need advice on the R8 gen1

need advice on the R8 gen1

Author
Discussion

Abdullah37

Original Poster:

44 posts

68 months

Tuesday 26th March 2019
quotequote all
So I have spend a good amount of time looking up R8 info and fell in love through the process that only started as interest and curiosity. (so far i found the best option is a v10 2014 that minimizes all of these major most common issues)
there are 4 main issues that I would appreciate help with:
1.I am finding a lot of contradicting information on when was the S-tronic used instead of the R-tronic. I have seen people saying w/the face lift of 2012 and some say 13 or 14.

2.the front frame cracking thing that was latter supported successfully was that implemented in 2010 or 11 or even later?

3.recommendation for carbon build up cleaning other than wallnut blasting and in what interval

4. last but certainly not least the a/c compressor. I know that it going out is variable and now is easier to access especially the v10 but isn't there like a 1 time fix solution like how you buy aftermarket suspension when magnatic ride leaks?

first post <3 thank you every1 in advance



200Plus Club

11,193 posts

285 months

Tuesday 26th March 2019
quotequote all
To the best of my knowledge the carbon build up is anything from about 25k miles and up. Ricky at RE charges about 400 quid if I recall.
AC is engine out and about 3-3500 quid I believe. You'd also do clutch if manual I guess.
Frame cracking- very rare apparently and usually pothole or bump related. You can get a repair kit welded in if you were very unlucky. Not aware of many people caught out tho.

Can't comment on auto box as mine was manual. Great cars!

Trev450

6,439 posts

179 months

Tuesday 26th March 2019
quotequote all
There is unfortunately no alternative to the OE design A/C compressor. It is, however, an engine in situ job to change with the V10 so consequently not as costly as the V8 that requires engine removal.

As already said, frame cracking is grossly over-exaggerated on the interweb, but was modded for late 2010 build dates.

Iirc the s-tronic was introduced with the facelift.

Edited by Trev450 on Tuesday 26th March 19:32

Guffy

2,320 posts

272 months

Wednesday 27th March 2019
quotequote all
I think you've pretty much answered your own question by opting for a 2014 V10, which will negate all four points really.

If you go for the Plus model, than that removes the magride complications.

My 2015 V10 plus has not so much as thrown a warning light or had any issues at the yearly service in the four years i've had it, which is pretty damn good for a mid-engined 'supercar' (Let's not get into that one smile).

Funnily enough i've been thinking about selling mine wink

Nano2nd

3,426 posts

263 months

Wednesday 27th March 2019
quotequote all
2013 seems to be the actual facelift year for the s-tronic, when i was looking all the 2012 cars where r-tronic.

As above get a 2013+ V10 and you don't need to worry about most of that, just the dampers if non plus, which is unavoidable if you want a Spyder. Hence why i bought one with a decent warranty (i think anyway, not had to claim yet!).

PompeyReece

1,536 posts

96 months

Wednesday 27th March 2019
quotequote all
Abdullah37 said:
So I have spend a good amount of time looking up R8 info and fell in love through the process that only started as interest and curiosity. (so far i found the best option is a v10 2014 that minimizes all of these major most common issues)
there are 4 main issues that I would appreciate help with:
1.I am finding a lot of contradicting information on when was the S-tronic used instead of the R-tronic. I have seen people saying w/the face lift of 2012 and some say 13 or 14.

2.the front frame cracking thing that was latter supported successfully was that implemented in 2010 or 11 or even later?

3.recommendation for carbon build up cleaning other than wallnut blasting and in what interval

4. last but certainly not least the a/c compressor. I know that it going out is variable and now is easier to access especially the v10 but isn't there like a 1 time fix solution like how you buy aftermarket suspension when magnatic ride leaks?

first post <3 thank you every1 in advance
1. S-tronic was introduced in July 2012

2. My understanding is it was corrected around that time but some builds had it, some didn't. AFAIK the only way to check is to remove the frunk lining and check yourself. However as Trev said, issue IMHO is grossly exaggerated.

