I want a v8 - is a 20yr old A8 a mad idea?

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Tom_B

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I have had a desire for an Audi V8 for a long time. The A8 4.2's seem to be really good value especially when they are a bit older. What at the weaknesses of the engines at 100k miles? Would it be crazy to buy an A8 at that kind of mileage that were more that 15 years old?

Cheers!
 
The weakness is not in the engine, but in the numerous oil seals in the drive train of the 4-wd system.
I sold my D2 when Audi told me it need £2,000 worth of oil seals (icl labour). I then took it to an independent who said that they were not repairing cars that were leaking far worse than mine.
I was almost tempted to buy my old 3.7 back when it popped up on Autotrader for £1,250 recently
 
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@Tom_B

15 years old must be D2. Personally I wouldn't go that far unless you are limited by the budget. I would also avoid 4.2 petrol. If you can spend 5-7k you can buy good pre-lift D3 4.2TDI with around 100k on the clock. I bought 2006 55 plate one 2.5 years ago with 110k on the clock. No issues or problems, just put diesel and drive:)

If someone asks why diesel not petrol? Diesel is quicker, makes almost same sound (slightly quieter), uses lest fuel....I only see pros and no cons...
 
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Thanks Both - I like the shape of the older y2k models. So what I think you are saying is that the v8 doesn't have any inherent weakness but there are other factors that make an older vehicle in good condition or a money pit. Out of curiosity how does the v8 as fitted to the A8 differ from the RS4 and RS6?
 
the old RS4 (2000-2001) had V6, newer (2006-2008) got V8. I'm not 100% sure but I think it is the same engine but RS have turbo and A8 don't and because of that A8 has 335bhp, RS4 420bhp and RS6 450bhp.
 
Totally different engine designs: rs4 b7 has FSI and is chain driven, b6 v8 is also chain driven, d2 v8 is a cambelt driven non FSI engine. D3 v8 is a similar design to the b7 rs4 although in a de-tuned state and some major internal differences: pistons, rods, valves, etc. it's more than it meets the eye ! Personally I would take a 3.0tdi d3 Quattro or a 4.2 tdi if you can afford it. Awesome cars for the money although eye watering repair bills when things go bad on them ! As above, drivetrain is weakest link-usually the gearboxes do fail in older cars...
 
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Sounds like the d2 4.2'isnt really tuneable then Chris?
 
Not much unless you graft a c5 rs6 twin turbocharged engine and do a mild remap ! Then sky's the limit ! Up to 800 Bhp of insane turbo fun !!! It's been done by a Scandinavian chap and he swears it's such a nicely poised motor, lighter than a c5 rs6 and much more chuckable in the corners ! Find one with a manual gearbox although b6 rs4 gearbox will mate with a v8 Twin turbo block with some fetling ! With a lot of patience, a bit of mechanical symphaty and loads of work is possible although a bit pointless when you can pick more tuneable motors out there for decent money ! Personally I would look for a s8 and drive that as is !
 
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For what It's is worth a d3 3.0 tdi with a gtb2260vk hybrid, high pressure pump change and a good remap will do 400 Bhp without much bother ! If you have the money up to 450 Bhp is possible without opening the engine ! At the same time, a late 4.2 v8 tdi with hybrid turbos will do close to 500 Bhp with a few well selected mods ! To get 800-1000Nm of torque and 450-500 Bhp from a Diesel engine it's close to what the c5 rs6 came out of the factory a decade ago ! Not to mention fuel economy where the derv is twice as economical as the petrol counterpart !
 
D2's will need a gearbox rebuild, have seen it mentioned on many A8/S8. If it has not been done, I would budget approx £1500 to have it done as it will need doing
 
" At the same time, a late 4.2 v8 tdi with hybrid turbos will do close to 500 Bhp with a few well selected mods ! To get 800-1000Nm of torque and 450-500 Bhp from a Diesel engine it's close to what the c5 rs6 came out of the factory a decade ago ! Not to mention fuel economy where the derv is twice as economical as the petrol counterpart !"
please eleborate as im having trouble finding anyone who is capable of taking these engines above and beyond anything bar a remap
im prepared to put the money into the car
 
Set your target then we can discuss your requirements ! What year is your car/engine and how much you're thinking to put into it !
 
the car is a 2010 a8 4.2 tdi (cdsb) which has been remapped
has to still be reliable as its a daily driver
is it possible to fit larger turbochargers ??? are there any size restrictions ???
would it need uprated cooling ???
not so much bothered about horse power its more torque id like over a wider rev range
 
A dpf delete, pump change, remap and hybrid turbochargers can unleash its true potential...
 
Yep, hybrid turbos are possible however the turbos are water cooled and quite tiny- there is not much that can fit inside the stock gtb1749vzk housings... some modified billet compressor wheels and a bit of know how will do wonders !
 
I have a 1998 A8 quattro, no rust, in Michigan (US) and that's why I picked it. I live on a poorly plowed dirt road and winters suck. I've had to do the oil cooler tube myself(cheap) but ended up having the front cam covers/seals all done and even the oil pump gasket, $900. But when you consider it's a $70,000 USD car, to me, even at 200k miles, it's worth it. The car is quiet, safe, fast, and great in snow. I paid $3500 3 yrs ago. I'd do it again, but, I'd have noticed the oil leaks, prior owner didn't know much. Love the car. Even thought about dropping a used motor in it, found one with 67k miles for $900 shipped and another $700 to have it installed. That's years of driving for cheap....
 
1. No b6 rs4
2 . Scandinavian chap cool car but caught fire
3. Your not mad I love d2s still want one
 
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