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 Michael M
Oct 17, 2023
I do like this car I have one before Oct 17, 2023
by Blaine W T
Oct 28, 2022
Fast car lots of options nice and very comfortable Oct 28, 2022
by Clarence D
Jul 27, 2022
Wifey did not like or appreciate the vehicle any at all.Jul 27, 2022
User rating:
by Michael M
Oct 17, 2023
I do like this car I have one before Oct 17, 2023
by Blaine W T
Oct 28, 2022
Fast car lots of options nice and very comfortable Oct 28, 2022
by Clarence D
Jul 27, 2022
Wifey did not like or appreciate the vehicle any at all.Jul 27, 2022
by Domach G
Feb 22, 2022
Its a great car... Luxury stylish and very suave. Feb 22, 2022
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 mohamed a
Jan 22, 2021
love it no matter what im going through with it enugh said.Jan 22, 2021
by Brian K
Dec 11, 2020
Hi I purchased a 2005 Audi A8 . For a 2005 this car is a very fine example of what luxury is about even by todays standards. Obviously Audi is ahead of its time! Also Quattro which is Audis version of an all-wheel drive system which works unbelievably well is another reason I bought this car Ive owned several Audis in the past and love how the Quattro works in the snow and for general traction anywhere in the wet etc. For the price theyre asking for a 2005 Audi a8 its crazy what you get I highly recommend this car if it has been serviced regularly in the past! Love love it!!! Dec 11, 2020
by Admire G
Sep 30, 2013
The car has plenty of room for those long road trips. The ride is awesome, with it's adaptive suspension. Fuel consumption on the hwy is good for a car this size, 400+ miles is easy even with average speeds of 80 mph. Its all aluminium space age frame and body panels provides you all the protection from rust. The Quattro all wheel drive system will ensure you have all the traction you need, whether it's rain, snow or off road in muddy conditions. This is a car if you want a balance of performance, looks and luxury.Sep 30, 2013
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 Tommy G
Sep 03, 2009
coool car but i´d say that is a mr car, very luxury
comfortable, great engine, very fast very big big car it takes
lot of space and hard to drive in trffic a a a a a a aSep 03, 2009
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 Mehmed M
Aug 10, 2009
Amazing car, Comfortable, Living room on wheels, Materials used are of highest quality, Expensive maintenance, Awesome appearance, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, best, bestAug 10, 2009
by Wayne M
Oct 24, 2008
What can i say!! absolutly awesome performance, will keep with most sports cars other than very top of the range Ferraris, porches etc, 0-60 in 5.8 and four wheel drive but down side is fuel performance average 20 mpg which is seriously low!! build quality and interior is superb and eats the miles. Oct 24, 2008
by Richard H
Oct 14, 2008
Buy used and let someone else take the depreciation hit. Make sure to go CPO though. You can't get more sport sedan for the money. the car is packed with features and is an amazing performer. I went with the short wheel base. Uless you spend more time in the back than the front, this is the way to go.Oct 14, 2008
by Anonymous
Jul 05, 2008
I have owned the car for nearly 4 years. The electronics in car have been a mess. It has been in the shop over a dozen times and they still can not seem to get it right. Many of the problems are episodic and not constant. At times, the lights will not go off unless you restart the car and drive it around for a few minutes before turning it off. At other times it will tell you a tire is low on air pressure when it is fine. I have given up on trying to get them to fix it and will be disposing of it for a Lexus. Don't buy one. They look great but the reliability is just not there.Jul 05, 2008
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
by Lucas M
Apr 22, 2008
It was freakin awesome. Powerful beast, i dont think i managed to gatehr up the courage to go full throttle with it. Handles like it was on rails. Interior was beautiful, trimmed in wood. A very good car, if i had the money i would definatly buy this car.Apr 22, 2008
by Gordon B
Apr 09, 2008
My uncle owns this car and he let me take it for a drive around the neighborhood by myself. Apr 09, 2008
by Daniel S
Jan 13, 2008
i got to drive it the school onceJan 13, 2008
What users have asked
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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