I need something fast a audi s8? Done you have it tomorrow. Yeah prefer also the old avus wheels, and in the movie ronin it is the first model with the little mirror on the right side,and it was cactus green I tough
For now 20 years I daily drive this car, red metallic, with the 4.2 ltr. engine V8. Being partner through many phases of a turbulent life. Has 260k km. No problems anytime. Perfect leather. We all love the understatement, power and classic quality design. Will never been sold. :-) A happy owner with family and friends. :-)
Purchased my '02 in '07 with 69,000 miles from a high end dealer in Chicago. I still own it and it's my daily driver. It now has 128,000 miles - that's around 3,500 per year, driven year round in Minnesota. I've maintained it meticulously and it's in excellent condition. Worn out parts and general ( preventative) maintenance have cost me $22,000 over 14 years. It seems as though as soon as something is repaired/replaced, it needs something else. It's never left me stranded though. All electronics, displays, gauges, HVAC are original and work perfectly still. Interior is still timelessly beautiful and as solid as the day it left the factory. Bose stereo is underpowered and doesn't have much bass. It's got the worst transmission I've ever driven - unpredictably holding on to gears way too long before upshifting sometimes, even in slow gentle driving. Why would I need to stay in 2nd gear revved to 4-5000 rpm when I'm doing 25 mph? Stock suspension (new Bilsteins at 98,000 miles) has always been super harsh in the city with hardly any damping whatsoever - boom!, bash!, pow! it's exhausting to drive - worst city driving ever. However, get it on the highway and it's incredibly planted, flat, stable, smooth and sticky (Pilot SS). Superb high speed cruiser. Excellent tight steering with no play and just the right amount of boost (very slightly heavy biased.) Bomb-proof beefy engine is very reliable and very torquey still (if maintained properly = quite expensive for a typical used car). Strong Brembo brakes have always been a perfect match for the engine. Poor gas mileage: I've averaged 13-15 mpg in combined driving. BEAUTIFUL to look at still and it is rust-proof. I still get asked about it from admirers from time to time. An absolutely beast in winter wearing winter tires. Unstoppable in all conditions. So, if you're considering getting a D2 S8, those are my impressions as a long time owner.
I lived with a 1997 BMW 740i for about a week, long enough ago that the platform was still current and in production, though just barely. The infamous "Bangle-butt" replacement was just about to be introduced to a shocked world. Like its contemporary, the Audi presented here, this car's styling was clean and simple. It was an elegantly beautiful design, IMO. It was also a magnificent driving machine. At that time I was immersed in BMW enthusiasm. My personal ride was a first generation (e28) M5. I had owned, or extensively driven, a variety of other BMWs built between the mid-80s and the mid-90s, including several other M-cars. And yet I thought this 1997 740i was simply and clearly the best car I'd ever driven on public roads. It was fast, plenty fast enough to be impressive at the time, and fast enough to get you into all sorts of trouble even today. It was incredibly comfortable, with wonderful seats and excellent ergonomics. It was eerily smooth and quiet, except for a lovely exhaust note when pressed a bit. It was very well-appointed for the time, with power everything, beautiful interior lighting at night, and the usual wood and leather trim. This was a base model, meaning it had the standard 'short' wheelbase, and no 'sport' options. So no staggered 18" M-Parallel sport wheels, no sport seats, etc. It did not draw attention to itself in any way, really. But it was every inch a proper BMW! It handled beautifully, had loads of steering feel, little body-roll, very good brakes, and plenty of power. It was stunningly capable for such a big car. Its very early version of BMW's dynamic stability control, which could be disengaged completely, made it absolutely unflappable. You could drive that thing as fast as it would go, yet it never made a wrong move, even on very challenging mountain roads. It was as nearly perfect as any car could be at that time, and still my favorite of all the cars I've ever personally spent any real time with. Even compared to contemporary 5-series BMWs, that car was on another level. I would bet real money that many Audi enthusiasts, lucky enough to have experienced these A8/S8 cars, felt the same way about Audi's flagship. Of course, enthusiasts generally don't care about large sedans at all, so few of them are well-preserved over the long term. But if you find a nice one from your favorite German manufacturer, one that maybe you've sort of been interested in for a long time, I say try it. Get it for the right price and just try it. Your beloved hot rod M3 or whatever may well find itself collecting dust if you do.
I’d agree with all of that, except I’d replace “for its time” with “for all time”. Because I feel a great car has no expiration date, and indeed is well equipped, performs well, and checks all the boxes of desirability for all time. Over here in the states, the E38 7-Series has a bit of a following, although they’re typically dirt cheap and high mileage. High mileage probably because nobody keeps them parked for long, and cheap because quite a bit of money is involved in freshening up the mechanicals. But if you see a nice one, especially in full Sport trim, you know an enthusiast owns it. The E38 is such a handsome car that still stands out today like a shark in a sea of blimps.
Hello its guy ive been offerd a 2000 A8 4.2 , 3 OWNERS mint dark green ,full history . .my daily is an E 38 728I ,MINT .should i take the A8 and part x my 728i £4000 for the A8 .
Hello hope you agree with me Jeremy Clarkson when he was young he was really amazing all his car shows was extremely good and in a really inept way amazing and he was especially good at talking about cars he had so much charisma and passion for cars I could have watched him all day ,every day the car way of life business was Clarkson but unfortunately over the past 10 years or so no he turned into to a miserable lanky bar steward that didn't give a toss about ANYTHING for a man that knows absolutely nothing a big fat zero about the way a engine works and operates he has done very well all I can say he must be very very good as sucking lollipops,,, have a nice day driving your machine or to put it a Clarkson way move your piece of crap out of my way I'm coming through,,,!!!$£€' !! FOR REAL,,
Run one as my daily since 2012 - 6 speed manual conversion with rear bias, RS4 8-pot brakes, top notch air suspension - it's ruined me, but I'd sell the dog and go hungry before selling - amazing machine and great owners club too with annual tours in the UK and Germany
D2 Doctor did the clever stuff - 01E TDi box with RS4 clutch, ECU reflash from Canada, custom built pedal box (not perfect but a MK2 is being designed) and genuine S8 manual prop
@@Mariocci well... tricky one - I also run an A8 3.7 Quattro FL1 which is auto - the S8 clutch is heavy, the gears long - it's not an easy car to drive - the A8 is a cinch in comparison - by going manual you loose the waftability that make D2s fun... not sure I could recommend either way - definitely drive a manual yourself before taking the plunge!
