Audi R8 V8 Gen 1 buyer's guide - essential info!

With some early cars now available from just over £30k, the R8 4.2 V8 makes a very tempting proposition. However, there are some important things to look out for if you want to avoid some, potentially, very big bills.
In this video, we walk you through the problem areas, touch on tuning the V8, and offer some useful hints and tips for any owner or prospective buyer.
Hope you find it useful - let us know what you think in the comments.
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[@clumhain]

You should become the premiere used R8 sales business in the UK, i for one would not go anywhere else. ( now calm down i don't have R8 money in my pocket) Passion and integrity, a rare pairing indeed. Love the channel!

[@REPerformanceUK]

We are trying! Thank you!

[@samrodian919]

It's fascinating listening to Ricky talk about the R8 and the V10. His knowledge of these supercars is encyclopaedic.

[@REPerformanceUK]

Thank you! Worked on them since the day they were born! 😂

[@shanewilliam6912]

Seriously glad I found this channel. And owning an R8 I'd highly recommend any R8 owner to use your business . Well done. 👊

[@thewinnerisds2759]

A decade later after seeing an R8 on the street, the first gen model still gives me wet dreams.

[@bigboost2641]

Just watched this as I’ve always considered a gen 1 R8 V8, just realised that Ricky @ Reperformance is in Swindon and guess what? I’m in Swindon!! What a font of knowledge Ricky is, there’s no going into R8 buying with your eyes shut!!

[@flixarnD]

I actually almost missed this gem of a video because I turned it off because of the noise in the beginning 😂 Really glad I came back for it, cause now I own a manual -07 where I can't find that bonnet latch, so it's parked with the bonnet open thanks to this very video.

[@and79]

So for clarification on the Ceramic brake option on V8’s. It was available under order code PC5. This option gets you 380mm discs at the front. 356mm at the rear. Front caliper is a 6 piston setup. Total RRP inc VAT £7,295.

[@willbrom4077]

I’ll be looking at buying a Gen 1 R8 at the start of the new year, after watching your videos you’ll be the first garage I call to source me one, especially being approved by your garage. Would contently pay more for the added confidence. Excellent videos!

[@TheTanTommo]

This knowledge is second to none. Great video and really given me some things to consider

[@REPerformanceUK]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching

[@lenoxfrancis1511]

Found this video very useful. Your mechanic sounds extremely knowledgeable. The information in the video was well explained. I will definitely be contacting you to provide an assessment on my gen1 facelift 2013 V8. I have owned my R8 since 2017. I have only put 6k on the clock, do not do track days. Would I need a carbon?

[@bernardwarr4187]

Many thanks for the information. Wise words. I started working with a VAG dealer Mann Egerton on the south coast. Liking the R8s

[@darrend2035]

Really wish they would have made it port injected instead of direct Idc about the few extra ponies, I’d rather have the fuel cleaning the valve instead of having to clean engine

[@DoAyBarrelRoll]

Would be cool to see a "Lamborghini Gallardo Gen 1 buyer's guide". I'm obsessed with the 5.0L V10 engine and would like to know what to look out for when picking up one.

[@REPerformanceUK]

We are planning on doing one!

[@teetersalad]

So much knowledge on my favorite car to date. Hopefully I can pickup up a gated manual in the next 5 years

[@richardgasca4611]

Really glad I found your channel. Very informative ! Is there a mileage/km range that you recommend doing a carbon cleaning? mine has 28,000 miles and I’ve been considering doing it.

[@ilaister9652]

Autoplay brought me here. This guy is pro af.

[@michaelyurk860]

Is there any differences between the US model and the over the pond model? Is 1 better than the other? Thank you for making a buyers guide segment.

[@socalnsx]

Man, I was all set to get a gen 1 but this guy kinda scared me straight 😮

[@bigboost2641]

Very true, you need to heed the of knowledge that Ricky has!