3. Carbon build up can occur on cars with 15,000 miles and 40,000 miles - there is no set defined time. I had mine done at 35,000 miles for £300 and although I felt a slight improvement, I wouldn't say it was dramatic. Something to schedule at the time of your next service.

4. No, not aware of a quick fix although can't recall if replacement units are enhanced in any way or not to help prevent the issue.




200Plus Club

11,193 posts

285 months

Wednesday 27th March 2019
quotequote all
I would add that an early v10 manual would be my choice with lots of options boxes ticked. I don't like the looks of the later variants, however they are fantastic cars.

Abdullah37

Original Poster:

44 posts

68 months

Wednesday 27th March 2019
quotequote all
thanks a lot lads!
great help but as you can see the 2 comments just above one mentions that all the 2012 model he saw were R tronic while others mention it was changed with the facelift.
Regarding the carbon build up its more of protection rather than performance improvement desire. And here so far did not find a shop that does wallnut blast so alternatives are appreciated.
sadly finding a manual that is 2010 or older is borderline not happening because only people who understand its value bought it and hid it.
so i gotta make way with that.
quick note that is less important atm but what suspension replacement do you guys recommend so i can account for its cost before purchase (performance first since it is going to be a 2nd car)
you guys are awesome !

Trev450

6,439 posts

179 months

Wednesday 27th March 2019
quotequote all
I swapped my mag ride dampers out for the passives that come as standard on the Plus model. You will need a module delete kit from KW to prevent error messages, but even taking that into account you are still looking at about half the cost of what the mag replacements would be. Ride is firmer than the mags in comfort mode, but not as stiff as when in sport mode.

Nano2nd

3,426 posts

263 months

Wednesday 27th March 2019
quotequote all
Abdullah37 said:
great help but as you can see the 2 comments just above one mentions that all the 2012 model he saw were R tronic while others mention it was changed with the facelift.
i'm not saying the change over year wasn't 2012, just that i've never seen a 2012 s-tronic car... do a search on both Autotrader and PH, all the 2012 cars listed a pre-facelift cars, the oval tailpipes are the biggest giveaway (excluding GTs)

NewNameNeeded

2,560 posts

232 months

Wednesday 27th March 2019
quotequote all
Abdullah37 said:
great help but as you can see the 2 comments just above one mentions that all the 2012 model he saw were R tronic while others mention it was changed with the facelift.
Kind of irrelevant if you're looking at 2014 onwards as all of those will be S-tronic.

FWIW mine is the 2012 limited edition and that has RTronic. I wouldn't discount RTronic if you end up looking at older cars until you try it. Definitely a marmite experience, but I personally think it suits the car perfectly and it's just that little bit more engaging than Stronic.

Guffy

2,320 posts

272 months

Thursday 28th March 2019
quotequote all
NewNameNeeded said:
Abdullah37 said:
great help but as you can see the 2 comments just above one mentions that all the 2012 model he saw were R tronic while others mention it was changed with the facelift.
Kind of irrelevant if you're looking at 2014 onwards as all of those will be S-tronic.

FWIW mine is the 2012 limited edition and that has RTronic. I wouldn't discount RTronic if you end up looking at older cars until you try it. Definitely a marmite experience, but I personally think it suits the car perfectly and it's just that little bit more engaging than Stronic.
Or as some have said, it's the worst of both options, neither a manual or automatic jester

NewNameNeeded

2,560 posts

232 months

Thursday 28th March 2019
quotequote all
Guffy said:
... neither a manual or automatic jester
Can't argue with that bit!!!!

Abdullah37

Original Poster:

44 posts

68 months

Thursday 28th March 2019
quotequote all
i have decided 2014 to get the S tronic i obviously would rather find something older with less milage that is cheaper
issue w/r tronic is how frequent the change to the clutch is needed+cost+labor
and on my 2nd trial I almost accepted it but then it jolted 3 times right before I parked and it kept sliding and slipping clutches/tires (idk which to blame)
tried to drive differently and want to make sure i won't regret living w/ it
vantage sportshift 2 seemed almost identical but less jitty and frequency of clutch requirements and i have tested that and m5 SMG in 2006.