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 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....

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 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