Hi there all.

Wanted to introduce myself since I just bought an 1999 Audi A8 4.2 Quattro with 75000 miles. So far I am in love with the car, even though it's kind of old right now. However the interrior/exterrior craftmanship is flawless, not to mention the 300-hp V8.

Can any of you guys that has an A8 between 1997-2003 let me know how the experience has been with your cars and where can I get ANY KIND of car parts for my car. Right now I am missing one hand-rest (driver side) and the leather seats are worn out. Any help finetunning my A8's engine/body would also be much appreciated.

Thanks and hopefully a lot of people will respond.

 

shokan.com if you're on the east coast

dadsauto.com for west coasties

actually, both ship anywhere in usa

If you're gonna replace the armrest, go for the 2000-2003 model. it's nicer AND sturdier

 

Thanks Man. I apreciate your info.

 

As for experiences, I'd say your best bet to gain insight on that is to read throgh the A8 forum. Almost ALL of our problems, and a few of our sucesses, are chronicled here. You just gotta read, mang.

 

Hehey, welcome to the show, though we have yet to determine what type of show this is (most likely a tragicomedy).

Coming up on the 2 year anniversary of my 1999 A8 4.2Q ownership (purchased at around 58K miles, 77K now). It hasn't really been a truly happy ownership experience for my wallet, but hey - you only live once. Once I get older I'll have trouble talking my kids ouf of getting an expensive car when they get their licenses "But dad, you had a Volvo 850 and then an Audi A8 when you were 22!!!"

Got 3 more years of grad school, during which time it'll most likely be driven once a week, so I'm not really planning on breaking the 100K mile barrier before I have to sell it. Have to say that I'd damn fortunate that its hasn't been and never will be a daily driver for me. This week I've got a 1000 round trip from CT to Washington DC and back with the temp inthe 80s and 90s, I'll report on how it handles it (keeping my fingers crossed).

 

So update:

My transmission died. How is that for news ehh. Well I was expecting something to happen anyway, since I bought the car at an auction. The A8 has 74000 miles on it though so I will get it fixed.

It started with the gears not engaging fully and yesterday morning the car went out of gear while driving at 30mph but I could still rev it without any problems. I managed to get it to the side of the road and I shut off the car. When I returned it on it went into gear again and i could drive it with difficulty as it wasn't getting any acceleration but I managed to move it to a parking lot 30-50 feet away. My A8 4.2 quattro is automatic btw.

After 10-15 min I got the check engine light on and now I hear a scraping sheet metal noise to the bottom of the car/engine in Parking/Neutral/Drive when i try to do 2000-3000rev so I had to take it to a transmission specialist. Their estimates for a rebuild are between 1800-2000 since it looks like a solid transmission (no need for replacement).

Maybe you guys can chime in on this. Is this a good price to pay for a tranny rebuild? I still haven't gotten a more accurate estimate of what the problem is since they have to open it but I am going to hesitate to pay untill I get better quotes from other specialists. Right now I am standing on $45 towing and the labor of opening it up.

 

Welcome Ivan...I too am a new Audi ownership....112k...a real creampuff....however I am also experienceing some tranny problems. Will be shopping around myself. Will let you know what I find out

Steve