Hi folks!

About a week and a half ago, I became a charter member of the "D3" club, having traded in my previous 2003 A8L. It was difficult to believe that Audi could improve significantly on an already superb car, but they have.

I am the proud owner of an Atlas Gray 2005 SWB A8, with most options except ventilated seats and adaptive cruise. I just passed 1000 km today, trying to follow the break-in as strictly as I could.

Here is my first attempt at including a pic:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/31187/audia8leftfront.jpg">


Another view:

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/31187/audia8leftside.jpg">


I have the platinum interior, which is quite understated and elegant. I would have really liked amaretto, but I don't think the black carpets would have worked with the exterior colour (for me, anyway).

My compliments to the forum members here--they are every bit as helpful and entertaining as the D2 forum (PaulW, can't wait for you to move to a D3 and provide your wisdom and mod. assistance for the newer platform--I see you've already provided Bluetooth assistance!).

I look forward to learning and sharing facts and trivia about this amazing car with others on the forum. I peruse several forums, one of them being the VW Phaeton one--the moderator Michael has an extremely in-depth knowledge of the various systems of the Phaeton (1st cousin to the A8?). It is helpful for understanding the workings of the TPMS, the keyless entry, adjustable suspension, etc.

I'll finish with another two showroom shots--I have not had a chance to take some photo's after Zaino application, but I will soon...again, it's great to be here!!!

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/31187/audia8rightfront.jpg">


<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/31187/audia8rightrear.jpg">

I personally think the combo is great - the carpet is dark gray, not black - a nice touch.

in the post below yours. . . our young studs are lying through their teeth and posting edited photos, and our old studs are making runs for their Viagra. . . I am sure they will get to you in a while. . . . :)

I was actually going to wait until the dust settled from that thread before I jumped on board, but decided to go for it anyway....thanks for the welcome!

It must look stunning...I have not seen a more handsome interior than that amaretto. I didn't know that they could coordinate the carpet colour. I bought mine off the showroom floor, due to timing and the fact that it had the options I wanted. I still can't believe how well this car handles--and don't get me started on the engine sound above 4000 rpm....

Great photos, looks like it was a great day at the dealer ;-) Love the color too.

Welcome to the D3 forum, bringing you 30% wisdom and 80% entertainment! Plano, is that correct??

Let's see, you said kilometers and you have a North American front license plate holder so you must be in Canada. I can't quite make out the rear plate frame but I am guessing you are in Ottawa?

Great choice! I have the same color combo as you. Except mine is the 04 and LWB.

Welcome to the forum. I have a 2004 A8L with 24700 miles with no major problems. It is the best cat I have ever owned and I love it. I hope you like yours as much,. My business partner liked my car so much he bought a 2005 A8 SWB and he has over 26000 miles. He loves it also.

up and down my driveway!

Welcome! Nice nick BTW.

I have the light grey interior, I think that's the same as what you call "platinum". I really love it in combination with the vavona wood.

And is it Audi?

There are not many other D3's around here....yet. It's a great place to exercise AWD in the depth of winter! Your car exudes class...the wheels are awesome. Are those 20's?

AtlasD3 is trying to arrange a group buy for those who are interested in a set at dealer cost which represents a considerable savings.

My wife and I are from Toronto but now live in the New York area, she was actually born in Ottawa. We have friends and my wife has family there so we do visit once in a while.

Looks like a plate frame from Marks Motors...thought they were a BMW dealer?

Anyway, welcome to the board and I'm sure you're going to enjoy your new A8L...only more so with this forum and its people. This is one of the finest automotive forums out there.

Cheers.

I get a lot of compliments on it, but there are a few (traditionalists) who don't like it. Of course these same people can only imagine a black interior so I don't take their comments to seriously!

Welcome and enjoy your new ride!

Great car - of course I think that because my A8 has a similar spec but has the 18" 9 spokes. I have 17,000 miles on mine and love the car. Have fun on the forum!

Beautiful car!

it is Mark Motors. They are Audi/Porsche, and excellent for service/support. These cars are complex, so service is key in the decision to buy for me.

How do you like platinum interior? Is it hard to keep clean?

They seem to work well, I can throw the car around corners faster than any other car I have owned and it is rock solid and they work well enough in the snow.
I am hoping to move to the 20 inch 9 spoke if Atlas can get enough people interested in the deal he is working on.
Have fun with the car, you will love it!

looking clean but a weekly / 2 weekly wipe over with Lexol leather cleaner seems to work well and keeps the finish on the seats from going shiny and polished looking. The product is a clear gel that goes on and comes off really easily.