1 month into D3 S8 ownership
 

Well, one month into V10 ownership and I thought I’d write just a brief report on how I’m finding the S8.

I was quietly looking for a fully loaded facelift 4.2TDI for a while but then changed my search and went all out to find a nice S8 while trying to avoid the most common (but still nice) Daytona grey and found this one in Aqua Blue Pearlescent with beige leather and carbon trim - a colour combo which I haven't seen before. The two tone black/silver leather doesn't do much for me either. I was also looking for one with an above average spec list and I think my search paid off as I definitely found a high spec model, however, I tried to avoid one with ceramics - they seem more hassle than they're worth. The full Audi history and the fact this is a facelift car were also boxes ticked. My insurance on this is also HALF what my D2's was. :Confused:

I love the sound from cold start in the mornings. Pressing the start button and hearing the orgasmic sound of the starter motor for a few seconds before the engine fires up and the exhaust (with flaps wired open) growls for a good 30 seconds before settling down. I sometimes find myself turning the key in the ignition to start the engine then quickly running round to the back of the car just to hear it start, lol.

Another thing which is hard to ignore is the V10’s insatiable thirst for premium unleaded – I now typically see 20mpg on my daily journey. 23/24mpg is easily achievable if I’m being careful but then I soon start to think, “what’s the point? I didn’t buy a V10 to see decent fuel economy”. I look at the fuel gauge after a couple of journeys and it’s already done a quarter tank! The throttle response from standstill took a little getting used to. It’s responsive and sensitive in the first bit of pedal travel, and the gears are set up nicely for quick acceleration. Take off feels a hell of a lot quicker in sport mode too and I love the little ‘fart’ sound from the exhaust when upshifting under hard revs.

I like the fact that it can be a big luxury car in Comfort mode, ideal for cruising but put the suspension in Dynamic and it's set up for throwing it around a little more! I find the ride in Dynamic is just too harsh and bumpy for normal road driving so I leave it in Automatic most of the time which is a nice middle point. I'm considering lowering it, just by 10mm. It's also a nice feeling knowing you can have enough power to overtake or pull away from most other cars on the road after dropping a couple of gears. I've spotted a few people taking a picture of the car, it definitely gets respect on the road. At least I like to think it's of the car rather than my choice number plate which a few people have pointed out. :rolleyes:

AMI coupled with B&O sound system is the mutt’s nuts if you’re into music. It’s like a concert hall on wheels! Soooo much better than any Harmon Kardon system or Meridian and Dolby/DTS in Range Rovers.

Negative points? Well aside from the fuel consumption the only thing I can think of is the thick infrared reflective glass all round means that I very rarely get phone signal and my Android phone doesn’t seem to hook up to the Bluetooth either <<< now solved, I got a new phone and it works.

It needs a couple of minor things addressing such as the HVAC panel being a bit glitchy <<< solved (see thread here), a cracked rear lens <<< common issue so I've left it, and heated mirrors not working <<< this was solved with the new HVAC panel, plus a slight misalignment on the boot as on a lot of D3s but so far I am loving it! :D

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Nice write up, I agree with just about all you say, though I do like Daytona Grey personally. I wish I could see 20mpg though, the DIS is eerily accurate and the roads around me ensure I struggle to get it above 16mpg, but then I let it rip and think "I don't care!!"" :ROFL:

The start-up noise is amazing, almost as addictive as the throttle blip when changing down using the paddles, though I tend not to open the window as much to listen in the winter. The B&O lives up to everything I'd read about it beforehand, though I need to get up to speed on what options I have regarding what I can play through it. I use the radio and CD's mainly and I'm well aware that's not using it to its potential.

The Android phone problem seems strange, I've had two in the time I've had mine and both have connected to the car via Bluetooth and have been fine, I'm sure someone will have ideas or solutions for you +++

Welcome to D3 ownership again, hope to see you and the S8 next year at a meet or two :)

The thing that would annoy me most is the rear numberplate not being horizontal! :tuttut:

without a doubt thats poor fitting
ditch the plates and get some GB free ones with a nice blue border

B&O is an absolute must have i was a sound and lighting engineer for a while and was a DJ for 25 years. Love my Sounds

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Stunning sir and a great right up! I really love these cars and yours looks like a mighty fine example (obviously with the wrong colour interior, but we all know that:D).

Don't worry about the number plate either. Just claim it's setup such that when parked in it's normal location and orientation on your slightly sloped driveway it's perfectly level! I'd believe you.+++

It's obviously not a truly heinous crime like putting an S8 badge on a tractor engine! :D (Sorry Roberto). +++

I'll hold my hands up and say the poor rear number plate fitting is my fault. I did it in the dark after doing the plate transfer online but will refit it in due course +++

It certainly is a stunning car!

The D3 looks so much more modern than the D2. Sat side by side, you wouldn't think they were only separated by 1 generation. The D2 looks so dated by comparison ... not that that's necessarily a bad thing ... Fine wine, and all that ...

I do like the D3 S8 look though. Must get myself one some day!


As for the Bluetooth issue; have you tried another phone? It's possible that the problem lies with the phone not the car's Bluetooth. Check your phone's memory usage. As strange as that might sound, one thing I have found with Android phones is that they can develop many seemingly unrelated issues just because they're low on memory. Free up some memory by uninstalling a few apps and/or moving apps and data to an SD card, then reboot the phone and try it again.

Great plate that Rob, would definitely suit an S8 rather than a tractor though :ROFL:

Up and till i read your write up I was perfectly content with my D2 - damn you Ollie!

Come over to the Darksid3 David, you know you want to ;)