just got an 05. when the sunroof opens all initally appears normal, but at the end of the opening when the deflector goes up the motor makes a rather loud grinding noise. the non audi dealer from whom the car was purchased, when asked about it, advised that this was "normal". any comments?

 

not normal at all the sunroof is smooth and quite through the entire process.

 

He probably said "normal" because it may be a common problem on D3 A8's. On D3's there is a seperate motor for the deflector, which some have had a problem with:

https://www.audiforums.com/forum/sho...wind+deflector

Take it back and demand that they replace it, if there was deal to have everything working correctly.....NOT normal!

 

It may be with that year, I have a 07 and the deflector is non powered. It simply pops up once the panel slides back.

 

Interesting, another failed experiment Audi corrected...simpler is usually better.
D2's have the deflector that pops up with tiny spring pistons...works well unless little cushion pads on front of deflector stick to the body and allow the deflector to pop up suddenly after roof is fully open, instead of gradual open at start of slide-open. This leads to eventually breaking one or both of limit stops on the outer ends of the deflector...if both sides go, off flies the deflector

 

My 05 does same thing! Just bought it from non audi dealer too Waiting for warmer weather to see what's up with it

 

sunroof lubrication is an on going maintenance item, may be due.

 

i only had occasion to use the sunroof yesterday, on the 05s' the motorized defector is not just to engage the deflector. it changes the angle of the deflector depending on the speed of the car to optimize it's effectiveness. just wanted ya'll to know.