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Audi A8

1466 messages,  Last post on Nov 18, 2009 at 6:51 PM

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What is this discussion about? Audi A8, Sedan


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#1440 of 1466
New Owner (FNG) by mclovin4
Jan 21, 2009 (6:25 pm)
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Just purchased a 2005 A8L for 23000,55K on the ODO.Love this car. After three tours of Iraq decided to treat myself and get something I would not nrmally be able to get.I am requesting any ownership pointers or guidance any one can give. I am learning really fast this aint the old chevy.HAHA...All service records are complete through 49000 miles.A 55K is due.And will be getting this done shortly.But if anyone has any do's and dont's they would be willing to share I would appreciate it.
#1441 of 1466
Re: New Owner (FNG) [mclovin4] by ayyate
Jan 21, 2009 (6:55 pm)
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Replying to: mclovin4 (Jan 21, 2009 6:25 pm)

As the first owner of a 2005 A8, I have had very few unpleasant experiences. One pointer given to me was when my car had accumulated about 36K miles and suddenly started overheating. My dealer (a high volume LA dealer) said the A8 thermostat tends to fail at around 35 - 40K miles for some odd reason. So, if yours has not been replaced, you might want to consider it.
 
One other point. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation on engine oil. If they insist on a certain brand and weight of synthetic oil, do it. It may cost more, but do it.
 
I have had a few Audi's, including two A8's, an S8, and others. I think you will enjoy it.
#1442 of 1466
Re: [ayyate] by mclovin4
Jan 23, 2009 (7:21 pm)
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Replying to: ayyate (Jan 21, 2009 6:55 pm)

OK thermostat and recomended oil. Will I be able to tell if it has been replaced through service records though?Going to dealer Saturday...will check it out.Audi says 0W30 ...will 5W30 work ok?The 0 is hard to find.Thanks for the response.
#1443 of 1466
A8 Oil by harbo
Jan 23, 2009 (9:37 pm)
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Are you in cold country?
 
In AZ we use either 5W40 (or) 0W40 (if you can find it).
 
I use 5W40 Castrol Syntec. Check their website. Retail at PepBoys. You may be able to buy wholesale in case lots.
#1444 of 1466
Re: A8 Oil [harbo] by mclovin4
Jan 24, 2009 (3:07 pm)
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Replying to: harbo (Jan 23, 2009 9:37 pm)

Harbo,
         I am stationed at ft knox kentucky so the weather is cold(0-35 depending on the day) I found 5W30 at the PX. which is better for cold?.My audi dealer uses Castrol also.Let me know
#1445 of 1466
Re: A8 Oil [mclovin4] by ayyate
Jan 24, 2009 (5:52 pm)
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Replying to: mclovin4 (Jan 24, 2009 3:07 pm)

On the subject of oil for the 2005 A8, here is what Audi said in my 2005 owners manual: "Use only synthetic oil with the quality standard specification VW 502 00." Audi further recommends Castrol synthetic with that specification and the "viscosity SAE 5W-40 across all temperature ranges for normal driving conditions. However, if viscosity SAE 5W-40 is unavailable, you can also use viscosity grade SAE 5W-30 or SAE 0W-40 as long as it meets the VW 502 00 standards." It goes on to say that you should NEVER top off your oil with more than .5 liter of oil that does not meet the VW 502 00 standards, whether synthetic or petroleum based oil.
 
The words in quotes, above, are practically verbatim from the literature that came with my 2005 A8. There was much more, too much to repeat here. The distinct impression I took from all this is: Follow these directions or risk voiding the factory warranty. The oil insert in my manual even went so far as to say that the warranty could be voided if you cannot prove that the VW 502 00 oil has been used every time. Thankfully, my car uses no oil at all. But, just in case, I always carry a couple of quarts of their recommended oil in the spare tire space area in my trunk. This oil is not cheap, but use it anyway. Fortunately, after the first 5,000 mile stop, oil changes don't need to be done very often.
 
So, to your cold weather question, it sounds like the "approved" 5W-40 can be used in all temperatures. Remember, it gets a good deal colder in Germany than at Fort Knox.
#1446 of 1466
Re: A8 Oil [ayyate] by mclovin4
Jan 24, 2009 (11:10 pm)
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Replying to: ayyate (Jan 24, 2009 5:52 pm)

ayyate,
         Thank you for the info.Spent 4 years im deutschland myself and you are correct...good point.So Castrol 5W-40 it is.Quick question ,Would you recommend investing in an OBD II scanner?I guess they are available for all types of cars,been thinking of getting one, butwhat i dont know is ..can you fix a problem with these things or do they just tell you what is wrong.?
#1447 of 1466
Re: A8 Oil [mclovin4] by ayyate
Jan 25, 2009 (9:53 am)
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Replying to: mclovin4 (Jan 24, 2009 11:10 pm)

Sorry mclovin4:
 
I am not familiar with that item. When it comes to fixing anything on my Audis (S8, A8, allroad), I have to defer to the dealer. It may cost more, but these cars are simply too complex. I learned that even if you take your car to an independent garage, the parts cost will be about the same. Labor may be lower, but that is probably it. I live in LA where I have many choices and I still go to a dealer where they have one or two technicians that only work on A8's and S8's.
 
Sorry I don't have an answer for you. Can anyone else out there offer advice to this man?
#1448 of 1466
Audi service by harbo
Jan 25, 2009 (2:11 pm)
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Agreed ....... Complex. Until the 100K warranty runs out, my excellent Scottsdale, AZ service dept., gets the job. After 100K I do my own Castrol Cyntec, Bosch plugs, air filters etc. Who has GOOD experience with extended warranties and their relative cost?
Thx Harbo A8L
#1449 of 1466
Response to question about extended warranties: by ayyate
Jan 25, 2009 (5:13 pm)
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I have had some good experiences with extended warranties. I don't expect to get all my money back, although on at least two occasions I have. I believe the peace of mind that a catastrophic repair would be almost completely covered, plus the possible resale benefit, makes it worth it. My previous A8 (a1999) needed a transmission replacement after I inadvertently drove it low on fluid. Cost: approximately $5K for a remanufactured unit. Covered, minus a $100 deductible. Years ago in my pre-Audi period, numerous Mercedes Benz air conditioning parts replacements cost a few thousand dollars. Also covered. It is a decision not to be made lightly. I have never paid more than $2,500 for an additional 60,000 miles of coverage on an A8. These warranties are highly negotiable, with the selling dealership getting a significant commission. Shop around. Talk to your service writer about which ones are the best warranty companies to work with. Then, even if you do buy one, hope you never need it.

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