http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/showthread.php?t=3021

page 2 will interest you :)

i think S mode means you can use the stick to shift gears, whereas i can also do that, and use the tiptronic buttons on the wheel (prefer the stick, gives positive engagement). so it looks like youre missing the ability to hold the gearbox in 2nd, 3rd and 4th. probably only any use when towing uphill :)

This is the RNS-E that i bought btw. funnily enough its the same seller :)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Au...item2a52cf175e

193 G. this is the Mk2 unit with hi-res screen and no need to trim the stereo surround.

From memory I think the Sports setting was a 1 year only (2002) feature. I'm pretty sure I've asked the question and I.T. or Adrian E have given the answer but I can't find the post.

You'll have to take mine for a drive to see if there's any difference.

Now I'm more confused...

Did all S8's come with the Tiptronic box? Am I right in thinking Tiptronic is the ability to +/- your way through the gears either by the stick or via the controls on the wheel?

Yes, apart from a small number of LHD manuals - not available in UK.

S (sport) mode came in "roughly" with the facelift around 1999 or so (I think there may have been a few build exceptions so not 100% correlation).
Always had the "gate" to flip into Tiptronic mode +/-.

This is what puzzled AndyCaCa and myself this morning. Both S8s, his March 2001, mine June 2002. I have the Sports mode, his doesn't. We weren't sure about why or when the discrepancy came in.

Have you checked the actual build dates though, rather than when registered?

You need someone like Ian (IT) to give chapter and verse on this. ;)

S mode came later than facelift - I think late 2001 but not sure from which VIN without looking it up in ETKA to see if there's a rangE given for the s mode gear selector

As said,can be retrofitted easily

HP is right about the throttle body reset - without vcds you can do basic settings for throttle position by switching the ignition on for 5 seconds without starting the car. If the ECU decides it needs to perform a basic setting it will do it at that time :)