I OWN A 2000 A8 AND LOVE THE CAR. HOWEVER, LAST SPRING I REALIZED THAT IT WAS USING OIL MORE THAN ANY CAR I HAD PREVIOUSLY. I STARTED KEEPING TRACK OF USAGE AND I AM NOW UP TO ABOUT 2 QUARTS IN 600 MILES (WHEN USING TIPTRONIC AND SHIFTING BY THE TACH). SINCE THE CAR IS STILL UNDER A 2 YEAR/100K MILE AUDI DEALER WARRANTEE I CONTACTED THEM HOPING TO FIND A RESOLUTION. I HAVE GOTTEN NOTHING BUT BULL---- AND A RUNAROUND. AUDI NORTH AMERICA HASN'T TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO STEP IN AND MAKE THE DEALER DO A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION AND REPAIR. THE DEALER HAS THE GUTS TO TELL ME THAT I HAVE THE WRONG OIL DIPSTICK. SURE, THAT WILL STOP IT FROM USING OIL.
I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT WHETHER OTHER 4.2L ENGINE OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS.

of minor leaks, don't add any between 4,500 miles changes. The A8's do a lot, but burning oil is not one of them. What's the mileage ? Do you know that it's burning and not leaking ?

Bob

You DEFINITELY have a problem that needs to be taken care of under your warranty. Is there another Audi dealer near you that is at least smart enough to know that the wrong dipstick won't cause your oil loss?

mine used a quarter of a quart in 1500 miles due to front seal leaks that im in the middle of repairing. oh and valve cover gasket seepage I have 98k on my '97

If it were very overfilled due to a short dipstick, I'd expect some oil to get sucked up the crankcase ventilation system and be burned.

Tom

There are two ways ingress of oil in motor combustion chamber: 1-through worn-out piston rings; 2-through worn-out oil_remove_ring on valves (sorry for English :) ).
Way #2 cannot give so large consumption alone (usually no more than 1-2 quarts per 8000 miles) .
It is mean bad thing - way #1 definitely on the agenda. Worse of all - there is no OEM repair kit for audi alluminium motors. Moreover, it is no way to repair, because new piston rings will eaten in very short period of times by aluminium cylinder. This is a reason why Audi not supply repair kits for V8 motors. Oficial way - replace whole cylinder block together with piston/crankshaft end etc.
Another way (less expencive) - to buy used motor from wrecked car.
My '96 A8 eatings about 1 quart for 1200 miles in city drive with Tip (3000-4000 rpm) and half of that with Auto calm drive. Oil 10W-60.
Everything I said, I've been told when tried to eliminate big consumption.
It is common problem for A8 with 200K km and more in Europe.