Nice one James. I owned my 2001 S8 for 14 years, having brought it out to New Zealand when we moved here, and recently sold it to a mate who just uses it for long trips. Out here, when the rain falls and the wind blows, nothing comes close for a feeling of connection to the road. The sheer integrity of its aluminum construction and the all-round double glazing lend it the solidity of a bank vault on wheels. I believe it also has the distinction of being the first series production automatic to rev to 7000rpm before changing seamlessly up.
One of my favourite Audi's! As many have already mentioned it just looks spot on! My A6 also has the solar sunroof, and it's an absolute blessing with the ridiculous temperatures we're getting in the UK at the moment!
Amazing cars and 20 years ahead of there time new one or late one's are extremely sort after and hold there money if you see a cheap one check it over twice before you put deposits down buy a rong one and your trousers will get pulled down and GETTING shafted by a big German is NOT NICE ,, ENJOY
I’ll start with the key info. The D2 S8 is the best saloon car ever. I bought one for that reason. However, it is not a perfect car. There are 3 or four negatives in this car: 1) The automatic gearbox in these is either broken or will break. The one to have is the manual. Only about 1000 manuals were bult. It is a bit surprising that it has not become a real collectable. The manual is so frigging good. 2) The power steering is not the best. It is speed dependant and it really feels a bit weird at times. There is a way of inactivating the speed sensitivity which is said to make it better. 3) The front suspension is clever. However, the double joint lower outboard pick ups tends to age and get a bit loose and it gives a bit of a feel that the caster is changing. 99% of time it is ok but it can start to pull quite a lot in grooves especially during braking. 4) In the winter time it is a Quattro which means it is not so easy to throw it as you never now which end is going to give up. But then again it was never meant to be a rally car. It is very front heavy and the attitude to have is to turn in slow and exit fast. A bit like 911 (my other car is a 996). 5) In a typical Audi-style it was designed by clever people who unfortunately never service their cars by themselves. Change the alternator and you know what I mean. In that sense it is an anti-Porsche. Now, what makes this car fabulous? a) The nature of the engine is perfect for a car like this. There is plenty of torque to make it feel a very light car in everyday use. I think the best range is really from 1500 to 5000 rpm. Above that there is not that much even if it revs up to 7. b) Quietness. This is a car in which you hear what the other one says even at 200 m/h. c) All the high speed stuff is marvellous. It is a really stable car. d) There is plenty of room. e) The quality is awesome. f) The handling on a grippy surface is the best in the class. The handling on snow is ok but understeery. e) It (mine is 1997) has none of the stupid ESPs. Ive driven a few new Audis and their ESPs are horrible, really bad, dangerous for a good driver! I bought mine a few years ago with a price of 4% of the original price and I would say there is more than 95% left of the car. I drive among other cars and often have this weird sensation understanding the 90% of the new cars are nothing compare do this one. It is definitely a car for a car nut. Frankly I think it is a better car than a new S8 which definitely is a better computer but which has very little left of a car for a driver.
@@wafi3187 Thank you! I love the car, it's all around an amazing ride. I hope to have it forever. That's a photo of it from my reddit page. www.reddit.com/r/Audi/comments/ccc0yj/baa_baa_black_sheep/?
I have a 2001 AUDI S8 dark blue with beige interior. Absolutely love this car more then any new car I've driven. my friend has a 1998 audi a8. Both around 110k miles
I own a 1999 Audi A8 3·7 40 valve Quattro with factory lpg, and the power-boost option to 201mph! What a car! Just cruising at 72mph on a motorway using petrol, it returns around 35mpg. In lpg terms that's like 60mpg! There are 164,000 of your British miles on the clock so far, and I'm seriously considering using it as a daily driver this year (2024). I know these particular cars are rare, Audi didn't build many, and I'm told only 15 have factory lpg fitted, so my insurers value the car at around £15,000 currently. I won't be selling it anytime soon, but it's nice to know It's a good investment. Great video, the look on your face said it all.
In order to have a lot of space in the back, you push everything forward. That's the Audi recipe. Compliments to the guys there that managed to squeeze a whole V8 between the front axis and the bumper. In the movie it didn't understeer at all though.
Great cars, ive owned quiet a few mk1s and mk2s, I owned my last one for about 7 years and traded it in for a D3 S8 V10 about a year ago! These are much better cars than the the s class from the same era, even the normal 4.2 quattro is much better than the s500, both in performance handling and build quality and these dont rust like the mercs due to being aluminium!
The s-class will always be the best... even when it’s not. You can blame lazy journalists and the sheep who listen to them for that. Drive an A8/S8 and you know the truth though.
Fantastic stance and presence, far more than any current A8 (or S8). I ran a 4.2 V8 for about 18 months, absolutely loved it. Second hand these were amazing value. Not the cheapest to run even by the standards of the day, but a dream to drive. Just a pity so many were let down by the ZF gearbox, many owners never realised they had to change the gearbox oil and filter eventually (preferably every 30k). My gearbox packed in and was uneconomical to repair/replace, was gutted when I had to ditch it. No current Audi comes close IMO (apart from maybe the RS6!).
I have same car in silver. 2000 Audi S8 with 186k miles. Interior is pretty much flawless, engine and transmission is bullet proof, only problem I had was when a transmission sensor went out out when I took the car through mud. My daily driver is a new Toyota Camry, but my Audi is a monster! I had a few grand to put down as a payment on a new car, instead I gave the down payment for the Audi in cash and got the Camry for nothing down. I absolutely love the D2 Audi!
I've got a 1997 s8 and I'm completely in love with it, there's no other car that has all the elements combined that the s8 has. It's a car from the f segment, with a great v8, manual 6 speed transmission and Quattro drive. It was also the first production car to be fully made of aluminum so it weights 200-300kg less than the BMW 750i and the s500-600 from the time. And personally I think it's one of the best looking sedans ever. There's nothing like it :)
Owned a D2 S8 in Jaspis Green. Car was an absolute joy to drive. Constant pull throughout the gears. I still lust for another one. HOWEVER, I dont miss the running costs or gearbox failures....
