Here we go again...

[Dan]

Hi folks.
Relatively new forum member, and after some D3 S8 thoughts please.

I came to the forum looking at getting either a 3 or 4.2 diesel D3. My eye is now wandering to the S8, although to be honest this should be no surprise, to me. When hunting for my last car, I decided to get something sensible, so joined a merc forum for advice on a nice e class oil burner. Ended up getting a C55 5.5litre v8 AMG instead. I'm was looking to change that to something more relaxed, hence A8, but having seen the incredible specs on some S8's out there and prices, it'd be rude not to seriously consider it as an option.

I have seen some reports of eye watering running costs. But in reality, is that right? really? Fuel costs will be roughly similar to my C55, perhaps a tad worse. Servicing will be cheaper, as the merc is not on long life. Tyres will be more, although will they - my 255 18 inch rears ain't cheap they only last 6-7k with a trackday or two in the mix, and I can't swap front to back as with the S8.

One has caught my eye - very well specced indeed, including ceramic rakes, about which I know nothing save that they are ridiculously expensive to replace. Some posts I've searched suggest one can replace with standard when the ceramics become wall clocks or garden ornaments?

Of course, with any of these ilk of cars, if things go pear shape it can be mighty expensive - although does that not apply (almost) equally to a diesel as an S8?

Very well specified S8's seem to be around 20k presently. Surely it's done most of the depreciating already?

I'm a petrolhead at heart not a dieselhead. Head wants a diesel but the heart says S8.

Help !!!