New to the a8 4.2 tdi

[rob1976]

Hi All,

I have set my hopes on getting myself a good used A8 4.2 tdi. For the last 6 years I have owned the A4 2.5 tdi v6 which has been a fantastic car but is now showing its age been near 17 years old! and covering 205,000 miles which 100,000 are by myself. All my daily commute will be motorway so I am looking forward to the upgrade!

I hope to get a 2006 - 2007 model, can any one please tell me any thing I need to be aware about? such as recalls or cam chain problems?

I have read about MMI problems, are these pre 2006?

any pointers will be greatly appreciated.

[EG-4.0TDI]

Hi,

Earlier post here: Buying 2008 A8 4.2 TDI (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?131540-Buying-2008-A8-4-2-TDI) might be helpful...

[rob1976]

Many thx,

Had a good read and has given me a better direction. Swirl flaps!!!! I have read these tend to be 2.7 - 3.0 tdi issues, didn't think it also applied to the 4.2 tdi. I will be having a good peak under the engine cover at these, especially at 1K each. I really hope to find a decent one around a 56 - 57 plate.

[rob1976]

Finally found one, collected her yesterday and I must say it is by far the best car I have drove. The wife wasn't too impressed with the size, but after an hour in her she really likes her. The kids love the gadgets especially the TV.

so a 07 with 100k and FDSH, a few blemishes on the wheels, but new tyres all round. I did have a good look and test ride however I would like to take her to a vag specialist for a gear oil change, can any one recommend near Huddersfield area? I can travel with in reason.

Thx.

[Scott K]

If you don't mind a bit of a journey, then John Mackey in Glasgow is the guy for gearbox oil changes. I think his is the only company ZF authorise in UK. Amazing set up and they flush the oil when they change it so the torque converter is also flushed. 0141 778 4545. We had an Audi / *** day there this year and there was a couple of S8 along. One of the guys had already had his car done by them.

[rob1976]

Thx Scott,

A bit far, but something new I havent heard off is "ZF authorise in UK" A special type of oil used in these?

[rob1976]

A bit gutted:zx11:....

A slight smell of coolant....

After some investigation it seems to be one of the coolant pipes that enters the offside cylinder head, a small drip appears to run down a small metal pipe which I think has a rubber seal were it fits in situ.

No oil in the coolant expansion tank and no water in the oil. Thought these engines were the top line!

[rob1976]

So, the front end will be off in the morning as I have identified two leaking pipes, both seem to have pin holes in them. Pictures to follow as I haven't seen any on the Net, or anyone with this issue. Even the local Audi dealer said it is uncommon on the 4.2tdi..... even though they wanted £60 to diagnose.......

[M3 Compact]

If you're after an auto gearbox fluid change in Huddersfield - I've used these guys (http://www.autogearbox.co.uk/) at Crosland Moor for a couple of auto gearbox replacements and they've been excellent.

[rob1976]

Thx mate, I will call in and meet them, once I have sorted my leak and wheel clicking :(

[rob1976]

2 hours to strip the front end off and this is what I found:

25001

Once top pipe removed that connects to the rad (suspect pipe) I could see were the leak had been spaying up and downward towards the alternator, and dry pink coolant deposit on the engine mount.

25002

Mind my nails! clearly pin holes top side that were spaying coolant on to the left air box.

25003

This been the under side that sprayed coolant down the pipe work towards the Alt.

25004

The pipe. £15.80 from Audi, and I have been told its on back order and can take up to a week! Its nothing special, so in the mean time I am on the hunt for one of these.

[Scott K]

Thx Scott,

A bit far, but something new I havent heard off is "ZF authorise in UK" A special type of oil used in these?

Hi Rob,
ZF gearboxes don't like anyone touching their stuff but Mackeys Engineering are allowed to. They also give a better than original warranty if they have rebuilt the gearbox. They have an amazing set up and are the only place that can take the torque converters to bits and rebuild them. A lot of places can do an oil change but not flush the torque converter.

[M3 Compact]

BMW V8s went through a phase of leaking top hoses.
Common consensus was that the torque of the V8 was causing more movement on the engine mountings, which was flexing the hoses around their necks and gradually causing them to fail close to the clamps.

[rob1976]

That is were the holes were near the clamp. Audi say this part has been re-designed new part number, so maybe they have had a few. shame really as its a top engine that if ran dry of coolant due to a small pipe would cost big ££££s to put right.

[rob1976]

All done, new pipe and I treated her to a set of front disc and pads, also new wheel bearings as the front driver side had play within it. This has sorted the "clicking" when turning the steering wheels.

Could not find any air bleeding screws on the coolant pipe work? After 2.5 litres of coolant and letting the coolant settle in the pipes it seems fine.

Have a few codes for to post regarding a mirror fault and rear door. Will post later.

Thx all.

[rob1976]

Spoke on the phone to Audi today to order the air suspension relay, they didn't really have a clue what I was on about! I put it down to the fact they have a new lad on the service desk so I said I would get back to him with the part number.

So does any of you fellow A8 owners have the correct part number for what I believe is relay 373 or J403? I am working away at the moment so I am trying to order the relay for when I am home to prevent any future problems for the sake of a 5 min fix....

I would of asked the wife to have a peak under the carpet, but she would probably cut the carpet with the scissors!!

Thx.

[M3 Compact]

I replaced mine last week as a precaution.


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b187/332Ti/2014-07-21211353.jpg

The new one (645) is bigger.....



http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b187/332Ti/2014-07-12135244-1.jpg



Very, very easy job.
Less than 5 mins from opening the door to closing it.

[rob1976]

Quality, thanks for the quick post, I can order in the morning and fit it on the week end.. :beerchug:

[rob1976]

Thanks for the info regarding the link for my gear box. Had it done on Thursday, new oil, filter and gasket. £152 all in. The Mechanic said it was very clean but for my piece of mind its done and stamped in the service book.

Thanks.

[c3nturi0n]

you mentioned 5min job... is it easily accessible or it needs trim removal etc? Thanks


I replaced mine last week as a precaution.


http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b187/332Ti/2014-07-21211353.jpg

The new one (645) is bigger.....



http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b187/332Ti/2014-07-12135244-1.jpg



Very, very easy job.
Less than 5 mins from opening the door to closing it.

[M3 Compact]

Just the trim along the passenger side front door opening sill to remove.

[salmanjigobig]

and if you ever travel outside of the eu you can call Automatic transmission repair. they have excellent price and service