The 2007 Audi S8 with its formidable 5.2-liter V10 engine demands a level of care that exceeds standard maintenance schedules. This high-performance luxury sedan, built on the D3 platform, houses one of the most complex and powerfully engineered internal combustion systems Audi has ever produced. The engine code BSM (also known as BXA or N) generates immense torque and horsepower, operating at temperatures and pressures that can degrade conventional lubricants quickly. Proper fluid selection is not merely a suggestion for this vehicle; it is a critical necessity to preserve the integrity of the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components. Using high-quality synthetic fluids ensures that the tight tolerances of the 10-cylinder V10 remain protected against wear, while also providing the necessary thermal stability for high-speed driving and spirited performance.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
For the engine of your 2007 Audi S8, maintaining the correct viscosity and meeting the specific Audi/VW oil quality standards is essential. The engine requires a capacity of 10.6 quarts when including a filter change. We recommend starting with a filter that offers superior filtration efficiency over standard equipment manufacturer options.
- AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – A premium formula specifically designed for the precise demands of European gasoline, diesel, and hybrid engines, offering exceptional wear protection and thermal stability.
- AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – An alternative 5W-40 viscosity option featuring a blend of synthetic base oils and premium additives tailored for the high-performance environment of the Audi V10.
- AMSOIL 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – An excellent choice for colder climates or for owners seeking maximum flow during cold starts while maintaining high-temperature stability for the V10 engine.
- MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter – This premium filter features advanced media that improves upon original equipment filters, capturing more contaminants to protect the sensitive components of the 5.2L V10.
While the engine requires the most frequent attention, other fluid systems in the S8 also benefit from synthetic technology. The cooling system holds 16.5 quarts and requires protection against corrosion and overheating. For the 6-speed automatic transmission (09E), the fluid capacity is 11 quarts for a total fill, with an initial fill requirement of 10.6 quarts. The differential and transfer case systems also require specific lubricants to handle the torque output of the vehicle, with front differential capacities around 2.5 pints and rear capacities varying between 1.9 and 3.2 pints depending on the specific configuration.
Transmission and Drivetrain Protection
The 6-speed automatic transmission in the 2007 S8 operates under significant stress. Standard fluids can break down under the heat generated by the high-torque V10, leading to wear on clutches and seals. AMSOIL offers two primary options for this transmission. The AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is designed to withstand heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions. Alternatively, the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid provides robust protection against wear, maintaining shift quality and extending the life of the transmission.
The drivetrain components, including the front and rear differentials, require gear lubricants that can handle extreme pressure loads. The AMSOIL 75W-90 Long Life 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is specifically engineered for high-load gear and bearing protection. It improves cold-weather shifting and extends seal life, which is crucial for maintaining the tight tolerances found in luxury drivetrain systems.
Essential Fluids for Complete System Health
Beyond the engine and transmission, the cooling system, braking system, and steering components play vital roles in the safety and longevity of the S8. For the cooling system, maintaining the correct mixture is key to preventing corrosion and heat soak. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a 50/50 pre-mix formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. It is free from phosphates, nitrates, and silicates, ensuring compatibility with various engine materials. For those preferring to mix their own, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers extended service life and superior corrosion protection.
Braking performance is paramount in a vehicle of this class. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid provides stable viscosity across a wide temperature range, ensuring excellent responsiveness from the ABS and traction control systems. Finally, the power steering system benefits from AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid, which reduces friction and keeps seals soft to prevent leaks, ensuring quiet operation and smooth steering feel.
Vehicle Background and Performance Overview
The 2007 Audi S8 represents a pinnacle of German engineering, combining the comfort of a full-size luxury sedan with the raw performance of a high-revving V10 supercar. Part of the D3 generation (also shared with the A8 and the first-generation VW Phaeton), this vehicle is built on a space frame chassis that delivers a perfect balance of rigidity and weight distribution. The 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine, produced by Audi in collaboration with Lamborghini (sharing roots with the Lamborghini Gallardo’s powerplant), is the heart of this beast. It produces approximately 450 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque, allowing the nearly 5,000-pound sedan to sprint from zero to 60 mph in around 4.6 seconds.
Owners of the S8 often cite the engine’s unique character as a primary reason for ownership. The 10-cylinder layout provides a distinctive, high-pitched exhaust note that is highly prized among enthusiasts. Unlike the turbocharged engines found in other modern Audis, the S8’s V10 offers a linear and immediate power delivery that is rare in the luxury segment. The quattro all-wheel-drive system, known for its Haldex or Torsen-based traction management depending on the specific sub-model year, ensures that this power is put to the road effectively, making it a capable car in rain or snow.
Despite its reliability reputation, the 2007 S8 is not without its maintenance challenges. One common issue involves the timing chain tensioners. Over time, the tensioners can fail, leading to rattling noises and potential engine damage if not addressed. Using high-quality synthetic motor oil like AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil can help mitigate sludge buildup that contributes to tensioner failure and ensure the hydraulic components operate smoothly. Another potential area of concern is the water pump and thermostat housing, which are prone to leakage as the vehicle ages. A high-performance antifreeze with excellent corrosion inhibitors can help extend the life of the cooling system components and prevent leaks caused by corrosion. Additionally, the V10 engine is known for consuming oil at a higher rate than standard engines due to its design and high output. AMSOIL’s superior volatility and anti-wear properties can help reduce oil consumption, keeping the engine at the proper fill level for longer periods. Finally, the suspension components and bushings can degrade over time, leading to a loss of the car’s precise handling characteristics. While fluid changes do not directly fix suspension wear, maintaining the AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid ensures that the hydraulic assist remains smooth and responsive, contributing to the overall driving feel. Regular maintenance with premium fluids is the most effective strategy to keep this high-performance sedan running as well as the day it rolled off the assembly line.