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  #1  
Old 25th September 2013, 03:01 PM
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Default D3 S8 - First thoughts.

If you've joined together any of my ramblings recently you may have picked up on me looking for something with a bit of vavavoom.


I'd been looking far too seriously at the C6 RS6, with even 30K struggling to buy anything special.


I'd already dismissed the C6 S6 as it could give nothing really that D3 S8 couldnt (unless you need an estate), and you have no B&O etc etc.

When the oppurtunity arose to pick up an S8 with a spec-you-couldnt-grumble-at for money-youd-be-daft-not-to-consider then it all sort of fell into place.


I've been fortunate enough in the last fortnight to drive 500+ miles in a W12 and then the S8 back to back, as on paper they've always looked virtually identical so the question to me was - Whats the difference ?


Quite a bit actually. Where the W12 is packing silky smooth torque and wafts along with clinical, linear pull, the S8 is far more like its D2 older brother, with a higher rev range and downshifting-itus on the gearbox it is very willing to drop a cog or two and snarl its way through the traffic at the lightest touch of the throttle. They both seem equally rapid.


At present, the S8 seems to be about 10% more fuel efficient, but dont get too excited. we're talking just over 20mpg versus just under 20mpg here, so cost effective long range autobahn stormer they are not


The S8 seems to feel a bit more confident on the road in terms of road holding, stiffness and ability to take in the corners, but it is still beautifully composed on the motorway. It doesnt seem to feel as nose heavy as the A8.


Standard kit on the S8 is way above any A8 as expected, and like the D2 version makes it a very desirable car - More than I was expecting.


After all this petrol fueled hooning around I took the 4.2 Tdi out for a spin, and yes, its a very different performance. Where the S8 and W12 both lunge out of junctions like they got kicked up the ass, the Tdi's set off at a more modest pace and press you firmly when the turbos spin and they gather pace very quickly.


On the motorway, they are all just as capable. You couldnt tell them apart, aside from perhaps a wonderful (if expensive) audio experience from the petrol versions. They'll all pull past 60 and onwards with similar pace and leave the peasants behind with no hesitation.


They all have high quality interiors, and all the same options are pretty much available, at a cost.


With the D2 in the UK, you're choices were petrol, petrol or petrol and the S8 was (fiscally speaking) simply a 'bit more' thirsty than the others. With a bit of man math, it was possible to justify to SWMBO that it was not much of a stretch to get the better one i'm sure......


The D3 range is a bit different though. Yes, the S8, and the W12 are awesome machines, but really very thirsty in comparison to the excellent diesel options, and even the pre FSI 4.2 which was more easily LPG-able.


So, for the subtle executives wanting undisturbing, but highly progressive torque, its the W12, for those that want some fun and to stand out and be heard its the S8, but 90% of the time, for 90% of people I still think the 4.2 Tdi is probably the best all rounder in the D3 range ....
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The Daily Town Car - 2023 Tesla Model Y Performance. Black with Black. Giant ipad screen, huge sunroof, 4 wheel drive, Tow bar, lots of ooomph and made in China, so actually built properly unlike the Californian ones.

The Family Wagon - 2018 Tesla Model X. Black, 7 Seats, Towbar, Homelink, Enhanced Auto pilot with Summon and self park, Heated front seats, CCS Charger upgrade, MCU2 Upgrade, Falconwing Doors, Self opening / closing doors, Netflix, Spotify, toys, Air suspension, alcantara roof + lots of other stuff......

The 17 year old Driver Wagon 2015 Skoda Citigo Monte Carlo. Alloys, Power steering, Aircon, Leccy windows, Sat Nav, bluetooth, central locking, cup holders, 59 whole bhp. Million times better than my first car. Well jealous.....

The First 20 Audis:

2001 D2 4.2 QS Silver, 1997 D2 S8 Silver, 1999 D2 4.2 Silver, 2002 D2 S8 Dolphin Grey,
2003 C5 RS6 Blue, 1998 D2 S8 Black, 2000 D2 4.2 QS/S8 Ming Blue, 2003 D3 4.2 Ming Blue,
2005 B7 S4 Blue, 2006 D3 3.0 Tdi Black, 1999 D2 4.2 Silver, 2003 D3 4.2 LPG Crystal Blue,
2000 D2 S8 Silver, 2007 3.0 Tdi Q7 Black, 2009 B8 S4 Black, 1998 D2 S8 Agate Grey,
2006 D3 4.2 Tdi Blue, 2006 D3 S8, 2007 Q7 3.0 Tdi, 2006 C6 S6,

The Second 20 Audis:

