2002 D2 S8 Purchase

[eng33]

Hi all, been many years since I’ve been on here, was a previous member back around 2012, when I owned my Aqua Blue low mileage 2002 D2 S8. Of all the cars I’ve had over the years this car was the one I regret selling the most!
So I’ve been on the hunt for a while now for another S8 (ideally a FE but not that important), but has obviously now got very difficult to find that ‘perfect’ car.
Before I get too into it, as I’ve been out the game for a long time, could I ask what parts supply is like nowadays for these cars? ie things that will always need attention on higher mileage cars such as suspension arms / bushes, road springs / dampers, brakes, steering racks, and all the usual service items.
Not too bothered about genuine Audi parts, I guess most of these are now obsolete anyway?
Many thanks.
Andy

[tintin]

Tricky, is the short answer - and a key question to ask before you spend your pennies on a replacement.

Brexit hasn't helped, as some suppliers no longer supply to the UK (although Dean/Spanker on here has been been able to help in some cases from his base in Germany).

Other remaining suppliers - including our forum sponsor, A8 parts - have also faced increased processing costs, for the same reason. Plus many parts are NLA.

Having said that, where there's a will there's a way, and I don't think any of us have come seriously unstuck (yet!).

[eng33]

Thank you! Seems Autodoc have quite a lot of stuff but I understand comes from Germany.

[The_Laird]

I’ve had my S8 for many years, and another before this one and an A8 before that. Parts are, indeed, getting more difficult to find but, with the masses of help from this forum and our sponsors, plus a little patience, I’ve not been stumped yet

[steamship]

Originally Posted by eng33

Thank you! Seems Autodoc have quite a lot of stuff but I understand comes from Germany.

If ordering from Autodoc, be aware that any order will usually take two weeks to arrive. You also need to read through all the information on the page, and not just rely on a part number, for example.

[ainarssems]

Originally Posted by steamship

If ordering from Autodoc, be aware that any order will usually take two weeks to arrive. You also need to read through all the information on the page, and not just rely on a part number, for example.

In my experience once it's shipped, it arrives in 2-3 working days but sometimes it takes long time before it's shipped. It looks like they may keep the more common items in stock and ship quickly but less common stock they do not have themselves even when showing in stock, it just means their supplier is telling them it's in stock but extra time is needed to get from supplier first.

[tintin]

Originally Posted by ainarssems

In my experience once it's shipped, it arrives in 2-3 working days but sometimes it takes long time before it's shipped. It looks like they may keep the more common items in stock and ship quickly but less common stock they do not have themselves even when showing in stock, it just means their supplier is telling them it's in stock but extra time is needed to get from supplier first.

This. Every time, in my experience.

[eng33]

Thanks for all the replies and help guys 👍

[sarg]

Just to say, as some know, my S8 FE will be going up for sale after the annual meet in 2 weeks' time.