Audi S3 buying guide!

so1o

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Hi,

Im really interested in buying an Audi S3. However I am a little confused about a few things.

I understand that the facelift occured in 2001?Is this correct, what reg is that?

Extra's, obviously these can be added later on if needs be. I have seen many S3's that I like but with different amount of extra's, xenon lights?, armrest? Sat nav? Anyone know what extra's were offered and what price it would be to add them on once I buy an S3. e.g i buy an s3 without xenon lights, how much would it cost to get this done?Price please to add on any of the extra's available.

210/225 bhp when did this change occur?

I understand the Audi 1.8t quattro is 180bhp? Whats the difference between this and the S3, engine internals wise?Exterior? and interior?,Is it possible to throw a hell of a lot of money at it that I save from buying an s3 to make this one fast motor?Is it worth doing this?

Cheers,

solo

 
The S3 has the following that the 1.8t quattro does not:

Bigger Turbo K04 not a K03
Bigger arches front and rear
Rear spoiler
Bigger brakes
Strut brace
Twin intercoolers
Twin pipe exhaust
Leather as standard on Recaro electric seats
Bigger wheels and wider tyres
Uprated and lower suspension
Body kit
"S" Badge

............am I missing anything guys?
 
Hi and welcome to the forum!

I will try to answer some of your questions.

First, All S3's have Xenon's. There was a facelift change late 2000. Mine is a October 2000 car on an X plate and it is the facelift model. Don't make the assumption that the facelifts have 225 bhp! I can't remember when they changed to 225 but you can get a facelift 2000/2001 with 210bhp!

Over to someone else on the other questions ....

Cheers
Rich.
 

A facelift did occur for the 2001 model and its available on Y-plate onwards (as far as I know at least... you may find a handful of x-platers), some visual differences being the one piece headlights/indicator units, different rear clusters, some minor differences to interior trim etc (such as digital clock in place of analogue and different audio packages).

I think I'm right in saying that the engine was altered to a variable valve timing version but you'd need to check that. It remained a 210BHP version though.

A year later the 225BHP version came out.

A standard facelift S3 has Xenons, electric adjustable seats (except fore and aft movement), leather recaro interior, all the usual electrics, trip computer, 6-speed box, ASR, ABS, headlamp washer jets, climate control. Some optional extras were Bose Upgrade, Symphony (versions 1 or 2.... v1 had boot mounted 6 disk changer and single in dash, v2 had in dash 6 disk changer and LCD display rather than red LED's of v1) Stereo upgrades, Sat Nav, electric sunroof, metallic paints, heated front seats, rear centre seat belt/headrest, multi-function steering wheel, cruise control (which can be fitted after market with VW parts for less than £100), aluminium mirrors, front centre arm rest, rear parking sensors (for girls), alcantara/leather interior.

I've probably missed some stuff, and a couple of bits may have been standard (like the armrest) but you'd need to check. I've based this on my 2001-Y plate S3.

Also, get it chipped! Around £500+vat gets you in the region of 280lbft of torque which feels awesome.


1.8T Quattro's are a fair bit cheaper and you can chip a quattro to similar levels to a standard S3 but its still not an S3! Think about what you could do with a chipped S3 ??!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/groovy.gif It will come down to cash at the end of the day and you need to make sure you are getting your monies worth! Only you can decide that one!


Andy
 
Thank you all very much gents /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

That information does help very much. TBH Im not to bothered about what extra's the car has, as long as its the face lifted 225 bhp version.

buying a quattro and trying to get it to s3 spec would cost that little to much lol, i only thought it was a few mods, plus when you come to sell this dont matter at all. lose a lot of money.

I have about 15k to spend so can I find a decent s3 for this?

 
You might get one for that money but the mileage might be a little high for a 225 or you can look for a face lift 210 which is identical apart from being detuned by 15 bhp.............but when chipped that will not matter as it would perform the same as a chipped 225 (same power output).

I paid £19500 from a dealer for 2001 face lift S3 with 16K miles with usual extras like ali mirrors, arm rest, headunit upgrade etc...

Might find one cheaper if bought privately, but I wanted a warranty of which I have used to its full after having a faulty Xenon unit and electronic boot catch needed replacing.
 
So to clarify this anyone- am i right in assuming that late 2000 was facelift and mid 2001 was 210 to 225 or does anyone have any exact dates? I'm after a 225 as well!
 
[ QUOTE ]
S3 Mike said:
as far as I know 2001 onwards was the face lift release (some 210's and then 225's)

[/ QUOTE ]

Just to clarify the above point, facelift versions came out on 2001 model cars but you could get these during the 4th quarter of 2000. So a car registered in Sept-Dec 2000 could also be a facelift version as it is a 2001 model. (Hope this makes sense) Mine is a facelift registered in Oct 2000 but its a 2001 model.

