Bugs in Early D4s?
 

I know it is a bit premature, but how long into the first year of the D3 cycle was it before most of the production bugs were worked out?

I will be coming up on 100k on my 2006 A8, and would like to replace it with a new one, but am a bit shy about being an early buyer.

As I recall, MY 2006 was the 1st real "trouble free" year where problems became the exception,not the norm. That made it the 3rd year of the U.S. spec D3.

ditto that...114000 km of quattro bliss :)

If I were to be dropping that much money into a car it sure as hell wouldn't be the first year of the redesign. Always allow one year for them to workout the kinks in their new systems. After all seeing the new A8 theirs quite a few new things.
P.S. I don't peronally fancy the interior of the new A8, seems a bit cluttered, and the seats look well not very attractive :)

Have you even seen the D4 A8 in person yet, Brozee? My guess is no (but I could be wrong, of course ;)). If you have not yet seen the D4 A8 in person, my advice to you, Brozee, is to wait until you see the car in person before making such comments.

Yes, I actually sat in it during the auto show just recently. I believe I misused the term cluttered. I just believe that they could have chosen a more attractive approach at organizing the buttons and armrest console that's all.

I remember from the good old days that the gremlins and goblins were put to rest by mid year 05' so 1 1/2 years is safe. My 06' was perfect.

The one thing they are doing different now vs in 2004 is releasing our new product in Europe well before the US releases. This has helped tremendously in reducing 1st year issues. Use the A4, Q5, and A5 as examples.... very few if any 1st year issues.

If I recall correctly, the D3 was launched as a 2003 MY in Europe, a year ahead of the U.S. launch. Early 2004 U.S. MY D4's had a fair share of electronic problems (mainly MMI related). The new U.S. spec A4 and A5's seem to have had some trouble with front suspension links that may be causing vibration issues. So, based on those precidents, there's no real guarantee of problem-free cars, at least for the initial production run arriving here in the states by early Fall. Too much technology that's new to the D4 that will require cars on the road beyond the 10-month lead Europe will have.

That said, I may be ordering a D4 a couple of months after the Nov 2010 U.S. launch---for an April 2011 delivery when my current D3 lease ends.

No guts, no glory :^)

I may not wait that long...
 

I own my '06 and really want a new car around the first of the year. Gotta look at the new Jag and the updated 750.

I would trust 1st year Audi a LOT more than 1st year Jag, but.....