🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Audi

Model:

A8 / A8L / S8

Model Code:

D2 Platform

Production Years:

1997-2003

Vin Decoder Location:

Dashboard, Driver's Side Door Jamb

Paint Code Location:

Covered in Manual

Clear Coat Identification:

Covered in Manual

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Full-size Luxury Sedan

Key Competitors:

BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ

Luxury Appointments:

Spacious interior, High-quality materials, Advanced comfort features, Available long-wheelbase (A8L)

Performance Variants:

Standard A8, Performance-oriented S8 with increased power and sportier tuning

Target Audience:

Audi A8/A8L/S8 owners and independent repair shops performing DIY maintenance and repairs, focused on parts identification and sourcing.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Special Cautions, Paint Code Location, Clear Coat Identification, Information Labels, Front Impact Kit, Front Bumper, Grille, Front Lamps, Hood, Cooling, A/C Refrigerant Capacities, A/C / Heater / Ventilation, Front Fender, Underhood Dimensions, Front Inner Structure, Air Bag System, ABS/Brakes, Cruise Control System, Wheel, Front Suspension, Front Drive Axle, Front Steering Linkage/Gear, Steering Pump, Steering Wheel/Column, Engine (non-internal components), Engine/Trans Mounts, Engine Under Cover, Air Cleaner, Exhaust, Emission System, Electrical, Windshield, Cowl & Dash, Instrument Panel, Center Console, Rocker/Pillars/Floor, Front Seat, Rear Seat, Seat Belts, Front Door, Rear Door, Roof, Sunroof, Quarter Panel, Quarter Glass, Liftgate, Rear Suspension, Rear Drive Axle, Fuel Tank, Rear Body, Rear Lamps, Rear Bumper

Manual Type:

Parts List / Catalog for DIY Repairs

Language:

English

File Format:

Searchable PDF

Features:

Linked bookmarks, Easy to save, use, zoom, and print

📖 Manual Coverage

Exterior Body:

Front Bumper, Grille, Front Lamps, Hood, Front Fender, Windshield, Cowl & Dash, Front Door, Rear Door, Roof, Sunroof, Quarter Panel, Quarter Glass, Liftgate, Rear Body, Rear Lamps, Rear Bumper

Chassis Suspension Steering:

Wheel, Front Suspension, Front Drive Axle, Front Steering Linkage/Gear, Steering Pump, Steering Wheel/Column, Rear Suspension, Rear Drive Axle

Engine Cooling Exhaust:

Cooling, A/C / Heater / Ventilation, Engine/Trans Mounts, Engine Under Cover, Air Cleaner, Exhaust, Emission System

Brakes Safety:

ABS/Brakes, Air Bag System, Seat Belts

Electrical Lighting:

Front Lamps, Rear Lamps, Electrical (general)

Interior Trim:

Instrument Panel, Center Console, Front Seat, Rear Seat

Part Identification:

Component illustrations, Part number verification

Pricing Labor:

Part prices, Labor information (for reference)

Depth Level:

Component-level part identification and sourcing. Does not include detailed repair procedures or internal engine component breakdowns.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Digital (PDF)

Searchability:

Full text searchable

Print Capability:

Printable

Navigation:

Linked bookmarks for easy navigation

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options 1997-2001:

4.2L V8 (300-310 hp)

Engine Options 2002-2003:

4.2L V8 (330 hp), 6.0L W12 (420 hp - A8L only)

S8 Engine:

4.2L V8 Twin-Turbocharged (360 hp for 1997-1998, 360-450 hp for 1999-2003 depending on specific S8 variant and tuning)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 10.5-11 liters (Refer to manual for exact specifications and fluid type)

Air Cleaner Type:

Replaceable Paper Element Air Filter

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Tiptronic Automatic Transmission (with manual shifting mode)

Optional Gearbox:

Not generally available for this generation

Drivetrain:

Quattro All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on all models

Transmission Fluid Type:

G 052 162 A1 or G 052 162 A2 (Dexron III equivalent, check specific model for exact fill)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase A8:

Approx. 2944 mm (115.9 inches)

Wheelbase A8L:

Approx. 3094 mm (121.8 inches)

Curb Weight:

Starting around 1900-2000 kg (4189-4409 lbs) depending on engine and configuration

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, consult vehicle placard

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 520 liters (18.4 cubic feet)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not explicitly rated for this period in the same format as modern standards, but known for robust safety cage.

IIHS Side Impact:

Not explicitly rated for this period in the same format as modern standards.

Airbags:

Driver, Passenger, Side Curtain (optional/standard depending on trim and year)

Seat Belts:

Front and Rear 3-point seat belts with pretensioners

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Esp:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) standard on later models, optional on earlier ones.

💡 Technology Features

Audi Navigation System:

Optional Audi Navigation System with CD-ROM based maps.

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system often available.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system, adaptive cruise control (Audi's 'adaptive cruise control' functionality) was introduced later in this generation.

Climate Control:

Automatic climate control with dual-zone or multi-zone functionality.

Seats:

Multi-way power adjustable front seats with memory, heated and ventilated (optional) seats.

Headlights:

Halogen or Xenon HID headlights, often with automatic leveling.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months (check owner's manual for exact specification)

Timing Belt Replacement:

For V8 engines, timing chains were used, requiring less frequent replacement than belts, but inspection is still recommended. (This manual is for parts, so direct confirmation of chain vs. belt is not possible here but is a key knowledge point).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 / 505 00 specifications (check manual for specific viscosity and approval codes).

Coolant Type:

G 12 Plus (Pink) or equivalent long-life coolant. Diluted 50/50 with distilled water.

Common Wear Items:

Ignition coils, PCV system, suspension components (control arms, air springs if equipped), coolant flanges, ABS sensors, power steering leaks.

Electrical Gremlins:

Intermittent electrical faults due to aging wiring or control modules are not uncommon in vehicles of this age.

📚 Vehicle History

Audi Philosophy:

Known for 'Vorsprung durch Technik' (Advancement through Technology), focusing on Quattro AWD, sophisticated engineering, and luxurious interiors.

D2 Generation Introduction:

Launched in 1994 (Europe) and 1996 (North America), replacing the Audi V8. The A8 represented Audi's entry into the full-size luxury segment.

Facelift Changes:

Received a facelift in 2002, introducing updated styling (larger grille, new headlights/taillights), revised engines, and interior refinements.

Manufacturing Location:

Neckarsulm, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best 10:

The A8 often appeared on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists for its segment during its production run, recognizing its blend of luxury, performance, and technology.

Esquire Car Of The Year:

Recipient of various accolades for its design and luxury features.