Audi A8 D3/4E

Audi made its first attempt to enter the upper class back in 1988, offering the Audi V8. The desire was crowned with success and spurred the ambitions of the manufacturer from Ingolstadt.

Review

Audi made its first attempt to enter the upper class back in 1988, offering the Audi V8. The desire was crowned with success and spurred the ambitions of the manufacturer from Ingolstadt. The first-generation Audi A8 was introduced (1994-2002). This model looked good and became a pioneer in the field of building cars with an all-aluminum body. The first A8 sold more than 100,000 copies. The third edition of the executive sedan - the second generation A8 - consolidated the success. A little less than 150,000 copies were sold. The secret of the success of the Audi A8 D3 is its magnificent design. Instead of classical lines, dynamic contours were used, strongly reminiscent of the A4 B8. The considerable popularity of the executive sedan was promoted by the main role in the film “Carrier 2”, released in 2005. In addition, the A8 was younger than the already familiar Mercedes S-class (W220), and the BMW 7-series seemed to many clumsy. In the process of production of the top model from Ingolstadt had to go through several upgrades. In January 2004, the grille changed significantly, and the design of the rear lights in the 2008 model year cars changed. Technical updates have been taking place all along – the latest technologies have been constantly introduced. As a result, the Audi A8 D3 of the last year of production was equipped with numerous systems that seemed unthinkable at the beginning of production. In addition to the ability to choose the engine, customers could also give preference to one of the two versions of the body.

Engines

Initially, only three engines were listed on the price list. In the following years, the list of engines offered has been constantly expanding.

Audi A8 D3 was equipped with a 3-liter six-cylinder gasoline engine with a capacity of 220 hp, which in 2005 gave way to the 3.2-liter 260-horsepower V6.

Also installed V8: 3.7-liter power 280 hp and 4.2-liter 335 hp.

The flagship versions were equipped with a 450-horsepower W12, and the S8 - a 10-cylinder unit of the same power (450 hp).

The diesel engine line is represented by a 3-liter V6 with a capacity of 233 hp, as well as a V8 4.0 l 275 hp and 4.2 l 326 hp. A8 with index D are considered the most dynamic representatives of the species.

Petrol engines

Surprisingly, both six-cylinder petrol engines (3.0 and 3.2), despite the modest power on paper, in reality are quite effective. 220 and 260-horsepower A8 thanks to the small weight of the units on the front axle, it goes well and behaves almost sports. 3-liter engine rarely causes problems even with large mileages. Damage caused by the destruction of the gear belt, the consequence of neglecting the recommended intervals of its replacement. The V6 FSI and 4.2 TDI are characterized by stretching of the timing system chain. The cost of repairs is up to 100,000 rubles. 3.2-liter FSI, available since 2005 in cars of the 2006 model year, delivers much more trouble. You shouldn’t expect anything good to hear a noise or rumble from the engine compartment after starting, and a constantly burning “check the engine” alarm. All this indicates the stretching of the timing system chains and, as a result, the displacement of the gas distribution phases. This problem has been well known in all VAG models for many years. It is believed that the reason is either frequent short-distance travel, or the use of low-quality or inappropriate motor oil, or a combination of both. In any case, the owner of the repair is very expensive: 30-60 thousand rubles for spare parts plus 30 000 rubles for work. Sometimes the TNVD starts to make noise. Usually it is possible to do with the replacement of the pusher - about 4000 rubles. The A8 is truly luxurious when one of the three 8-cylinder engines is in the nose. A choice of 3.7-liter engine with a capacity of 280 hp and two 4.2-liter units. 3. 7 and 4.

Diesel engines

The large Audi, with its low level of internal noise, luxurious equipment and space inside, is ideal for long journeys. This circumstance made the modifications of the A8 with diesel engines even more attractive. Turbodiesels of 4.0 liters with a capacity of 275 hp and 4.2 liters of 326 hp with a fuel supply system of the Common Rail type for many years topped the list of the most powerful engines with self-ignition.

In standard equipment, both diesel versions were equipped with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. In addition, they have dynamic and driving characteristics comparable to sports cars, and do not require frequent visits to gas stations.

But the receipts for payment come later. After 150 000 km, the first problems appear: high pressure pumps fail and defects of the timing system chain drive (4.2 liters) appear.

Another trouble with serious consequences is the destruction of incandescent candles. Its debris falls into the cylinders and completely disable the engine. Spare parts for the V8 diesel engine are extremely expensive.

