Thanks mate. I had the garbox oil and filter changed less than two years ago (at 110k) after being made aware of the "troubles" associated with them. Since joining the forum and reading some of the experiences my paranoia has probably increased but I'm also extremely thankful for all the information, advice and tips given by the people on here. I've been introduced to a local company (that my independant uses for all gearbox matters) and the old guy really impressed me with his knowledge and views within a 15 minute phone conversation so I'm thinking of taking it to him for a "health check" anyway, prevention being better than cure are my thoughts.

However, it'll have to wait until the car fund builds back up again, it's been an expensive year so far ;)

I echo Sergey's sentiments about spending whatever's needed on the car.

Mine's in for a few days or more, whilst I'm laid up after a knee op, to have that stuck plug removed. If the head has to come off, they'll also do the belt, pump and thermostat, plus a new fan belt. And they're also 'having a look' at the brakes as I don't think they're all they should be (despite new discs and pads last year).

And my garage is having a new roof put on it! :eek:

So, I'm thinking of charging to attend next year's Scottish Meeting to replenish the funds! :)

Is it a good financial decision! No!
Am I happy with it anyway? Yes!

I love that car. :love:

You obviously do, I hope it doesn't prove TOO expensive for you.

I look forward to finally seeing it at a future meet, whichever that may be! +++

The one we're organising in Scotland next June of course! :D

Attendance is mandatory for everyone that has ever posted here! ;)

Scotland!
I'm already looking forward to it.

Congratulations on it turning out to be a relatively simple fix!

I feel both your pain and your relief. I thought I had a duff 'box too, hence my trip to Mackies to see if a fluid & filter would solve my troubles. The car was clunking under load, starting very slightly in 5th a couple of months ago and then proceeding to affect all gears over time until it got so bad the car was undriveable.
Turned out it was a misfire. Should have known really as I had just changed the plugs a day or so before it got really bad. Convinced myself though that it couldn't possibly be my brand spanking new plugs. Took them out. Checked them. Put them back in. Took them out. Put in the old ones. (I can now change all 8 plugs in 40 minutes, bonnet open to bonnet closed :) )Still misfiring. In the end it turned out to be one of the rubber insulators on the end of a coil pack had a very small tracking mark on it. My disturbing it had obviously taken it from being a minor ailment to causing a complete misfire. BTW - no fault code on either VCDS or SnapOn Solus Ultra diagnostic unit.

Quick method of identifying troublesome cylinder(s):

Loosen the clips on each coil pack so it is still connected but easy to slip off

Now with car running, have an assistant turn the wheel slightly to put load on the engine. Car should now misfire as per your issue.

Disconnect each coil pack connector in turn. Misfire will worsen on good cylinder, no change on bad cylinder.

Wish I'd done that 5 minute job in the first place instead of spending a couple of weeks panicking and worrying about phantom 'box problems . . . . .

Mmmm, has the date been fixed yet? I've already got one BIG trip booked for a special occasion in mid June, I just hope it doesn't clash?? :(

Cheers GH77, I can fully understand why you had the same "gearbox disaster" thoughts as me, whatever it was certainly felt mechanical at the time, rather than electrical, as the whole car shuddered when the fault occurred.

It's maybe taught me to be less pessimistic in future when a fault starts to develop, but I'll still continue jumping to conclusions, I need the exercise ;)

Similar considerations here, though nothing is actually booked yet.
Special occasion is in April, but I expect to be celebrating it somewhere well North of Inverness/Ullapool around midsummers day. With an S8 on hand of course... :cool:

Recent discussions with A. Matey and CtL about the date have resulted in the date of 6/7/8 June 2014 being decided on. The Laird, myself and BrianG have been deputised to organise a meet somewhere north of the border and we'll be putting out some stuff relatively soon after a planning meeting this Wednesday. +++