2011 A7 Sline, 2001 A2 1.4 Tdi Black, 2002 A2 1.4 Tdi Silver, 2006 A8 4.2 Tdi Blue,
2007 4.2 Tdi Q7, 2006 S4 Cab Silver, 2010 RS6 Saloon Black , 2007 TT Roadster,
2010 A8 D4 4.2 Silver, 2006 C6 A6 2.7 Tdi Quattro, 2000 D2 4.2 QS/S8 Ming Blue (again), 2008 Q7 4.2 Black,
2009 C6 RS6 Saloon Daytona Grey, 2001 Fully Loaded A2 Tdi, 2006 Avant S6 Black, 2007 VW Caravelle Exec Black (almost an Audi)
2009 TT Roadster Daytona, 2015 Q7 4.2 tdi lava grey, 2002 GmbH D2 demonstrator, 2006 D3 A8 LWB 4.2 Tdi Black

Most Recent Audis:

2001 A2 1.4 Tdi Black, 2007 4.2 FSi Q7 ABT Blue, 2016 S5 Coupe Launch model, 2004 S4 B6 Cabriolet, 2016 Q7 Sline White, 2006 Q7 4.2 FSi Black, 2012 Q7 Sline+ 4.2Tdi White, 2008 Blue Audi S8

Everything Else

1989 Subaru Justy, 1986 Vauxhall Cartlton 2.0 GL, 1985 Vauxhall Carlton 2.2 CDi, 1987 Ford Sierra XR4x4, 1983 Vauxhall Senator, 1985 Vauxhall Senator 3.0i, 1997 Polo Saloon, 1997 Peugeot 306 1.9 TDi, Ford Sierra Sapphire 2000E, 1990 Subaru Justy, 2000 Subaru Impreza, 2000 Subaru Impreza RB5, 1993 Range Rover LSE, 2005 VW Bora, 2003 Skoda Superb, 2003 VW Passat V6 4 Motion, 1996 Peugeot 106, 2000 Range Rover 4.0, 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance
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  #2  
Old 25th September 2013, 06:22 PM
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Nice one, colour/photos?
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  #3  
Old 26th September 2013, 05:43 AM
richardracer richardracer is offline
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Smile WElcome to the D3 S8 club

Hello Ian,

Welcome to the D3 S8 club. It sounds like you are the first to experience all the various models from V8 petrol through V10 and V12 petrol plus V6 and V8 diesel, thanks for the comparisons. I love my V10, even after some mechanical issues. Now done 40,000 miles plus and it shows 103,000 total. I have learnt to live with 22mpg as a consequence of my scratching the V10 itch too.

I would be interested in your cold start experience vs mine (a 2006 car). I have 20- seconds of high idle and roughness (air pump to dilute mixture and protect catalysts?) before it settles down to normal 600 rpm idle. It also hesitates for teh first few minutes on small thrittle openings. When warm, it is OK. I also get a constant sooty exhaust tail pipe.

I have also found it is very suceptible to wheel alignment. After recent power steering pump replacement (egine subframe out) the camber adjustment was out and it rootd a set of front tyres very quickly (inside edge worn to canvas).

Enjoy your V10 at last!

Cheers

Richardracer
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  #4  
Old 26th September 2013, 08:12 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Singh View Post
Nice one, colour/photos?
Daytona Grey, Black leather. Couldnt ask for a better colour combo really....
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For parts enquiries and Forum User Administration please contact customer services directly, not me - enquiry@a8parts.co.uk, www.a8parts.co.uk, or call 01642 783537

The Daily Town Car - 2023 Tesla Model Y Performance. Black with Black. Giant ipad screen, huge sunroof, 4 wheel drive, Tow bar, lots of ooomph and made in China, so actually built properly unlike the Californian ones.

The Family Wagon - 2018 Tesla Model X. Black, 7 Seats, Towbar, Homelink, Enhanced Auto pilot with Summon and self park, Heated front seats, CCS Charger upgrade, MCU2 Upgrade, Falconwing Doors, Self opening / closing doors, Netflix, Spotify, toys, Air suspension, alcantara roof + lots of other stuff......

The 17 year old Driver Wagon 2015 Skoda Citigo Monte Carlo. Alloys, Power steering, Aircon, Leccy windows, Sat Nav, bluetooth, central locking, cup holders, 59 whole bhp. Million times better than my first car. Well jealous.....