Another problem with 8-cylinder biturbo is fixed at a lower cost. We are talking about jamming the thrusts of the turbine geometry control. However, it is enough to treat them with a special heat-resistant lubricant.

Fuel pumps. Pump failure is mainly characteristic of the V8 TDI. It's $1,500.

The less powerful V6 TDI (233 hp) is much weaker, but more durable. 3-liter turbodiesel with a Common Rail system attracts attention in very rare cases.

Transmission

To imagine a luxury sedan without a “automatic” was unthinkable. With the exception of the V6 gasoline engine, all versions of the A8 were equipped with a modern 6-speed automatic transmission ZF 6HP series.

Cases of repairs occur after 250-350 thousand km, which takes about 130 thousand rubles. Some prefer not to mess with the repair, and set a "contract unit" - 50-80 thousand rubles plus 17 000 rubles for work.

Although Audi does not provide for the maintenance of automatic transmissions, but still to prolong the service life, it is necessary to periodically change the oil in the box along with the filter (16,000 rubles per set).

The unexpectedly reliable has been repeatedly condemned Multitronic. This variable transmission was available in cars with a 6-cylinder petrol engine and front-wheel drive. The box performs its functions without serious shortcomings.

The all-wheel drive system usually does not cause any problems. The main thing is to regularly update the transmission fluid.

Walking

On the model of the second generation debuted air suspension. Four sealed rubber elements replaced the usual steel springs. As a result, the A8 could be transformed into either a floating and comfortable “boat” or a dynamic and sports car. There were generally no problems with the air suspension system, except for the relay, which could make the compressor located in the front left wheel niche work continuously. The unit overheated and failed, after which it was required to replace. But with age, the compressor and pneumovalonna inevitably get tired. The compressor is easy to repair - 5000 rubles for the remake and the same amount for work. Front pneumobalons walk more than 150-200 thousand km. Analogues are available for 8-14 thousand rubles, and the replacement work is estimated at 3000 rubles. The back pneumoballoons are practically eternal. A heavy car quickly disables suspension and brake elements. The cost of front levers is 2-4 thousand rubles, and Silentblocks - about 1000 rubles. Factory landing bearings of the front axle are capable of passing over 150,000 km. Analogues walk from 50 to 100 thousand kilometers. They change in the collection with the hub - 5000 rubles for an analogue plus 3000 rubles for work. Rear stage bearings usually serve more than 250,000 km (4-7 thousand rubles). After 250-300 thousand km, you have to face a failure of the parking brake with electric control. Usually, the electric motor located on the caliper (7,000-13 thousand rubles per used). Less commonly, the electronic control unit of the handheld is unusable (7000 rubles for the original). Soon the ABS block will also fail.

Bodywork

The advantages of the high-quality aluminium body of the Audi A8 D3 are obvious after many years. Even a pretty shabby car with slightly clouded headlight reflectors looks dazzling. The doors and hoods close as easily as the first day after purchase.

The body is not prone to corrosion, but when chips with repairs appear, it is better not to pull. The first foci of corrosion can sometimes be found at the junction of the roof with the side panel. Over time, the chrome lining on the trunk lid begins to corrode.

Often corrodes and the corner of the back door.

Often it is brought to repair the rear LED lights or to change the internal lights due to cracking glazing of the reversing fire (35,000 rubles for a new original).

Interior

Inside, traces of heavy operation are visible on the driver's seat, steering wheel and worn button covering on the MMI panel, climate control and doors.

This is what a driver’s seat looks like after 160,000 km.

A lot of criticism in his address deserved the retractable screen of the navigation system. Over time, the plastic gears of the drive mechanism are destroyed. The original mechanism costs 38,000 rubles. Resourceful motorists install homemade metal gears (800 rubles), which eliminates the problem forever.

Also sometimes the reader of the DVD drive navigation fails. On cars built after 2005, this problem no longer exists thanks to the MMI system and navigation that works with the hard drive.

However, the MMI system itself can cause trouble - the block or control panel fails. The control panel is only in the original - 100,000 rubles. Used panel can be purchased for 8000 rubles, the block will cost 4000 rubles.

Sometimes begin to capricious sensors automatic adjustment of the height of light of the headlights. The defect is eliminated at a small cost.

On age machines, the climate control system will inevitably require attention. Servo actuators of flaps, block of valves of the stove fail, radiator of the heater is clogged, and fan of the stove stops working. There are two radiators, and they are only in the original - 20,000 rubles each.

