I'm an avid Audi enthusiast with 6 cars as of right now = )

Really would like to add a '98-'00 A8 to my driveway, but I have questions. Is the trans as tempermental as my mechanic friend seems to think? Are there other A8 "issues"?

Now bear in mind I have owned one of what I consider Audis most problematic cars (B5 S4) and took it all the way to stage III before we parted company.

Is there anything in particular to fear?

Thanks!

Cheers,
Jewel

current cars-
'83 UrQuattro
'90 Coupe Quattro
'91 200 20vt
'85 4000 Turbo Quattro (x2)
'86 4000

There are a few quirks but we mostly agree that the pro's outway the con's and yes the trans can be an issue.
Buy with warranty and preferably rebuilt trans and enjoy

Today, I'd go for one of those (I've had my 99 for over 3 years, and used post-facelift cars were really rare then. And we didn't know as much about this issue).

Beyond trans issues, we have the same control arm and TRE issues you should already be familiar with. Ditto the need to do a major maintenance for the TB, water pump, rollers, etc, though with these engines, the 80-90k miles mark seems acceptable.

Other than that, nothing jumps out as a big issue.

Hit the A8 line in my sig and go browse Audipages, if you haven't.

Hi,

I'm new to this forum as well. I bought a '97 A8Q in 1998 with 7K on it and still have it. 100K on it now. The trans started to act up with about 85K on it. Audi dealer told me to sell car, the trans was sealed and not servicable. It was squealing when cold and would slip out of gear sometimes. A local mechanic serviced it by dropping the pan and changing the filter which he said was collapsed. Cost a little over $300, runs fine now. Plan to have serviced every 50K. Should have to begin with. Replacement trans are available, around $7K.