04 A8L Maintenance Issues
 

I have a 04 A8L which has been a great car until the past year. At 75K I had to replace the timing belt. Now at 85K I have a host of problems. Trunk pull down has broken for 2nd time (first out of warranty)$800, tire pressure sensors are faulty, front shocks are worn and dealer wants 2K to replace front left side shock! Leak in washer lead to headlights $500, pop up monitor is sticking and malfunctions sometimes.

Am I getting ripped off for shock replacement? They say the part alone is $1700.

They aren't shocks, they are air bags and yes they are expensive. Tire pressure sensors have batteries inside the sensors and only last about 5 years, so its normal for replacement at this time. The pop up monitor motors always break on the 04 models, these are all covered in my sticky post. You are also gonna need upper control arms in the near future, more trunk problems, rear brake caliper issues and perhaps very expensive transmission repairs all in your future. I highly recommend getting an aftermarket warranty company (fidelis example) to cover these expenses, its worth the monthly expense when it comes to the A8. Everything you listed is normal maintenace in my opinion.

Wow, makes my Range Rover air suspension seem cheap. At least with the rover you can work on it yourself and the airsprings are only about $400/pr after market. They go in easy and is a DIY afair. It sounds like you are not the DIY type. I would get the warranty or brace yourself for the storm. There is a reason German cars are fairly heavily depreciated after four years. I still think they are worth the added maintenance. Another idea is to seek out a good independant shop that can save you hundreds each visit. Still, I would love to have your ride, problems and all.

Audi tech!
When you recommend getting an aftermarket warranty company,do you know which is the best company that cover all .You seid Fidelis do you know the good and the cover
evreting and you take car to audi diler or what. Thanks. 04 Audi A8l with 72k.

Im not that well versed in aftermarket warranties and there are different comanies in different areas of the country. Just ask them what coverage options they have before signing up.

hey just bought an audi a8L with 72k miles and wanted to know when it is recommended to change the timing belt on this car and model.

thanks

mike

Read the sticky