The First 20 Audis:

2001 D2 4.2 QS Silver, 1997 D2 S8 Silver, 1999 D2 4.2 Silver, 2002 D2 S8 Dolphin Grey,
2003 C5 RS6 Blue, 1998 D2 S8 Black, 2000 D2 4.2 QS/S8 Ming Blue, 2003 D3 4.2 Ming Blue,
2005 B7 S4 Blue, 2006 D3 3.0 Tdi Black, 1999 D2 4.2 Silver, 2003 D3 4.2 LPG Crystal Blue,
2000 D2 S8 Silver, 2007 3.0 Tdi Q7 Black, 2009 B8 S4 Black, 1998 D2 S8 Agate Grey,
2006 D3 4.2 Tdi Blue, 2006 D3 S8, 2007 Q7 3.0 Tdi, 2006 C6 S6,

The Second 20 Audis:

2011 A7 Sline, 2001 A2 1.4 Tdi Black, 2002 A2 1.4 Tdi Silver, 2006 A8 4.2 Tdi Blue,
2007 4.2 Tdi Q7, 2006 S4 Cab Silver, 2010 RS6 Saloon Black , 2007 TT Roadster,
2010 A8 D4 4.2 Silver, 2006 C6 A6 2.7 Tdi Quattro, 2000 D2 4.2 QS/S8 Ming Blue (again), 2008 Q7 4.2 Black,
2009 C6 RS6 Saloon Daytona Grey, 2001 Fully Loaded A2 Tdi, 2006 Avant S6 Black, 2007 VW Caravelle Exec Black (almost an Audi)
2009 TT Roadster Daytona, 2015 Q7 4.2 tdi lava grey, 2002 GmbH D2 demonstrator, 2006 D3 A8 LWB 4.2 Tdi Black

Most Recent Audis:

2001 A2 1.4 Tdi Black, 2007 4.2 FSi Q7 ABT Blue, 2016 S5 Coupe Launch model, 2004 S4 B6 Cabriolet, 2016 Q7 Sline White, 2006 Q7 4.2 FSi Black, 2012 Q7 Sline+ 4.2Tdi White, 2008 Blue Audi S8

Everything Else

1989 Subaru Justy, 1986 Vauxhall Cartlton 2.0 GL, 1985 Vauxhall Carlton 2.2 CDi, 1987 Ford Sierra XR4x4, 1983 Vauxhall Senator, 1985 Vauxhall Senator 3.0i, 1997 Polo Saloon, 1997 Peugeot 306 1.9 TDi, Ford Sierra Sapphire 2000E, 1990 Subaru Justy, 2000 Subaru Impreza, 2000 Subaru Impreza RB5, 1993 Range Rover LSE, 2005 VW Bora, 2003 Skoda Superb, 2003 VW Passat V6 4 Motion, 1996 Peugeot 106, 2000 Range Rover 4.0, 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance
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Old 26th September 2013, 08:24 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by richardracer View Post
Hello Ian,

I would be interested in your cold start experience vs mine (a 2006 car). I have 20- seconds of high idle and roughness (air pump to dilute mixture and protect catalysts?) before it settles down to normal 600 rpm idle. It also hesitates for teh first few minutes on small thrittle openings. When warm, it is OK. I also get a constant sooty exhaust tail pipe.

I have also found it is very suceptible to wheel alignment. After recent power steering pump replacement (egine subframe out) the camber adjustment was out and it rootd a set of front tyres very quickly (inside edge worn to canvas).

Enjoy your V10 at last!

Cheers

Richardracer
It is a little rougher at start up than other engines, but only for say 30 seconds, then seems pretty spot on. Interesting it might be a V10 feature rather than an issue by the sounds of it.....

It certainly doesnt hang about, so I'm not concerned theres anything serious to worry about....
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For parts enquiries and Forum User Administration please contact customer services directly, not me - enquiry@a8parts.co.uk, www.a8parts.co.uk, or call 01642 783537

The Daily Town Car - 2023 Tesla Model Y Performance. Black with Black. Giant ipad screen, huge sunroof, 4 wheel drive, Tow bar, lots of ooomph and made in China, so actually built properly unlike the Californian ones.

The Family Wagon - 2018 Tesla Model X. Black, 7 Seats, Towbar, Homelink, Enhanced Auto pilot with Summon and self park, Heated front seats, CCS Charger upgrade, MCU2 Upgrade, Falconwing Doors, Self opening / closing doors, Netflix, Spotify, toys, Air suspension, alcantara roof + lots of other stuff......

The 17 year old Driver Wagon 2015 Skoda Citigo Monte Carlo. Alloys, Power steering, Aircon, Leccy windows, Sat Nav, bluetooth, central locking, cup holders, 59 whole bhp. Million times better than my first car. Well jealous.....

