am wondering how much fuel it actually goes through on average; according to one website the 3.0 and 4.2 are only 2.3mpg apart in real life? 34.4 vs 32.1 combined, my commute is 1 mile getting out of the small town I live in, 2 miles B-road @ 60mph, 16 miles of motorway @ 85, and another 3.5 miles of B-road @ 55-60mph, usually little traffic as I start early and finish late, so I'd expect those combined figures to be realistic in my case, but I'd like to hear from owners here.
3. Transmission: I fear the transmission a little, especially on the 4.2, for example BMW saw fit to upgrade to a ZF 6HP28 with the 2007 facelifted 535d (and other 6 cylinders) and put a 6HP32 (750Nm capable) behind their V8 diesel; while Audi stuck with the weaker 6HP26A (600Nm capable) and iirc for the V6 even a 6HP19A (400Nm capable)... though ZF supplies the transmission and leaves programming to the car manufacturer, it is said Audi uses stronger parts with their transmissions, which sounds unlikely to me. As far as I know, on the 6HP26 the torque converter fails often, and all 6HP's can suffer from faulty solenoids or worn clutch packs, and all ZF transmissions need servicing/flushing after years of neglect ('lifetime', yuch), I'd love to hear some experiences on this matter especially from owners of remapped A8's.
Thank you in advance, would hate to buy the wrong car (again, I hate my BMW e61).
Service history is nice, but there are a lot of bad cars on the road that received frequent oil changes... most cars getting sold did not have recent maintenance anyway, so first thing I always do straight away after buying is change air/oil/fuel/cabin filters and engine oil, read error memory, and put it on a lift to check for play on ball joints and control arms, or damaged boots, oil/fluid leaks et cetera.
Warranty is going to be hard, might be importing an A8 from Germany as there are just a handful for sale in the Netherlands, to be honest I have no idea if I can even buy extended warranty here (especially on a 10-ish year old used car not bought at a dealership).
If the rears are worn more than the fronts, what parts should I be looking at, control arms? Or is it just because of staying within the 4% circumference margin?
Warranty is going to be hard, might be importing an A8 from Germany as there are just a handful for sale in the Netherlands, to be honest I have no idea if I can even buy extended warranty here (especially on a 10-ish year old used car not bought at a dealership).
If the rears are worn more than the fronts, what parts should I be looking at, control arms? Or is it just because of staying within the 4% circumference margin?
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