Bonzo

Well, I finally did it--after lurking (with the occasional post) for the past year and a half, I have committed to the clan of the A8(L). I just picked up a 2003 Ebony Pearl A8L (tan interior) with everything except Onstar (pictures to come when I figure out how to post). I'm probably daft to get an '03 before the new one comes out, but I really like the style of the current car, and I'll likely upgrade to an (R)S8 when they come out in a couple of years.

I can't believe how this thing drives! The power is seamless, and I have not even stepped deep into it. There is minimal body roll, even with the extended wheel base. I have the 17" wheels (5-spoke), with the Continental tires (will likely get dedicated performance tires next summer). I have a couple of questions:

- in general, is it recommended to break-in the car "by the book"?
- my first service is 16 000 km (10 000 miles)--should I change the oil before then?

Apologies if these questions have been asked before...I'd like to get the latest scoop. By the way, if it weren't for this forum I would not have paid as much attention to the A8 in the showroom after we bought an allroad (wife's). I am very appreciative of the advice offered here. We are very lucky to be driving these cars...I'm so glad I could finally post as an owner!!

Steve

chucklane

definitly go by the book.




2002 S8 White/Black
Cold + Warm packagae and Telematics

D3-Mac

My wife has an 03 allroad and I drive an 03 S8!

I am at a little over 3,100 miles and also trying to decide if I should do a 5,000 oil change or wait and follow the book and go at 10,000.

There is a LOT of data about that in the forums. My sense is that the average of all the advice is to use a quality synthetic and change it out at shorter intervals than Audi recommends.

JB

JimR

Maybe 7500 miles with a full synthetic, like Mobil1.

Mac - you know you could change your username to, say, S8-Mac, right? Click on "Preferences".

masonh

I would use a full synthetic oil and change it every 6 months.3 months for mineral based oil.I probably chage mine more but I am a freak about my car.I would also change the plugs every 20k.Trans service every 40k.There is no lifetime part or fluid.Anyone who tells you different wants you to buy a new car from them sooner than later,or frequent their service garage needing major repairs.

JimR

Some commentary on that, that I really liked,<ul><li><a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a8/msgs/22138.phtml">here.</a></li></ul>

Bonzo

Thanks for the advice--I will go ahead and change early, to Mobil 1 (they said the factory filled it with Castrol Syntec 5W50).

Jim, great photo of your car in your sig!

JimR

I need to take another pic for summer, since summer is coming up soon.