CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the  reference to our firm under the caption  "Experts" and to the
use of our  reports  dated  February  5, 1998 on the  financial  statements  and
schedules of IDS Life  Insurance  Company of New York and our report dated March
13,  1998 on the  financial  statements  of IDS Life of New York  Account  8 for
Flexible Premium Survivorship Variable Life Insurance in Pre-Effective Amendment
No. 1 to the  Registration  Statement  (Form S-6,  No.  333-42257)  and  related
Prospectus for the  registration of the Flexible Premium  Survivorship  Variable
Life Insurance Policy to be offered by IDS Life Insurance Company of New York.



Ernst & Young LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 8, 1998