2013-2014 Audi S8 Rear Bumper: A Guide to Park Assist, Part Numbers, and Replacement
This guide covers the specific part numbers, sensor compatibility, and critical inspection points for replacing the rear bumper assembly on your D4 chassis Audi S8.
- All 2013-2014 S8s have rear parking sensors; any replacement bumper must have the correct holes and internal mounting brackets.
- The S8 bumper has unique exhaust cutouts; an A8 S-Line bumper looks similar but will not fit the S8's exhaust tips without modification.
- When buying used, prioritize checking for hidden repairs (like body filler) and ensuring all plastic mounting tabs are intact.
- The complete assembly includes the cover, lower valance, and internal metal reinforcement bar; verify which parts are included in a sale.
Key Details and Part Number Variations
The rear bumper assembly for the 2013-2014 Audi S8 (part of the D4 platform) is a complex component. While it may look similar to the bumper on an A8 with the S-Line package, there are crucial differences, primarily in the lower valance which is shaped for the S8's unique exhaust. When sourcing a replacement, it is vital to match part numbers to ensure correct fitment of all components, especially the integrated parking sensors.
Known Issues and Recalls
While there are no specific recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) directly related to the structural failure of the 2013-2014 Audi S8 rear bumper itself, issues can arise with the components it houses.
- Parking Sensor Malfunctions: The most common issue is failure of the Park Assist system. This can be caused by a damaged sensor from a minor impact, corrosion in the wiring harness connectors, or a faulty control module. Symptoms include a persistent error message on the Multi-Media Interface (MMI), a flashing button for the parking system, or the system failing to activate when reverse is selected. Sometimes, simply unplugging and reconnecting the main control module in the trunk can resolve communication issues.
- No Bumper-Specific Recalls: Searches of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database show several recalls for the 2013-2014 S8, but none pertain to the rear bumper assembly. Known recalls for this vehicle involve potential fuel leaks, turbocharger oil strainers, and engine compartment seals.
Symptoms of a Damaged Rear Bumper Assembly
Beyond the obvious cosmetic damage from a collision, there are other signs that your rear bumper assembly may need attention.
- Visible Damage: Cracks, deep scuffs, punctures, or paint flaking on the bumper cover are the most apparent signs.
- Poor Fitment: Gaps between the bumper and the body panels, or the bumper appearing to sag, can indicate broken mounting tabs or a bent internal reinforcement bar.
- Rattling Noises: A loose bumper cover, reinforcement bar, or internal components can create rattling or clunking sounds, especially when going over bumps.
- Park Assist Errors: As mentioned, persistent warnings from the parking sensor system can be a direct result of bumper damage, even if it's not immediately visible. A sensor pushed out of alignment can cause the entire system to fault.
Warning: The initial vetted data mentioned models "without parking sensors." This is incorrect for the S8. All 2013-2014 North American S8 models came standard with Park Assist, which uses sensors in the bumpers. Any replacement bumper cover must have the correct provisions for these sensors.
Buying a Used Bumper Assembly: What to Check
A used OEM bumper is often the best choice, offering factory-grade fit and material quality that cheap aftermarket parts can't match. However, careful inspection is crucial.
- Verify the Part Number: The most reliable way to ensure compatibility. The S8 bumper cover with park assist is part number 4H0807067CGRU. The reinforcement bar is often 4H0807309D. Always try to match the number stamped on the inside of your original part.
- Inspect for Hidden Repairs: Look at the back side of the bumper cover. Check for signs of plastic welding, body filler (bondo), or fiberglass patches. These repairs compromise the plastic's flexibility and ability to absorb impact correctly. Mismatched paint or overspray on the inside is a major red flag.
- Check All Mounting Tabs: Carefully inspect every single mounting tab and clip location. These are often brittle and can be broken during removal or from a minor impact. A bumper with broken tabs will never fit correctly and will lead to panel gaps.
- Examine Sensor Brackets: The small rings on the inside of the bumper that hold the parking sensors in place are critical. If they are broken or have been reglued, the sensors may not sit flush or at the correct angle, causing system errors.
- Inspect the Reinforcement Bar: The aluminum or steel impact bar (reinforcement) should be perfectly straight. Look for any signs of ripples, dents, or compression. This part is designed for a single impact; if it's been compromised, it will not provide adequate protection in a future collision.
- Wiring and Connectors: If the bumper comes with the wiring harness, inspect it for any cuts, frayed wires, or damaged connector plugs. A good harness is a valuable bonus.
Replacement Difficulty
- Difficulty: 3 out of 5
- Time: 2-3 hours for a first-time DIYer.
- Summary: The replacement is a bolt-off, bolt-on procedure but requires patience and care. You will need to remove the tail lights and trunk interior trim to access all the fasteners. Key steps involve removing screws in the wheel wells, under the bumper, and inside the trunk area before disconnecting the electrical harness and carefully sliding the bumper off its guides. A helper is recommended to avoid scratching the paint on the car or the bumper itself.
Pro Tip: When removing the old bumper, lay a large blanket or piece of cardboard on the ground behind the car. This prevents the painted surface from getting scratched when you set it down.
| Part/Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| New OEM Bumper Cover (Primed) | $1600 - $1800 |
| New Aftermarket Bumper Cover | $285 - $400 (Often remanufactured or lower quality) |
| Used OEM Bumper Assembly | $400 - $900 (Varies by condition and included parts) |
| Shop Labor (Installation) | $250 - $450 |
| Shop Labor (Paint to Match) | $400 - $700 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a rear bumper from an Audi A8 on my S8?
While the main upper portion of the bumper cover from an A8 with park assist might fit, the lower valance is different. The S8 has distinct cutouts for its quad-oval exhaust tips. To maintain the correct look, you must use an S8-specific bumper cover and valance or be prepared to modify an A8 part.
Does a replacement bumper need to be painted?
Yes. New OEM and aftermarket bumpers typically come in a black primer and must be painted to match your vehicle's color code. Used bumpers will almost always have minor scratches from storage and handling and will likely not be the same color as your car, so expect to have a used part repainted for a perfect match.
Do I need to recalibrate the parking sensors after replacing the bumper?
Often, if you carefully transfer your original sensors to the new bumper, no calibration is needed. The system should work upon reconnection. However, if you install new sensors or if the system throws an error after installation, a calibration using a diagnostic tool like VCDS or ODIS may be required to ensure the sensors are reading distances correctly.
What is the difference between the bumper cover and the reinforcement bar?
The bumper cover is the visible, painted plastic part on the exterior of the car. The reinforcement bar (or impact bar) is the heavy metal beam mounted directly to the car's frame, hidden behind the cover. The cover is for aerodynamics and aesthetics, while the reinforcement bar provides the actual crash protection.
Technical Specifications
OEM Part Numbers: 4H0807067CGRU (Bumper Cover, with Park Assist) 4H0807067BGRU (Bumper Cover, listed for 'without park sensor', likely incorrect for S8) 4H0807309D (Reinforcement Bar) 4H0807511 (Bumper Cover Shell) 4H0807309A 4H0807309B 4H08074432ZZ (Chrome Trim)
Fits D4 chassis Audi S8 models. Assembly includes provisions for quad exhaust tips and ultrasonic parking sensors.
The information in this article is provided for general reference and educational purposes only. Vehicle specifications, procedures, and part compatibility can vary by production date, trim level, and region. Always consult your vehicle's factory service manual and verify part numbers before purchasing or performing repairs. Safety-critical components such as airbags, seat belts, and braking systems should be installed by a qualified professional.
- Audi S8: