FLA8L

Readers,long time lurker here. A8L order nearly fixed. DH Linen Biege interior with birch wood inlays selected. Vendor claims the wood gear shift selector **** is only available with one of the Exclusive interior packages. Can anyone point me to the Audi alpha-neumeric factory designator of this cost-free option in birch? Thanks

derfA8L

It's actually not a "cost-free" option in the U.S. The wood shift **** is available only when you order the Segmented Wood/Leather steering wheel---which retails for $690 (option code 1XL).

Note: This option is not available when ordering the Linen Beige (DH) interior which takes the Beige Birch wood trim. Also not available when ordering the following options:

PST or PPS - Sport Packages
2ZD - Heated Steering Wheel
7Y3 - Audi Driver Assistance Package
PYS,PYU,PYT - Audi Exclusive Packages

You can order a Dark Brown Walnut or Amber Sycamore wood shif **** as an after-market accessory from your dealer, but they won't match the birch wood trim in the DH (Linen Beige) interior.

D3AeighT

Not to change the subject of this thread but since you have an '08. What's the major/minor tweaks between the '08 & '07 A8L. A salesguy just called me and said he had one black '07 left on the lot and would I entertain a "deal".

derfA8L

1. Handling/steering feel is tighter and a bit more responsive.

2. Ride quality is greatly improved. The harshness I experienced with the '06's ride over bumps and other road imperfections is virtually non-present in the '08 (both equipped with 19-inch wheels and the same P6 rubber). I believe the suspension "floatyness" at speed in comfort mode is gone, but to be honest, I mostly go with dynamic mode when on highways.

3. I'm getting a spoadic mild tranny downshift clunk in the '08 which I didn't have in the '06---dealer says they felt it, but everything checks out according to spec.

4. New W12 style grill is nice and the new tail lights are a nice improvement, as are the turn signal lights incorporated in the sideview mirrors.

5. AMI is nice to have, and works nicely.

6. Car is a bit quieter than the '06 (both w/dual paned glass)---but I sometimes miss the louder V8 growl that the '06 gave off.

The main thing is the handling and suspension comfort improvements IMHO.

Loved the '06 A8---Really LOVE the '08!!!!

Hope this helps.

derfA8L

REAR VISIBILITY!!!!! And you'd get that with an '07 also.

rhodyA8L

You can buy just the wood shift **** as a separate part. Just did it for my A8 that I bought off the lot new. It did not have the wood **** at the time of sale, but with the help of this post, I ordered it from Clair shipped to my door for $268. I installed it in 30 seconds without the need to use any tools, just my hands. Looks sweet and in my opinion should have been standard on allof the A8's to match the wood.