ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

P1ss easy to rebuild though.

It wasn't a design flaw (although there are plenty of flaws), it was just cheaply made.

Porous block on post 4.0+ size engines

Poor camshaft lubrication from day one on any version

Solid cam followers (part of the hydrualic lifter) accelerate camshaft lobe wear.

Uneven clamping forces between the cylinder head and block (causing coolant to leak into the valley). Corrected on later (post 3.9) cross bolted blocks...by not using any bolts on the exhaust side of the cylinder heads..turns out less head bolts works better

Solid rockers and pushrods tips with poor surface hardening

Timing chain that stretches, causing ignition timing issues on distributor equipped engines, which in turn causes overheating.

Oil pumps wear the rotors and cover out on older non cross-bolted blocks - which then causes everything else to wear out.

Dropped liners, yeah they do that...doesn't help if they've been cooked or ran too weak/retarded whislt being driven hard.

Cracked liners, yeah they do that too.

Other than that they were pretty good (igonring their poor power output) BUT, I've rebuilt them in my shed for under £300 (assuming I have a good block, camshaft and pistons). I've had a local guy machine out cracked/dropped liners and replaced them for a hundred quid - but I have three spare blocks in the garage so there's little point.

hodgy0_2

All very reassuring, but on the hard shoulder somewhere between saarbruken and Karlsruhe on your way to Calais, you would beg to be in a Landcruiser

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

I'd beg to be in something that makes me less sea sick than the ferry.

Currently using a 530d GT for driving across to Europe, but intend on replacing it with a Merc CLS Shooting brake I can't abide the handling of 4x4s for long journeys.

john banks

What about the 4x4 handling on a long journey is unpleasant? I'm cross shopping A8 vs 4x4 presently.

Matteeboy

I did wonder too; two continent crushing cars spring to mind; 911 Turbo, Conti GT.
I'm not a fan of 4wd in fast cars but I can't see how it makes a car uncomfortable!

hodgy0_2

Yes I take your point, but

I often have 5,6,7 people to transport (and driving sportingly with more than an enthusiastic passenger is just rude imho)

The roads in Europe are much better than the UK, smoother with less lane changing etc

And one massive advantage of driving a high car is the advanced visibility - puts alot less stress on the driver especially in heavy traffic

On our last trip it rained hard and solidly for 5 hours - those conditions in a low saloon are very very wearying

It is obviously not sports car - and I appreciate its goods points and drive accordingly

A few years ago my elder children flew to the south of France - and we took the twins in the audi Quattro - horses for courses

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

For me: Everything..I could go on for ages about every little issue I have when compared to a good estate. But generally speaking it usually revolves around the weight and balance.

The problem for me these days is finding a large estate car with comfy (and adjustable) back "proper" rear seats with proper back support. The A8 has just that....just need an estate version (or maybe a sportback)

Hence the 530D GT (with comfort seat option front and rear), it ok, but BMW cocked up a fair bit on design/functionality/dynamics.