Trevor

Hi Mark...welcome to the Forum Very nice car! Post up some photos if you like Cheers Trevor

You could ask a VW Audi specialist motor factor to see if they can narrow down the engine code to see if has a balance shaft.

Hi Paul...welcome to the forum That doesn't sound too bad if they can guarantee (i doubt they would though) that the fluid change will solve the problem. Also, they would use the correct fluids which is not too bad when you look at the overall cost Cheers Trevor

It certainly sounds temperature related (temperature will alter resistance of electrical circuits) so i would look for a major fuse (60 - 100 amp) or thermal link to start with. Keep us informed of how you get on with this Cheers Trevor

It certainly looks lovely...enjoy it !

It's certainly worth asking the question I suppose...see where it gets you

ouch! £266 is a lot of money...however, it does resolve it and allow you to use the system that's already there

Not sure if the following is of any help

There are some covers on this link with the badge on it http://www.audiownersclub.com/parts-results/A8-S8/Other-Engines--Engine-Parts/61304

Can sometimes be a mixed blessing as cam chains can also break the same as belts...think the 3.0 TDi is okay though

Worth paying the garage yourself for them to load it up with a new cambelt at the same time and you only pay a small amount of labour (if anything at all)

Hi...and welcome to the Forum Check this company out http://www.audiupdates.com/ Let us know how you get on with it Cheers Trevor

That's great to know...thanks for the update. Handy link to the tool if anyone else would like to get one http://www.lasertools.co.uk/product/4807/

Hi Leo....welcome to the Forum I would take the car to a reputable garage who can carry out good old fashioned diagnosis on the engine/cooling system. One test I would definitely get carried out is a block test (a test with a clear tube partially filled with liquid which then changes colour if there is combustion gas present) as this will confirm whether coolant is entering the combustion chambers but not necessarily exactly from where it is coming through. The test would take around 3 minutes and cost about £10. If the test does not show combustion gas present then there is no problem there and coolant is leaking externally from the engine (and hoses) or transmission fluid cooler (automatic only) or even the heater matrix. Another option for loss of coolant is defective pressure cap on the expansion tank...cheap to replace. Another option to slow down leaks through porous heads is to put some coolant 'stop leak' (the liquid version) into the coolant and this blocks minute holes. This option can sometimes last the life of the engine. Let us know how you get on with it all. Cheers Trevor

Hi Vicky I would totally agree with everything that Magnet has stated and in particular, ensure the diagnosis is carried out correctly rather than condemning parts or even the complete engine. Brakes, I would also agree that it is where the engine has shut-off and the servo assistance is lost. Keep us informed on the progress. regards Trevor

It could be the water pump but with the thermosyphon principle of coolant circulation within the engine, it should still circulate coolant to the top of the engine. The only other thing to do would be to backflush the cooling system by running a hose through it in the opposite direction to normal flow....that'll flush out any crap in there.

Hi Ethan...welcome to the Forum also

You could have a look at what's available through this company http://www.iceboxauto.com/audi

Hi Kev...welcome to the Forum What a fabulous car...haven't seen a 100 in ages...can't be too many left on the road now? Pop up some pictures of it if you like. Cheers Trevor

Hi David....welcome to the Forum and welcome back to the wonderful world of Audi. The Q7 is a great car...pop up a piccy of it if you like. Cheers Trevor

Look forward to reading the feature and thanks for the photos... Best Regards, Trevor

Hi Jamie...welcome to the Forum Could possibly be Glow Plugs around this time of year and if one is slightly below par then that can lead to lumpiness for a short period. Should be quite easy to measure the resistance of each plug to see if there is a variation in them. Let us know how you get on with it. Cheers Trevor

I would agree with you, a good drain down and then refill (along with a filter change) and it will probably be okay. Certainly worth a try to start with as its the cheapest option and see how it goes.

sounds like there was air in the system then...or a slight blockage?

I know some of the VWs had two switches, one for the brake lights and one for engine management to throw a signal to the ECU when the brake is applied