2008 Audi R8: 25k service and more

It certainly shares the Audi servicing genes

$609 for an oil change and one brake pad replacement? Outstanding!
Plugs fouling = a major issue. My money is on the coil caps going bad. VWs are known to have such quality issues.

when we were looking at getting an Audi the salesman just kept going on about how well the service department would treat us. Made me wonder just how often they expected me to be in there.

If I didn't know any better (but I do), it seems to me that the technician and service advisor are trying to run up warranty claims on Audi North America. I would love to read the notes of the tech's diagnosis of each issue. I have a feeling some of the labor and maybe even the parts were unnecessary.

In other words, "That's shady, yo!"

Is this R8 burning a lot of oil?

I've read Edmunds forum postings which suggest German cars in general burn more oil than most other brands.

My two German cars (VW and BMW) don't burn any oil - which is exactly as I would expect from the precision reputation of German engineering.

Does that Audi service center entrance look a little low-rent or something? I guess it's an older building, and I'm just used to seeing newer facilities at premium car dealerships.

All cars burn oil, that's the way the lube system works.

"my car doesn't need oil between oil changes" is a more acurate statement.

Newer direct injected engines are known to burn a considerable amount of oil. Top ups between oil changes are absolutely within specs of the engine.

"Is this R8 burning a lot of oil?"

It seems that most Audis have the same problem, especially the V8s, more importantly the V8 used in the S5 which supposedly needed a quart after every few miles, which also happens to be the same engine used in the R8. Audi said it was completely normal even when one guy had to fill up the oil again after doing a couple of miles after his first fill up.

Whic makes me wonder why the R8 hasn't had the oil guage blinking. Maybe its also broken and needs to be checked......

"All cars burn oil, that's the way the lube system works."

My 1988 M6 didn't use any oil in normal driving, but it would go through anywhere from 1/2 to 1 quart per day on the track(it was a quirk of the PCV system). In contrast, my 1995 318ti track rat uses one quart every 2500-3500 miles- unless I'm driving at a constant 75-85 mph(3700-4200 rpm)- in which case it uses NO oil. Go figure. My wife's X3 uses less tham 1/4 quart in 7500 miles.

This Audi dealer just looks cheesy, what in the world is up with the paper banner? Is there a giant inflatable Gorilla on the roof of the showroom as well?

Porsche service costs more and dealer service departments are very "hungry". Also sounds like the plugs were actually ok. Not bad woes for a limited production vehicle.

"Is there a giant inflatable Gorilla on the roof of the showroom as well? "

ROFL!

Chrrrist. And I thought BMW maintenance was pricey... at least they give you the first 4yr/50k gratis. I do my oil changes mid-cycle on factory recs (7500mi) and that costs me ~$90 (10w60 + filter).

In any case, does the R8 use some kind of whizbang oil too? Because that is just an insane amount of money for an oil change, safety check (GMAFB), fluid top-off, and tire pressure adjustment (LMFAO).

I trust that these issues will be glossed over in the long term wrap up because this car provides Corvette type performance for $120k. It amazes me that expectations for reliability seem to decrease as price increases. If the Focus has such problems I'm sure there would be a lot of protest.

Seems like a lot of problems even for 25,000 miles. Its a concern, but then again this is the first MY of the car so its possible not everything is worked out yet.

If you can afford an R8, you can afford a $600 service.

"During inspection the tech discovered the parking brake pad was separating in chunks. Could have been caused by driving with the brake on they tell us."

So THAT'S why the R8 was so slow when I drove to Palm Springs and back.

Yeah, and if you can afford any of the M-cars or a 760Li, you can afford a $600 service too, but BMW doesn't stick it to you just because they know you've got the cash.

Even if I concede that paying for the service is acceptable, it's $295 for oil, fluids, safety check and tire pressure adjustment? That's bordering on criminal, even if they damned thing uses something crazy like 10W-60 at ~$10/qt.

The fact is, this ain't a Ferrari or Porsche dealer; the guy who unscrews the plug and puts the oil in will probably be working on an A4 next, and the labor cost ought to reflect that. I can't imagine an A4 oil service costs $295... ought to be the same price if the materials are a constant.

"Even if I concede that paying for the service is acceptable, it's $295 for oil, fluids, safety check and tire pressure adjustment? That's bordering on criminal, even if they damned thing uses something crazy like 10W-60 at ~$10/qt."

Its an R8 so its acceptable. I'm sure changing the oil requires a master's degree.

Doesn't sound like Audi has fixed their quality problems yet. It's a shame because I like their cars otherwise. But I just don't trust them. I certainly would never own one out of warranty.

"By cwc1 on December 12, 2008 8:15 PM
My two German cars (VW and BMW) don't burn any oil - which is exactly as I would expect from the precision reputation of German engineering. "

Ha! If you believe "precision reputation of German engineering" is why your two German cars don't burn any oil, then I have a great deal for you on a bridge that I'm selling...

Many cars from all around the world do not burn any oil. I've owned GM's, Ford's, and an Infiniti, and none of them burned any oil, even at 130k in the case of the Ford. I also know people with Hyundais that don't burn any oil.

It's amazing how gullible some people are.