
Audi V8 (1988-93)
Production Total: 21,564
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Price New: The new price of a 1988 Audi V8 in the UK was approximately £40,000.
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Rivals: In 1988, the Audi V8 faced competition from several other luxury sedans. Here are the approximate new prices of its main rivals in the UK at the time:
- **BMW 7 Series**: Around £35,000
- **Mercedes-Benz S-Class**: Around £40,000
- **Jaguar XJ-Series**: Around £32,000
- **Honda Legend**: Around £25,000
These prices reflect the competitive landscape of the late 1980s, with each car offering its own unique blend of performance, luxury, and features.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are approximately **150 Audi V8** models from the 1988 period still licensed in the UK, with an additional **50** registered as off the road (SORN).
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COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The Audi V8 from 1988 to 1993 had several common faults, including:
1. **Electrical Issues**: Problems with the electrical system were frequent, including glitches in the MMI system and electronic handbrake failures.
2. **Engine Problems**: Oil leaks and carbon buildup on intake valves were common.
3. **Fuel Pump Relay**: A common no-start problem was often due to a bad fuel pump relay.
4. **Sunroof Issues**: The sunroof motor and its associated components could fail, leading to non-functional sunroofs.
5. **Water Leaks**: Water leaking into the vehicle, particularly on the driver's side floor, was another issue.
Despite these issues, the Audi V8 was known for its performance and advanced technology for its time.
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Generations/Trim Levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.
The Audi V8 from 1988 to 1993 had only **one generation**. It was based on the Volkswagen Group D1 platform and was Audi's first car to use a V8 engine.
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Trim Levels
The Audi V8 from 1988 to 1993 primarily came in a **standard trim level**¹⁴. This trim level included a range of features that were advanced for its time, such as:
- **Quattro all-wheel drive system**
- **Automatic transmission**
- **Leather upholstery**
- **Power-adjustable seats**
- **High-quality audio system**
The engine options included a 3.6-liter V8 in the earlier models and a 4.2-liter V8 in the later models.
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Engines
The Audi V8 from 1988 to 1993 was equipped with two main engine options:
1. **3.6-liter V8 (PT engine code)**: This engine produced **250 horsepower** and was available with both a 4-speed automatic transmission and a 5-speed manual transmission.
2. **4.2-liter V8 (ABH engine code)**: This engine produced **280 horsepower** and was available with both a 4-speed automatic transmission and a 6-speed manual transmission.
Both engines featured a 32-valve, double overhead camshaft (DOHC) configuration and were made from aluminium alloy.
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Performance
The Audi V8 from 1988 to 1993 offered impressive performance for its time. Here are some key performance figures:
- **0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) Acceleration**: 7.6 seconds
- **Top Speed**: 244 km/h (152 mph)
- **Power Output**: 250 horsepower (3.6-liter V8) and 280 horsepower (4.2-liter V8)
- **Torque**: 340 Nm (251 lb-ft) at 4000 rpm
These performance metrics made the Audi V8 a competitive luxury sedan in its era, combining power with the advanced Quattro all-wheel-drive system for excellent handling and stability.
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Designer/Dimensions
The 1988 Audi V8 was designed by Erwin Leo Himmel.
Here are its dimensions:
- **Length**: 4875 mm (191.9 inches)
- **Width**: 1814 mm (71.4 inches)
- **Height**: 1420 mm (55.9 inches)
- **Wheelbase**: 2700 mm (106.3 inches)
- **Curb Weight**: 1710 kg (3769.9 lbs).
The Audi V8 was a pioneering luxury sedan that combined elegance with performance.
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Spares
You can find spare parts for the Audi V8 (1988-1993) at several online stores in the UK and Ireland. Here are a few options:
1. **[Autopartspro.co.uk](https://www.autopartspro.co.uk/audi-v8-carparts)**: They offer a wide range of original V8 spares, including brakes, filters, suspension parts, and more.
2. **[Autodoc.co.uk](https://www.autodoc.co.uk/spares/audi/v8)**: This site provides a comprehensive catalogue of parts for the Audi V8, including engine oil, brake discs, shock absorbers, and more.
3. **[BuyCarParts.co.uk](https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/audi-v8)**: They offer top spare parts for the Audi V8 at competitive prices.
4. **[Euspares.co.uk](https://www.euspares.co.uk/original-parts/audi/v8)**: This site specializes in OE original parts for the Audi V8 and offers free delivery on orders over £140.
These stores should have the parts you need to keep your Audi V8 running smoothly.
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Specialists
There are several garage services in Northern Ireland that can handle an Audi V8 from 1988-1993:
1. **[Belfast Audi](https://www.agnewcars.com/audi/)**: Located at 80 Sydenham Road, Belfast, they offer comprehensive Audi servicing and maintenance with Audi-trained technicians.
2. **[Portadown Audi](https://www.agnewcars.com/audi/)**: Another official Audi dealership part of the Agnew Group, located in Portadown, offering full mechanical and servicing provision.
3. **[Approved Garages](https://www.approvedgarages.co.uk/mot-servicing-and-repairs/car-brands/audi/belfast/)**: They have several independent repair specialists in Belfast, such as Scott's Garage, Springfield Autos, and Sprint Auto Centre.
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Racing
The Audi V8 from 1988 to 1993 did compete in racing. It was particularly successful in the **Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM)**, the German Touring Car Championship. The Audi V8 won back-to-back DTM driver's titles in **1990 and 1991**. The championship winners were **Hans-Joachim Stuck** in 1990 and **Frank Biela** in 1991.
The Audi V8 primarily competed in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM), where it achieved significant success. However, it did not participate in many other major motorsport events during its production years from 1988 to 1993.
The focus of Audi's motorsport efforts with the V8 was on DTM, where it showcased the capabilities of the Quattro all-wheel-drive system and achieved back-to-back championships in 1990 and 1991.
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Valuation
The value of a 1988-1993 Audi V8 in the UK in 2025 can vary depending on its condition, mileage, and other factors. Here are some approximate values based on different conditions:
- **Fair Condition**: £2,000 - £3,500
- **Good Condition**: £3,500 - £5,500
- **Excellent Condition**: £5,500 - £8,000
These values are just estimates and can fluctuate based on market demand and other factors.
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