Breaking D2 Sport, but first some questions

[wader3]

Hi all, this is my first post but probably my last unless I’m lucky enough to own an A8 in the future…

Due to an unfortunate accident, I will soon be breaking a 2000 D2 Audi A8 2.8 Sport. Although an Audi driver myself (mere A4 2.8Q), this is actually my parents car which they have bought back off the insurance company purely for the swan neck detachable towbar and possibly the wheels. I don’t want to spend too long breaking this, so the reason for my post is to assess what parts would be most in demand. I assume many parts will be usable across the Audi range and not just exclusive to the A8. It should be delivered next week, be great to hear any views on this and if you want anything off it, let me know.

The accident was severe, but the fact that my parents are alive and should make a full recovery is testament to Audi build quality. The police and forensic investigators both said if they had been in anything else, they simply would not be here today, they really do owe their lives to it. These guys see a lot of bad accidents, and they were amazed at the performance of the A8. The car took a frontal impact of around 85mph and every door opened like the day it left the factory – this is not an exaggeration. I saw the car a day after, the roof and 2 doors had been removed and the wings and bonnet are obviously very bent (nothing left of lights/bumper, not even a trace). The engine did look to be in the right place, but I will need to make a closer inspection of this when it is delivered back.

About the car – my dad bought this in 2006 from the first owner (who was something to do with the Royal Family as it has Buckingham Palace on the logbook). It had a full Audi service history until this time. He had a towbar fitted and has towed a medium sized caravan for no more than 1,000miles. Since 2006 he has covered about 18,000 miles and he is a very steady driver. It has been serviced annually at a local garage and last year both rear wheel bearings were replaced. If the engine and gearbox are ok, these would be excellent used replacements. I know my dad is gutted to have lost this car, he hopes to find another but it’s getting harder as time goes on, maybe a D3 though. I have to say it is one of the nicest cars I have ever been in. My brother in law also had a 4.2 version – that engine was amazing. I remember borrowing it – found it difficult not to floor it..

Does anyone know where the fuel cut off switch is on these cars? If it will run I’ll need to reset it.

Be great if anyone can help with any of this, thanks,

Rob.

[Adrian E]

Rob

Good to hear your parents emerged relatively unscathed from such a severe accident

If you're not into car stripping yourself it would be worth talking to the site sponsors http://www.a8parts.co.uk/ to see what they'd offer for the rest of the car.

It probably depends on the severity of the accident, but given the insurance company have allowed you to buy the car back it won't be registered at the most severe level which would require distruction of the remainder of the car.

Given the level of damage I suspect the useful parts are going to be limited to small bits of trim that didn't get broken or damaged in the accident and parts at the rear of the car.

I'm not aware of a fuel cutoff (there's nothing in my manual for my S8 that refers to one). Given the severity of the accident I'd be very surprised if the block wasn't damaged - if it won't fire it may simply be due to wiring damage around the front of the engine bay.

Regards and best wishes to your parents for a speedy recovery

Adrian

[wader3]

Thanks Adrian, I'll give them a try. Wanted to upload a photo but having problems with that. Will try tonight. Shows the radiator is still on. It was a very 'square on' impact and I think the bumper posts may have taken most of the force.

[Mr K]

Welcome along!

Depending on if it has survived and of you devide to break it, I'm looking for the small peice of bump strip trim from the back of the passenger side front wing?

May also consider the rear lights?

[briang9]

Sorry to hear about the accident, but glad your parents were OK, it does as you say give some comfort knowing these cars are so safe.

What colour is the interior wood? I am looking for the piece of trim off the top of the hand brake lever, in Myrtle, which is the very dark, almost black wood, if you decide to break it in the end.

regards

[Architex_mA8tey]

glad to hear your folks got out ok - as you say its a real testament to the car's strength.
If they fancy another nice 2.8 D2 then IceBlue8 is selling one on this forum which is a real beauty here - take a look!

[Adrian E]

Originally Posted by briang9

I am looking for the piece of trim off the top of the hand brake lever, in Myrtle

Me too lol - must be not as strong as the other wood finishes, and A8 parts don't have any

[The_Laird]

Originally Posted by Architex_mA8tey

If they fancy another nice 2.8 D2 then IceBlue8 is selling one on this forum which is a real beauty here - take a look!

Thanks for the plug!

Hope you're not looking for commission!

[briang9]

Adrian, its the clip at the front thats broken on mine, looks like a weak point in the design to be honest, had a look on A8 Parts and they have a different colour one which also has a broken clip, and they suggest a bit of glue to keep it on, so I am going to try that first. BTW they got me quote for a new one from Audi £77!!!!

cheers

[IT]

Although not a commerical listing, this posting by a new user does strain the freedoms offered by the commerical site sponsors....

I'm not removing it, but am closing it to further posts, which I'm sure is understandable.

Sorry to hear about the accident, but glad your folks are ok.

Ian.