Thanks for the quick responses and advice. This is better than Google!
I can no doubt agree that driving the car to Dortmund would give me the most peace of mind (and a nice drive) but I think I'll stay closer to home for the first one.
I phoned Midlands Auto Transmissions in Kettering
http://www.automaticgearbox.co.uk/ as they are very local, seemed very professional from their website - and come recommended by Professor Peach. When asked if they used ZF Lifeguard fluids I was told that they used the exact recommended parts. I didn't want to force the issue by asking the receptionist to name the EXACT recommended parts but I still have confidence. Their website shows that they have a boardroom so why not be impressed? Their quote of £295 + VAT seemed to be around the price I was thinking it would be (I had £250 + VAT in mind). Reassuringly expensive?
I also phoned my local VAG independent in Wellingborough to get a comparative quote. £80 all in for an oil and filter change and they would use the "correct parts" too. Now call me a cynic, but that quote didn't quite sit right with me. When I asked if the sump would be dropped and the magnets inspected/cleaned I was asked: "oh, would you want that doing too?".
I've happily used them before but I just get the impression that a more "proper" job would be done at Midlands Auto Transmissions (or other recommended outlets if they were a bit closer).
I'll book the car in for early January as they are closed until the New Year.
Oh and BTW Adrian, in light of your sterling assistance with the NAV CD I am prepared to forgive you for your insult. "Diddy engine" indeed! How very dare you!
__________________
Dean
Future work on "Red Dwarf": Fridge, solar sunroof, radio-controlled clock, interior and exterior dimming mirrors, Alcantara headlining/pillars/rear shelf, rear US outer lights, passenger memory seat, rear electric (lumbar and headrest) heated seats, Servotronic.
__________________
Current:
2002 A8 D2 S8 FE -
"Red Dwarf" - Misano Red - Platinum/Silver Interior, PDC, Sat Nav Plus with BOSE and hidden Dension Bluetooth, Multi-changer, Heated Front Seats, Bi-Xenons, FE Wheels, Phone Prep with Nokia 6210, Detachable Towbar, Rear Blinds, S8 plate but no other optional extras
1st Place Winner - A8Parts Annual UK Meet 2018
1st Place Winner - A8-Freunde Annual German Meet 2018
2nd Place Winner - A8-Freunde Annual German Meet 2019
2002 A8L D2 with a factory fitted S8 engine and drivetrain - "Evergreen" - Irish Green Pearl (TBC) - magnolia leather seats with magnolia door cards/door trims, magnolia leather head-lining, extended leather pack 3 (dark green leather dash, upper door cards, steering wheel, lower dash, centre tunnel and rear parcel shelf), factory black external trim (in lieu of chrome), self-levelling suspension, Servotronic, Brembo brakes, "gullideckel" / "man-hole cover" / "pie-plate" 8Jx18 polished 10-hole design wheels typically seen on the W12, Park Distance Control, heated windscreen, multifunction steering wheel, Vavona burl (burr-walnut) wood inserts with cream/magnolia door switch trims, phone preparation to the front with Nokia 6091 phone, phone preparation to the rear with Nokia 6091 phone on the central rear console, third phone preparation in the rear centre console, rear blinds, rear headrest release feature, rear electric heated seats with lumbar and recline function (the rear passenger seat has the facility to move the front passenger seat forward), BOSE audio, Rear Screen Entertainment (RSE) with dual factory fitted Alpine screens, integrated DVD player (under the centre of the rear bench with 4 DVD storage slots) and two remote controls (the controls and inputs for the RSE are in the rear centre console and the screens can operate independently of each other,) factory supplied leather headrest covers to hide the rear screens, rear vanity mirrors (standard A8L), dark green rear wedge footrests with cream piping, front passenger memory seat, dark green floor carpeting and mats – piped in cream, rear slumber pillows for the headrests, integrated fridge with integrated tumblers inside the rear centre headrest bar compartment, solar roof, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, factory driver’s seat fire extinguisher, tire pressure monitoring system, first aid kit, 12 V socket in the boot, TRACKER, derestricted – top speed is 155mph plus
2007 A6 Allroad C6 3.0TDI Quattro - Highland Green (Audi Exclusive Colour) - Cream leather interior with Wood, Advanced MMI, Keyless, Bose, Advanced PDC, Sunroof, Heated Memory Seats, Adaptive Xenons, Adaptive Air Suspension, Servotronic
Previous (went to good homes):
2002 A8 D2 2.8 Quattro Sport -
"Big Red" - Tornado Red (Special Order) - Twist Interior, PDC, Passenger Memory Seats, Symphony II with BOSE, Heated Front Seats, Bi-Xenons, Auto-dimming Mirrors, 20" FE Wheels, Servotronic Steering
2002 A8 D2 2.8 Quattro Sport - Aqua Blue Pearl - Twist Interior, PDC, Sat Nav Plus with BOSE, Multi-changer, Heated Front Seats, Bi-Xenons, Auto-dimming Mirrors, Avus Wheels