If you are buying around this age of car, then you really need to see pictures of the front headlights to make sure its a facelift.

Hope this helps
Rich.
 
Totally agree with Ess_Three's comments.

A chip on its own is quite a power hike on its own and I can not wait until I get mine done, but waiting until end of Oct when my warranty runs out. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cry.gif If chipped with AMD you also get a 6 month warranty on the engine, gaerbox and diff. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

This is the link: http://www.auto-amd.com/s3.asp
 
Thanks,

Yes i know lol, power figures are not what matter. TBH lol im interested in the power but what matters to most is what you get as a package. I considered an s3 because of what you get as a whole, its not just one thing....list is endless. I even considered a P1 but not anymore s3 does it for me.

Power was relevant when i had my nova lol and comfort did not come into it as my nova was lowered, had a bigger ****** engine and stupidly uncomfortable Rally competition engine mounts. Yes it was well quick but i have had enough, i want a bit of luxury as well as speed.

You lot have been very helpful so now i know, i dont care wheter its the 210 or 225bhp version but as long as its the face lift version. Extra's dont matter much either.

I can hopefully get the extras a hell of a lot cheaper as my mate knows someone who works in VWAG.

Thanks again

ps. Ess_three your the man when it comes to s3's i take it
 
[ QUOTE ]
so1o said:
ps. Ess_three your the man when it comes to s3's i take it

[/ QUOTE ]

I wouldn't say so...
No more so than many on here...there are lots of knowledgeable people on here who can offer real world experience of what works, and more importantly, what doesnt.

You'll soon get used to those who are well down the modification route...

And those who are argumentative... (like me!)
 
Yes very correct. You can tell certain people somethig but oh no they know it all, there's so much you can tell someone but hey if they dont listen [censored] to em. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/fuck_you.gif

MK3 golf one of my faves and MK1 lol well all of them until they got bigger, rounder and fatter. Spoilt such a lovely car. What have you done to yours so far?

Anyway considering the amount of sensors like you mentioned i can see why DTA isnt a worthwhile route to take unless your going to be pushing serious power.
Oh well im keeping my Nova aswell so could always try it on that.

Other people feel free to join in lol, only me and ess three talking likes it a pm /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Solo
 

Sell the Nova and spend the dosh on the S3 mods!! You can get a fair bit just for the engine!

From what I've seen on the forum, Mr Ess_Three seems to have the most modified S3 on here and therefore, the most experience (?) with different bits of kit. Read all of his excellent test day threads where he did test pretty much anything and everything that I've seen for the S3 that sounded like it could do the job. It may take a while to read but its real data, from a real enthusiast, on a real car, in real conditions with no alterior motives on making something crap sound as if its the latest "must have" modification. Some things he praises, others he has found to be useless and a few he manages to explain how they work and how this may affect your car good or bad.

Also, have a look at the following link for an explanation of torque vs bhp. A good read :-

http://www.uk-mkivs.net/forum/uk_home.asp?ContentID=43&ContentCategoryID=8





Andy


/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beerchug.gif
 
Cheers!

BTW wont sell my nova, to much damn fun!!!

Solo
 
Hi,
New to the site and S3 ownership[7 months now] did not do any real info check on my car came from a dealer and had no problems except for a U.S. rc valve as to the extras listed above i,m confused as to what are exrta's or not mine came with.
Blue/black interior,
seat heating,
cargo net,
arm rest,
bose,
6x CD
it's a pre face lift model. I now some may find this strange but i like the black shiny stuff
on the dash better than the face lift type,
Does any other person have problems with the seats themselves i find them a pain in the nuts,
Merdock
 
I'm looking at buying a S3 soon and this was just the info i was looking for /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Only a couple of quick Q's sorry to highjack the thread :p Are there anythings i should watch out for/advoid when i'm looking around...

Wot do u guys think of this one thats local to me /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

http://www.richardsspecialistcars.co.uk/_rsc.htm Y-reg for 15k /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif


Ello by the way /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Facelift details and pictures.

56361-Audi_A3_facelift_cutaway_front.jpg

56362-Audi_A3_facelift_cutaway_rear.jpg

 
http://www.richardsspecialistcars.co.uk/_rsc.htm
Reasonably good deal on there now
6 month warrant, mot and service seems good bargain £13k
I would have been interested but...
Just got mine yest private sale Black s3 with 37k, pretty good condition, but needs new tyres, service in 1500miles, incl haldex and brake fluid change, plus maf might need replacing. Would have preferred to buy a car post servicing, but i reckon with some of the servicing tips and tyre buying tips on here i could save some cash.
Oh and get a pressure washer to clean car, the S3 picks up dirt as fast as it does speed. Looks like i have been off road already! Oh I'm averaging just over 20mpg so far! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
But i'm sure it will get better - eventually!

