Arnott Inc Air compressor

[Brozee]

What did you have to modify in order for this to fit in the A8? Also you show a picture of the relay, does that also need to be replaced when replacing the compressor, or only when the relay is bad? (exactly what fuse box is that relay located in?)

[bacdoc]

Originally Posted by 05SilverA8

Can anyone describe what the "Crap" that came out of the old compressor is? Is that the magnets that disintegrated, or part of the motor that was eaten up?

It was all plastic shreds and pieces. I don't know what it was from though, but it was all inside the compressor motor.

[bacdoc]

Originally Posted by Brozee

What did you have to modify in order for this to fit in the A8? Also you show a picture of the relay, does that also need to be replaced when replacing the compressor, or only when the relay is bad? (exactly what fuse box is that relay located in?)

I replaced the relay just for good measure. It is located in the lower dash under the steering wheel.

All this information will be on a write-up i'm doing with pictures and details, tools needed etc... Should be this week.

I can tell you however, that the solenoid, heat sensor, main power multi-plug, intake/exhuast tube, and rubber mounts, were transferred from the A8 compressor, to the new compressor.

[vigurvant]

Replaced old compressor for Arnott's on 2010. I has been working without any issues so far. Did not take any modifying as long as I can remember, only reused the power cable. I think the valve solenoid had a different plug or something, so I installed the old one, didn't bother to cut the cable as this **** never goes bad anyway.
The old compressor pressure was too low in cold weather, a funny problem caused by this plastic compression ring on the piston.
Did not replace a relay back then...

[vigurvant]

Hi,
It took me some time to find the info about the location of the compressor relay and fuse, especially as I was away and had to explain it to the father-in-law. So was thinking to make it easier for the next guy who happens to look for info about the very first Audi A8-D3, from 2003. Mine is actually 12/2002.
So here it is:
Compressor - in front of driver side front wheel. to access it, remove the wheel, release a couple of screws holding the plastic mud guard/liner and bend it back. Tie it to the shock or something to keep it out of the way while working on the compressor. I actually replaced the compressor through this access, nothing else was touched.

There is a photo here already of the compressor, posted by bacdoc
See photos of a newer model compressor replacement http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/showthread.php?p=22247
Anyway, this photo should say it all about the early model relay and fuse location, top right 40A is the one,

I'm not sure till what date this configuration was used, newer models have the fuse and relay on the passenger side...somewhere

[AmoKK]

You can use MB compressor instead.
Part no. 2113200304

It's the same as in A8, with a few differences... but much cheaper. Here's a FAQ on russian: http://as8.ru/forum/viewtopic.php?f=...7252&hilit=FAQ

Also you can try repair kit for A8 compressor, part no. 7L0 698 030

[Brozee]

It's the same. But a few differences lol? So it's not the same?

Just playing with you. What are the differences and is it plug and play compatible with no modifications to it. The mb one.

[AmoKK]

Originally Posted by Brozee

It's the same. But a few differences lol? So it's not the same?

Just playing with you. What are the differences and is it plug and play compatible with no modifications to it. The mb one.

My English is not so goot to tell you the difference between them.
It's made by Wabco (so as Audi compressor), it has the same spec as a8 compressor. Try to translate FAQ with google translater, maybe you'll understand what's the difference.

It's not as hard as you think to make it work with a8

[Mister Bally]

Originally Posted by AmoKK

My English is not so goot to tell you the difference between them.
It's made by Wabco (so as Audi compressor), it has the same spec as a8 compressor. Try to translate FAQ with google translater, maybe you'll understand what's the difference.

It's not as hard as you think to make it work with a8

Differences are with the internal valve orifices and the connectors. Connnectors can be spliced (S4master will not approve but who cares) and the valve differences will result in slower rates of change between height settings but it really is not noticeable.

The reason for the price difference is that WABCO sells the compressors all at one price to VW/Audi and to Mercedes-Benz at OEM price for new vehicles and a higher price for the service parts network. VW/Audi are the greedy ones here. Mercedes uses more of these compressors so the chances of more leaving an assembly plant in lunchboxes, etc are greater.