8-cylinder direct petrol injection engine (4.2 ltr. 4-valve), mechanics — Separating engine and gearbox — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi A8 D3 (4E, 2002–2010)

• Special tools named: VAS 6131/12, VAS 6131/10, T40058

Don't miss

• Illustration shows electrical connectors in their installation position.Disregard (items 1, 2 and arrows).
• Disregard (items 1 and 3).
• The two mounting strips (bottom) remain installed.
• Illustration shows electrical connectors in their installation position.Disregard (items 3, 4 and arrows).
• Disregard (item 1).

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

🔩 Torque settings

Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.

ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.

📐 6 workshop diagrams for BAR

Real factory drawings for this job — timing marks, bolt locations and routing. Locked in the free view.

📋 Procedure

1. Remove bolts (left and right) (arrows) for front gearbox mounting and place subframe down on scissor-type assembly platform.
2. Unscrew bottom bolts (arrows) securing engine to gearbox.
3. Set up scissor-type assembly platformVAS 6131 A with support set for AudiVAS 6131/10 and support set VAS 6131/12 as follows:
4. Position support elements from VAS 6131/10 and VAS 6131/12 at left side of engine, as shown in illustration.
5. Position support elements from VAS 6131/10 and VAS 6131/12 at right side of engine, as shown in illustration.

6. Turn spindles for the support elements upwards until all locating lugs make contact with the mounting points.
7. Tighten base plates for support elements to 20 Nm on scissor-type assembly platformVAS 6131 A. — 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
8. Screw spindle for support element at left side of gearbox downwards as far as possible.
9. Unscrew base plate for support element (left-side) from scissor-type assembly platformVAS 6131 A.
10. Screw spindle for support element at right side of gearbox downwards as far as possible.
11. Unscrew base plate for support element (right-side) from scissor-type assembly platformVAS 6131 A.
12. Remove subframe to the side.
13. ⚠ Accident risk from missing support.If the subframe has been removed, set up the front gearbox support elements back in their original position. — Detach electrical connectors from bracket and unplug connectors:
14. Move electrical wiring to Lambda probes clear. [Note: Illustration shows electrical connectors in their installation position.Disregard (items 1, 2 and arrows).]
15. Remove bolt (2) on bracket for catalytic converter (left-side). [Note: Disregard (items 1 and 3).]
16. Remove bolt (1) and lift out guide tube for oil dipstick.
17. Unscrew bolts (4 and 5) and swivel hydraulic fluid pipe to one side.
18. Unscrew bolts (2 and 3) and detach coolant pipe (left-side) from coolant hoses (arrows).
19. Unscrew bolt (arrow) and pull pressure pipe for hydraulic fluid slightly towards front.
20. Unscrew nuts (6 ... 1) and remove exhaust manifold (left-side) with catalytic converter. [Note: The two mounting strips (bottom) remain installed.]
21. Unplug electrical connector (arrow) at engine speed sender G28.
22. ⚠ Risk of irreparable damage to gearbox control unit (mechatronic unit) because of static discharge.Do NOT touch connector contacts in gearbox connector with your hands. — Touch gearbox housing with your hand (without wearing gloves) to eliminate static charge.
23. Turn retainer catch anti-clockwise (arrow) and unplug electrical connector at gearbox.
24. Detach electrical connectors from bracket and unplug connectors:
25. Move electrical wiring to Lambda probes clear. [Note: Illustration shows electrical connectors in their installation position.Disregard (items 3, 4 and arrows).]
26. Unscrew bolts (1 and 2) and detach coolant pipe (right-side) from coolant hoses (arrows).
27. Unscrew bolts (arrows) and remove mounting for torque reaction support.
28. Unscrew bolts (2 … 5) and remove torque reaction support. [Note: Disregard (item 1).]
29. Remove bolt (2) on bracket for catalytic converter (right-side). [Note: Disregard (item 1).]
30. Unscrew nuts (6 ... 1) and remove exhaust manifold with catalytic converter (right-side). [Note: The two mounting strips (bottom) remain installed.]
31. Move clear ATF cooler at engine cross member and secure it to prevent it falling.
32. Remove bolts for engine mountings (arrows) on both sides.
33. Take out engine cross member.
34. Unplug electrical connector (2) at engine mounting (right-side).
35. Unbolt bracket (1) for wiring from engine support (right-side).
36. Remove bolts (arrows) and detach engine support with engine mounting.
37. Disconnect earth cable (1).
38. Detach electrical wiring (3 and 4) at starter.
39. Remove bolts (2 and 5) and detach starter.
40. Unscrew nut (arrow) and remove ATF lines from bracket.
41. Insert guide pin of adapter T40058 as follows:
42. When loosening torque converter bolts, counterhold crankshaft using adapter T40058. [Note: Disregard (arrow).]
43. Unscrew 3 bolts (arrow) for torque converter, working through opening of removed starter (turn crankshaft 1/3 turn in direction of engine rotation each time).
44. Unscrew bolts (3 … 7) securing engine to gearbox. [Note: Disregard (item A).]
45. Slacken bolt (1) and pivot coolant pipe (bottom left) upwards slightly. [Note: Disregard (items 2, 3, 4).]
46. Watch position of ATF cooler.
47. Loosen clamping bolts (1) on sides of scissor-type assembly platformVAS 6131 A and pull rear section of platform together with gearbox towards the rear (arrow); simultaneously separate the torque converter from the drive plate working through the opening of removed starter.
48. Secure the torque converter in the gearbox using support bridge30 - 211 A to prevent it falling out.

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