Differences in D2 A8 models

[Venator1]

I have decided I want my next Audi to be a D2 A8 after losing my B5 S4 in a bad fire! I have narrowed it down to either a 2002 A8L that has some issues or a 2000 A8 that seems to be a bit better. Are there any significant differences between the 2000 and 2002 versions? If so please explain.

Thank you

[Congratulati0ns]

I have decided I want my next Audi to be a D2 A8 after losing my B5 S4 in a bad fire! I have narrowed it down to either a 2002 A8L that has some issues or a 2000 A8 that seems to be a bit better. Are there any significant differences between the 2000 and 2002 versions? If so please explain.

Thank you

6 speed swap once you get it ftw!=]

[Venator1]

Out of 45 views not 1 person can tell me the difference between the 99-00 and 02-03 A8s?

[speedydragon]

The 02-03 are facelift models, that's all I know lol.

I suggest you ask this question on AW, fortitude, and Quattro World. You might get more answers from the various members around the Audi community

[HIstateS8]

I think the facelift models were 01-03 and of course the A8L is longer. If anything research at quattroworld you'll get all your questions answered there. Do you really want to get an A8? You don't want to pick up an S8?

[Venator1]

The S8 is my DREAM but not within my budget right now. I almost won a 03 S8 on ebay but lost it to a higher bidder. I had a stage 2 S4 which exploded a few months ago. Terrible sight.

In regards to the differences in the A8 models I noticed the interior and dash is a little different. 02-03 has the Tiptronic shift buttons on the steering wheel, the gear shift has an S for sports driving, and the Center Radio and hazards section buttons is revamped and more modernized on an 02-03. Cleaner more modern updated look.

[vwgti16vt]

No major difference between the 2002 and the 2000. They are both the "face lifted" versions with the good transmission, updated interior, HID headlights and the 40V engine.
STAY AWAY FROM 99 and OLDER 32v!!!
The 2000 is pre wired for nav and the 2002 isn't (unless it already has it)
Also if you plan on doing a factory nav it will be much easier in the 2000 vs the 2002. The Symphony 1 wiring is much more easily adapted vs the multiple new connections and wiring changes needed with the Symphony II wiring.

Lastly and most important.... Decide what you plans are with the car. If your just going to keep it stock and enjoy the car as it came go with the A8L. It has extra leg room and was the highest optioned version of the car offered at the time. If you plan on hooking it up, etc then get the short wheel base. The long wheel base in the D2 Body Style do NOT look good modded up. Since all the length is centralized around the rear doors the proportions are off. There just isn't any way to make it look "sporty" (this is all my opinion of course on the long vs short wheel base D2's)

At least in my case, that is how I decided between the 2 body styles offered.

(this is my short wheels base 2000 A8, mod list in signature)