How do S8's handle in high temperature climates?
 

I have seen a beautiful condition 2001 S8 out here in Bahrain in the middle east which I am seriously thinking about buying. Before making the final decission I was hoping to get a bit of feedback as to whether they have any problems in high temperature climates like we get out here. Does anyone have any experience with these cars at air temperatures of 110 and above?

Ex, I dont think that you would experience anything different in an S8
 

travelling through high temps. as opposed to any other car. This presupposes that the thermostat hoses stc are all in working order. You might want to check on the prescribed themostat for such conditions. What color is the paint?

Re: Ex, I dont think that you would experience anything different in an S8
 

The paint is silver. I am just a bit nervous as I have had an SL500 for the past 3 years which has run far too hot during the summer months and been very difficult to start when hot and prone to stalling. Some German cars have a bit of a reputation for that sort of thing out here.

This may be caused by running low octane gas.
 

The high octane, 91 and up, actually helps keep the engine cooler under stress. The electronics will try to adapt the timing for low octane gas but there is only so much it can do.

Silver is a good hot weather color. I agree that higher octane gas
 

will make the car a little less prone to vapor lock when its extremely hot.

In those high temps, why not add additional cooling
 

I would be hard pressed to think any stock car can operate normally for a long period of time in those conditions under anything but light load.

Why not consider a ATF cooler (will reduce load on the radiator, it has an ATF line going through it), maybe an electric fan in place of the mechanical fan allows more air flow, or some kind of aux radiator that is in parallel with the main radiator.

My 91 200q had an aux radiator just below the main radiator.

Good luck, you'll love the car.

Forget the S8, go to the Grand Prix 04/04/04 ;)

?

Taking the plunge
 

Thanks for the advice. I have decided to go ahead and buy the car and if all goes well I will collect it tomorrow. Can't wait!