AUDI R8 2007 Owners Manual

Care of vehicle and cleaning149
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data a typical and distinctive patina. This is characteristic for real leather
upholstery, and is a sign of genuine quality.
To maintain the value of natural leather you should note the
following points:
Caution
•
Avoid exposing leather to direct sunlight for long periods, other-
wise it may tend to lose some of its colour. If the car is left for a
prolonged period in the bright sun, it is best to cover the leather.
•
Sharp-edged objects on clothing, such as belts, zip fasteners,
rivets or similar, can also leave permanent scratches and rough
marks on the surface of the leather.Note
•
Use a suitable impregnating cream with ultra-violet protection at
regular intervals and after cleaning. This cream will nourish and
moisturise the leather, keep it supple and able to breathe. In addi-
tion, it will also help to protect the surface of the leather.
•
Clean the leather every 2 to 3 months and remove fresh dirt as
necessary.
•
Remove stains from fresh ball-pen and other inks, lipstick, shoe
cream and similar stains as soon as possible.
•
Preserve the colour of the leather. A special coloured cream will
renew the colour of the leather when required and will eliminate
differences in colour.
Applies to vehicles: with leather upholsteryCleaning and care of leather upholstery
Natural leather requires an extra degree of attention and
care.Normal cleaning
– Moisten a cotton or woollen cloth with water and wipe
over the leather surfaces.
More stubborn dirt
– More stubborn dirt can be removed using a mild soap
solution (pure liquid soap: two tablespoons dissolved in
one litre of water).
– It is very important not to let the water soak through the
leather or penetrate into the seams.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.
Removal of stains
– Remove fresh water-based stains such as coffee, tea,
juices, blood etc. with an absorbent cloth or kitchen roll,
dried-on stains with the cleaning agent from the care set.
– Remove fresh fat-based stains on the surface such as
butter, mayonnaise, chocolate, etc. with an absorbent
cloth or kitchen roll or with the cleaning agent from the
care set.
–Treat fat-based, dried-in stains with grease-dissolving
spray.
–Treat less common stains such as ball-pen and other
inks, felt-tip pens, nail polish, dispersion paint, shoe
cream etc. with a special leather stain remover.
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 149 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

Care of vehicle and cleaning 150
Leather care products
– The leather should be treated regularly (about twice a
year) with a special leather-care product.
– Apply the cream very sparingly.
– Then wipe off with a soft, dry cloth.Should you have any questions regarding the care and cleaning of
the leather upholstery in your vehicle, we recommend that you
contact your Audi R8 dealer. The staff there will gladly provide you
with further information on cleaning and care of your upholstery
and on our complete range of leather care products:•
Cleaning and care set
•
Coloured leather-care cream
•
Stain remover for ball-pen inks, shoe cream etc.
•
Grease dissolving spray
•
New products and further developmentsCaution
On no account use solvents (such as petrol, turpentine), wax polish,
shoe cream or similar materials.Applies to vehicles: with Alcantara seat coversCleaning AlcantaraRemoving dust and dirt
– Moisten a cloth just a little and wipe down the seat
covers.
Removing stains
– Moisten a cloth with lukewarm water or diluted methyl-
ated spirits.– Dab at the stain. Start at the outside and work inwards.
– Dry the area you have cleaned with a soft cloth.
Do not use leather cleaning products on Alcantara seat covers.
You may use a suitable shampoo on dust and dirt.
Dust and grit in the pores and seams can have an abrasive effect
and damage the surface of the leather. If the car is left standing in
the sun for long periods, the leather should be protected against
direct sunlight to prevent it from fading. However, slight colour vari-
ations will arise in normal use.
Caution
•
Do not use solvents, wax polish, shoe cream, stain removers,
leather cleaning products or any similar products on Alcantara.
•
To avoid damage, stubborn stains should be removed by a qual-
ified workshop.
•
On no account use brushes, hard sponges or similar utensils.
Seat belts– Keep the seat belts clean.
– For cleaning, use a mild soap solution.
– Check the condition of the seat belts at regular intervals.Very dirty belts may not retract properly. Make sure that the inertia
reel seat belts are completely dry before allowing them to retract.
Caution
•
Do not remove the seat belts from the vehicle to clean them.
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 150 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

