Keeping cool....

[Norretal]

Well I never, I didn't realise the S8 had an ancillary radiator, now I do.

Starting from the beginning, which is always the best way in my opinion, I've had the car for two years and four months now and had my fair share of troubles. Inlet manifold flap failure, steering fluid hose failure, EPB failure, there's been a few and most seem "common" looking at the experiences of other owners.

I had a new one this week, and can't find others sharing their experience of similar, so here goes. I had a trip last month and did around 400 miles, during which I had the low coolant alarm for the first time in my ownership. I topped up and drove home and then the EPB motor failed, but I've spoke of that in another thread. So, to continue, a week or so later I notice a leak from under the car, check it's not oily and confirm it's water and anti-freeze by tasting it. Top it up again for an important engagement then once used I book it in with my guy for investigation............a week passes until he can look at it but I drop her off and hope it's a split hose at most. A call the next day confirms it's the ancillary radiator, leaking all over it appears. A few calls later and none available second hand and TPS say new ones are on back order from Germany and cost £270.....so not many options available.

I once had my motorbike radiator repaired by a local company called Advanced Radiators so I phone them, they'll take a look. Collect it from the garage and drop it off, a phone call confirms it's goosed as it's leaking from several places, my options lessen. They suggest a new core, I agree as I don't have any other option. Two days later I collect it, they've built a brand new radiator based on the dimensions of the old one, and the cost is almost identical. The tanks either side are steel, whereas the OEM ones are plastic, buts it's a lovely job.

I dropped it off at the garage Friday lunchtime and left him to fit it and flush the system and refill with new coolant..........collected Saturday morning and paid a bill of £95 for labour, job done

They're a lovely car to own and drive, but as well as being expensive to run they're expensive to maintain. That's £600 recently in unforeseen repairs, which is nothing compared to what I've spent overall, but it's made me realise what a money pit these beasts can be