TCL: Another tell me about for my mother's benefit (D3 A8L)

[Fritz27]

My mom has no idea what she wants but she drove an A8L 4.2 and really loved it. The thing is ridiculously loaded and I think she should go for it. Anyway, what are the potential issues with it? She has an indy shop that she trusts so assuming there's nothing that could go catastrophically wrong, she isn't that concerned with overall maintenance costs, especially since she's used to $1500 services for her old E46 M3.

Car in question



Drop some knowledge on me TCL.

[Shmi]

If you do it, please buy an extended warranty.

These are pretty solid IMO but from my experience, when things start to go they get real expensive real fast. Look out for air suspension (shocks and pump), suspension level sensors, headlight range sensors, tire pressure sensors, all manner of electronics. Check the electric engine mounts, might as well have the front control arm bushings checked out too. If the air ride goes out, you can always retrofit coilovers or just simple springs/shocks onto the car. Much cheaper than new bags/pump/control unit all around.

Also these cars have the chain-driven 4.2. IIRC the same one from the B6 S4, which had issues with chain guides, AC compressors and water pumps. I can't recall older A8s at our dealer having those same issues, but it's possible.

Recalls: Ignition coils if they haven't been done yet, also some had an issue with the driver's air bag cover and needed replacing.

Seriously these are awesome cars but I wouldn't personally buy one without an extended warranty, even coming from an out-of-warranty E46 M3 like I own. Not all of those things fail on these A8s, but when they do they're pricey.

[bzcat]

Also these cars have the chain-driven 4.2. IIRC the same one from the B6 S4, which had issues with chain guides, AC compressors and water pumps. I can't recall older A8s at our dealer having those same issues, but it's possible.

The 4.2 V8 in A6 and A8 are belt driven.

The D3 A8 are mechanically sound and reliable cars. The 4.2 V8 are pretty bullet proof and there are no major known issues with the engine. The older D2 cars tend to eat transmissions for fun but the D3 seems to hold up much better. However, the D3 are still fairly new so the longevity of air suspension, and the long term reliability of electrical components are at least open to question.

[x1000rpms]

This is a solid car and you have nothing to worry about.. but it's going to feel dog slow compared to her m3.

[DUBLUV401]

call an Audi dealer with the vin # see if you can get service history

[Shmi]

The 4.2 V8 in A6 and A8 are belt driven.

The D3 A8 are mechanically sound and reliable cars. The 4.2 V8 are pretty bullet proof and there are no major known issues with the engine. The older D2 cars tend to eat transmissions for fun but the D3 seems to hold up much better. However, the D3 are still fairly new so the longevity of air suspension, and the long term reliability of electrical components are at least open to question.

Weird, my ETKA parts catalog shows both chain and belt versions depending on engine codes:

[bzcat]

Weird, my ETKA parts catalog shows both chain and belt versions depending on engine codes:

S4 has chain drive.

A6, A8, and Q7 have belt drive.

[Shmi]

S4 has chain drive.

A6, A8, and Q7 have belt drive.

Lol I believe you, I'm just confused as to why my parts catalog would show a timing chain for an 04 A8 as pictured in that case. It threw me off when I was looking it up. It shows a chain for a BVJ engine code and a belt for a BFM/BGK code.

[what]

They switched from belt to chain sometime in the 2005 or 2006 MY, IIRC.

Amazing cars. If I wasn't scared away by maintenance and repair costs (not that they break down, but more that everything is expensive) I'd pick one up for road trips.

[Shmi]

I thought the switch was 2007 to the FSI 4.2 w/ chain. Which would still be a D3. Doesn't explain why ETKA's showing both in '04 though. Maybe it was for a different market, or maybe ETKA's just wrong. Wouldn't be the first time.

[Shmi]

Fritz - I pulled the VIN off the website and had a tech check service history. Most of this will probably show on a CARFAX report but either way -

It was last in for service late last year with ~1200 miles fewer than current.

Replaced parts are below - I can't remember the exact order and his printer wasn't working, so I don't have a copy in front of me:

Mechatronic unit replaced between 40k-45k miles. Included transmission fluid flush. Not a common A8 issue but maybe it was shifting hard. A3s and TTs had a mechatronic recall because of hard shifting problems.
Thermostat/Water Pump within the last 10k miles. (overheating issue?)
AC refrigerant recharged within last 10k miles.
MMI Unit replaced.
CD Changer replaced.
Door handle replaced. (fairly common for A8s)
Trunk lid lifter motor replaced. (also fairly common)
Vanity mirror/sun visor replaced.


Looks like it was brought in on time for service, however. It's got a lot of history under warranty.

On the plus side, a lot of expen$ive stuff has been done already, and very recently in terms of mileage.

[Fritz27]

Damn, you guys are killing it with the info.

With all this pricy stuff fixed, I think I feel a little better about her going forward with the purchase. She drove it this afternoon and absolutely loved it.

[dieselraver]

Fritz - I pulled the VIN off the website and had a tech check service history. Most of this will probably show on a CARFAX report but either way -

It was last in for service late last year with ~1200 miles fewer than current.

Replaced parts are below - I can't remember the exact order and his printer wasn't working, so I don't have a copy in front of me:

Mechatronic unit replaced between 40k-45k miles. Included transmission fluid flush. Not a common A8 issue but maybe it was shifting hard. A3s and TTs had a mechatronic recall because of hard shifting problems.
Thermostat/Water Pump within the last 10k miles. (overheating issue?)
AC refrigerant recharged within last 10k miles.
MMI Unit replaced.
CD Changer replaced.
Door handle replaced. (fairly common for A8s)
Trunk lid lifter motor replaced. (also fairly common)
Vanity mirror/sun visor replaced.


Looks like it was brought in on time for service, however. It's got a lot of history under warranty.

On the plus side, a lot of expen$ive stuff has been done already, and very recently in terms of mileage.

seriously love TCL for things like this. its like one big happy family

[phil123]

Good looking car!

[driveareliablecar]

This is a vehicle that is bought knowing it will have to be ditched after a certain amount of miles/repair bills. Go for it!