2007-2009 Audi S8 Grille: A Guide to Variants, Swaps, and Replacement

Understanding the Grilles on Your 2007-2009 Audi S8

When discussing the "grille" on an Audi S8, it's important to distinguish between the main upper radiator grille and the two lower bumper grilles (often called fog light grilles). This guide covers both, as they are frequently replaced due to road debris damage.

• Main Radiator Grille: This is the large, prominent single-frame grille that defines the car's front end. It houses the Audi rings and the S8 badge.
• Lower Bumper Grilles: These are the smaller grilles located on the left and right sides of the lower bumper, often surrounding the fog lights.

Critical Compatibility Checks Before Buying

The D3-generation Audi S8 has highly specific grille variations. Ordering the wrong one is a common and costly mistake. Pay close attention to these two factors.

1. With or Without Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

The single most important factor is whether the vehicle is equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), a factory option designated by code 8T4. This system uses a radar sensor mounted behind the grille.

• S8 with ACC: The main grille has a special plastic cover or a solid section on the lower right (passenger side) of the center area to protect the radar sensor. The part number for an S8 grille compatible with ACC is often cited as 4E0-853-651-AM-1RR.
• S8 without ACC: The grille has an open, uniform pattern across its entire surface with no special sensor cover. The standard non-ACC S8 grille part number is 4E0-853-651-AL-1RR.

2. Bumper and Model Compatibility (S8 vs. A8 vs. W12)

While the S8 grille can be a popular upgrade for standard A8 models, you must ensure you have the correct bumper.

• S8 Grille Style: Characterized by its platinum grey finish and vertical chrome-plated struts.
• W12 Grille Style: Similar vertical strut design but often finished in gloss black.
• A8 Grille Style: Typically features horizontal slats.

Forum users confirm that an S8 grille will fit a 2006-2009 Audi A8 with the single-frame grille design, as the bumpers share the same mounting points. However, it will not fit pre-facelift (2003-2005) A8 models without a full front bumper conversion.

Symptoms of a Failing or Damaged Grille

Failure of a grille is almost always due to physical damage rather than a manufacturing defect.

• Visible Cracks or Holes: The most common symptom is damage from rocks and other road debris. This can compromise the protection of the radiator and A/C condenser behind it.
• Peeling or Faded Finish: The platinum grey finish can become faded from UV exposure or damaged by harsh cleaning chemicals over time. The chrome on the vertical struts or Audi rings can also peel or delaminate.
• Broken Mounting Tabs: Minor impacts can break the plastic tabs on the back of the grille that secure it to the bumper cover. This can cause the grille to become loose, rattle, or sit improperly.
• ACC or Parking Sensor Errors: If the grille is damaged around a sensor mount, it can cause the sensor to become misaligned. This can trigger fault codes and disable the adaptive cruise or parking assist systems.

Buying a Used 2007-2009 S8 Grille: What to Inspect

A used OEM grille is an excellent alternative to a costly new part, but careful inspection is key. Cheap aftermarket grilles often have poor fitment and use lower-quality plastic and finishes.

1. Verify the Part Number: First and foremost, match the part number to your vehicle's requirements (ACC vs. non-ACC). If possible, provide the seller with your car's VIN to confirm fitment.
2. Inspect All Mounting Tabs: Carefully check the back of the grille. Ensure all plastic tabs and clip points are intact. A single broken tab can cause poor fitment or rattling.
3. Check for Cracks: Flex the grille slightly to reveal any hairline cracks, especially around the edges and mounting points. Pay close attention to the area around the license plate holder and sensor mounts.
4. Examine the Finish: Look for deep scratches, rock chips, and any signs of the platinum grey paint or chrome finish peeling or bubbling.
5. Confirm ACC Sensor Cover (If Applicable): If buying an ACC-compatible grille, ensure the plastic radar sensor cover is present and not cracked or damaged.
6. Check the Audi Rings and S8 Badge: Make sure the emblems are included, securely attached, and their chrome finish is in good condition.

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

There are no recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued by Audi or the NHTSA specifically for the grilles on the 2007-2009 S8. Any issues are related to cosmetic wear or impact damage. A recall for this model year range (NHTSA #16V472000) concerns the sunroof glass and is unrelated to the front grille.

Grille Replacement Overview

Replacing the main radiator grille on an Audi S8 is a moderately difficult task that requires removing the entire front bumper cover.

• Difficulty: 3 out of 5
• Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
• Process: The general procedure involves jacking up the front of the vehicle, removing the front wheels, and undoing fasteners inside the wheel wells. Additional screws at the top of the grille area and on the engine undertray must also be removed. Once the bumper is off the car, the grille is unclipped from the inside of the bumper cover, which can be tedious due to the large number of plastic tabs.

Cost Comparison: New vs. Used S8 Grilles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)