 
All the info is just what I was looking for. But is there an easy way to ID a genuine face lift car. After all there are people on here talking about adding facelift parts to older cars, ie. the one piece lights.

Is there something like a change in the VIN, or a number in it which denotes the new look? Or something as simple as a change on the bodywork or interior that couldn't be changed without major work?

I'm not so bothered about the extra 15bhp, I'm upgrading from an H-reg Golf GTI. I'd rather get the better car before extra power.
 
The registration/year should give it away - anything from 06/2000 and onwards will be the facelift version /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Also rumour has it that there was no real difference between a 210hp and 225hp lump, it was a marketing scheme by Audi...not entirely sure as to how genuine this is, but if you ain't bothered then it really don't matter. If you're thinking about a remap then you wouldn't see any difference either. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Rob
 
I think this deserves to be added to the buying guide...it's not complete but is drawn from various sources and should cover all A3/S3 1.8T variants

Engine code AUM is what you need for a UK sourced VVT and DBW car

All S3s are VVT and DBW, but the VVT system differs. APY are mechanical VVT, AMK and BAM are electrical operation of VVT

110 kW (150 bhp) Engines in A3

AGU
12/96 - 07/98
Drive: FWD
Emission: Non-VVT, EU3
Throttle: cable
Injectors: small
Turbo: K03
Gearbox: EVS, EGY

AQA (not available in UK)
Date: 08/98 - 04/01
Drive: Haldex 4WD
Emission: ?
Throttle: ?
Injectors: big
Turbo: ?
Gearbox: ?

AUM
Date: 05/00 -
Drive: FWD
Emission: VVT, EU4
Throttle: drive-by-wire
Injectors: big
Turbo: K03sport
Gearbox: EBN, ENJ, ESV, FDC

ARX (Not available in UK)
Date: 09/00 -
Drive: Haldex 4WD
Emission: VVT, EU3
Throttle: drive-by-wire
Injectors: big
Turbo: K03sport
Gearbox: FEX (5-speed, short gearing)

ARZ
Date: 09/00 -
Drive: ?
Emission: VVT, EU3
Throttle: drive-by-wire
Injectors: big
Turbo: K03
Gearbox: ?


132 kW (180 bhp) Engines in A3


AJQ
Date: 11/98-08/00
Drive: Haldex 4WD
Emission: non-VVT, EU3
Throttle: cable
Injectors: big
Turbo: K03
Gearbox: ? (5 Speed)


APP (Not available in UK?)
Date: 07/99-05/00
Drive: Haldex 4WD
Emission: non-VVT, EU3
Throttle: cable
Injectors: big
Turbo: K03
Gearbox: ?

ARY
Date: 09/00 -
Drive: Haldex 4WD
Emission: non-VVT, EU3
Throttle: drive-by-wire
Injectors: big
Turbo: K03sport
Gearbox: FHA, FEK (6-speed)


AUQ (not available in UK)
Date: 05/00 -
Drive: FWD
Emission: VVT, EU4
Throttle: drive-by-wire
Injectors: big
Turbo: K03sport
Gearbox: EHA


154 kW (210 bhp) Engines in S3

APY
Date: 11/98 - 09/00
Drive: Haldex 4WD
Emission: VVT (mechanical), EU3
Throttle: drive-by-wire
Injectors: big
Turbo: K04
Gearbox: ? (6-speed)

AMK
Date: 09/00 - 04/02
Drive: Haldex 4WD
Emission: VVT, EU3
Throttle: drive-by-wire
Injectors: big
Turbo: K04
Gearbox: ? (6-speed)

165 kW (225 bhp) Engines in S3

BAM
Date: 08/01 - 05/02
Drive: Haldex 4WD
Emission: VVT (check), EU3
Throttle: drive-by-wire
Injectors: big
Turbo: K04
Gearbox: ? (6-speed)

The easiest way to tell if you have a drive-by-wire throttle on your Audi/VW/Seat/Skoda is to simply look for an 'EPC' (Electronic Power Control) light on the dashboard when you turn the ignition on. All A3s from facelift MY01 have DBW but not necessarily VVT.

To tell if VVT when looking into the engine compartment from the grill, look to the right side of the engine block and there'll be a black cylinder mounted. This is part of the crank sensor. The sensor itself is on the other side of the engine.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Just to add to the thread on buying.

Bought my S3 about 14 months ago. hung out and waited for the right car, eventually one came up that was through Audi's used car programme.

