A8 trans problem

[Britt Crowell]

Cody hit the nail on the head about the trans. I just bought a totaled
'97 A8 with a Tozo rebuilt trans for $1500. Rear qtr panel and bumper
damage totaled it. Tozo charges about $3500 to rebuild a trans, So I got
a smoking deal I hope. Plus a lot of other little upgrades and stuff. I
would stay away from the '97s because of the lack of tip-tronic. Plus it
seems like a lot of the '97s get an oil leak behind the timing belt.
I'm planning on pulling my engine and trans together and replacing them
both from the donor car.
It also got the tip-tronic upgrade, facelift ('01+) armrest, clear
corner lights, 20inch moda rims, lowered springs and blistine shocks
makes it ride ruff! The rims look cool on the silver car but the brakes
are so small looking. Plan to sell the rims, may keep the shocks and
springs.
You can see pics here:
http://www.brittcrowell.com/brittcrowell.com/2011/2011-5-14_AudiA8pics/

Also the previous owner deleted the 2nd muffler, it sounds mean, but
about hour 2 on the interstate with no radio it gets old. You can watch
a little video of the sound it makes here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VMVDFQuU1c

Britt

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There are many common failures, most are rather expensive. Low fluid is
pretty unlikely. The A clutch basket is a pretty common failure, enough
so that there are no less than four companies producing aftermarket
versions (mine is currently apart for this reason). They also have
issues with reverse gears piston diaphragm failing, but that doesnt
usually invoke limp mode.

The right way to fix them includes an overhaul gasket kit which is $825
right off the bat, plus hard parts that are worn or broken. You can try
to fix it cheaper, but parts are insanely hard to find (I'm three weeks
into trying to find one rubber o-ring, so far I found one for $800 that
has to come from Germany and I have the ZF parts diagrams with part
numbers to make it "easier"). Ive got mine apart for the second time for
unrelated failures within 12,000 miles. The job of removing and
installing in the car effing sucks in a major, major way. That said,
it's a pretty awesome car!

-Cody (mobile)