Looking at a A8 D3

ScottD3 · #1 6th March 2014, 01:44 PM

I'm sorry if this has been covered before or in the wrong section.

The gearbox finally let go on my B5 and I'm looking for something else.
I'm currently toying with the idea of a D3 or a C6.

I've set myself a budget and I'm sticking to it as much as it hurts when I can see what I can get if I go a little bit over. But I must be strong.

While sticking with in my budget it appears that you get a lot more car for your money with a D3 but the miles always seem to be be around 150k for a 2005ish year D3.

Is there anything to worry about with high mile A8s with the 3.0 or 4.0 TDI engines?

I've noticed a couple 2003/2004 D3s with in my budget with less miles, which I assume is good but if there anything to worry about with the early D3s?

I've noticed a lot of adverts saying the screen mech breaks and the screen can't move in and out on its anymore but its a simple fix of replacing the cogs.
Is there a guide for this?

When looking for a D3, is there anything to be careful, keep an eye out for or you would recommend having?

I came across this advert and thought it looked like a nice, well speced motor, low miles, good warranty.
http://www.crossstreetusedcars.co.uk...01401221211576

As a passing example, what are people's thoughts on that one?

mannyo · #2 6th March 2014, 01:55 PM

Air suspension is one of the week point and can be expensive to fix, especially if a strut fails. Air compressor can be rebuilt, mines been done as has another members.

MMI screen, very common problem. mine still works but judders as its opening and closing. Cause is a tooth breaking off a plastic cog, parts are cheap but its quiet time consuming to fix.

Mine is a 2004 with 130K miles on it now, its a great car.

sarg · #3 6th March 2014, 02:22 PM

4.0 TDI has a known common fault that has been covered in another thread in the last couple of weeks or so, will post a link when I find it

Architex_mA8tey · #4 6th March 2014, 02:28 PM

Hi Scott this garage is local to me in Swindon and generally sell pretty clean cars. let me know if youre coming up and want another pair of eyes and I'll try and have a look with you

PsYcHe · #5 6th March 2014, 04:40 PM

Looks nice, but as said above, the 4.0TDi has a little but potentially expensive niggle. Worth finding out if replacement bits have been fitted, or negotiate the cost into the buy price.

D3s are as reliable as any other car, I've done about 75k in them over the last few years and haven't had to replace anything unexpected.

ScottD3 · #6 6th March 2014, 04:40 PM

Is air suspension standard on all A8s?

Thanks Sarg. I'll have a look as well in a bit.

Architex, I'm debating it. It looks like a nice motor. not sure on the colour green, it could just be the pictures.

What is the 4.0TDI engine like?
Does the gear boxes need to be services?
I've heard bad things about the Multronic (SP?) boxes and that the tip boxes are better.
But this is coming from A6, I assume they would use the same box and engine?

sarg · #7 6th March 2014, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarg

4.0 TDI has a known common fault that has been covered in another thread in the last couple of weeks or so, will post a link when I find it

Links:

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7652

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5029

This issue would be enough to put me right off a 4.0 TDI, and has in fact in the past put me off.

I note your comment about the colour too, obviously a personal thing but it look shocking in that colour to my eyes, I wouldn't.

sarg · #8 6th March 2014, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottB5

Is air suspension standard on all A8s?

Thanks Sarg. I'll have a look as well in a bit.

Architex, I'm debating it. It looks like a nice motor. not sure on the colour green, it could just be the pictures.

What is the 4.0TDI engine like?
Does the gear boxes need to be services?
I've heard bad things about the Multronic (SP?) boxes and that the tip boxes are better.
But this is coming from A6, I assume they would use the same box and engine?

Yes, air suspension on all D3s

Gear box doesn't 'officially' need servicing, but they only take account of the first 3-5 years. Most haven't been, but most should be.

The quattro A8s only ever have torque converter gearboxes. Multitronic, I think, is Audi's CVT transmission, but only available with front wheel drive only cars. We had a Mini with a CVT, it was awful!

PsYcHe · #9 6th March 2014, 05:38 PM

All D3s have air suspension, some have 'sport' which is a little lower and harder.

The gearboxes in D3s seem to be fairly bulletproof, especially compared to the D2.

That green doesn't look as bad in the flesh if I remember rightly, but it's the 4.0TDi that's the concern.. if it was a 3.0, I'd say to go test it straight away, but you really need to factor in getting the heads sorted as they are a ticking time bomb, you may be one of the lucky ones, but is it worth it..

ScottD3 · #10 6th March 2014, 06:35 PM

That's not reading very good bout the 4.0TDIs.
Deffo staying way from them.
I don't like the idea of the intake mani's breaking down at all.

Thanks for the heads up about that.

I'll stick to the 3.0TDIs.
Anything to look out for or check on them?

Has anyone got a guide to the screen repair?
I've found some ebay links and youtube videos where people have taken the dash apart.