I think you hit the nail on the head, modern cars for all their abilities and performance you have to absolutely drive at silly speeds to enjoy them, older cars from the era of the S8 are so much more fun. This really stood out to me recently when I drove my wifes little Aygo, its 95 bhp, its tiny, not at all fast, but fast enough to have some fun.
Just to help 12yo you feel better, there WAS a phone that did the pop-out magic - I owned one; the Nokia 7110! It's not the one in the film, but that phone didn't really have a pop-out cover :)
Thanks for nostalgic video. I had A8 d2 4.2 for over 7 years. Great car and never had any problems I didn't cause myself, even as it was 17 years old when it left my yard. It shares a lot of parts and design with lower tier VAG cars (A6/Passat) and that's why it is not a match to an S class in luxury and ride. However, that makes it affordable to maintain. I did do some things to it myself and can say that the car is very well put together. It's so beautiful I'd like to pet it. To be fair, spirited driving is good, but if you start to really push it, it drives like pushing a hammer down the road. Audisteer.
My Dad had a green 2.8 A8 as a company car (and then he got banned) and I ended up driving it for 6 months aged 25. Loved that thing and its understated presence (and the company fuel card). Great vid and very enjoyable.
Audi‘s don‘t Look old after 20 years and that‘s why I‘ve been driving these models, S4 B5, S4 B6, RS4 B8 and R8 V10 Plus, all the same great features, Quattro, powerful engines and long-term quality that inspires. Some understeer too much, but that‘s not so bad in everyday life.
I had one for 3 years.....took us to the south of France every year as well. Brilliant car! Heavy on fuel but drive was so smooth and effortless and air con was ice cold.
@@anthony0johnson Which platform? Had a 2009 V8 TDI a little while back and always wondered if an S8 would be worth it or just the next gen (D4?) V8 TDI which makes more real world sense.
@@chawenhalo0089 It's just my opinion but I think the 4.2, v6 and 6.0, w12 are just as good as the s8, But saying that, I've never really seen a bad A8 or S8
@@anthony0johnson well the v10 does seem like trouble and a big diesel in these cars makes more sense. Love the shape of the D3 and sheer classic interior. Not sure how the one after (D4?) does reliability wise. Loved the laser lights though.
I have a D2 S8 myself and I love it, anorak note, the brakes are a Porsche 993 turbo caliper with larger pistons & 345mm discs, when fresh with decent fluid and pads they are good brakes, but when i got mines the fluid was black and the brakes were terrifying.
Audi don't look old after 20 years and that's why I've been driving these cars for 22 years. I drove and still driving these models, S4 B5, S4 B6, RS 4 B8 and Audi R8 Plus, all with the same great features, Quattro, powerful engines and a long-term quality that inspires. Some understeer too much, but that's not so bad in everyday life.
One near near me in Reigate, Surrey. A 99 AUDI S8, gathering dust in the driveway of a huge house. Been sat there five years never turned a wheel. Going to enquire about it they are GREAT cars!
Just got back from a 2500 mile euro trip in my D2 2.8 fwd. It was fantastically comfortable, the only thing breaking was the headlight bulb as we arrived at the ferry port in Calais. Oh and it averaged 35mpg. Epic epic car. Need an S8 one day
Wow, must be quite a difference! The torque on the D4's must be insane....what's it like on the highway, how does it compare to your D2? I've been tempted.....currently driving a D2 S8, and it's the best car I've owned. Thanks for any comments...
I loved this, in Ronin back in 1999. I test drove a silver '02, 125,000 mile S8 in 2007 with F.S.H. and ex Gregg's pasties directors car (motorway mileage). It was selling for £11,000 after 5 years depreciation from £67,000. Beautiful 360bhp machine with that 4.2V8. It's still my favourite S8, out of all the generations produced!
Love it! my daily is a 1993 V8 4.2L pre coilpack with 2 dizzy's one on each cylinder head. Still has the ancient but functional Motorola cell phone in the center console
I had one in manual transmission. And it was a very, very good car. But I hated using it for its total lack of feedback. It is like being seated in front of a screen with a video game running. I wondered if 100 whp were not gone away but the timer told me that they didn't... Whatever. It's also very nice to watch!
I've got one of these and have had it for nearly 7 years now. I absolutely love it but he only complaint I have is that the gearbox could do with an extra gear for motorway cruising as the engine revs are a little high. That said it's not really a problem and I certainly won't be selling it.
Have a rare 2001 S8 Andorra Red Pearl with light acatera swade interior 1 of 9 built. 72K miles Amazing car ! Saw the movie after I found the car last year.
I love Ronin, but you have to laugh at an S8 vs a Citroen XM and an E34 M5 vs a v6 406. If my Dad still had his E34 3.8 I'd ask if you could have it for review! Hopefully next year I'll be able to offer you my E34 540i, and my E39 530i Manual is available if you're ever in the North West!
Rumor has it, that Audi is currently testing the 2019 A8 in a "sports version" at the Nurburgring. I wrote to Audi Denmark on their Facebook-page whether they knew anything about this, and if this "sporty A8 in camouflage racing around at the Nurburgring" would become the next S8, and interestingly enough they replyed: "At the moment, we can not confirm this, but we would like to get back to you with an answer, at a later moment".
I live near La Turbie where the car chase starts and suddenly appears at Gréolières and Gréolières les neiges .The same road is used in Goldeneye and the last Jonny English film. Great roads and not far fron the route napoleon and verdon gorge. Forget Monaco, those are fun driving roads
The new A8/S8 are probably much fancier in some ways, but if I were in the market for a car in that class, I’d want exactly this one. It’s so beautiful and elegant.
Man you’re one of the best reviewers seriously. What about trying a CLS 55 AMG? They are cheap and i’ve heard good things about em but i would love to hear your opinion. Cheers!
Had a silver one with Avus wheels ....... my kids still talk about what used to happen in full kick down. Grip and pace and handled beautifully and all aluminum body shell I think.
