Front Frame / Chassis Leg Cracking
SeriousBodywork & RustThe front aluminium frame rails can crack near the suspension mounting points, especially if the car has hit a large pothole or been tracked hard.
Est. Repair Cost: £5,000–£10,000+
Reliability GuideCommon Problems with the
Common Problems with the
2007 Audi R8 (Type 42)
The launch year brought a mid-engined V8 and V10 supercar to Audi showrooms. Early V8 cars carry a known risk of front chassis-leg cracking near the suspension mounts, so a specialist inspection is essential before buying.
What changed for 2007
- •Launch with 4.2 V8 and 5.2 V10 engines
- •R tronic automated manual gearbox option
Common MOT watch-outs
- !Front suspension structural cracks on V8
- !MagneRide damper leaks causing harsh ride
- !Brake disc and pad wear on performance-driven examples
4
Known Issues
2
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor
All Known Issues
Magnetic Ride Shock Absorber Leaks
SeriousSuspension & ChassisThe adaptive MagneRide dampers frequently leak fluid and lose their damping ability. They usually need replacing in pairs at huge cost.
Est. Repair Cost: £1,500–£3,000 (per pair)
4.2 FSI V8 Direct-Injection Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
ModerateEngineDirect fuel injection means fuel never washes over the intake valves, leading to heavy carbon crusting in the ports, reduced top-end power, and lumpy idle.
Est. Repair Cost: £600–£1,200
Air Conditioning Compressor Shaft Spline Failure
ModerateCooling SystemThe rubber-buffered drive hub and splines on the air conditioning compressor can shear, causing complete loss of cabin air conditioning. On mid-engined R8s, replacement is labor-intensive.
Est. Repair Cost: £1,200–£2,500
Buying Tips for 2007 Audi R8 (Type 42)
- ✓Have the front aluminium chassis legs inspected for cracks if considering a V8
- ✓Budget for MagneRide damper replacement at £1,500–£3,000 per pair
- ✓R tronic cars should be test-driven carefully for smooth clutch engagement