KeyleesGo will occasionally fail. Usually, you need to update the external handles.

Dignities:

large selection of engines and gearboxes

Very good manufacturing quality and corrosion protection

Disadvantages:

High operating costs corresponding to the top class

Careful, the hinges of the trunk lid are very fragile. Used hinges of the trunk cover are available for 2000 rubles, and the motor of the lid lift mechanism for 4000 rubles.

Petrol engines

• The 3-liter engine rarely causes problems even with large runs.
• Damage caused by the destruction of the gear belt, the consequence of neglecting the recommended intervals of its replacement.
• The V6 FSI and 4.2 TDI are characterized by stretching of the timing system chain. The cost of repairs is up to 100,000 rubles.
• You shouldn’t expect anything good to hear a noise or rumble from the engine compartment after starting, and a constantly burning “check the engine” alarm.
• This problem has been well known in all VAG models for many years.
• In any case, the owner of the repair is very expensive: 30-60 thousand rubles for spare parts plus 30 000 rubles for work.
• If you pull with a replacement, then the asterisks on camshafts may wear out, and in the worst case, the chain will jump.
• Then, in addition to the drive, the timing system will have to be repaired and the GBC, which will additionally require about 100,000 rubles.

Diesel engines

• After 150 000 km, the first problems appear: high pressure pumps fail and defects of the timing system chain drive (4.2 liters) appear.
• Another problem with 8-cylinder biturbo is fixed at a lower cost.
• Pump failure is mainly characteristic of the V8 TDI. It's $1,500.

Transmission

• Repairs occur after 250-350 thousand.
• Some prefer not to mess with the repair, and set a "contract unit" - 50-80 thousand rubles plus 17 000 rubles for work.
• Although Audi does not provide for the maintenance of automatic transmissions, but still to prolong the service life, it is necessary to periodically change the oil in the box along with the filter (16,000 rubles per set).
• The all-wheel drive system usually does not cause any problems.

Walking

• There were generally no problems with the air suspension system, except for the relay, which could make the compressor located in the front left wheel niche work continuously.
• The unit overheated and failed, after which it was required to replace.
• The compressor is easy to repair - 5000 rubles for the remake and the same amount for work.
• km have to face failure of parking brake with electric control.
• Soon the ABS block will also fail.
• It is necessary to sell contacts - 8000 rubles for repair.

Bodywork

• The body is not prone to corrosion, but when chips with repairs appear, it is better not to pull.
• The first foci of corrosion can sometimes be found at the junction of the roof with the side panel.
• Often it is brought to repair the rear LED lights or to change the internal lights due to cracking glazing of the reversing fire (35,000 rubles for a new original).

Interior

• Over time, the plastic gears of the drive mechanism are destroyed.
• Resourceful motorists install homemade metal gears (800 rubles), which eliminates the problem forever.
• Also sometimes the reader of the DVD drive navigation fails.
• On cars built after 2005, this problem no longer exists thanks to the MMI system and navigation that works with the hard drive.
• However, the MMI system itself can cause trouble - the block or control panel fails.

Dignities:

• Very good manufacturing quality and corrosion protection

It is quite possible to find an Audi A8 D3 for a relatively small amount of money. A car in good condition will not cause much trouble. But with each passing year, the A8 gets older, and the likelihood of problems increases. Therefore, you must be ready to invest in a dream car of the highest class and to accept the high level of prices for maintenance and spare parts. In addition, the fuel consumption of gasoline modifications today will seem excessive.

The Audi is only recommended to those who can afford it. The top-end W12 and rare S8 with a 10-cylinder engine will require their owners to make regular and sometimes monthly investments. The high cost of eliminating unplanned defects can quickly destroy the love of luxury.

• Audi made its first attempt to enter the upper class back in 1988, offering the Audi V8.
• Engines: Initially, only three engines were listed on the price list.
• Transmission: Repairs occur after 250-350 thousand.
• Driving: There were generally no problems with the air suspension system, except for the relay, which could make the compressor located in the front left wheel niche work continuously.
• Body: The body is not prone to corrosion, but when chips with repairs appear, it is better not to pull.
• Interior: Over time, the plastic gears of the drive mechanism are destroyed.
• Advantages: a wide range of engines and gearboxes very good manufacturing quality and protection against corrosion
• Disadvantages: Large operating costs corresponding to the upper class Careful, the hinges of the trunk lid are very fragile.

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