audijim113

I bought a 2005 A8 three weeks ago and not sure if it is an "L" or not. Consider:

* Carfax says it's an A8L
* Records from service records say A8L
* VINcheck from Audiforum says it's an A8L
* VINcheck here on Audiworld, where you enter all the number/letters from the sticker in spare tire well, also says it's an A8L
* It's loaded with "stuff" such as comfort seats which adjust 100 ways to Sunday, power trunk lift, proximity key fob, and a bunch of other toys.

However:

* It does not have the "L" emblem on the trunk like my 2000 had and I've see on other later A8s
* I just sold my 2000 A8L and this car seems a little harder for me to get my considerable bulk in and out.
* It seems like less leg room in back seat than my 2000 Haven't had my lanky 14yr old grandson in it yet but he might notice the difference.
* My Michigan title just says "Audi four door."

How do I know conclusively?

Jack88

Umm, it's an L if the VIN says it is.

Jack88

If you really, really don't believe it, measure the wheelbase. LWB is 121", SWB is 115.9". My bet is the L fell off the emblem, and your bulk combined with the seating changes from generation to generation may have made egress/ingress more difficult.

audijim113

I will check it out. As for my "bulk" (translation = fat and very unbending), I did some asking (posted on here) before moving from D2 to to D3 as to the size/style difference between D2 and D3. Everyone told me it wouldn't make a difference even though my eyes perceived the roof line falling off sooner on the 05. When I get in, my head just doesn't seem to clear the door opening towards the back. This due mostly to very inflexible neck and back. I just don't bend worth a crap.

Despite a couple minor things, I still like the 05. Now, between Doc giving me hell and some other things, the size of my car is one more incentive to drop 75 to 100 lbs.

Jack88

It seems like the newer cars tend to have smaller door openings. Safety related maybe?

Brozee

Sit in the backseat, believe me you'll know. The inner part of the rear door will have an additional pocket about mid way up the door closest to the front of the car.

Mister Bally

L and standard wheel base have the same front doors and leg room. The rear seats in the "L" models have way more leg room than the front seats.

mishar

Easy way is to measure your rear door. If it is 46.5" in the handle zone it is L. Regular would be around 5" less.

Pashamad

+10 ;-)

Pothole5000

Or look to see if it has the additional storage pocket under the speaker.

This one does.



This one does not.