A8 purchase but scared of tranny issues
 

Hi
I'd like to get into an A8 (a 1999)but after reading the posts here I am very skeptical.
Looks like the transmission is a major problem.
So my question is :Anyone on this forum that DID NOT EVER have a transmission problem ?
Are they all bound to fail ,sooner or later or just some ?(design fault ? )
thanks
John

Re: A8 purchase but scared of tranny issues
 

I used to be fairly scared of having an older A8, but this forum has helped immensely when it comes to understanding what the car is all about. Yes, the tranny is the main concern for sure, but these cars are a great value. I think we all realize that a tranny rebuild is almost inevitable if we keep the car long enough, but most of us are willing to live with that fact. Where else can you get this much car for as little at $10-15K? FYI, my 98 just hit 95K and the torque converter just started hunting while coasting in 5th and sometimes 4th. It does worry me, but that is the only issue. You just have to weigh things out and see if you are willing to take the chance..

Have not had any typical problems with mine. I am going to knock on wood though :)

I have a 99 with 79K with no trans issues what so ever.
 

I am even using non Audi fluid to boot. I don't know how long it will last but its still runs like new.

Re: A8 purchase but scared of tranny issues
 

My A8 is 1995 model and I have tiptronic transmission. 10 years old car, nothing problems!! It is 4-speed automatic, mayby 5-speed is more fragile?

Re: Tranny issues
 

Tranny polls indicate that the problem may be limited to the earlier years, but a '99 may be on the cusp.

<a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/81184.phtml">Poll #1</a>: problem tranny
<a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/81183.phtml">Poll #2</a>: trouble-free tranny

BTW: If anyone hasn't responded to one of the polls, now's your chance :-)

Re: A8 purchase but scared of tranny issues
 

Hard to say if this was/is a tranny problem. Annoying small vibration on 4th and 5th gear 1.100-1.500 rpm. Goes away every now and then. Otherwise just magnificent car.

Engine 100 % ok
Tranny hmmm...we shall see
everything else: There is no substitute

My 99 at 76K has perfect transmission behavior
 

I flushed it at 63K and changed the filter. Fluid, filter, and magnets looked pretty good. I don't know whether it had been changed before, but I doubt it. It's never thumped, hunted, limped, or sneezed once, and I expect with regular service it's going to last a while.

On the other hand, it's a complex tranny, and complex electro-mechanical devices that run under load don't last forever. I can live with a $2-3K rebuild somewhere down the road if it comes to that, given that I bought the best all-around car in the world for less than a quarter of its sticker price when it still looks and feels like new.

There isn't a car half as good/safe/fast/handsome/comfortable you can buy anywhere near as cheaply. My feeling is (1) have any car you're looking at gone over carefully by a very good mechanic if you're not capable yourself (use PaulW's excellent buyer's checklist from audipages.com, link below); (2) service the tranny the day you buy it and regularly thereafter; (3) accept the fact that it's a complex car and stick $5K in a bank account you don't touch for a dark day, just in case it arrives; (4) read this forum religiously -- there are great people here with a ton of knowledge about the car; and (5) thank your lucky stars that these magnificent machines can be had at these prices and that you got one of them.<ul><li><a href="http://www.audipages.com/usedA8/usedA8items.html">PaulW's used A8 buyer's checklist</a></li></ul>

86k here and no hunting but.....
 

Have noticed the tc I assume locking unlocking. Never really bad and very infrequent. Has not worsened over 20k miles. Could be normal and causes no issues. Other than that its perfect. Usualy happens after 70 mph cruising and then braking but only on rare occasions.

Re: 86k here and no hunting but.....
 

Had it CPO since 18k miles in 2002. At 90k now, have flushed the tranny fluid and refilled it once due to a popular shop not tightening down some bolts which led to a leak and a noise at 1000 rpm in 2nd gear.