Models · Audi
Audi A8 D3 buying guide
The D3 A8, built from 2002 to 2010, is Audi's aluminium-bodied flagship, with air suspension as standard and a wide range of V6, V8 and W12 petrol and V6 and V8 diesel engines, in standard and long-wheelbase forms. Well-kept examples are comfortable and refined.
The versions
- Petrol: 2.8 FSI (210PS), 3.0 (220PS), 3.2 FSI (260PS), 3.7 V8 (280PS), 4.2 V8 (335PS to 2006, then 4.2 FSI with 350PS), 6.0 W12 (450PS)
- Diesel: 3.0 TDI (233PS), 4.0 TDI V8 (275PS, to 2005), then 4.2 TDI V8 (326PS)
- quattro with a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic on most versions; some front-wheel-drive V6 petrols use the multitronic CVT
- Standard and long-wheelbase (L) bodies, with an aluminium body structure
- Air suspension as standard
What to check on a D3 A8
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Air suspension
What to look for: Ask for the car to have stood overnight and look at it from each corner before it's started. It should sit level. Start it and watch that it rises evenly, and listen for the compressor running continuously. Note any suspension warning on the dash.
Why it matters: Leaking air springs and tired compressors are the usual faults as these cars age, and a corner sagging after parking is the first sign. Replacement parts are widely available, and many cars have already had them renewed.
Gearbox engagement and shifts
What to look for: With the engine warm, select Drive and Reverse from Park and feel for a thump or a delay. On the drive, check for slipping, flaring revs or rough changes.
Why it matters: The six-speed automatic is durable, but worn components and old fluid cause harsh engagement and slipping. A fluid service sometimes helps; a gearbox that slams into gear needs a specialist's opinion first.
Cambelt on the 4.2 V8 (2002 to 2006)
What to look for: On a 4.2 from before the 2006 FSI engine, look in the history for the date and mileage of the last cambelt change.
Why it matters: This V8 uses a cambelt together with chains between the camshafts, and a broken belt bends the valves. The belt is a scheduled job; the later 4.2 FSI uses chains only.
Also in the full guide
- A rattle from the V8 on a cold start
- Oil where the engine meets the gearbox
- Body repairs
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the D3 A8
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Audi.