I owned a 2001 Audi S8 for 12 years and only traded it in because repairs were getting too frequent and expensive. Mine had a black exterior, and like this one, a gray interior, but all the leather was alcantara (seats, headliner, doors and all pillars). All seats were heated. That aluminium disc at the bottom of the cup holder is just for looks. You did not mention that the front seats have an extendable front section (the adjustment bar is just under the front of the seat). The side mirrors will tilt down so you do not hit the curb when parking (you use the mirror adjustment knob on the door to do this). The door screens and rear window screen are great for privacy (I have changed clothes in the back seat). Power is good, steering a little too light for my taste. The Quattro drive is wonderful in the wet, never a wheel spin, and stability first rate. The car will understeer close to the limits (all that engine in front of the axle) , the transmission is slow to downshift, and because it only has five speeds, you can't always be in the engine's sweet spot. Nevertheless, I loved this car and often drove from Connecticut to Florida in one day (1,200 miles, 18 hours) arriving pretty fresh as the car is really comfortable. I am 6'4" (1.93m) and so much leg room I never put the seat all the way back! Thanks for this review where I could go back in time, and live again with my beloved D2. I still miss her.
Yeh they're getting cheap now as all the people that own them have been lured into the e-vehicles, get and try all these S8's and M5's while you can! In a few more years people will be coming back and us TRUE petrolheads that held out and didnt flipflop it will have the advantage!
Spot on. I have one of the first S8's in the US. Thinking of selling it as I have other cars and the S8 doesn't get the exercise it should. I plan on posting it on BAT (Bring a Trailer) site in the next couple of weeks. The car does everything so well and the Recaro seats are the best seat I know of. My car is Brilliant Black, with Black interior. The dealer told mine was the first in the US, Audi can't confirm this but did tell me that there were 813 S8's produced in 2001 and only 178 in my configuration. The car is perfect, if anyone is interested, let me know. I live in New Jersey, USA. One owner car with 117K miles.
@@JayEmmOnCars This the car you want, one owner, bone stock (sans K&N filter). only negative the Avus wheels do have minor curb rash. BTW, timing belt,water pump etc done @ 88K, funny thing the old belt looked as good as the new one installed.
What colour is the boat house at Hereford? Love the car, and love Ronin. I do prefer the older Avus wheels though.
How the F*** would I know.!? :p
FYI :Green
I need something fast a audi s8? Done you have it tomorrow.
Yeah prefer also the old avus wheels, and in the movie ronin it is the first model with the little mirror on the right side,and it was cactus green I tough
Ah don' lahk ya attichood!
Felice Graziano talk to me about an ambush? I ambushed you with a cup of coffee
For now 20 years I daily drive this car, red metallic, with the 4.2 ltr. engine V8. Being partner through many phases of a turbulent life. Has 260k km. No problems anytime. Perfect leather. We all love the understatement, power and classic quality design. Will never been sold. :-) A happy owner with family and friends. :-)
Smile on my face reading about this :) Keep it on good sir !
Reading your comment put smile on my face. Cheers
That’s amazing pal never sell it!
Pre FSI 4.2s are great motors. Only real issue is having to drop the engine to change the starter. Once they became FSI they were a nightmare.
❤❤❤❤
Also one of the most beautiful sedans ever made. Everything just looks right. Not overly styled, no styling gimmicks. All business!
Jeffery Smith - one of the last proper sedans, before the coupé swoopy styling that became form over function.
Exact reason I just bought one. 177k but she runs like a trackstar
@@ogschlongerson7580 haha well done....best car I've ever had. I'm still daily driving mine at almost 300000km!
Just picked one up yesterday. 03 Ming blue 109k on the odo. Rides like a cloud. 100 out of 300 imported in the us
@@ogschlongerson7580 the most high mileage I know was 469k kilometers.was a Swiss taxi driver from Biel. Great cars for peanuts this days. Bless
Purchased my '02 in '07 with 69,000 miles from a high end dealer in Chicago. I still own it and it's my daily driver. It now has 128,000 miles - that's around 3,500 per year, driven year round in Minnesota. I've maintained it meticulously and it's in excellent condition.
Worn out parts and general ( preventative) maintenance have cost me $22,000 over 14 years. It seems as though as soon as something is repaired/replaced, it needs something else. It's never left me stranded though.
All electronics, displays, gauges, HVAC are original and work perfectly still. Interior is still timelessly beautiful and as solid as the day it left the factory. Bose stereo is underpowered and doesn't have much bass.
It's got the worst transmission I've ever driven - unpredictably holding on to gears way too long before upshifting sometimes, even in slow gentle driving. Why would I need to stay in 2nd gear revved to 4-5000 rpm when I'm doing 25 mph?
Stock suspension (new Bilsteins at 98,000 miles) has always been super harsh in the city with hardly any damping whatsoever - boom!, bash!, pow! it's exhausting to drive - worst city driving ever.
However, get it on the highway and it's incredibly planted, flat, stable, smooth and sticky (Pilot SS). Superb high speed cruiser. Excellent tight steering with no play and just the right amount of boost (very slightly heavy biased.)
Bomb-proof beefy engine is very reliable and very torquey still (if maintained properly = quite expensive for a typical used car). Strong Brembo brakes have always been a perfect match for the engine.
Poor gas mileage: I've averaged 13-15 mpg in combined driving.
BEAUTIFUL to look at still and it is rust-proof. I still get asked about it from admirers from time to time.
An absolutely beast in winter wearing winter tires. Unstoppable in all conditions.
So, if you're considering getting a D2 S8, those are my impressions as a long time owner.
My daily driver is a A8 D2 -97. One of the best cars ever, easily!
I lived with a 1997 BMW 740i for about a week, long enough ago that the platform was still current and in production, though just barely. The infamous "Bangle-butt" replacement was just about to be introduced to a shocked world. Like its contemporary, the Audi presented here, this car's styling was clean and simple. It was an elegantly beautiful design, IMO.
It was also a magnificent driving machine. At that time I was immersed in BMW enthusiasm. My personal ride was a first generation (e28) M5. I had owned, or extensively driven, a variety of other BMWs built between the mid-80s and the mid-90s, including several other M-cars. And yet I thought this 1997 740i was simply and clearly the best car I'd ever driven on public roads. It was fast, plenty fast enough to be impressive at the time, and fast enough to get you into all sorts of trouble even today. It was incredibly comfortable, with wonderful seats and excellent ergonomics. It was eerily smooth and quiet, except for a lovely exhaust note when pressed a bit. It was very well-appointed for the time, with power everything, beautiful interior lighting at night, and the usual wood and leather trim.