[@konstantinmoraglis5300]

Thanks for all the great info on this review, I own an RS4 B8. Just did a carbon, injector clean and made a great difference. I ever you have time it would be great to see how to do the oil catch can mod. Many thanks Konstantin

[@JulianC-t5h]

Great content, are you seeing v8 aircon compressors fail, I’ve done the magrides and quoted engine out job for the compressor which seem like the 2 biggest common failures. Otherwise they are ripper cars

[@stevey-nwas1230]

Great advice from Mr Elder !!!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 Can you/your business please start selling used , approved R8 cars !!! I wish to buy a R8 from you early next year When I start my new job Mr Elder is the R8 garage business /R8 Guru to trust !!!

[@jasonnudelman6767]

Hey. Love the video. Very informative. Do you know any dealers/ shops in the US that do the job you do? Wish I could use you guys but I’m here in New Jersey! Thanks.

[@edwardweston8359]

Iv had my r8 for almost 2 years now im 22 now, I love it but I wish this video was out back then !

[@REPerformanceUK]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@frenchLeon]

On early V8 up until end 2009 the front frame could crack and fail around the suspension bracket. From 2010 onwards, a reinforcement plate is welded on.

[@christiansendra3610]

Owned a 12’ V8 manual and loved it. Had a few issues, primarily the struts leaking and an AC compressor fail. The AC compressor was a engine out job which blew my mind. Was told the V10 don’t suffer from that. Is that correct?

[@jakemuncey3764]

What mileage range do you see the clutch need replacing on manual V8s?

[@Stigman11]

The knowledge you have is priceless, nice informative videos always! Front trunk issue, I just tip the seats forward and take out the cover behind the seats and charge or add 12v to the + terminal. If the front trunk opener motor doesn't work, then you have a shitty day if the cable isn't there. ...

[@REPerformanceUK]

Thank you, yeah that can work if you have no emergency release. We check they are correctly positioned on a service.

[@paulweis9797]

Another great review. Cheers! I do confirm those emergency latches to be really hard to pull. I used a plastic handle to avoid having fingers cut off. Ball joints replaced last year with Audi's support. Cheers Audi! Some other parts here and there replaced with not too many issues. Carbon clean, on the list... Mine is a 2008 V8 and are pretty much a DIY guy myself. 80KM's on the clock and absolutely love it. I have no grass in the frunk. Just saying...

[@REPerformanceUK]

Hahaha glad you enjoy them Paul!

[@tomc6843]

@@REPerformanceUK Can you tell me if there is a difference (in the Engine, not gearbox) between the R8 V8 2008 (prefacelift) and V8 2014 facelift?? I feel like the V8 facelift sounds different from the V8 Prefacelift

[@REPerformanceUK]

@@tomc6843 Mechanically there are some differences, but firing order etc is the same so they do sound the same unless they have aftermarket exhausts.

[@tomc6843]

@@REPerformanceUK Yes, but there must be another difference than external to the exhausts, the 2008 v8 sounds like a muscle car with any exhaust, and the 2014 v8 sounds more like the v10 with any exhaust. It is very curious

[@REPerformanceUK]

@@tomc6843 I disagree with that, we work on lots of both ages and they sound the same. There are no mechanical differences.

[@jorge8915]

So much good info thank you😮😊

[@tocsa120ls]

I know of one 'racey' compound that is not horrible on the street and you can beat the living daylights out of them on a track, I use them with stock steel discs, they don't ripple, they don't fade after 15 laps of a GT track. Your eyes will water when you look them up and how much they cost; Endless MA45B. But they are _that_ good.

[@REPerformanceUK]

Up there with project mu! 💰💰💰

[@Spiv-Trades]

I've been looking at V8s all week. This video got me a bit twitchy, now I'm considering just getting an M4 again. Talk me back into the R8 please haha.

[@REPerformanceUK]

Depends what you are after in a car as M4 vs R8 is completely different.

[@Paul-eu9jp]

Hiya mate what car did you go for

[@Spiv-Trades]

I ended up getting a Ducati Diavel 1260 for the sun and a BMW X5 for the cold haha@@Paul-eu9jp M4 and R8 still on the shopping list though, probably.