Care of vehicle and cleaning151
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
•
Do not use chemical cleaning agents on the seat belts, as this
can damage the webbing. Ensure that the belts do not come into
contact with corrosive fluids.
•
If you find any damage to the belt webbing, belt fittings, the belt
retractor or the buckle, the belt in question must be replaced by a
qualified workshop.
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 151 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

Fuel and filling the tank 152Fuel and filling the tankPetrolPetrol grade
The correct grade of petrol is listed inside the fuel tank
flap.The vehicle is equipped with a catalytic converter and must only be
run on unleaded petrol. Unleaded petrol must comply with the
European EN 228 standard. The petrol grades have different octane
ratings (RON). If, in exceptional circumstances, the correct octane
rating is not available, please note the following:
Your engine normally requires Super Plus unleaded petrol (98 RON).
Premium unleaded fuel with 95 RON can also be used. This can,
however, result in a slight loss of power under certain driving condi-
tions. If premium unleaded petrol is not available, the engine can be
run on regular unleaded petrol with 91 RON as an emergency
measure. In this case only use moderate engine speeds and a light
throttle. Avoid using full throttle. Fill up with premium or Super Plus
petrol as soon as possible.
Caution
•
Petrol complying with the EN 228 standard can contain small
quantities of ethanol. However, “bioethanol fuels”, which are
retailed under various different names such as E50 and E85, and
which contain a large proportion of ethanol, must not be put into
the vehicle, as this would damage the fuel system.
•
Even one tankful of leaded fuel would permanently impair the
efficiency of the catalytic converter.
•
High engine speed and full throttle can damage the engine when
using petrol with an octane rating lower than the correct grade for
the engine.
Filling the tankFilling the tankUnscrewing the tank cap
– Press the top button to open the fuel tank flap.
– Unscrew the tank cap anti-clockwise.
– Hook the cap onto the open flap ⇒fig. 113.
Fig. 112 Tank flap
release button in the
driver's door trimFig. 113 Fuel tank flap
with tank cap attached
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 152 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

Fuel and filling the tank153
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Closing the tank cap
– Screw on the tank cap clockwise until it clicks audibly.
– Close the tank flap.When the automatic filler nozzle is operated correctly it will switch
itself off as soon as the tank is “full”. Do not try to put in more fuel
after the nozzle cuts out, as this will fill the expansion chamber in
the fuel tank.
The correct fuel grade for your vehicle is given on a sticker on the
inside of the tank flap. Further notes on fuel ⇒page 152.
The tank capacity of your vehicle is given in the Technical data
section ⇒page 198.
WARNING
Fuel is highly inflammable and can cause serious burns and other
injuries.•
When filling your tank or a spare fuel canister with fuel, do not
smoke and keep away from naked flames. Risk of explosion!
•
Observe all relevant statutory regulations on using, storing and
transporting spare fuel canisters.
•
For safety reasons we do not recommend carrying a spare fuel
canister in the vehicle. The canister could become damaged in an
accident and leak.
•
If, in exceptional circumstances, you have to carry a spare fuel
canister, please observe the following warnings:
−Never fill fuel into the spare fuel canister with the canister
placed in or on top of the vehicle. An electrostatic charge could
build up during filling, causing the fuel vapour to ignite. Danger
of explosion. Always place the canister on the ground to fill it.
−Insert the filler nozzle as far as possible into the spare fuel
canister.−If the spare fuel canister is made of metal, the filler nozzle
must be in contact with the canister during filling. This helps
prevent an electrostatic charge building up.
−Make sure you never spill fuel in the vehicle or in the luggage
compartment. Fuel vapour is explosive. Risk of fatal accident!
Caution
•
If any fuel is spilt onto the vehicle, it should be removed immedi-
ately as it could otherwise damage the paintwork.
•
Never run the tank completely dry. If there is an irregular fuel
supply, misfiring can occur. As a result unburnt fuel can enter the
exhaust system and cause damage to the catalytic converter(s).For the sake of the environment
Do not overfill the fuel tank – it may cause the fuel to overflow if it
becomes warm.
Note
•
Should the fuel tank flap become frozen stuck during inclimate
weather, press the middle of the flap with the palm of the hand and
try again.
•
When the fuel filler pump switches itself off, wait 5 seconds
before pulling out the fuel nozzle so that any remaining fuel flows
into the tank opening.WARNING (continued)
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 153 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