This was a base model, meaning it had the standard 'short' wheelbase, and no 'sport' options. So no staggered 18" M-Parallel sport wheels, no sport seats, etc. It did not draw attention to itself in any way, really. But it was every inch a proper BMW! It handled beautifully, had loads of steering feel, little body-roll, very good brakes, and plenty of power. It was stunningly capable for such a big car. Its very early version of BMW's dynamic stability control, which could be disengaged completely, made it absolutely unflappable. You could drive that thing as fast as it would go, yet it never made a wrong move, even on very challenging mountain roads. It was as nearly perfect as any car could be at that time, and still my favorite of all the cars I've ever personally spent any real time with.
Even compared to contemporary 5-series BMWs, that car was on another level. I would bet real money that many Audi enthusiasts, lucky enough to have experienced these A8/S8 cars, felt the same way about Audi's flagship. Of course, enthusiasts generally don't care about large sedans at all, so few of them are well-preserved over the long term. But if you find a nice one from your favorite German manufacturer, one that maybe you've sort of been interested in for a long time, I say try it. Get it for the right price and just try it. Your beloved hot rod M3 or whatever may well find itself collecting dust if you do.
I’d agree with all of that, except I’d replace “for its time” with “for all time”. Because I feel a great car has no expiration date, and indeed is well equipped, performs well, and checks all the boxes of desirability for all time.
Over here in the states, the E38 7-Series has a bit of a following, although they’re typically dirt cheap and high mileage. High mileage probably because nobody keeps them parked for long, and cheap because quite a bit of money is involved in freshening up the mechanicals. But if you see a nice one, especially in full Sport trim, you know an enthusiast owns it. The E38 is such a handsome car that still stands out today like a shark in a sea of blimps.
I drove the E38 v8 for a day. Lovely, just absolute lovely.
Hello its guy ive been offerd a 2000 A8 4.2 , 3 OWNERS mint dark green ,full history . .my daily is an E 38 728I ,MINT .should i take the A8 and part x my 728i £4000 for the A8 .
I was thinking you are approaching Clarkson levels of charisma, and then you said POWERRRR🤣
Clarkson? What an overrated cvnt he is. Ooo let's love Jeremy. Even Archie Hamilton is better than that w4nker
Hello hope you agree with me Jeremy Clarkson when he was young he was really amazing all his car shows was extremely good and in a really inept way amazing and he was especially good at talking about cars he had so much charisma and passion for cars I could have watched him all day ,every day the car way of life business was Clarkson
but unfortunately over the past 10 years or so no he turned into to a miserable lanky bar steward that didn't give a toss about ANYTHING for a man that knows absolutely nothing a big fat zero about the way a engine works and operates he has done very well all I can say he must be very very good as sucking lollipops,,, have a nice day driving your machine or to put it a Clarkson way move your piece of crap out of my way I'm coming through,,,!!!$£€' !! FOR REAL,,
@@derekporter66 Whatever you're smoking I'd like some. archie hamilton is an annoying bell end.
You need to up your meds. This guy is the personification of Zanax.
Never mind all of that, you have a Roland XP50! Niiiiice! I used to have an XP80, loved that board! :)
Run one as my daily since 2012 - 6 speed manual conversion with rear bias, RS4 8-pot brakes, top notch air suspension - it's ruined me, but I'd sell the dog and go hungry before selling - amazing machine and great owners club too with annual tours in the UK and Germany
How did you convert it to manual???? And how much does parts cost?
D2 Doctor did the clever stuff - 01E TDi box with RS4 clutch, ECU reflash from Canada, custom built pedal box (not perfect but a MK2 is being designed) and genuine S8 manual prop
@@PRODetailerMagazine damn.... i have an S8, search Auditography s8 d2, and its auto.... worth making the swap to manual perhaps?
@@Mariocci well... tricky one - I also run an A8 3.7 Quattro FL1 which is auto - the S8 clutch is heavy, the gears long - it's not an easy car to drive - the A8 is a cinch in comparison - by going manual you loose the waftability that make D2s fun... not sure I could recommend either way - definitely drive a manual yourself before taking the plunge!
Nice one James. I owned my 2001 S8 for 14 years, having brought it out to New Zealand when we moved here, and recently sold it to a mate who just uses it for long trips. Out here, when the rain falls and the wind blows, nothing comes close for a feeling of connection to the road. The sheer integrity of its aluminum construction and the all-round double glazing lend it the solidity of a bank vault on wheels. I believe it also has the distinction of being the first series production automatic to rev to 7000rpm before changing seamlessly up.
One of my favourite Audi's! As many have already mentioned it just looks spot on!
My A6 also has the solar sunroof, and it's an absolute blessing with the ridiculous temperatures we're getting in the UK at the moment!
Mine has 256k miles here in the us and still runs like a champ love the car.!!
U still got this Bad Boy? Sir. Bless
@@jacobdzik6238 unfortunately no it hit almost 300k and the engine gave out cheaper to sell than to fix
One of my all time favorite movies, Ronin! I think I have watched it a hundred times. 👍
Proud owner of one similar just in silver and 160K kilometers
Amazing cars and 20 years ahead of there time new one or late one's are extremely sort after and hold there money if you see a cheap one check it over twice before you put deposits down buy a rong one and your trousers will get pulled down and GETTING shafted by a big German is NOT NICE ,, ENJOY
Haha, Hello! I know you from the Facebook group. i´ve seen your A8, beautiful ,clean one!
Skyline Senpai Hey thanks 😎
Kilometers is gay, miles is bettah.
mezalong Get to tha coppaahhh!! uzi nine milimetaaaaa!!
I’ll start with the key info. The D2 S8 is the best saloon car ever. I bought one for that reason. However, it is not a perfect car. There are 3 or four negatives in this car:
1) The automatic gearbox in these is either broken or will break. The one to have is the manual. Only about 1000 manuals were bult. It is a bit surprising that it has not become a real collectable. The manual is so frigging good.
2) The power steering is not the best. It is speed dependant and it really feels a bit weird at times. There is a way of inactivating the speed sensitivity which is said to make it better.
3) The front suspension is clever. However, the double joint lower outboard pick ups tends to age and get a bit loose and it gives a bit of a feel that the caster is changing. 99% of time it is ok but it can start to pull quite a lot in grooves especially during braking.
