[Adrian E]

I've had my S8 for 5.5 years now, and it's 6 years since it's recommissioning service at a cost of almost £2.5k, paid by the previous owner.

In that time the car's done 32k miles and I average 4-5k a year in it.

In 2010 it had a cambelt change with all rollers and tensioners changed, new plugs, air filter etc etc

I'm planning on having the cambelt done again on time grounds, but unsure whether I should really replace all the rollers and tensioners again after that many miles when the original service life was quoted in mileage terms only at 75k IIRC?

In 2010 there's no evidence that the water pump and thermostat were changed, so they're definitely getting done even though the water pump appears to have now doubled in price since I got a quote this time last year!

Brake fluid will be done again, as that was 2 years ago.

I'm unsure what to do for plugs and air filter - both have done 32k over 6 years, so are short of the 40k replacement interval and the car lives in the garage so deterioration through exposure to the elements should be minimal. Do folks change the plugs at shorter intervals than recommended, as a rule, or leave till 40k? I've noticed the exhaust smells more of unburnt fuel on cold start than I remember, so perhaps indicates the plugs could do with a change?

I'm aware this is going to be a wallet busting service - I'm aiming to source the parts from TPS myself and get a friend to fit it all (he works for a specialist) - but I want it done right in terms of bits replaced, whilst not wasting money. I'm contemplating a change in the next 12 months and if I was looking to buy now I wouldn't touch a car that needed a cambelt unless the price reflected it.

Thoughts from long term owners, or those with detailed servicing experience?

Adrian