I'm finally looking to replace the Kia and BMW with one superluxobarge. I've pretty much decided I want an A8 post 2004 diesel. The problem is there appears to be a multitude of specs and options. From what I've seen so far I want

-Diesel

-4 zone climate control

-heated front and rear seats

-Nav/cd changer.

-DAB

-Preferably BOSE sound but not essential

I've been and looked at 1 and had a play with the media system. It has air suspension that was controlled from the mmi unit. Anyone know if this is standard?

Does anyone have any info on these? Ideal must have spec? Not much info out there if seems..

I don't know much, but as I'm looking to move to an auto (to avoid a DMF) I will tell you this from what I've found....

the multitronic gearbox looks to be a bad idea.

There is a member here with an older A8 barge.

 

As I recall other than biblical fuel consumption and an oil leak it's been pretty good. Worth searching around to find out who.

Mannyo

Options on Audis are infinite and everyone will be different, just have a browse round the cars for sale, something with the spec you want will be out there, somewhere.

Thanks. Will keep looking..

Got one. Finance agreed just need to go and drive it and check it out. It's 80 miles away so got the finance agreed in principle first! A8 4.0 TDI LWB with Bose, 4 zone climate, nav, digital tv, air suspension, rear blinds and heated seats all round! And it's the LWB model!!

Lucky bugger. Mega jel as they say in essex. 

Got one. Finance agreed just need to go and drive it and check it out. It's 80 miles away so got the finance agreed in principle first! A8 4.0 TDI LWB with Bose, 4 zone climate, nav, digital tv, air suspension, rear blinds and heated seats all round! And it's the LWB model!!

 

Nice choice, just remember that the LWB model is not considered the most desirable model and could prove difficult to sell later. Only reason being the size, the standard wheelbase version is bad enough for driving round multi stories. LWB versions usually sell for less than the SWB version as a result.

 

I've had my 3.7 petrol for almost 2 years, and yes apart from an oil leak and less than 10mpg around town its been great.

 

I have been looking at replacing with the better 3.0TDi, its not much slower but has a lot less things to go wrong. The twin turbo 4.0TDI sounds great and is very smooth, just if it goes wrong its going be VERY expensive to fix. The last owner of my 3.7 petrol had a near 4K bill from Audi in 2008 to replace the oil cooler for example.

 

Air suspension is standard across the whole range. Things to loo for, make sure the car is not sitting wonky with the engine off. if it is then there is a leak in the system somewhere. Also check that the electronic handbrake works, as its very expensive (read new calliper) to fix it at £200+ per side.

 

Get a good one and they are amazing, however get a bad one and it can become a money pit very quickly.

Hi Mannyo. Interesting info. Twin Turbo? Is it?? I didn't know that.

If there's any issue I will have a decent warranty on it and I'm buying it on Finance for a bit of extra protection. The LWB takes my fancy cause it is cheaper than some of the standard ones and because it a huge. I do a lot of cruising and I don't use multi storeys. I struggled in the Superb.

As for the air suspension I'll check it out but if there's anything wrong I'll get it sorted prior to collection or walk away.

Don't suppose you know if DAB is standard?

Enjoy your new wheels,

Have a good read on here. http://forum.a8parts.co.uk some good info on there.

Well I didn't go or it as there was just something not quite right. I don't know what..just didnt feel right.

Anyway I'm back on the search and have now begun considering the VW Phaeton. Not as many toys though and a bit smaller. But hand built and same chassis as a Bentley GT..hmmm

There was someone on here who had a Phaeton, will try and remember who it was.