4) In the winter time it is a Quattro which means it is not so easy to throw it as you never now which end is going to give up. But then again it was never meant to be a rally car. It is very front heavy and the attitude to have is to turn in slow and exit fast. A bit like 911 (my other car is a 996).
5) In a typical Audi-style it was designed by clever people who unfortunately never service their cars by themselves. Change the alternator and you know what I mean. In that sense it is an anti-Porsche.
Now, what makes this car fabulous?
a) The nature of the engine is perfect for a car like this. There is plenty of torque to make it feel a very light car in everyday use. I think the best range is really from 1500 to 5000 rpm. Above that there is not that much even if it revs up to 7.
b) Quietness. This is a car in which you hear what the other one says even at 200 m/h.
c) All the high speed stuff is marvellous. It is a really stable car.
d) There is plenty of room.
e) The quality is awesome.
f) The handling on a grippy surface is the best in the class. The handling on snow is ok but understeery.
e) It (mine is 1997) has none of the stupid ESPs. Ive driven a few new Audis and their ESPs are horrible, really bad, dangerous for a good driver!
I bought mine a few years ago with a price of 4% of the original price and I would say there is more than 95% left of the car. I drive among other cars and often have this weird sensation understanding the 90% of the new cars are nothing compare do this one. It is definitely a car for a car nut. Frankly I think it is a better car than a new S8 which definitely is a better computer but which has very little left of a car for a driver.
I also own a d2 S8, amazing machine. Glad to see a new video out there about the car!
Scott Copeland
You are lucky man, take good care of your beautiful AUDI
@@wafi3187 Thank you! I love the car, it's all around an amazing ride. I hope to have it forever. That's a photo of it from my reddit page.
www.reddit.com/r/Audi/comments/ccc0yj/baa_baa_black_sheep/?
Ah...memories, loved my D2, bought as a daily ..great cruiser
Nokia 7110. I had one. It DOES pop out, like in the film. One of my favourite mobile phones
Nokia made the best phones
@@stuarthunter7559 they still do lol
@@lexman8678 The best smart phone I've had is my Nokia 8
D2 S8 final edition owner here... love it.
It's the UK Doug Demuro.
Doug Demuro is an annoyingly terrible person and in no way comparable.
You're in a very jolly mood today young man!
I have a 2001 AUDI S8 dark blue with beige interior. Absolutely love this car more then any new car I've driven. my friend has a 1998 audi a8. Both around 110k miles
My 2000 Audi is “just” the A8 L but I love it!!
Also, I truly believe it is as handsome as anything on the road👍
I own a 1999 Audi A8 3·7 40 valve Quattro with factory lpg, and the power-boost option to 201mph! What a car! Just cruising at 72mph on a motorway using petrol, it returns around 35mpg. In lpg terms that's like 60mpg!
There are 164,000 of your British miles on the clock so far, and I'm seriously considering using it as a daily driver this year (2024).
I know these particular cars are rare, Audi didn't build many, and I'm told only 15 have factory lpg fitted, so my insurers value the car at around £15,000 currently. I won't be selling it anytime soon, but it's nice to know It's a good investment.
Great video, the look on your face said it all.
I just gave my 03 away before I moved. Absolutely love it. Very stiff smooth car
“Something very fast. Audi S8, something that can shove a bit”
"I'm going to have it for you by the afternoon."
Damn, I wish I had a friend like Vincent.
And a nitrous kit
Always wanted one and glad it gets the JayEmm sign of approval!
I have a d2 4.2 with 4hp gearbox and 299 horsepower. super car, i dont sell this car
Friend of mine had a stick, such a fun car to drive, fast, so fast. And Ronin - classic.
In order to have a lot of space in the back, you push everything forward. That's the Audi recipe. Compliments to the guys there that managed to squeeze a whole V8 between the front axis and the bumper. In the movie it didn't understeer at all though.
This was the best S8 design, modern, classic and understated. I still think it looks good today....👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Great cars, ive owned quiet a few mk1s and mk2s, I owned my last one for about 7 years and traded it in for a D3 S8 V10 about a year ago!
These are much better cars than the the s class from the same era, even the normal 4.2 quattro is much better than the s500, both in performance handling and build quality and these dont rust like the mercs due to being aluminium!
The s-class will always be the best... even when it’s not. You can blame lazy journalists and the sheep who listen to them for that. Drive an A8/S8 and you know the truth though.
Fantastic stance and presence, far more than any current A8 (or S8). I ran a 4.2 V8 for about 18 months, absolutely loved it. Second hand these were amazing value. Not the cheapest to run even by the standards of the day, but a dream to drive. Just a pity so many were let down by the ZF gearbox, many owners never realised they had to change the gearbox oil and filter eventually (preferably every 30k). My gearbox packed in and was uneconomical to repair/replace, was gutted when I had to ditch it. No current Audi comes close IMO (apart from maybe the RS6!).
I have same car in silver. 2000 Audi S8 with 186k miles. Interior is pretty much flawless, engine and transmission is bullet proof, only problem I had was when a transmission sensor went out out when I took the car through mud. My daily driver is a new Toyota Camry, but my Audi is a monster! I had a few grand to put down as a payment on a new car, instead I gave the down payment for the Audi in cash and got the Camry for nothing down. I absolutely love the D2 Audi!
Love the movie Ronin and definitely puts a smile on my face seeing a beautiful specimen on the road...
I've got a 1997 s8 and I'm completely in love with it, there's no other car that has all the elements combined that the s8 has. It's a car from the f segment, with a great v8, manual 6 speed transmission and Quattro drive. It was also the first production car to be fully made of aluminum so it weights 200-300kg less than the BMW 750i and the s500-600 from the time. And personally I think it's one of the best looking sedans ever. There's nothing like it :)
Owned a D2 S8 in Jaspis Green. Car was an absolute joy to drive. Constant pull throughout the gears. I still lust for another one.
HOWEVER, I dont miss the running costs or gearbox failures....
I love this movie and i love this car. Last month i get a late 2000 Audi A8 / 4,2 ltr, with only 141 Tkm.....a dream.😍
Can you see if you can find a V6 Citroen XM and do a proper chase.... I mean comparison video please
Unlikely they've all broken down and died 🤣
Yeah but it would be epic 😉
It wouldn't last long if it was for real, the xm was a 200hp front wheel drive French car...
