Hi - I'm new to this site and I'm about to pull the trigger on purchasing a 2003 S8. Before I did I wanted to ask if there are any known problems, common or not so common, or any other things I should be aware of and check for that may cost $$'s outside of warranty before I negotiate and close the purchase. I'll be purchasing from an Authorised Audi Dealer so it will come certified and with a couple of years warranty etc.

Thanks in advance!

 

Can't help you there regarding the S8 sorry - and not sure how many - if any S8 owners are here...awesome car BTW...Audis almost always have some problems (and you just need to budget that in....) - perhaps agoogle search might turn up some specifics...

 

I have a S8 motor in my car and the only thing you should need to think about is to make sure that the timing belt and water pump is good. Check to see If there is any oil around the cam seals. From that I don't know of any other issues body wise

 

The 4.2 seems to be pretty much bullet-proof. Anyone know all the differences between the S8 motor and a standard 4.2?

 

The differences are

Different cams
heads
throttle body
intake manifold
air box
motor code
transmission and gear ratio
rev limit
manifolds