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 !!!

[Delboy]

If you can stretch to the S8 then go for it, I love mine.

MPG wise I get average 23mpg on sensible extra urban driving, and as low as 16 if giving it a bit of toe.

Brakes I can't say, I have ceramics but I have only had the car two months, I'm not heavy on the brakes so hope they will last, car has 53K so there should be plenty left in them.

[PsYcHe]

If you don't do big miles, then the S8 would be the place to be.. Sportier, and more fun in general. The ceramics are OK until you need to replace them, then it's a load cheaper to swap them for standard steel setups.

Big miles is definitely the 4.2TDi as with or without a remap is a very quick car and 30-odd to the gallon at 80+

[Dan]

My mileage is circa 10k. Sportier, certainly, but that may be the issue. Main reason for selling the C55 is that the kids and the Mrs think it's a bit of a go cart. Makes them feel sick even on occasion (if only they came on a track day with me!). It is a fairly harsh ride, and the V8 makes some nice noises. I'm guessing the S8 would be far a far more relaxed drive - when you need it to be.

4.2 is the sensible compromise for sure. Maybe after the S8 itch though.

[Delboy]

I find the S to be comfortable enough however I do find the 20's highlight every imperfection in the road surface.

But that said my previous car had sidewalls like a tractor tyre.

[richardracer]

Hi there,

Some real world views from a current S8 V10 owner after for 46000 miles on 2006 model with 60,000 miles.

1. Fuel consumption 22mpg motorway cruise at 85mph, 18 mpg around town or going quickly on country lanes.
2. Audi dealer service costs high (£1000 for 60k service, vs. local specialist at under £500.) Parts were £350.
3. Electic rear brake calipers not very reliable, £600 to replace each side.
4. Ride is fairly firm, but given 35 section tyres on 20" wheels, shouldn't complain. I use dynamic suspension setting most of the time, could drop down to comfort when road surface poor.
5. Performance is Jeckell and Hyde. In D mode, transmission wants to get into 6th gear as fast as possible, but is still responsive. In S mode, like a scalded cat and never wants to go into 6th even at silly speeds.
6. Interior quality is superb and go for B&O stereo & DAB radio, it makes a big difference. Lovely place to be for long distances.
7. Brakes very powerful (mine are steel which is fine for UK roads and speeds). Full set of discs and pads from Audi all round £700 fitted, given 450 bhp, seems reasonable to me. Note rear brakes need VCDS/dealer software to retract caliper pistons for pad or disc change.
8. Paint and trim very resilient, comment from my detailer, paint is as hard as nails (see pictures at GemClean Detailing)
9. Prices still seem to be dropping. 2006 cars without B&O now around £16k or less, but some dogs out there. Nice cars around £20k retail for 60k miles. Facelift cars 2008 onwards not yet below £20k. B etter nav/stereo display and hard disk based rather than DVD based nav.
10. Excellent forum here at http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/index.php. They do parts at reasonable prices vs. Audi dealers.
11. Known failure points: rear brake calipers, front suspension arms, power steering pump (engine out job at £3k!!), but not as prone to carbon deposits as the S4, RS6 models are far as I can discover. Brakes and tyres are consumables (£320 per corner for Bridgestone OE tyres) not surprising, given 2000Kg weight.
12. If it does go wrong, it will be expensive. I took out a Warrantywise most extensive warranty and very pleased I did!


Hope my view helps others. I am glad I jumped in after 200,000 miles in an E38 7401 sport. Doing 25k miles per year and plan on keeping for at least 3 years. Good luck to those thinking along similar lines.

Richardracer (Bracknell/Ascot area)