Aluminum luxury - Audi A8 (2002-2009)
Can a limousine impress with its easy handling and maneuverability in corners? It is enough to drive the Audi A8 at least once so that there is no doubt. Brand-new examples were within the reach of the wealthiest, but a ten-year-old can be bought for the price of a C-segment show car.
A distinctive feature of the Audi A8 is the aluminum body. Lightweight and corrosion resistant at the same time. Why are these bodies so rare in the automotive world? The cost of production, as well as the difficulty of post-accident repairs, effectively discourage car manufacturers from experimenting with aluminum.
Although the game is worth it. The second-generation Audi A8 weighs less than 1700 kg in its base version, more than 100 kg less than competing limousines. The weight of varieties with the most powerful engines does not exceed two tons, which means that in this case, the A8 is at least 100-150 kg lighter than other representatives of the segment.
The style of the exterior and interior follows the convention typical of Audi - businesslike, ergonomic and not too extravagant. Assembly precision, the quality of finishing materials and the level of equipment remain adequate for the class of the car. The A8 also impresses with its quiet interior and 500-litre boot.
In 2005, the Audi A8 received a facelift. The most notable change was the introduction of a large grille, the so-called single frame. In 2008, the car was again upgraded. It received, among other things, blind spot monitoring and lane departure monitoring systems.
The Audi A8 was offered in basic and extended versions (A8 L). In the first case, the length of the body was 5,05 m, and the distance between the axles was 2,94 m, in the second case, the values were 5,18 and 3,07 m, respectively. The extended version became the best offer for customers who prefer to use driver services. Those who wanted to drive on their own usually opted for the more compact A8.
The multi-link suspension with air dampers and the quattro transmission, available on most versions with Torsen differentials, provide fantastic traction in all conditions. In more powerful versions, torque is transmitted by automatic 6-speed ZF gearboxes. On weaker "gasoline" (2.8, 3.0, 3.2) continuously variable transmissions Multitronic were used.
The dynamics are already excellent in the basic version, which accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 8 seconds and reaches almost 240 km / h. I'm talking about the 2.8 FSI (210 hp) variant with V6 cylinders. Forked "sixes" were also driven by versions 3.0 (220 hp) and 3.2 FSI (260 hp). In their case, customers could choose between front- or all-wheel drive. V8 units - 3.7 (280 hp), 4.2 (335 hp) and 4.2 FSI (350 hp) were paired exclusively with quattro drive.
For the most demanding customers, a luxury version 6.0 W12 (450 hp) and a sports version S8 with 450 hp were prepared. 5.2 V10 FSI, well known to motorists from the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Gallardo. Despite their nearly identical performance, the S8 and W12 versions were aimed at completely different target audiences. The first had heavy-duty suspension, ceramic brakes, bucket seats and a 7000 rpm engine. The latter was often paired with a lengthened body, had more torque, and was comfort oriented.
Audi A8 fuel consumption reports - check how much you spend at gas stations
TDI units could not be missing under the hood of Audi. Even the base 3.0 TDI (233 hp) does not disappoint. In the case of the eight-cylinder 4.0 TDI (275 hp) and 4.2 TDI (326 hp) engines, the sporty output of 450-650 Nm ensures fantastic flexibility.
The technical improvement of the engines and the lightweight body have a positive effect on fuel consumption. According to Audi, the 2.8 FSI variant is a record-breaking economical one, which should be enough in the combined cycle at the level of 8,3 l/100 km! The remaining petrol versions should theoretically consume an average of 9,8 l / 100 km (3.2 FSI) - 14,7 l / 100 km (6.0 W12), and diesel versions of 8,4 l / 100 km (3.0 TDI) - 9,4 l/100 km (4.2 TDI). In practice, the results are 1,5-2 l / 100km higher. Still great for a five-meter sedan with permanent all-wheel drive.
Multi-cylinder engines, electronically controlled suspensions with numerous aluminum wishbones and an extensive electrical system with a huge number of devices in the event of a repair will lay a heavy burden on your wallets. Significant costs are also generated by typical work items - incl. powerful brake discs and pads, as well as tires - the Audi limousine requires kits in sizes 235/60 R16 - 275/35 ZR20. You can expect replacements mainly in the case of parts that can also be found in smaller Audi models. In the case of the A8, their number is, of course, limited.
In Polish realities, suspension and braking system elements are the least durable. In their case, repair costs can be reduced by replacement - the technical similarity of the Audi A8 to the smaller A6 and the Volkswagen Phaeton pays off.
The hand brake control mechanism is not among the reliable ones. Engines are durable, but gearboxes are the first problems - remember, however, that we are talking about cars that often travel tens of thousands of kilometers a year. In the case of used specimens, “flights” of 300-400 thousand kilometers are nothing special, so the first symptoms of mechanical fatigue should not be surprising either. High durability is reflected in TUV failure reports. There was a quantum leap between the first and second generations of the Audi A8. Newer cars are priced much higher and the number of defects found does not increase rapidly with the age of the car.
Drivers' opinions - what Audi A8 owners complain about
Prices for a used Audi A8 are usually not high. However, the rapid loss of value typical of limousines is justified. The group of serious buyers is relatively small - drivers are deterred by the potentially high cost of service.
Recommended engines
Petrol 4.2 FSI: A successful compromise between exemplary work culture, productivity and fuel consumption. The 4.2 engine with indirect fuel injection is not only weaker, but also requires more gasoline. FSI technology has increased power and reduced fuel consumption. The latter in the combined cycle is approx. 15 l / 100km. Aggressive driving style or driving only in the city can increase the result to at least 20 l / 100 km. An upgraded version of the 4.2 FSI engine is used in the third generation of the A8.
4.2 TDI diesel: Anyone who is considering buying a used Audi A8 agrees with the high running costs. Comfort and driving pleasure are key factors. 326 HP and the 650 Nm 4.2 TDI with twin supercharging make the A8 extremely enjoyable to drive. The limousine can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6,1 seconds and reach 250 km/h. You should only pay for great performance 10 l / 100km. The engine, after a significant "burnout", went to the latest A8.
advantages:
+ Excellent driving performance
+ High comfort
+ Relatively low fuel consumption
Disadvantages:
– Prices for spare parts
– Maintenance cost
– Rapid loss of value
Prices for individual spare parts - replacements:
Lever (front): PLN 250-600
Discs and pads (front): PLN 650-1000
Pneumatic shock absorber (pcs): PLN 1300-1500
Approximate offer prices:
3.7, 2003, 195000 40 km, thousand zlotys
6.0 W12, 2004, 204000 50 km, thousand zlotys
4.2, 2005, 121000 91 km, zloty km
4.2 TDI, 2007, 248000 110 km, k zloty
Photo by Karas123, Audi A8 user.