[@a6khu]

Brilliant video. Doesnt the v8 engine have more character than the v10 though ? 😬Look forward to the Mk1 plus video. Perhaps include a drive ?

[@REPerformanceUK]

I think the V10 is a better engine but it’s all personal!

[@dlg78]

Sideskirts are different on v8 to v10 too

[@bradj78]

I’m going to find my frunk release in the morning, and book in a carbon clean. I’m told AC compressor’s die in the Type 42 V8’s?

[@wolfgangw.8243]

I think a daza in the r8 will be interesting..

[@ulyssess7554]

Thinking of buying a manual r8 V8 with 22k miles. What should I look for?

[@winstongitonga7976]

Love the content. I have read in the Audi forums that the B7 RS4 is a smother v8 than the R8. I for one was under the impression they were similar besides the sump.

[@REPerformanceUK]

The RS4 has a dual mass flywheel and the R8 has a solid one, that’s the only difference.

[@MSH4HID]

Can you do a video to Show how to jack up a gen 1 v10 plus, I can see the circles on one end, but the other end ther is no marking. May be take the cover off as well to show what is behind it. Thanks

[@kevdavies3445]

brilliant info i was considering a v8 but this wised me up got a tcr

[@REPerformanceUK]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@michaelw4620]

Guys Iv got £42k and not a penny more to get an R8 (hopefully). Your advice on what to look for would be amazing 👍👍 can’t wait to see the Noble come together

[@bigboost2641]

Did you buy one?

[@LapoftheWorld]

So I looked at these pretty hard before finding a cheap enough Pre-LP Gallardo. I'm a bit surprised at no mention of the front shock tower/frame rail failures that seem to have afflicted more than a few of the V8 cars. Is that just not something you've seen come through your shop? For the record, the rest of the info here is worth its weight in gold and not stuff that I would have considered (details like testing the emergency releases for stuff, etc...because most of the releases on cars I've had have been cable actuated anyway). Cheers!

[@REPerformanceUK]

We covered that on the V10 video and frame cracks aren’t a problem. Seen it 4 times in 14 years and all crash damaged cars.

[@LapoftheWorld]

@@REPerformanceUK Ah thanks. I'll go back and watch that one as well. I'd been under the impression it was unique to the earlier cars hence the question.

[@REPerformanceUK]

@@LapoftheWorld no worries, yeah it’s not a “problem” on any of them.

[@depthofshine]

Did later facelift cars come with DSG Box? we worked on a Le Mans special i believe with lots of added options and carbon included?

[@ineedthatcar7169]

How and why are REPerformance not buying and selling these cars!? I wouldn't trust others.... I am looking for a V10 too!

[@regioncycle3119]

Brother! I got an LP560.. 6k miles. 1k a year. What Motul do you recommend Oil change yearly.. Love you guys!

[@REPerformanceUK]

8100 for just general use! 5w-30

[@BenjaminFein-j9y]

You drive 75W140 for Manual gearbox or R-Tronic?

[@r8database]

R8 got new bordelectronic on the mj 2010 (5/2009), they changed from the old 8p0 System to the ne pq35 bcm system

[@REPerformanceUK]

Yeah buyers don’t care about which on board voltage unit it has. 😂😂 but good knowledge! 👍🏼

[@BEYTEK]

Great insight to them!

[@richardwedlock9526]

very insightful. thank you

[@gafrers]

Same quality as the V10 video 👍👍

[@REPerformanceUK]

Thank you!

[@vector409]

thnx for the upload

[@euanrankine]

Great video, really helpful insights and bits to look out for.

[@REPerformanceUK]

Thank you!

[@andybryant8341]

Would a “red line a day” keep the carbon down? Great video btw 🤙

[@REPerformanceUK]

No not really, it affects them all and it’s always bad!

