JimR

Not likely to live "maintenance free" for 200k, based on the experiences I've seen here. ;-)

>>He doesn't know how much cost ATF and filter to be change, but 11K for new transmission he took right from the top of his head (seems they do it more often).

I think it is just extraordinarily revealing that they know how much it costs to replace, but haven't a clue on how much it costs to service. Yipes! That should be reversed, and it is sad that it isn't.

SteveIAS8

...does it say "change ATF fluid every 45000m", then say in parentheses right after that: "Cabriolet and A6 Avant?" If so, this does not pertain to the A8s.

I believe the maintenance booklet is provided for all Audi models.

This is what I see in my booklet, and I have a '98. That's why I have been concerned about the "lifetime" claim...

Doug M

Only has the exception of A4

barryl

Hey,

I'm too afraid to open radiator drains. I guess on new(er) cars it's OK,
but I have seen a few too many cases where the owner tried to open
the drain, only to have the drain plug break. Now you need a new
radiator!!

I like to remove the lower rad hose because it also lets you check the
condition of the hoses.

Barry

PaulW

Can you post the link to your fuel tank repair again, I want to post it on audipages.

Thanks.

Paul

chairman

I'll bet the mark up on a transmission is far greater than the profit on the maintenance.

skiracer

them off, causing the damage you refer to. On the A8, the drain valve is a very robust assembly that works like a standard valve- turn left to open, right to close. I would never hesitate to use the A8 radiator drain valve- I think you would really have to try to break it. Although checking hose condition is a good idea, I've seen way too many hoses ruined by trying to remove them when not necessary- it is easy to tear a hose either taking it off or by overtightening the band clap when you reinstall it. Just a little different angle on things.....

barryl

Try this:

http://members.rennlist.com/drive944/audi.html

hisport

It's not you or the A8 forum folks who are confused, Doug, it is Audi North America and their US dealer network. Collectively, I don't believe they could organize a two car funeral.

The A8/S8 lifetime ATF fill premise is simply not viable. IMHO, ZF and Audi are putting a brave face on things, knowing from field service statistics that this is a bad policy. Changing their stance means acknowledging the problem and becoming liable for transmission replacements, however.

When I bought my '99 A8 at 50K mi, I took it to the dealer to have all the services done, and particularly specified the ATF and filter. They told me emphatically that the fluid was lifetime, the transmission was "sealed", and that the fluid could not be changed, etc. I ended up paying about $550 and getting nothing of substance done other than an oil change (and they overfilled the crankcase). The dealer did not have one single part to perform my "fix this" punchlist, and could not even check the ATF level as their "computer specialist" was out on holiday and this was something that was not required anyhow. So much for the A8 ownership experience.

Since then, I've done all the A8 service work myself.

My '99 maint manual has no service interval for ATF change or level check (45K Cab and A6 Avant only; both of which are V6 and use the early 4 sp transmission, I believe)

To keep it simple, change the filter and fluid every 45K mi at least; costs less than $100 in parts/fluid and 1 hour if you do it yourself; shouldn't be more than $275 at the dealer. See the earlier threads on this for instructions. I would change fluid and filter even if you have extended warranty - transmission replacement can be a can of worms in the wrong hands (eg, my Audi dealer).