The First 20 Audis:

2001 D2 4.2 QS Silver, 1997 D2 S8 Silver, 1999 D2 4.2 Silver, 2002 D2 S8 Dolphin Grey,
2003 C5 RS6 Blue, 1998 D2 S8 Black, 2000 D2 4.2 QS/S8 Ming Blue, 2003 D3 4.2 Ming Blue,
2005 B7 S4 Blue, 2006 D3 3.0 Tdi Black, 1999 D2 4.2 Silver, 2003 D3 4.2 LPG Crystal Blue,
2000 D2 S8 Silver, 2007 3.0 Tdi Q7 Black, 2009 B8 S4 Black, 1998 D2 S8 Agate Grey,
2006 D3 4.2 Tdi Blue, 2006 D3 S8, 2007 Q7 3.0 Tdi, 2006 C6 S6,

The Second 20 Audis:

2011 A7 Sline, 2001 A2 1.4 Tdi Black, 2002 A2 1.4 Tdi Silver, 2006 A8 4.2 Tdi Blue,
2007 4.2 Tdi Q7, 2006 S4 Cab Silver, 2010 RS6 Saloon Black , 2007 TT Roadster,
2010 A8 D4 4.2 Silver, 2006 C6 A6 2.7 Tdi Quattro, 2000 D2 4.2 QS/S8 Ming Blue (again), 2008 Q7 4.2 Black,
2009 C6 RS6 Saloon Daytona Grey, 2001 Fully Loaded A2 Tdi, 2006 Avant S6 Black, 2007 VW Caravelle Exec Black (almost an Audi)
2009 TT Roadster Daytona, 2015 Q7 4.2 tdi lava grey, 2002 GmbH D2 demonstrator, 2006 D3 A8 LWB 4.2 Tdi Black

Most Recent Audis:

2001 A2 1.4 Tdi Black, 2007 4.2 FSi Q7 ABT Blue, 2016 S5 Coupe Launch model, 2004 S4 B6 Cabriolet, 2016 Q7 Sline White, 2006 Q7 4.2 FSi Black, 2012 Q7 Sline+ 4.2Tdi White, 2008 Blue Audi S8

Everything Else

1989 Subaru Justy, 1986 Vauxhall Cartlton 2.0 GL, 1985 Vauxhall Carlton 2.2 CDi, 1987 Ford Sierra XR4x4, 1983 Vauxhall Senator, 1985 Vauxhall Senator 3.0i, 1997 Polo Saloon, 1997 Peugeot 306 1.9 TDi, Ford Sierra Sapphire 2000E, 1990 Subaru Justy, 2000 Subaru Impreza, 2000 Subaru Impreza RB5, 1993 Range Rover LSE, 2005 VW Bora, 2003 Skoda Superb, 2003 VW Passat V6 4 Motion, 1996 Peugeot 106, 2000 Range Rover 4.0, 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance
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Old 26th September 2013, 05:49 PM
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Delboy Delboy is offline
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Nice little write up, I'm envious of the chance to have driven them all like you

My mind has also been put to rest by both your findings as to cold start idle.

I also read in the ssp that it changes timing a lot at cold to pour more of them precious litres down the exhaust to get the cats up to temp quickly.

Might explain the rough idle.
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Old 26th September 2013, 07:12 PM
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Goran Goran is offline
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I enjoyed reading your comparison. They are both cars I will never own, but I did wonder how they compared to each other, and to the TDI.
Shame Audi didnt use the V10 TDI in the A8, that would have been interesting.
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Old 26th September 2013, 09:45 PM
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Architex_mA8tey Architex_mA8tey is offline
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I enjoyed reading your comparison. They are both cars I will never own, but I did wonder how they compared to each other, and to the TDI.
Shame Audi didnt use the V10 TDI in the A8, that would have been interesting.
That would be an interesting conversion Goran!
Can't wait to see it Ian, why don't you pop down to ADI to stretch its legs a little and let us all see it?
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Old 27th September 2013, 07:47 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Architex_mA8tey View Post
Can't wait to see it Ian, why don't you pop down to ADI to stretch its legs a little and let us all have a go in it round the track?
Fixed that for you lol
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  #10  
Old 10th October 2013, 07:31 AM
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Yes the first 30 sec startup is certainly a bit rough isn't it!

But indeed there is something special about an S8 V10. It has the driver experience for sure.

What it lacks is torque. It pulls from low down, and midrange is nice. But midrange to high you just expect more from it. You feel the loss of those twin turbo's that the RS6 got and you just want them!

The B&O is beautiful though. I sorely miss my S8 for that reason.

But ironically, the car I love is my ice blue A8 4.2 Litre. It's slowly getting restored to it's former glory. Paintwork will be done soon I love it, I think as it was my first D3, I did 80k in it and I still feel the love

The S8 for me was sadly an itch to be scratched.

However the new one just seems a MUST
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