Fuel and filling the tank 154Releasing the tank flap manually
The tank flap can be released manually if the tank
unlocking system should fail to operate.– Open the engine lid.
– Pull the plastic cord firmly to the left until the tank flap
springs open.
Fig. 114 Engine
compartment: Manual
release
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 154 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

Checking and topping up fluids155
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Checking and topping up fluidsEngine lidOpening the engine lid
The engine lid is released from inside the vehicle.– Open the driver's door.
– Make sure that the rear spoiler is retracted ⇒page 134.
– To release the engine lid, pull the lever under the dash-
board ⇒fig. 115.
– Open the engine lid ⇒.The engine lid is held open by two gas-filled struts.
WARNING
To avoid the risk of being scalded, never open the engine lid if you
see steam or coolant escaping from the engine compartment.
Wait until no steam or coolant can be seen before opening the
engine lid.
Working on components in the engine compartment
Extra caution is necessary when working on components
in the engine compartment.Always be aware of the danger of injury and scalding as well as the
risk of accident or fire when working in the engine compartment
(e.g. when checking and refilling fluids). Always observe the warn-
ings listed below and follow all normal safety precautions. The
engine compartment of any motor vehicle is a potentially hazardous
area ⇒.
WARNING
•
Switch off the engine.
•
Apply the handbrake firmly.
•
Put the gear lever in neutral or the R tronic selector lever in N.
•
Remove the ignition key.
•
Wait for the engine to cool down.
•
Keep children away from engine compartment.
•
Never spill fluids on hot engine components. These fluids can
cause a fire (e.g. radiator anti-freeze).
•
Take care not to cause short circuits in the electrical system,
especially when working on the battery.
•
Do not unscrew the cap on the expansion tank when the engine
is hot. The cooling system is under pressure.
•
Protect face, hands and arms by covering the cap with a large,
thick rag to protect against escaping coolant and steam.
•
If any tests have to be performed with the engine running,
there is an extra safety risk from the rotating parts, such as the
Fig. 115 Detail of foot-
well on driver's side:
Release lever
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 155 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

Checking and topping up fluids 156drive belts and alternator, etc., and from the high-voltage ignition
system. •
Observe the following additional warnings if work on the fuel
system or the electrical system is necessary:
−Always disconnect the battery
−Do not smoke
−Never work near open flames
−Always keep an approved fire extinguisher immediately
available.Caution
When topping up fluids make sure the correct fluid is put into the
correct filler opening. This can otherwise cause serious malfunc-
tions or engine damage.
For the sake of the environment
Inspect the ground underneath your vehicle regularly so that any
leaks are detected at an early stage. If you find oil spots or other
fluids, have your vehicle inspected by a qualified workshop.
Note
On right-hand drive vehicles* some of the containers/ reservoirs
mentioned below are located on the other side of the engine
compartment.Closing the engine lid– Make sure that the rear spoiler is retracted ⇒page 134.
– To close the engine lid, pull it down to overcome the
spring pressure.– Then let it drop into the catches; do not press down ⇒.
WARNING
For safety reasons the engine lid must always be completely
closed when the vehicle is moving. After closing it always check
that it is properly secured. The engine lid must be flush with the
adjacent body panels.Engine compartment layout
Main components for checking and refillingFig. 116 Typical locations of fluid containers, engine oil dipstick and engine oil
filler cap
Hydraulic fluid reservoir for power steering . . . . . . . .
Engine oil filler cap (

) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Engine oil dipstick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator expansion tank () . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WARNING (continued)
A1
136
A2
158
A3
157
A4
160
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 156 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

Checking and topping up fluids157
Controls
Safety
Driving tips
General maintenance
Self-help
Technical data
Engine oilGeneral notesWe recommend that you have the oil change carried out by an
Audi R8 dealership or qualified workshop according to the intervals
stated in the Service Schedule or according to the service interval
display in the instrument cluster.
Whether your vehicle is serviced at flexible service intervals or fixed
service intervals is shown in the Service Schedule.
The correct oil specifications for your engine are listed in the Te c h -
nical data section ⇒page 198, “Performance, weights and dimen-
sions”.
Check that the specifications quoted (VW standards) appear on the
container either singly or in combination with other specifications.
Flexible service intervals (LongLife Service*)
Special engine oils ⇒page 198, “Performance, weights and dimen-
sions” have been developed as part of the Audi LongLife Service
(⇒“Service Schedule”).
This type of oil must be used if you intend to take advantage of the
extended maintenance intervals allowed by Audi's LongLife Service.•
Do not mix the LongLife oil with oil intended for fixed service
intervals, as the requirements for the extended service intervals are
then no longer guaranteed.
•
In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒page 157 and you cannot obtain the specified LongLife oil, you
can put in a small quantity of oil for fixed service intervals -
⇒page 198, “Performance, weights and dimensions”. This should
not be done more than once and no more than 0.5 litres should be
used.Fixed service intervals (Inspection Service*)
If you do not take advantage of the LongLife service for your car, you
can use the oils for fixed service intervals - ⇒page 198, “Perform-
ance, weights and dimensions”. In this case, your car must be serv-
iced after a fixed interval of 1 year / 15,000 km (10,000 miles) – see
Service Schedule.
•
In exceptional circumstances, if the engine oil level is too low
⇒page 157 and you cannot obtain the oil specified for your vehicle,
you can put in a small quantity of oil conforming to the specification
ACEA A2 or ACEA A3. This should not be done more than once and
no more than 0.5 litres should be used.
Checking the oil level
Fig. 117 Instrument
cluster: Engine oil
temperature displayFig. 118 Markings on
oil dipstick
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 157 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13

Checking and topping up fluids 158
Checking oil level
– Warm up the engine by driving the vehicle until the oil
temperature shown in the instrument cluster is between
100 °C and 110 °C ⇒page 157, fig. 117.
– Park your vehicle on a level surface.
– Allow the warm engine to run for about two minutes at
idling speed.
– Switch off the engine and wait for two minutes.
– Check the oil level using the dipstick ⇒page 157,
fig. 118.
Oil level in area
–Do not top up oil.
Oil level in area
– Add 1 litre of oil ⇒page 158. After topping up the oil level
should be in area .Depending on how you drive and the conditions in which the car is
used, oil consumption can be up to 1.0 ltr./1000 km. Oil consump-
tion is likely to be higher for the first 5000 km.
Topping up the engine oil

–Unscrew cap

from oil filler opening ⇒fig. 119.
– Top up carefully using the correct oil ⇒page 198.
– Check the oil level again ⇒page 157.
– Top up with oil if necessary.
– Replace the oil filler cap carefully and push the dipstick
all the way in.
WARNING
•
Ensure that no oil comes into contact with hot engine compo-
nents when topping up: this could cause a fire.
•
Wash your skin thoroughly if it comes into contact with engine
oil.Caution
•
The oil level must never be above area , as this may result in
damage to the catalytic converter or to the engine. Contact a quali-
fied workshop to extract the engine oil if necessary.
AaAbAa
Fig. 119 Engine
compartment: Engine
oil filler cap
Aa
document_0900452a816e6cc9.book Seite 158 Mittwoch, 21. Februar 2007 1:32 13