Does the Audi A8L W12 have a timing belt or chain?
Looking at buying a used Audit A8L W12 and wanted to know if 12 cylinder has a timing belt or chain? What is the recommended service interval for this area?
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2005 Audi A8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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What does the Audi A8 want to be when it grows up? Sports car? Business limousine? Elegant family vacation car? Leaving all its options open, the 2005 A8 offers three trims for all tastes. As usual, all varieties pile on the luxury features (seat massagers) without skimping on safety (10 airbags) and precision performance (quattro AWD).
The shorter wheelbase A8 returns this year in addition to the 5-inches longer A8L. Both carry the 4.2-liter, V8 engine boosted yet again to 335-hp. But buckle up, literally, because 2005 also introduces the W12 version of the A8L. Just like its name implies, this is two V6s connected together in a 6.0-liter engine that hits 450-hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. It is the only 12-cylinder German car with AWD on the market in 2005. The W12 takes the Audi A8 well beyond its sedate luxury sedan roots into a whole new realm of sports performance. The new W12 also features an upcoming exterior redesign for the A8s, a wide-mouthed grille that has received mixed reviews.
Other new features in 2005 include LED headlights, which are apparently more efficient (the A8 is the first car to offer these), rain-sensing wipers, and a tire pressure monitor. Options such as keyless start and doors that can be closed automatically add convenience, but also add more possibilities for things to go wrong. Audi performance continues to rise above much of its competition, due to its lightweight aluminum frame, quattro technology, and standard traction control, anti-skid, and ABS brakes. The four-setting air suspension lets you move from conservative businessperson to crazy roadburner with the flip of a switch.
The 2005 A8 still scores high with drivers for its expert handling and cornering, AWD grip on the road and in the snow, and its elegant, yet pampering interior. The increased room in the A8L would impress Shaquille O'Neal, and many owners love the convenient MMI control interface. Others find this display difficult to use. Drawbacks to the A8 include poor rear visibility due to small mirrors and obstructive rear headrests, a poorly designed phone integration system, and the location of the CD changer in the glove compartment. Cupholders are not designed to hold drinks. Some drivers want more power and torque, and everyone wants more helpful dealers and Audi representatives.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2005 Audi A8
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Jan 19, 2022
This car is not for everyone. It’s a very high maintenance car. Not reliable . Not a everyday car. There are way better cars available. If your looking for comfort and reliability. Jan 19, 2022
by Anonymous
Sep 25, 2012
A real driver's car. It is comfortable and smooth. You don't realize how quiet and smooth it is until you drive something else for awhile.
Repairs can be expensive. There are a lot of sophisticated gadgets and technology on board, so taking it in is not for the feint of heart!
All in all, I think it is a great car and I will get another.Sep 25, 2012
by Paul E
Aug 19, 2009
The 4.0 V8 diesel has great performance and you would be hard pushed to tell it was a diesel engine. Build quality amazing, interior great. Cost of ownership is not too bad, 32 MPG average, gives it 720 miles to a tank. Car is fun to drive, but chassis cant thrill. Still the best car i have ever owned. Aug 19, 2009
User rating:
by Anonymous
Jan 19, 2022
This car is not for everyone. It’s a very high maintenance car. Not reliable . Not a everyday car. There are way better cars available. If your looking for comfort and reliability. Jan 19, 2022
by Anonymous
Sep 25, 2012
A real driver's car. It is comfortable and smooth. You don't realize how quiet and smooth it is until you drive something else for awhile.
Repairs can be expensive. There are a lot of sophisticated gadgets and technology on board, so taking it in is not for the feint of heart!
All in all, I think it is a great car and I will get another.Sep 25, 2012
by Paul E
Aug 19, 2009
The 4.0 V8 diesel has great performance and you would be hard pushed to tell it was a diesel engine. Build quality amazing, interior great. Cost of ownership is not too bad, 32 MPG average, gives it 720 miles to a tank. Car is fun to drive, but chassis cant thrill. Still the best car i have ever owned. Aug 19, 2009
by Connor B
Jun 19, 2008
Great, sturdy car that has great acceleration for its weight. Very straightforward, coach-like lines, with the typical German elegance.Jun 19, 2008
What users have asked
How do fix my audi A8
My 2005 audi A8 starts and turns off and it stuck in park
19 views
does the 2005 Audi A8 have a timing belt or timing chain
does the 2005 Audi A8 A have a timing belt or a timing chain
1787 views
Aduie A8
My audi A8 won't start I replaced the battery all lights on ignition come on but when u turn yhe key nothing happens any advise what this is and how can sort this problem
42 views
Car doesn't trun over
My 2005 Audi A8L stalled while I was driving.And it doesn't turn over when I try to start it.
139 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2005 Audi A8?Compare this car
2005 Audi A8 Pricing
Original MSRP
$67,310 to $118,120Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
CD changer: 6 · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather and wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Sunshade: power rear window
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Sunroof: solar panel
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
CD changer: 6 · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather and wood
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Sunshade: power rear window
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Sunroof: solar panel
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Parking sensors: front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front and rear · Upholstery: leather · Ventilated: front
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height
Telematics
Satellite communications: OnStar
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Dual front knee airbags · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
CD changer: 6 · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Sunshade: power rear window
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
In Car Entertainment
Video system: DVD player
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Sunroof: solar panel
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Parking sensors: front
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Suspension control: electronic
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
