As a new owner of a launch care S/N 949, I have many mixed feelings about the car after reading the many messages here. I absolutely love the car, the technology, the performance, the comfort, the features, the looks, the fact that there are 1000's of them on the road. But if I can't rely on the car, what's the point. I have 2100 miles on my vehicle, and have experience a few minor problems similar to those listed here. I will be leaving on a 700 mile trip to Reno, and I hopeful that I won't experience major problems. I agree with may who state that with a $75K purchase, one should expect near flawless performance.

Due to the nature of and breadth of the apparent launch car problems, I would appreciate posts from the rest of you proud A8 owners who have had any problems. Forewarned is fore-armed. If nothing else, it may help us resolve them with our dealer, and/or AoA.

My car is black with sand beige interior with 18" wheels and all options except for solar sunroof. My problems to date are:

Light sensor failure, so Auto does not work AND the outside mirrors are locked into chromatic (dark) mode
Home link will not reset or allow for programming.
Drink hold cover will not latch.

The only one of the above that is of concern is the light sensor and outside mirrors. This is a safety concern, because it is very difficult to see cars in the ajoining lanes during overcast days.

I have not yet formed an opinion on the service I will get on this car from VW/Audi. As my experience unfolds, I will provide further posts.

Thanks for having and contributing to such an informative forum.

dkloswa /949

 

Thank goodness that you are taking a trip to Reno. Its about time that you put some miles on that puppy! LOL. I thought that I was the "low miler'! In any event, there were "issues" with the launch cars to which some were bought back by AoA and some have been repaired. It sounds as though yours can be taken care of. I assume you have not had it in for service at all? Personally, I have 1543 miles from Sept. 5th until now with the only issue being blocked HVAC vents to the rear passengers(but who cares about them right?). I guess I will also get to form an opinion concerning Audi and its dealer service and beyond this only time will tell. Have a save journey and a satisfactory service experience!


greenie #6625


04 A8L silver/sabre

 

One visit to the local Audi dealer and repairs scheduled for week after next -- parts issue. I don't expect any problems with this, except that our local dealer just started dealing with A8's. Am I compounding my opportunities here -- new model, new dealer???? I'll let you know.

 

I've got 1580 miles since the end of August. At least I'm in town for a few days to put on some miles and enjoy my 'new' car. After a couple of weeks driving a Buick Century rental that felt as if I was driving on a waterbed, getting back in my A8 is fantastic.

I've not had any problems w/ my car in the time I've had it. I'm kinda itching to go on a road trip too.

 

Well.. a senior, experienced and well trained tech is critical to any dealer servicing A8L's, IMHO.

 

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/3920/dsc00027.jpg"></center><p>I just rolled in for my 5K service last week and with the exception of one MMI haunting the car has been flawless. It's a part of being the first one on the block with a new toy...with risk comes pleasure!

Hey greenie...BTW, our cars are still too damn slow...come up from Philly and drive this S4 sometime! What was Audi thinking when they dumped more HP into an A4 body?

 

Chronic, our cars are too damn big!!! Im having a Borla exhaust fitted to this beast, as soon as its available, by AWE Tuning, a local Audi, porsche tuning facility. They said that there are other mods available that wont void the warranty. If this doesnt work, I may be forced to take the cover off the `Vette!(or put 105 octane in the RSX).
greenie 6625


04 A8L silver/sabre

 

Thats a GOOD opinion tt, not a humble one!!


greenie 6625


04 A8L silver/sabre

 

Hey thats great Plano. What color was the Buick? LOL


greenie 6625


04 A8L silver/sabre 1581 miles

 

Had a couple of days of morning snow in Seattle while I was there. Really, really missed my car with that going on :-)