Another one bites the dust....

[Architex_mA8tey]

Sorry to hear you've got issues with the box, I feel your pain.

I'd echo what tintin said really Ron, having bitten the bullet like he did and shelled out I guess it depends from which end of the scale you are looking at things, but you've done a lot of work to that car, and if you like everything else about it then think about spreading that bulk cost over the next few years of having the car if you can!

[Nollywood]

Sorry to hear another D2 is having transmission issues. But I would look into getting the current tranny refurbished. If it's not economically viable, then by all means, put her back to stock, and sell her.

I for one would be interested in buying her, you could get a fair bit back for the extras on their own - wheels, blinds, S8 mirrors and cluster, facelift armrest, S8 exhaust etc.

And no, I wouldn't be scrapping her.

[briang9]

I tend to support the get it Refurbed option

[green A8]

I say investigate your options before sending yet another D2 to the parking lot in the sky, having put so much time and effort into your car if you do decide to get the gearbox sorted that should give you a stonking motor car for many years to come For what it's worth I prefer the first model A8 to Audi's very latest offering.

Is it me, or does the D2 feel more 'handbuilt, bespoke'. I know that my Son's D4 S8 is a very nice car, but to me it just looks and feels mass produced. He agrees with me about this, stating that this will be his last Audi, and that I think says a lot.

[The_Laird]

I'd agree completely!

I'm a real fan of the D2 and, IMHO, if you've got a good one then it's well worth keeping. I had my gearbox 'serviced' last year (it had been done once before) and plan to do that regularly. The ZF specialist advised annually, saying that you'd not leave the oiland filter in an engine for 60K miles or more, so why the gearbox?

But I know, if the gearbox did fail, then I'd simply get it sorted. The rest of the car is far too good to scrap. I know the sums would make an accountant have a fit, but I doubt any of us bought the car as an investment (ha ha!) and most of us love them (the cars, not the accountants! ).

But even so, the financial argument of what it will cost to swallow the loss and buy another car (carrying similar risks of unforseen problems) are valid.

So, if you love the car, keep it. In all probability, the gearbox is the worst thing that'll go wrong.

[Goran]

I hope you find a cheap-ish solution. The auto is such a nice car I am very tempted to keep mine. If only SynchroS8 could take us all on a gearbox repair course, didn't he take his apart recently and fixed it for a small amount of money?

[Reffro]

Originally Posted by Goran

I hope you find a cheap-ish solution. The auto is such a nice car I am very tempted to keep mine. If only SynchroS8 could take us all on a gearbox repair course, didn't he take his apart recently and fixed it for a small amount of money?

I was going to perhaps suggest seeing if he would tackle the refurb of the box for an appropriate consideration and undying gratitude.

[Goran]

Would this be an option, assuming they return the 'core charge'?
And assumint it is a reputable place.

http://europeantransmissionscom.x-sh...roductid=16211

[Norretal]

Well, I'd like to start off by saying thanks for all the responses, you've all helped convince me I really need to look into keeping my D2 on the road. I was hoping to be convinced by knowledgable people that it'd be the right thing to do and it's safe to say I have been. I've had a few days lying about in the sun to ponder it and I've come to the conclusion that repair / refurb / replacement is the right thing to do. I'll start looking into the options as soon as I get back from holiday.

I'm someone who doesn't see my car as just a means of transport, I'm quite fanatical about cleaning it and keeping it right. I've had it almost eight years now, done 40,000 miles and its been a joy to own. The fact I've spent £3k + over the last eight months says enough about how much I enjoy owning and driving it. To throw in the towel when the first major mechanical thing goes wrong just doesn't seem right. I really like the D2 and I could buy a nice S8 for five or six thousand but I'd still have a car more than ten years old and then potentially have the same issue in the future whereas I get mine fixed and I've got peace of mind (gearbox wise anyway!) and many more years of motoring in a classic car.

So, I'll see how the fault develops when I get back, I assume its in rapid decline once it starts hesitating between second and third gear, is that a sure sign? I've noticed that shifting from park into reverse (it's parked on my drive which is an incline) produces what I can only describe as a "crack" which has become more noticeable recently, sound familiar? I've also become aware of what sounds like a bearing noise (they were both renewed recently when I changed the front suspension arms to fit Brembo's) at a certain speed but I'm now thinking it could be specific to second gear only, is this also a sign that anyone has noticed before it went altogether? Sorry about all the questions but I'm aware that people on here have far more knowledge and experience than me, and may be able to give me some pointers on what to do, and what not to do. I've noticed on the transmission sticky for D2's that there is a place 30 minutes from me called Advanced Transmissions, anyone had any dealings with them and willing to provide feedback?

Once again, thanks for all the good advice, very much appreciated. I'll be sure to keep you updated on what I decide to do.

[tintin]

I think you've made the right decision, especially if you're planning on keeping the car for more than a year or two.

My experience was that once the 'box started to show signs of going, it deteriorated pretty quickly. I had a gearbox oil flush, and that just accelerated the problem, so I'd suggest not doing too many miles in it before you put it in to get it fixed.

I'd recommend Mackies, who did mine, and here's the link to their website

http://www.mackie-transmission.com

Although this cost 3k, and is in Glasgow, it's much more than a refurb - the 'box is completely dismantled and rebuilt, with any suspect parts replaced and in some cases upgraded (e.g. the torque converter). I've been running it for six months now, and am completely happy with the job they did. If you need any more info on them, there's a bit more on the thread I started when mine started to go - or just contact me directly.

Brian9, the Laird, Davids'8, and probably PsYcHe also know quite a bit about these guys, so they may be along with more info - I think they were trying to negotiate a group discount at one point