S8 - poor change quality when cold

[Duffy]

Hi Guys

a quick question re my 2008 S8.

I've just come from a D2 S8 and a D4 A8, both of which had better gearchange quality than the D3 S8.

The torqueconverter or gear engagement is pretty harsh when cold, and setting off in first from stationary is an exercise in trial and error until it all warms up.

There are no codes, the box has only done 49K and is seamless otherwise.

Is this par for the course?

Thanks!

[richardracer]

Hi Duffy,

Mine is very smooth, even when cold. Mileage 144,000, last gearbox oil change at 120,000.

Regards

Richardracer

[Duffy]

Thanks RR!

I might treat it to a service at Mackie's and see what happens.

[Norretal]

Hi Duffy, I can only comment on my own S8 but my gearbox is really smooth too, at 125,000 miles and rising. My gearbox oil was changed by IT if I remember rightly, maybe 5000 miles ago.

[Duffy]

Spent some time analysing this today, the box is slow when you are going into first after reverse has been used and its still switching over the cogs!

The D4 box is much quicker at changing and it's all down to my expectations, give the box time and its just fine.

[mannyo]

The change between R and D on my D3 is almost instant even first thing on a cold morning. Perhaps the fluid is low, as it warms up it expands which could explain why it improves once warm.

[IT]

Originally Posted by mannyo

The change between R and D on my D3 is almost instant even first thing on a cold morning. Perhaps the fluid is low, as it warms up it expands which could explain why it improves once warm.

I would concur. Possibly a past gear box fluid change that hasn't been done quite right.

The 6 speed boxes are generally very smooth, and i've never noticed a change in behaviour when warmed up.

I have seen a number of D2's with low fluid however that would have problems until they had warmed and the fluid had expanded.

The fluid is sensitive to temperature which is why it absolutely must be refilled at the guideline temp (around 40 degrees iirc) or you will get the wrong amount in....

Its a balancing act of running the engine to pump the fluids round, and not letting it get too hot.

I do shudder when folks take their car to an independent thats not done a gearbox flush before. You really want someone with a bit of experience imo

[Duffy]

I was underneath the car on Tuesday (I took it into Kwik Fit for a precautionary oil change 10 litres Fuchs Titan Supersyn and a Meyle oil filter for £65) and the box is bone dry (the underside is fascinating actually very different to my D2 in a lot of detail) so if the fluid is low it's not a leak.

The car's only done 49K and it's a full main dealer history with the invoices here, there's no record of a fluid change ever having been done.

I'll get it into Mackies in Weegieland for a service I think. The car's a keeper so it's a worthwhile long term investment.

Thanks for the feedback

[PsYcHe]

They may want to do a software update and upgrade to LG8 (which is what went into my, not Ian's, D3).

Be prepared for a £600 bill

[Duffy]

Is that the different oil designed to cope with worn hubs?