[@brianiswrong]

Hi Ricky and viewers May I ask what a ball park ££ figure is for an engine walnut clean in the uk for the v8. And regardless of mileage/ service history of your chosen v8 (unless you have cast iron proof of the lean being done less than 2'000 miles ago) As something to add to the asking price (so you do it) as a matter of course.?

[@nguanjoogoh6822]

Greetings from Malaysia ! Just bought a 2009 R8 V8 that has 30k miles on it. Lovely car. I've watched your videos and is amazed by the deep knowledge you have about these cars. Is planning to get mine serviced, and I heard that the hydraulic fluid for the R-Tronic needs to be replaced as well? What kind of fluid does the hydraulic pump use and would you be so kind to provide me with the product number? How much oil would it need? There's no Audi dealership from where I'm currently at, and the nearest one is unreachable by land. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance! Do tell me if you need my VIN !

[@REPerformanceUK]

Hello you need to change the R-Tronic fluid for new power steering fluid which is a genuine Audi part. You can empty the tank with a suction tool, refill it then bleed the clutch until new fluid comes out.

[@nguanjoogoh6822]

Where is the tank located? Is it the small tank on the side that is connected to the hydraulic unit on top ? Is there a drain plug for this tank or do I have to bleed it manually?

[@REPerformanceUK]

@@nguanjoogoh6822 the gearbox has a drain plug but the hydraulics doesn’t. The tank is sat in top of the hydraulics on the gearbox in the back under the air box.

[@villaman4818]

Great video Ricky. Many thanks bud.

[@REPerformanceUK]

Thank you!

[@imbatman1635]

Question for you…what happens if ac compressor is gone?? Coz I never have the need to put ac on coz i always have the window open??🤔🤔🤔

[@REPerformanceUK]

On a V8 then it’s engine out to swap it.

[@imbatman1635]

@@REPerformanceUK will it do any damage to the engine if u leave a faulty air compressor in? Thanks

[@REPerformanceUK]

@@imbatman1635 no only the ac system as will fill it with swarf.

[@imbatman1635]

@@REPerformanceUK ah okay 👍

[@jimisi7424]

I am looking to buy an a8 in february. Going to spend 2 years in it. Space in the back for a a tent. Is that reasonable? 2 years travelling europe

[@jimisi7424]

Apologies R8 not a8. Fat fwingeers

[@chalkster4723]

Outstanding video review once again guys. Great advice/content. I consider myself a fortunate owner of this particular v8 model. It really was my dream car. 2008 manual with just 26,000 on the clock. I've maintained it myself for the past 7yrs (I'm a garage owner) Some very interesting points raised, but I'm hating the prospect of ball-joint/arm replacements! I'll keep my fingers crossed. I've heard horrible things about AC compressor failures! Is it an engine out task. I'm considering doing the walnut blasting at some point! I've had some great results on A3 S-lines & 320 BMWs. Keep up the great work lads.

[@REPerformanceUK]

Thank so much! Yea on V8 it’s engine out!

[@v12dot]

Had my 2007 from new . 20k miles and just had to replace the crank seal and clutch …..lack of use ! Should have known better as a mechanic !

[@grilledme]

damn it's still look gorgeous after all these years

[@fe1jx240.]

Any idea on stock engine limits? Don’t understand why not many people turbo these

[@REPerformanceUK]

It’s fuelling issues that limit power first, V10 is much easier to tune and better at taking boost!

[@R34GTRR35]

I have an Aircon leak that can’t be found easily with dye by my mechanic - German specialist, can it be behind the dash ?

[@REPerformanceUK]

No will be condensers.

[@DECIPLESgarage]

I bet if all 24,000 viewers were there trying to listen to you live, the mechanic would put the impact down for a min lol.

[@REPerformanceUK]

No, we still have to get the work done! Customers first! 👍🏼

[@kartakis]

These videos are gold!

[@REPerformanceUK]

Thank you sir!

[@xTeamFivex]

Please do a rs6 c6 buyer's guide

[@REPerformanceUK]

We have done one…..

