D2 0r D3. The unspeakable truth

[IT]

The D3 is actually a better ride in terms of comfort and reassured handling. The air suspension (when working) means you can alter the suspension dynamically, although of course you need the MMi working to access that, and the MMI stops working as soon as anything else audio related stops working, but thats a seperate grumble....

According to the press release, the D3 is built using less welding joints that the D2 (I forget exactly how many) but the result is noticable. The car does feel firmer, more rigid and in a good way....

I imagine the S8 would be a very capable motor, but with even more electronic-canbus-dependent-take-back-to-Audi-to-fix gadgets as standard kit it wouldnt be long before I fell out with it.

And then, just in case you do happen to have Vagcom, a little time and a hint of skill, component protection kicks in to make sure you cant use components on your car if they were originally used on another car with a different VIN....

We recently picked up a D2 S8 with well over 200K on the clock, which had been replaced (begrudgingly) by a new D3 S8, and they (quote) 'dont like the new one'

Nuff said for me really...

[CliveH]

I'm sticking to my classics for the foreseeable future...

[Oli18]

I have been thinking of upgrading to the D3 sometime this year but this has just completely put me off.

I like spending a bit of extra on my car but would start to hate it if it was being spent on repairs rather than upgrades.

Thanks for the info...i'll also stick with my classic!

[PsYcHe]

Personally, I like both...

The D3 is far too complex electronically and yes, I love the gadgets, but if one goes, it's a pain to work out exactly how it's broken and you can't just borrow one from a mate to test it out.. Though my local Audi indie has the VAS tool and can apparently remove CP now.

The D2 is more 'raw' and you feel more conencted to what the car is doing, I feel the D3 sometimes lacks feedback when you push it, though it's maybe the newer suspension and lower profile tyres, I do feel the D3 handles better.

If I'd known then, what I know now, I'd probably have just bought a D2 Final Edition S8 and put more toys in, but now that the D3 of doom is fully operational (at last), I reckon it's a keeper.

[CliveH]

Will be interesting to see what the D4 platform brings and if/how they've sorted all the D3 electronic glitches...

[IT]

Originally Posted by PsYcHe

Personally, I like both...

The D3 is far too complex electronically and yes, I love the gadgets, but if one goes, it's a pain to work out exactly how it's broken and you can't just borrow one from a mate to test it out.. Though my local Audi indie has the VAS tool and can apparently remove CP now.

The D2 is more 'raw' and you feel more conencted to what the car is doing, I feel the D3 sometimes lacks feedback when you push it, though it's maybe the newer suspension and lower profile tyres, I do feel the D3 handles better.

If I'd known then, what I know now, I'd probably have just bought a D2 Final Edition S8 and put more toys in, but now that the D3 of doom is fully operational (at last), I reckon it's a keeper.

... I bet you'd have got shut long ago if it wern't for the warranty....

Like you say, very very good when they work, and brand new with a 5 year warranty it must be bliss, but just doesnt hold the same 'bargain easy to run' second hand appeal of the D2 for me...

Interesting your indie has access to remove the CP.... Thought Audi would keep that quite under wraps, unless they are forced to share it now as main dealer brands cant monopolise servicing etc by withholding tools and warranties....

[PsYcHe]

Indie has bought the VAS5052 tool which allows him to connect to the Audi servers apparently.

[sloss]

Some interesting stuff on here gents.

I've been thinking of getting a newer '8 for a while now, nothing much wrong with my '02 4.2 Quattro. My pals tell me it's Police Spec as it doesn't have heated seats, fancy steering wheel with paddles etc but I just love it anyway!

All this talk of lecky problems on the D3 puts me off a bit. I suppose we hear of the 'bad' ones more on here but unless you have the Warranty round you it could be a money pit!

Mine only has 70 odd k miles on it so really only just run in!

Still swithering....... the Dealer, Oscar Goldman in Autotrader, always seems to have some high spec motors.....

[Simon Wallwork]

Am I the only one who thinks that the D3 tall grille looks awful, then? I think it looks ****!

The D2 is a heck of a lot of car for the money. A good looking thing too!

[Oli18]

Hey Ian,

Has your opinion of the D3 changed since these posts?

Are they still as hard to work on as once thought or has it become easier with better tools?

Love your new d3 by the way

oli

Originally Posted by IT

For my two penneth, I love the D2..... Alway have, it was my first love and brought me to the Audi brand.

The D3 at first seemed ugly, and I resented its existence, but over the years it has matured and now I find it quite attractive, with an extensive list of toys and gadgetry that I would really like in a car, but sadly the older D3's seem to be suffering with this gadgetry malfunctioning, and unlike the D2 where an item breaks and most things carry on, the D3 is far too interlinked for simple DIY repairs for most people.... Mecanically they seem to go well, but the gadgets and quality of the interior trims dont seem to stand the test of time like the D2 did.

So yes, my D2 feels a bit older, and the shape looks a little more dated, but it still goes like the clappers, is having no problems with this snow and above all is both comfortable and reliable....

I cant see me looking to move my D2 on for some time.....

Originally Posted by IT

The D3 is actually a better ride in terms of comfort and reassured handling. The air suspension (when working) means you can alter the suspension dynamically, although of course you need the MMi working to access that, and the MMI stops working as soon as anything else audio related stops working, but thats a seperate grumble....

According to the press release, the D3 is built using less welding joints that the D2 (I forget exactly how many) but the result is noticable. The car does feel firmer, more rigid and in a good way....

I imagine the S8 would be a very capable motor, but with even more electronic-canbus-dependent-take-back-to-Audi-to-fix gadgets as standard kit it wouldnt be long before I fell out with it.

And then, just in case you do happen to have Vagcom, a little time and a hint of skill, component protection kicks in to make sure you cant use components on your car if they were originally used on another car with a different VIN....

We recently picked up a D2 S8 with well over 200K on the clock, which had been replaced (begrudgingly) by a new D3 S8, and they (quote) 'dont like the new one'

Nuff said for me really...