My 8 has failed me . . .
 

Sadly, due to unforseen circumstances I will not be able to attend. My A8 engine decided to shear the bolt off that holds the cambelt tensioners due to either metal fatigue/negligent workmanship when the timing belt kit was fitted. Not a happy bunny. :(

Yikes! that doesn't sound good Ken - is it repairable? If things change and I can go to this (unlikely), then I'll let you know, and you can cadge a lift with me instead, if that helps....

Sorry to hear that Ken, I hope that you manage to get it resolved ok

Ken,

Sorry to hear this fella. If you need any help let me know I'm not too far from you.

Hope you get it sorted.

After owning 12 Audis since 1995, various experience of friends/family owning many more, the A8 experience has really put me off owning another Audi. I bought it a year ago, and it has been a moneypit to say the least. In contrast, my dad had an A8 Sport, which was a similar age to mine at the time (10 years old), scruffier bodywork, higher miles, nothing like as thorough a service history, yet it was a very reliable car. Maybe I have been just very unlucky with this car. I have had various 5 pot Audi 90s/100s/200s in the past and they were all far more reliable cars. Ironically, it was in for a service last Tuesday morning, and the mechanic commented on what a lovely car it was. Thirtysix hours later the engine had died. Decided enough is enough, and throwing my hand in. It was such a nice car, too. I have bought an old snotter to tide me over Xmas, and have a think about what I can get next. I really do feel like I have been kicked in the bollocks, as the car was maintained regardless of cost. :(

Sorry to hear that mate

Will you break it yourself or sell on as it is? Glass sunroof is rare but needs the whole frame and trim as its different to the other options

Bi-xenons will make a fair bit, as will the mirrors if they're genuine s8? If they're just caps or you have the originals I'd be interested as I need non-s8 mechanisms for some painted caps I have here. Some platinum interior trim bits I'm after too :)

Sorry if that sounds like I'm scabbing bits before you've had a chance to consider....

Adrian

The car has been sold as it is, and is being collected tomorrow. I have no idea whether it will be repaired or broken for parts.

Did you use genuine parts? Was the bolt replaced? Claim on the 24 month Audi OEM parts warranty.

The garage (a well known VAG specialist near to me) that fitted the belt kit did not fit a genuine Audi belt. I did not know this at the time. I naively presumed a genuine belt would be fitted. The garage that the car was recovered to on Thursday evening have suggested that the bolt may not have been replaced, hence it's failure. The non genuine belt is on a 12 month warranty, so there is a month left. I have simply had enough of throwing money at the car and want to move on. I don't want to start naming and shaming, as that is not my style. As I have stated in a previous post, this A8 has been the most unreliable Audi I have owned by far despite having been well maintained/serviced etc. Thanks for the advice though, it is appreciated.+++

Sorry to hear of your disappointment with the 8 ..... they are stunning vehicles
but thy get to a point where they become money pits ....

My S is on 200 000 km and is starting to make a serious dent in the Frostie
Fund.....

The last 4 months I have ploughed R 40 k into it on maintenance .... normal services, Box oil change, fuel pump replace, etc etc .... and know it looks like the
oil pump etc is on it's way out..... anutha R 10 k bill coming up.

So it is getting very close to us parting ways.

Presently looking at a C5 RS6 Avant with low mileage.....

Must say I am gonna miss the S8 ..... they are just such awsum cruising vehicles... love the open road and have immense presence in any company...

Apology for the Hi Jack.

Kenny am sorry to hear you have had such bad luck :(

Thanks for the comments.

Don't let the disappointment of the car failing mean you're taken for a ride by the garage that completed the cambelt job. That's what I did when my S8 got robbed, thought feck it. But a few months-year when you're thinking straight. You'll regret it. Go after them.

I agree with what you are saying, but the car was sold yesterday. I just want to forget about it, and start thinking about what to get next. Just been unlucky with it, I think. I have drawn a line under it, and moved on. Thanks for the comments. +++

No problem. Well, stick around anyway and I hope we can sway you to see you in another A8 soon someday.

Sorry that you have had so much trouble and have had to get rid of it. :(

C5 RS6 will cost you even more, mine has cost me £17,000 to run in a year - no major things gone wrong but the odd upgrade or two. ;)

Discs on a C5 RS 6 are £600-700 from a motor factor, whereas an S8's are £80, rear RS6 discs are £500 too whereas an S8, is what, £60?

Try one before you make the move, the power is addictive, but the D2 is better in every other way.

Thanx for the advice Amar..... I have been advised by many along the same vein and have decided to pass on the one that was available....

The RS6 Avant has always been my dream car since the advent of the Gumball Rallies.....

Hopefully the new RS6 Avant will find it's way to our shores.... but we normally only get the Sedan....

If it does It will be on my shopping list....

http://www.netcarshow.com/audi/2014-rs6_avant/

http://www.carmag.co.za/news/new-aud...-412-kw-punch/

:ROFL:The more you say things like that the more I think my cars a "keeper". +++

I really do, when driving it, often sit back with a big grin and think "what else does it really need?". :D

(well ACC and a heated windscreen TBH, but nothing else, and neither were an option back in '98 - except on the Focus )