I had a "deer encounter" of the worst kind and if it was not for God and my very stout & solidly built A8 it turned out to be only a mere inconvenience. These cars are so solid the poor deer didn't have a chance.

Here what happened, I was on my way home from work when a deer jumped out from behind the support column of an underpass on I-270. I didn't have time to even tap the brakes...we met at 65 mph plus.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53395/deer-encounter_page_1_image_0001.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53395/deer-encounter_page_2_image_0001.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53395/deer-encounter_page_3_image_0001.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53395/deer-encounter_page_4_image_0001.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53395/deer-encounter_page_5_image_0001.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53395/deer-encounter_page_6_image_0001.jpg">

The insurance totaled (over $14K to repair) out the car so I had to put the old girl to rest. The old saying goes, there is always a "silver" lining in every cloud...I am adding to the list of A8'ers that convert over to the "S" club. I replaced it with a 2003 Avus Silver S8 with burgundy interior, all options less the solar roof. Here are some initial shots.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53395/pict3711.1.jpg">


<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53395/pict3709.jpg">


<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53395/pict3712.jpg">


<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53395/pict3715.jpg">


<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53395/pict3712.1.jpg">


<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53395/pict3714.1.jpg">

Immediate modes...upgrade the navigation to the RNS-E Navi plus. Paul W. can you post the procedure or send me the word copy of the navi.us web site (the link posted does not work).

Also has anyone hardwired your valentine one via the sun roof consol?

The difference in the ride is amazing...nothing like my 98 A8.

G. Hart

Sorry about the deer, but nice new ride....<ul><li><a href="http://www.navplus.us/">RNS-E forum</a></li></ul>

They gave me 7900 for the buyout. It was not too far off what Kelly Blue Book.

Any suggestions here..?

Thanks,

G. Hart

...on the purchase though - Avus is def. one of *the* coolest colors Audi's ever come up with (or that of any other mfg. for that matter).

And them RS4 looking wheels look fabulous on there.

Very cool, well done, good for you.

Enjoy it! Great that you walked unscathed...

I thought I read somewhere that the A4/A6 will not work in the S8's. Only the A3 unit will work...this was I think from the UK folks who have done it.

G. Hart

You take the sliver strip off the bottom, then cut the bottom off where the strip was with a hacksaw, then shape the corners at the top with a sanding block. You don't touch the sides or the top.

I would make sure you get one with 0200 software or know how to upgrade the software. I don't know how to do that.

Great...thanks.

Anyone have pics on hardwire radar into the face-lift A8/S8's?

Or give me some guidance on how to pry loose the sun roof control unit to tap into power for the valentine one.

Thanks,
G. Hart

Glad to hear you're OK. I-270? In Maryland? I drive through Rock Creek Park in D.C. all the time and they are always out. Almost tagged a 4-point buck last week. I hate that this has happened, but it's good to see how well she did at protecting you. Congrats on the new (to you) S8!

second that, any advice on how to hardwire with a remote display would be awesome...pics a plus!

About 2.5 years ago I had a deer fall out of the sky (literally) in front of my A8 at ~45 MPH (my speed, the deer wasn't equipped with a speedo but was moving pretty fast). $10,500 later my insurance agent left crying. Fixed everything up, looks new. You are right about these cars- amazing safety design. I didn't even hardly feel the impact (the air bag didn't deploy)the car did such a good job of absorbing the energy of impact.

I have my V1's installed, but I ran the power wire down the A-pillar to the fuse box. I'm out of town for the week, but will try to post pics soon.

I think I've seen your new car once or twice and had to double take - Do you live on the north side?

I passed what I thought was an avus S8 on powell road once or twice.

I haven't hardwired to the sunroof but did the V1 to the fuse box - easy peasy - the only thing to remove is the fuse box cover. Takes maybe 15 minutes.

Do you have the V1 hardwire kit?

i see your license plate lists you in Hamilton county. I live in Cincinnati. Nice S8, great color combo.

is easy and saves having to tuck wires into the A pillar. Get your fingernails under the edge of the sunroof control box and give it a hard pull. Mine was not secured by screws but interestingly the A4/S4 have 2 screws that must be removed first before you can pry it off. Then tap into the sunroof motor wires. Confirm with a voltmeter which wire is switched. For mine I believe the blue gray wire was + and brown was -, but it seems to differ by year. The unit will shut off when you get out of the car and close the door.

Very nice S8. I'm glad your D2 saved you from injury. Besides being a beautiful fast car, it's nice to know you are well-protected as well...

Thanks so much...I hope this was the case (no screws) for all 03's as I would hate to rip it off and then can't get it back on :)

Yes, I live in Columbus...shot me a line the next time your in town. There are a few A8 and S8'ers in the area.

Maybe...but I just got this car late last week. I live on the east side in pic-town. There is actually another gentleman with the exact car who I ran into at off all places Autozone. He has had his car around town for about a year now. It was probably him.

Don't miss it much, it has been one upgrade after another and now having an S8 I can't look back.... These are damn nice rides! Welcome to the S8 club!

Wonder how many silver D2's are in the country . .

Where are you getting yours serviced? I've been to Blagois a couple times - good people - great service.

Wonder how many silver D2's are in the country . .

Where are you getting yours serviced? I've been to Blagois a couple times - good people - great service.