I Had a Tough Break, My D3 Audi A8 4.2 Ran Perfectly for 2,000 Miles, Then Jumped Timing and Is Now Junkyard Bound at 120K
This evening, while strolling through the "Audi A8 and Audi S* Owners Group" on Facebook, I came across a post by Harrison that caught my attention. It was a tough story about his 2007 Audi A8 4.2, a car that had run flawlessly for 2,000 miles under his ownership before meeting a sudden and unfortunate fate, jumping timing and misfiring. The diagnosis? A new timing chain was needed, but instead of an expensive repair, the car was now destined for the junkyard at just 120,000 miles.
Harrison shared his frustration in the post, "I had a tough break with my D3 A8 4.2. It ran and drove perfectly for the first 2,000 miles of ownership before jumping timing and misfiring. Now, it needs a new timing chain, and unfortunately, it's headed to the junkyard at just 120,000 miles. Sad to see it go, but if anyone is interested in the car, I am in Connecticut."
The Harsh Reality of the Audi D3 A8 4.2 Timing Chain Issue
Nick Dyson, an experienced Audi enthusiast, weighed in on the situation, stating, "These engines are fantastic, until they aren’t. The problem is that the timing chains are located at the back of the engine, making any repair job a nightmare. If you don’t stay ahead on maintenance, it’s only a matter of time before disaster strikes."
Nick’s insight is one that resonates with many Audi D3 A8 4.2 owners. The 4.2-liter V8 engine in the D3 A8 is an engineering masterpiece, but like many high-performance German engines, it demands meticulous maintenance. Unlike timing belts that are relatively easy to replace, timing chains are designed to last much longer, but when they do fail, they often take the entire engine with them.
The Community Reacts
Harrison’s post sparked a lot of discussion among fellow Audi owners. Some sympathized with his misfortune, while others debated whether the car was worth saving. Here are some notable comments from the thread:
- Neil, “Instead of junking the car, rebuild the engine with bigger turbos, upgraded pistons and rods, high-performance injectors, and more. Go for a full build, pushing it past 1,000 BHP. Then, enjoy every bit of it.”
- Phillip, “They are great engines until they aren’t. Unfortunately, after around 120,000 miles, you’re on borrowed time, and without performing the timing chain service, it becomes a ticking time bomb.”
- Frederick, “As mentioned, this isn’t about luck. Most engines with timing chains require replacement around 100,000–120,000 miles (150,000–200,000 km) and expecting a chain to last indefinitely is unrealistic for 99% of engines. While some rare exceptions exist where chains can last the engine’s lifetime (500,000 km+), this typically requires frequent oil changes and consistent highway driving. When buying a vehicle with a timing chain, always check the service records for oil change intervals. If no records exist, it’s wise to reduce the car’s value by the cost of a replacement engine and possibly a transmission, even if the car appears well-maintained. For example, I paid $14,000 for mine when its book value was $28,000. Timing chains last significantly longer when oil change intervals are kept short (6,000–10,000 miles / 10,000–15,000 km) but wear out quickly if the maximum interval (20,000 miles / 30,000 km) has been followed.”
Frederick, an owner of a 2008 A8 D3 W12 with nearly 500,000 km on the clock, makes an important point, regular maintenance and oil changes are critical to extending the lifespan of these engines.
Lessons to Learn from This Audi A8’s Fate
Harrison’s misfortune serves as a cautionary tale for potential Audi A8 buyers and owners alike. Here are some key takeaways:
1. Timing Chains Aren’t Invincible
While many people assume that timing chains last forever, they have a lifespan. Unlike timing belts that need scheduled replacement, timing chains wear out over time and can eventually fail catastrophically. If your vehicle has a timing chain, always check its maintenance history before buying.
2. Maintenance History Matters More Than Mileage
A well-maintained A8 with 150,000 miles can be a better buy than a neglected one with 80,000 miles. Always check oil change intervals, service records, and previous repairs before committing to a purchase.
3. Be Prepared for High Repair Costs
The Audi A8 is a luxury car, and luxury comes at a price. When major components fail, the cost of repairs can often exceed the value of the car itself, making it a financial risk for those unprepared.
4. Know When to Walk Away
Sometimes, as heartbreaking as it is, a car just isn’t worth saving. If repairs exceed the car’s value, it may be better to move on rather than throwing more money into a losing battle.
My Own Opinion
I’ve always admired the Audi A8 for its blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology, but stories like Harrison’s make me question the long-term ownership experience. As much as I love the idea of driving a well-built German luxury sedan, I also know that they require significant upkeep. The reality is, owning an older high-performance car isn’t just about enjoying the ride, it’s about being financially and mechanically prepared for the inevitable. While some owners swear by meticulous maintenance and careful driving, others find themselves blindsided by costly repairs. Personally, I think if you’re not willing to budget for expensive fixes or do some of the work yourself, an older A8 might not be the best choice.
The Temptation of High-Performance Audi Ownership
The 2015 Audi S8 is a testament to how Audi blends performance and luxury seamlessly. This car pushes the boundaries of executive sedans with a twin-turbo V8 and cutting-edge technology, but as seen with the D3 A8, maintenance is crucial.
In extreme situations, Audi owners can face unexpected troubles. One such case is documented in a story about a driver who was stranded in the Australian Outback due to a frozen MMI system, showing that even modern Audis can have critical failures.
A Question for You
Have you ever owned an Audi A8, and if so, what has your experience been like with timing chain maintenance? Would you take a risk on a high-mileage A8 knowing the potential for expensive repairs? Let us know in the comments below!
Narek Hareyan is a young automotive journalist with experience in a golf cart dealership and an interest in the automotive industry. Follow Narek on X for daily news coverage about cars.