@@ravennexusmh Like most S8s too......
jaiwe ballester the XM was a surprisingly nimble car for its time but I get your point
This is the car that made me love Audi👏🏽👏🏽
Loved the Ronin S8 chase - NB nearest matrix phone was the Nokia 7110 - IT consultancy i joined in 2001 was the standard company phone
Yes yes yes, I'm going to see father in law now then when back watching this .
Another great content from the Great Man ☺
Now watched the vlog and can confirm that it's a great content from Jay 👍
It's fantastic, Cars like that are the very reason I'm not fond of many modern cars👌
1 second in to video: sounds awesome.
The model after this was a huge step up in luxury.
I think you hit the nail on the head, modern cars for all their abilities and performance you have to absolutely drive at silly speeds to enjoy them, older cars from the era of the S8 are so much more fun. This really stood out to me recently when I drove my wifes little Aygo, its 95 bhp, its tiny, not at all fast, but fast enough to have some fun.
I have a 2001 with 272k on the clock, condition near mint. Brilliant car, fast, comfy, sporty very impressive
Just to help 12yo you feel better, there WAS a phone that did the pop-out magic - I owned one; the Nokia 7110! It's not the one in the film, but that phone didn't really have a pop-out cover :)
Thanks for nostalgic video. I had A8 d2 4.2 for over 7 years. Great car and never had any problems I didn't cause myself, even as it was 17 years old when it left my yard. It shares a lot of parts and design with lower tier VAG cars (A6/Passat) and that's why it is not a match to an S class in luxury and ride. However, that makes it affordable to maintain. I did do some things to it myself and can say that the car is very well put together. It's so beautiful I'd like to pet it. To be fair, spirited driving is good, but if you start to really push it, it drives like pushing a hammer down the road. Audisteer.
My Dad had a green 2.8 A8 as a company car (and then he got banned) and I ended up driving it for 6 months aged 25. Loved that thing and its understated presence (and the company fuel card). Great vid and very enjoyable.
Audi‘s don‘t Look old after 20 years and that‘s why I‘ve been driving these models, S4 B5, S4 B6, RS4 B8 and R8 V10 Plus, all the same great features, Quattro, powerful engines and long-term quality that inspires. Some understeer too much, but that‘s not so bad in everyday life.
I used a 2001 S8 in Hungary around 10-12 years ago. Loved it.
Were u with a group of mercenaries pursuing a mysterious brief case?
Seriously enjoying your videos mate keep up the fantastic work! 👍🏻
Thanks harry
Best looking Audi ever made - looks like an Audi should! Owned an A8 3.7 Sport 20 years ago, with 20” alloys, looked stunning!
I had one for 3 years.....took us to the south of France every year as well. Brilliant car! Heavy on fuel but drive was so smooth and effortless and air con was ice cold.
I bought my S8 2002 in Sandnessjøen, North Norway,and had a good 1000km to drive home.I love my car.
Savage savage car 😘. seen Ronan about 20 times... my favourite film... 😍😍 excellent review as always.
Watched it all those times and never noticed it was spelt Ronin?
I've had the 3.0Tdi A8 remapped and sport exhaust. Getting the 6.0 w12 A8 next year. So much fun to drive
@@anthony0johnson Which platform? Had a 2009 V8 TDI a little while back and always wondered if an S8 would be worth it or just the next gen (D4?) V8 TDI which makes more real world sense.
@@chawenhalo0089 It's just my opinion but I think the 4.2, v6 and 6.0, w12 are just as good as the s8, But saying that, I've never really seen a bad A8 or S8
@@anthony0johnson well the v10 does seem like trouble and a big diesel in these cars makes more sense. Love the shape of the D3 and sheer classic interior. Not sure how the one after (D4?) does reliability wise. Loved the laser lights though.
I owned a D2 A8 from 2003-7... loved that car.
I've had mine since 2008. Great when I bought it, still as great.
I have a D2 S8 myself and I love it, anorak note, the brakes are a Porsche 993 turbo caliper with larger pistons & 345mm discs, when fresh with decent fluid and pads they are good brakes, but when i got mines the fluid was black and the brakes were terrifying.
If you happen to have a 7 series from that era that is still alive you mean surely!
The A8 is one of the best Audis ever made. But all common chavvy people want is frickin A3, A1, and Q7 etc.
A6, A7, A8 are the ones to go for. Looking to get an A6 S LINE myself later this year 👊🏿👊🏿
*Heads to the classifieds to look for an S8*
Audi don't look old after 20 years and that's why I've been driving these cars for 22 years. I drove and still driving these models, S4 B5, S4 B6, RS 4 B8 and Audi R8 Plus, all with the same great features, Quattro, powerful engines and a long-term quality that inspires. Some understeer too much, but that's not so bad in everyday life.
There’s a P reg S8 local to me. It’s knackered, really untidy, but what I’d give to take her for a spin.
One near near me in Reigate, Surrey. A 99 AUDI S8, gathering dust in the driveway of a huge house. Been sat there five years never turned a wheel. Going to enquire about it they are GREAT cars!
@@jackthompson361 It'd be interesting to know whether the owner thinks about selling it...
Just got back from a 2500 mile euro trip in my D2 2.8 fwd. It was fantastically comfortable, the only thing breaking was the headlight bulb as we arrived at the ferry port in Calais. Oh and it averaged 35mpg. Epic epic car. Need an S8 one day
The fun thing about the solar sun roof is the battery doesn't need to be in the car for it to work.
I have one mine's a 2001,had it for 8yrs outstanding car still love it.Just picked up certified 2015 s-8 what a beast.
Wow, must be quite a difference! The torque on the D4's must be insane....what's it like on the highway, how does it compare to your D2? I've been tempted.....currently driving a D2 S8, and it's the best car I've owned. Thanks for any comments...
Always wanted one. Nice vid
“I would say you can get 3 torso’s in here stretched out, maybe 6 if you stack them or they’re small”
I think we should all be concerned hahaha
5:34 "I wish you could smell what I smell"
I mean, if you've been stacking 6 torso's in the boot to measure it's size I'll take a hard pass on that.
I loved this, in Ronin back in 1999.
I test drove a silver '02, 125,000 mile S8 in 2007 with F.S.H. and ex Gregg's pasties directors car (motorway mileage). It was selling for £11,000 after 5 years depreciation from £67,000.
