ESP AUDI R8 2007 Owners Manual
Page 5 of 210
Contents3
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Child safety
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Points to remember if children are 
travelling in the car . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Child safety seats  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fitting child safety seats  . . . . . . . . 
Driving tips
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Intelligent technology
. . . . . . . . . . 
Electronic stabilisation program 
(ESP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Rear spoiler  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brakes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Power steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Four-wheel drive (quattro®) . . . . . . 
Dry sump lubrication system  . . . . 
Your vehicle and the 
environment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Running in  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Emission control systems . . . . . . . 
Driving abroad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Sporty driving  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Environmental compatibility . . . . . 
General maintenance
 . . 
Care of vehicle and cleaning
. . . 
General notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Care of exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Care of interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fuel and filling the tank
. . . . . . . . 
Petrol  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Filling the tank  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Checking and topping up fluidsEngine lid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Cooling system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Brake fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Windscreen washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wheels and tyres
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tyre pressure monitoring system . 
Accessories and modifications 
to the vehicle
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accessories, replacement parts and 
repairs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Modifications  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Radio transmitters and business 
equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Self-help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-help
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Breakdown kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repairing a tyre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing a wheel  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Jump-starting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tow-starting and towing away . . .
Fuses and bulbs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical data
 . . . . . . . . . . . .
General notes
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vehicle identification data  . . . . . . .
Performance, weights and 
dimensions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R8 4.2 quattro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimensions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
122
123
126
131
132
132
134
134
136
136
137
138
138
138
138
139
139143
144
144
144
147
152
152
152
155
155
157
159
161
162
164
166
166
172
174
174
174
175177
178
178
178
182
185
187
190
190
193
195
196
196
196
198
198
198
199
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Page 11 of 210
Controls and displays9
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Controls and displaysOverview
Electric windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Door handle
Central locking switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Electric adjuster for exterior mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Switches for
−Unlocking the luggage lid  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
−Unlocking the fuel tank flap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Air outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Light switch  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Lever for turn signals and main beam headlights . . . . 
Steering wheel with:
−Horn 
−Driver's airbag  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
−Controls for audio, telephone and speech dialogue 
system
−Paddle levers for manual gearshift (R tronic) . . . . . . 
Instrument cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Levers and switches for:
−Windscreen wipers and washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
−On-board computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
−Menu display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
−Lap timer  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
−Speed warning function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Navigation system
Lockable glove box  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Front passenger's airbag  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Switch for heated rear window  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Air conditioner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gear lever/selector lever for:
−Manual gearbox
−R tronic  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Controls for:
−Audi magnetic ride  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP)  . . . . . . . . . . .
−Hazard warning lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Automatic rear spoiler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
−Audi parking system  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ashtray, cigarette lighter/socket
Handbrake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ignition lock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustable steering column  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lever for cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Instrument lighting  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine lid lock release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Note
•
Separate operating instructions are enclosed if the vehicle is 
equipped with a factory-fitted navigation system.
•
The arrangement of switches and controls on right-hand drive 
models* may be slightly different from the layout shown in 
⇒page 8, fig. 1. However, the symbols used to identify the controls 
are the same.
A1
50
A2A3
45
A4
64
A5
47
152
A6
77
A7
52
A8
56
A9
116
93
A10
10
A11
59
22
24
27
31
A12A13
73
A14
116
A15
79
A16
75
A17
90
A18
88
132
56
134
85
A19A20
83
A21
81
A22
81
A23
86
A24
55
A25
155
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Page 17 of 210
Instruments and warning/indicator lamps15
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Warning and indicator lampsOverview
The warning and indicator lamps indicate a number of 
different functions and possible faults.Fig. 6  Instrument cluster with warning and indicator lamps Warning and indicator lamps in the rev counter 
 Turn signals ⇒page 17
 Warning and indicator lamps in the driver information system 
⇒page 33
 Warning and indicator lamps in the speedometer
 Warning and indicator lamps in the rev 
counter
 Warning and indicator lamps in the speedometer
A1A2A3A4
Audi magnetic ride
⇒page 16
Tyre pressure too low
⇒page 16, 
⇒page 172
Engine management
⇒page 16
Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)
⇒page 16
Emission control system
⇒page 17
Main beam headlights
⇒page 17
Rear spoiler
⇒page 17
Cruise control system
⇒page 17
Airbag system
⇒page 17
Alternator
⇒page 18
A1A4
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Page 18 of 210
Instruments and warning/indicator lamps 16
Note•
Yellow symbols are accompanied by one warning chime. The 
function indicated should be checked as soon as possible.