[@neilevans3260]

Brilliant as always. Maybe one day I will be able to afford one of these cars, but in the meantime I have these videos :-)

[@REPerformanceUK]

Thank you!

[@lumbergh100]

under £2k for VPS arms refurb, not bad!

[@REPerformanceUK]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@Paiamk]

Great video! I am currently looking for a gen 1 Audi R8 V8 and I am wondering which sports/race exhaust you should go for? My second question is what you think about plugging the vacuum line for the exhaust valves in order to keep the valves open all the time? I used to own a Gallardo and that procedure made my Gallardo sound much louder and deeper at lower revs. Do you think it will be harmful for the car?

[@CbrRob]

I suppose the difference between the v8 and the v10 is like the difference between a 600 and a 1000cc motorcycle. Not much difference in weight but alot more power.

[@REPerformanceUK]

Good analogy!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@Brownicek]

I have 2009 mt v8 with ceramics…

[@mikenice1204]

I have a 2008 gated v8 for almost 2 yrs now. one issue that occurred a few months ago is the frank mechanism doesn't open anymore and I have to use the emergency latch under passenger glove box. any thoughts on that? and also a weird situation that's been occurring once in a while. while driving at higher speeds the exhaust will sound off and the car almost seems like it's lost power or something. then if I pull over and stop for a moment, it will go back to normal exhaust sound and drivavility. I'm pretty sure I need a carbon cleaning as I notice a lumpy idle at cold start up and a little smoke.

[@sk4klsiww]

The nylon plastic piece for the frunk release mechanism broke. You need to get a new part or fab up a metal one.

[@soklot]

All the engine out jobs scare me too much.

[@villaman4818]

Hi Ricky, Me again mate. May I please kindly ask what passive system you replace the magrides with ? Thanks

[@REPerformanceUK]

Just oem R8 passives mate!

[@villaman4818]

@@REPerformanceUK Thank you.

[@FridgetoPantry]

Other V8 consideration - shorter gearing. 👍

[@REPerformanceUK]

Yeah I think I mentioned gear ratios are different! But yes shorter in the v8! 👍🏼

[@norm4328]

Sir, it is possible audi R8 V8 Swapped into m120 v12 mercedes engine? i hope you can respond my comment.

[@REPerformanceUK]

Mercedes engine in a R8? Anything is possible but not a great engine!

[@Ella_Weirdly_Wonderful_World]

Enjoy the content.... but PLEASE stop the wheel guns or whatever racket was going on in the background. Thanks!

[@REPerformanceUK]

Sometimes it’s hard to control that. It is a workshop too. Thanks for watching.

[@Ella_Weirdly_Wonderful_World]

@@REPerformanceUK yes, I get that. What was clear was your level of knowledge of the R8 models.

[@villaman4818]

Why would you say that…it’s a working garage…he’s not a Full time KZbinr with a Gucci man bag FFS !

[@bigsighmusicdroneblogs1843]

Would i be able to buy an Audi R8 for around £30k , would you say ther an investment

[@chrisj5978]

Cars are not an investment

[@GeoffPritchett]

Lol @~28 minutes....should be " an inclined plane rotated helically around an axis". Screwed 😅

[@marks7494]

That RS6 in to background looks like half the car is on the ground... in for plugs? 🤣

[@REPerformanceUK]

No that’s all the stuff off the lambo and R8 the other side of the workshop.

[@unconfirm3d]

Sounds like Gareth Keenan

[@REPerformanceUK]

Who is that?

[@Dennis-du4jh]

The only reason someone would choose the v8 over the v10, is its cheaper. And because its cheaper and less collectible you wont feel as bad dailying it

[@tonyking9235]

SAVE A PENNY SPEND A POUND

[@REPerformanceUK]

I hope we would save you pounds! Lol

[@___dhd9924]

The guy with the drill needs to relax . I’m trying to watch the video

[@JulianC-t5h]

Great content, are you seeing v8 aircon compressors fail, I’ve done the magrides and quoted engine out job for the compressor which seem like the 2 biggest common failures. Otherwise they are ripper cars