Beautiful 360bhp machine with that 4.2V8.
It's still my favourite S8, out of all the generations produced!
i also went o test that vehi,le ,i said i only eat ginsters pasties, and Hollands pies ,he got me removed .
Love it! my daily is a 1993 V8 4.2L pre coilpack with 2 dizzy's one on each cylinder head. Still has the ancient but functional Motorola cell phone in the center console
Danm solar panel in sun roof, I LOVE AUDI
Got the swag, kept the money, job well done! That's a fact, that is a fact!
Such a good movie. Underrated.
Unbelievable but that solar sunroof even filtered down to the MK1 Skoda Superb!
I had one in manual transmission. And it was a very, very good car. But I hated using it for its total lack of feedback. It is like being seated in front of a screen with a video game running. I wondered if 100 whp were not gone away but the timer told me that they didn't... Whatever. It's also very nice to watch!
I've got one of these and have had it for nearly 7 years now. I absolutely love it but he only complaint I have is that the gearbox could do with an extra gear for motorway cruising as the engine revs are a little high. That said it's not really a problem and I certainly won't be selling it.
4wd =high revs
Own one of these. So good...!😍
Have a rare 2001 S8 Andorra Red Pearl with light acatera swade interior 1 of 9 built. 72K miles
Amazing car ! Saw the movie after I found the car last year.
That s8 and the Phaeton W12 are so understated.
Ja Ja gut Volkswagen🔥vr6
This one should be all chrome and widebody kit. Parfait, picture perfect.
Like the mirror, all naked aluminium. Woef.
I love Ronin, but you have to laugh at an S8 vs a Citroen XM and an E34 M5 vs a v6 406. If my Dad still had his E34 3.8 I'd ask if you could have it for review! Hopefully next year I'll be able to offer you my E34 540i, and my E39 530i Manual is available if you're ever in the North West!
Typically french cars handle very well...mainly cos they are made of tin
That felt too short I enjoyed it and love Ronin
My first car :) it will probably always be my favorite.
My favorite Audi! Such a nice car
Well I did go and watch Ronin. With a few Stella’s as well. Nice one
Rumor has it, that Audi is currently testing the 2019 A8 in a "sports version" at the Nurburgring. I wrote to Audi Denmark on their Facebook-page whether they knew anything about this, and if this "sporty A8 in camouflage racing around at the Nurburgring" would become the next S8, and interestingly enough they replyed: "At the moment, we can not confirm this, but we would like to get back to you with an answer, at a later moment".
I live near La Turbie where the car chase starts and suddenly appears at Gréolières and Gréolières les neiges .The same road is used in Goldeneye and the last Jonny English film. Great roads and not far fron the route napoleon and verdon gorge. Forget Monaco, those are fun driving roads
Any chance of a video on the S8 or S6 V10? Amazing sounding engine.
S6?!?
Fee yes ... The S6 came with a 5,2 V10- 435 hp.... from ca 2005.... seen them on the road to.
The new A8/S8 are probably much fancier in some ways, but if I were in the market for a car in that class, I’d want exactly this one. It’s so beautiful and elegant.
Man you’re one of the best reviewers seriously. What about trying a CLS 55 AMG? They are cheap and i’ve heard good things about em but i would love to hear your opinion. Cheers!
🔥🔥🔥
Had a silver one with Avus wheels ....... my kids still talk about what used to happen in full kick down. Grip and pace and handled beautifully and all aluminum body shell I think.
I owned a 2001 Audi S8 for 12 years and only traded it in because repairs were getting too frequent and expensive. Mine had a black exterior, and like this one, a gray interior, but all the leather was alcantara (seats, headliner, doors and all pillars). All seats were heated. That aluminium disc at the bottom of the cup holder is just for looks. You did not mention that the front seats have an extendable front section (the adjustment bar is just under the front of the seat). The side mirrors will tilt down so you do not hit the curb when parking (you use the mirror adjustment knob on the door to do this). The door screens and rear window screen are great for privacy (I have changed clothes in the back seat). Power is good, steering a little too light for my taste. The Quattro drive is wonderful in the wet, never a wheel spin, and stability first rate. The car will understeer close to the limits (all that engine in front of the axle) , the transmission is slow to downshift, and because it only has five speeds, you can't always be in the engine's sweet spot. Nevertheless, I loved this car and often drove from Connecticut to Florida in one day (1,200 miles, 18 hours) arriving pretty fresh as the car is really comfortable. I am 6'4" (1.93m) and so much leg room I never put the seat all the way back! Thanks for this review where I could go back in time, and live again with my beloved D2. I still miss her.
Happy to be of service!
Great video :)
I love my D2 A8 sport. Was looking for an s8 but good ones where few and far between or mega money
One day every one will drive a s8 or A8 FOR SURE
I have a 2001 audi s8 106k miles dark blue beige interior
I loved my A8, definitely going to get me an S8 soon.
Yeh they're getting cheap now as all the people that own them have been lured into the e-vehicles, get and try all these S8's and M5's while you can! In a few more years people will be coming back and us TRUE petrolheads that held out and didnt flipflop it will have the advantage!
Spot on. I have one of the first S8's in the US. Thinking of selling it as I have other cars and the S8 doesn't get the exercise it should. I plan on posting it on BAT (Bring a Trailer) site in the next couple of weeks. The car does everything so well and the Recaro seats are the best seat I know of. My car is Brilliant Black, with Black interior. The dealer told mine was the first in the US, Audi can't confirm this but did tell me that there were 813 S8's produced in 2001 and only 178 in my configuration. The car is perfect, if anyone is interested, let me know. I live in New Jersey, USA. One owner car with 117K miles.
When you post it let me know and I will share the link
An epic machine for sure
@@JayEmmOnCars thank you very much I will take you up on that.
@@VL327 no problem. I always dreamed of having a car in America, would love something cool as that
@@JayEmmOnCars This the car you want, one owner, bone stock (sans K&N filter). only negative the Avus wheels do have minor curb rash. BTW, timing belt,water pump etc done @ 88K, funny thing the old belt looked as good as the new one installed.
Black leather and 6-speed its where its at though...
Needs black headliner
I had three 6-speed S8's.... Loved them!
This one and the e38 are just the pinnacle of automotive design
It’s one of the prettiest Audis, ever.