•
A red symbol is accompanied by three warning chimes. The 
symbol will keep flashing until the fault is corrected.
Applies to vehicles: with Audi magnetic rideAudi magnetic ride 
This warning lamp monitors the damping effect of the 
shock absorbers.The warning lamp 
 lights up when the ignition is switched on.
Note
If the warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indi-
cates a vehicle damping malfunction. The suspension should be 
checked immediately by a qualified workshop.Applies to vehicles: with tyre pressure monitoring systemTyre pressure monitoring system 
Th e  t y re  p re s s u re  s h o u l d  b e  c o rre c t e d  as  s o o n  as  p o s s i b l e  
if it is too low.If the 
 symbol appears, the tyre pressure on at least one 
of the wheels is too low.–Stop the vehicle.
– Check the tyre(s).
– Adjust the tyre pressure ⇒page 167.
For more detailed information on the tyre pressure monitoring 
system please refer to ⇒page 172.Engine management 
This warning lamp monitors the engine management 
system.The 
 warning lamp (Electronic Power Control) lights up when the 
ignition is switched on to show that the lamp is working properly.Note
If the warning lamp lights up while the vehicle is moving, this indi-
cates a fault in the engine management system. The engine should 
be serviced by a qualified workshop without delay.Electronic stabilisation program (ESP)
This warning lamp monitors the electronic stabilisation 
program.The warning lamp 
 has the following functions:
•
It flashes when the ESP or traction control system (ASR) inter-
venes while the vehicle is in motion.
•
It lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out 
again after about 2 seconds. This signals that the lamp is working 
properly.
•
It will light up continuously if there is a malfunction in the ESP.
•
It will light up continuously if the ESP is switched off.
Seat belt warning lamp
⇒page 18
Fault in brake system / handbrake is 
applied
⇒page 18
Anti-lock brake system (ABS)
⇒page 19
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Page 19 of 210
Instruments and warning/indicator lamps17
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
It will also come on if a fault should occur in the ABS because the 
ESP operates in conjunction with the ABS.
If the warning lamp lights up and stays on after the engine is 
started, this may mean that the control system has temporarily 
switched off the ESP. In this case the ESP can be reactivated by 
switching the ignition off and then on again. If the warning lamp 
goes out, this means the system is fully functional.
For further information on the ESP ⇒page 132.
If the battery is disconnected and then reconnected, this warning 
lamp will light up when the engine is started and stay on until you 
have driven a few metres.
Emission control system 
If the warning lamp lights up continuously you should take your 
vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible in order to have 
the fault rectified.
If the warning lamp flashes drive on at reduced speed and seek 
professional help in order to avoid damage to the catalytic 
converter.
For further information on the catalytic converter ⇒page 138.Main beam headlights 
The indicator lamp 
 lights up when the main beams are on or 
when the headlight flasher is operated.
For further information on the main beam headlights ⇒page 56.
Rear spoiler 
This warning lamp monitors the automatic electrically 
operated rear spoiler.The warning lamp 
 has the following functions:
•
It lights up when the ignition is switched on and should go out 
again after about 3 seconds. This signals that the lamp is working 
properly.
•
It lights up if a malfunction occurs on the automatic rear spoiler.
For further information on the automatic rear spoiler ⇒page 134.
Turn signals and hazard warning lights 
 
Depending on which turn signal is operated, either the left 
 or 
right 
 indicator lamp flashes. Both indicator lamps will flash when 
the hazard warning lights are switched on.
If one turn signal should fail, the indicator lamp will start flashing 
twice as fast.
For further information on the turn signals ⇒page 56.
Applies to vehicles: with cruise control systemCruise control 
The indicator lamp 
 in the instrument cluster lights up when the 
cruise control system is operating.
Airbag system 
This warning lamp monitors the airbag and seat belt 
tensioner system.The warning lamp 
 should light up for a few seconds when the 
ignition is switched on.
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Page 21 of 210
Instruments and warning/indicator lamps19
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data sideways. Drive carefully to the nearest qualified workshop and 
have the fault rectified.
Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 
The warning lamp monitors the ABS and the electronic 
differential lock (EDL).The warning lamp 
 lights up for a few seconds when the ignition 
is switched on and while the engine is being started. The lamp goes 
out again once the system has run through an automatic test 
sequence.
There is a fault in the ABS if:
•
the warning lamp 
 does not light up when the ignition is 
switched on,
•
the warning lamp does not go out again after a few seconds,
•
the warning lamp lights up when the vehicle is moving.
The vehicle can still be braked in the normal way (except that the 
ABS control function is out of action). Please take the vehicle to a 
qualified workshop as soon as possible. For further information on 
the ABS ⇒page 132.
If a fault occurs in the ABS, the ESP warning lamp will also light up.
Fault in the main brake system
If the ABS warning lamp 
 lights up together with the brake 
warning lamp 
 ⇒page 35, this indicates a fault in the ABS func-
tion, and possibly a malfunction in the main brake system as well 
⇒.
If there is a malfunction in the brake system the symbol 
 will light 
up in the instrument cluster. Please refer to ⇒page 18.Fault on the electronic differential lock (EDL)
The EDL works in conjunction with the ABS. If a malfunction should 
occur in the EDL, this is indicated by the ABS warning lamp 
. 
Please take the vehicle to a qualified workshop as soon as possible. 
For further information on the EDL ⇒page 132.
WARNING
•
If the brake warning lamp 
 lights up together with the ABS 
warning lamp 
, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is too low 
and this may cause an accident. Stop the vehicle and do not drive 
on. You should obtain professional assistance.
•
If the brake fluid level is OK, the fault in the brake system may 
have been caused by a failure of the ABS control function. As a 
result the rear wheels can lock relatively easily when braking. This 
could cause the tail of the vehicle to skid sideways. Drive carefully 
to the nearest qualified workshop and have the fault rectified.
WARNING (continued)
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Page 22 of 210
Driver information system 20Driver information systemIntroductionThe driver information system in the instrument cluster 
shows you the status of various on-board systems at a 
glance.Standard display
The following information is shown in the driver information system 
display when the ignition is on:•
CD* in the CD player or current radio* station
•
Outside temperature*: At temperatures below +5°C a snowflake 
symbol appears next to the temperature display ⇒.
•
Door catches, engine lid and front lid warning: The warning lamp 
comes on if the door, engine lid or front lid is open.
Further functions
Press the   button ⇒fig. 8 one or more times to call up the 
following functions in the driver information system display:
The speed warning function is also displayed in the driver informa-
tion system. For information on how to select this setting please 
refer to ⇒page 31.
Auto-check control
The system runs a check on certain components and functions 
when the ignition is switched on and while the vehicle is moving. It 
gives an audible warning if a fault should occur or if servicing is 
required, and a red or yellow warning symbol (in some cases with a 
corresponding driver message) appears in the dashboard display 
⇒page 33.
WARNING
Do not rely on the outside temperature display as an ice warning. 
Please bear in mind that there may be ice on the roads even at 
outside temperatures of +5 °C: beware of ice patches.
Note
•
On vehicles with R tronic, the displays only appear after the 
driver has engaged a gear.
Fig. 7  Display: 
Standard displayFig. 8  Windscreen 
wiper lever: Reset 
button and rocker 
switch
On-board computer
⇒page 22
Digital speedometer*Menus
⇒page 24
Lap timer
⇒page 27
Reset
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Page 29 of 210
Driver information system27
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Setting (part 2)– Press the rocker switch repeatedly until the desired func-
tion is selected in the menu (highlighted on a red back-
ground) ⇒fig. 19.
– Activate or deactivate the selected function by pressing 
the   button to enter or remove a tick in the box.
– To go back to a previous menu, press the rocker switch 
until Back (Zurück) is selected ⇒fig. 20, then press the 
 button.
In some cases it is necessary to enter values or figures, for example 
when setting the date. This is also done by pressing the rocker 
switch.Lap timerIntroductionThe lap timer allows you to record and analyse lap times.
The time (in minutes, seconds and tenths of a second) is shown in 
the instrument cluster display. The hour automatically appears in 
the display if the session lasts for over an hour. The maximum time 
which can be recorded in a single measurement is 99 hours, 
59 minutes, 59 seconds and 9/10 of a second. If this time is 
exceeded, the lap timer will automatically stop recording and switch 
to the pause mode ⇒page 29.
WARNING
Please direct your full attention to the road at all times! As the 
driver, you have full responsibility for the safety of the vehicle and 
other road users. For this reason, you should only use the func-
tions in a manner that allows you to maintain control of the 
vehicle in all situations - accident risk!
Note
The on-board computer can be used in the normal way while the 
stopwatch of the lap timer is running.
Fig. 19  Display: 
"Computer 1" menu, 
"Fuel range" (Reich-
weite) selectedFig. 20  Display: 
"Computer 1" menu, 
"Back" (Zurück) 
selected
Reset
Reset
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Page 42 of 210
Doors and windows 40Doors and windowsRemote control keysSet of keysThe set of keys for your vehicle ⇒fig. 32 includes:
two remote control keys
one spare key
Remote control key
The remote control key will lock and unlock the car via the central 
locking system and start the engine. Press the release button ⇒fig. 32 (arrow) to make the key spring out of the handle and to fold 
it back in.
Spare key
The spare key should be used only temporarily if the remote control 
key has been misplaced or lost.
Replacing a key
If one of the keys has been lost, you should take the vehicle to an 
Audi R8 dealer to have the remote control coding for that key deac-
tivated. For this purpose you should bring all available keys with 
you.
It is also important to notify your insurance company if a key has 
been lost.
Checking the key battery level
The indicator lamp ⇒fig. 33 lights up as soon as you press one of 
the buttons. If the indicator lamp does not light up or flash, this 
means the battery is exhausted and must be replaced. 
Changing the battery ⇒page 41.
WARNING
•
Always switch off the ignition and take the key with you when 
leaving the vehicle - even if you only intend to be gone for a short 
time. This is especially important if children are left in the car. They 
might otherwise be able to start the engine or use power-operated 
equipment such as the electric windows - this could lead to inju-
ries.
•
Wait for the vehicle to come to a standstill before removing the 
ignition key from the lock. Otherwise the steering lock could 
engage suddenly, causing an accident.
Fig. 32  Set of keysF i g .  3 3  R e m o t e  c o n t r o l  
key: Indicator lamp
AAAB
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Page 45 of 210
Doors and windows43
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data Driver's door lock: Turn the key in the driver's door to the “lock” posi-
tion twice within 2 seconds.
Automatic locking function (Auto Lock)
The Auto Lock function locks all the doors and the luggage lid when 
the vehicle exceeds a speed of about 15 km/h.
The vehicle is unlocked again automatically when the ignition key is 
removed. Alternatively, the vehicle can also be unlocked via the 
central locking switch 
 or by pulling one of the inside door 
handles. If desired, you can deactivate the Auto Lock feature in the 
menu display ⇒page 24 or have it deactivated by a qualified work-
shop.
Turn signals
All the turn signals will flash as confirmation when the vehicle is 
locked or unlocked. The turn signals flash twice when the vehicle is 
unlocked and once when the vehicle is locked, provided that the 
luggage lid and all the doors are closed. In addition, the interior 
lights will automatically light up when the vehicle is unlocked and 
go out when the vehicle is locked, provided that the switches are in 
the courtesy light position.
WARNING
Do not leave anyone (especially children) in the car if it is locked 
from the outside and the deadlock mechanism is activated: the 
doors and windows cannot then be opened from the inside. 
Locked doors could delay assistance in an emergency, potentially 
putting lives at risk.
Note
•
If the central locking system should fail to work, you can still lock 
and unlock the driver's door with the key. The passenger's door can 
be locked manually ⇒page 46.
•
The deadlock mechanism and the anti-theft alarm cannot be acti-
vated if the central locking is not functioning.
•
Never leave any valuable items in the vehicle unattended. Even a 
locked vehicle is not a safe.
Locking and unlocking the vehicleUnlocking the vehicle 
– Press button   once ⇒fig. 35.
Locking the vehicle 
– Press button   once ⇒.
Unlocking the luggage lid
– Press button   for at least one second.
Opening all the windows 
– Press and hold button   until all windows are open.
Closing all the windows 
– Press and hold button   until all windows are closed 
⇒.The turn signals will flash twice as confirmation when you unlock 
the car. The vehicle will be locked again automatically if you do not 
F i g .  3 5  R e m o t e  c o n t r o l  
key: Control buttons
AAABAC
AAAB
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