Face lifted X plate, 28k miles, Silver with armrest, heated seats, Symphony and CD.
But don't think that buying from Audi is more expensive. I managed to haggle with the dealer and got a further £2000 off the price. A bargain by all accounts back when I bought it!
The best thing about buying from Audi is the warrenty scheme.
I had to call on it twice in the first 12 months. First one of the bushes went on the rear suspension, and was replaced no questions asked. Second time and the ECU switched in to safe mode due to a faulty sensor. The car limped back the 2 miles left on the journey after Audi assist advised it would be OK to do so. Within an hour of getting home Audi assist arrived, pluged in, located the problem, sorted out the sensor carried out the checks and had her running good as new. They also highlighted other components that may need to be carried out under warrenty and booked the car in to my local dealer for me. Just simple things, but fantastic service non the less - and anything I paid over a private sale has paid itself back twice!

So, my suggestion is try the audi dealers first, you might be surprised at the price they will let a car go off the forecourt for.... it's piece of mind with the warrenty after all!


[ QUOTE ]


Anyone know if these after market warranties are worth getting? ie. www.warrantydirect.com



[/ QUOTE ]

I'm with warrenty direct since the audi warrenty expired, though haven't had an expereince with them yet. The gold cover seems very thorough. Speak to your local dealer to check they are happy to work with them first.... lets face it you would want all work to be done by Audi.
If I ever use them i'll let you know how it goes.

Bit of a waffle, but hopefully my experience helped!!!!

JK

[/ QUOTE ]

IMHO and experience, third party warrenty's on cars with 4WD, Turbo's or Air con are not worth the paper they are written on. I have tried 4 or 5 times to claim and every single time it has been wear and tare. Even thought the 4x4 transfer box had been replaced three months earlier by a garage recommended by them.
 
Having driven a couple of 210bhps and a couple of 225bhp models in my search for an S3, I would say there is a difference, albeit not terribly big.

The 225s just felt that bit keener and less peaky. It may have been subjective but I thought I could detect some difference.

What really surprised me was how different 2 different S3s could feel. I bought mine in the end not because it had the best spec (far from it as regards toy-count) but because it felt the best to drive out of all the ones I tried.
 
more than likely the MAF on the others were on the way out..............quite common
 
How long does it take ot get used to the performance?

'cos I am not sure if mine is now slower than it was or MAF or something failing and reducing acceleration rate.

Needs service whicj I'll book for next week. Will they pick anything like that up?

How else would I check? Race anyone? Slug where are you?
 
IM here buddy, i'll show u how fast a Tdi can go /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ok.gif
 
Heya I am only new to this forum and not sure yet how to post up questions and answers. I just bought an Audi s3, absolute red with cream leather she is mint but I am looking to change the chrome mirrors as I think they make the car look tacky. I bought audi a3 mirrrors, sorry the car is 00. and got them sprayed but they dont fit cause the S3 have totaly different mirrors do you know how I could change them or what parts would I have to buy to make them fit. Cheers mate your expertise would be very much appreciated
 
[ QUOTE ]
Heya I am only new to this forum and not sure yet how to post up questions and answers. I just bought an Audi s3, absolute red with cream leather she is mint but I am looking to change the chrome mirrors as I think they make the car look tacky. I bought audi a3 mirrrors, sorry the car is 00. and got them sprayed but they dont fit cause the S3 have totaly different mirrors do you know how I could change them or what parts would I have to buy to make them fit. Cheers mate your expertise would be very much appreciated

[/ QUOTE ]

Hi there, first of all, Welcome to the Forum! and congrats on your new purchase/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beerchug.gif
The S3 was facelifted around 2000/01 period, with the wing mirrors changing shape aswell, so the question is, do you have a facelift model? You can tell of it's a facelift if you have One piece headlamps, as opposed to the 2-piece items with seperate indicators on earlier models.
I would personally stick with the chrome/Ally items, as they make the S3 stand out from standard A3's - each to their own though /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/beerchug.gif
 
HI guys,

After reading the above and digesting the info, i only have one question about a s3 purchase.

I am going to be looking to buy one of these, prob mid next year when i have my 5 yrs no claims in the bag. I know what i what in terms of S3 package i.e i will be looking out for one the BAM engine in it, leather or half not bothered, but what i really want is sat nav. Does any one have a picture of there dash board with sat nav in it?

many thanks
 
Hey guys,

Hope I can add my 2c worth here.

October 2001 is when all S3s came with the 225hp as standard. Performance was improved by a ECU remap. 0-100km/h in 6.4 top speed of 243km/h. Prior to that it was 0-100km/h in 6.6 and top speed of 237km/h.

You also have clear tail lights and one piece headlights.

The Steering wheel and gear knob has been changed as well as having 2 additional airbags bringing the total to 6.
You will also have glovebox 6 stacker (my one has a boot stacker and its a pain, especially under boost it errors).
The decals in the instrument cluster are also difference with the "S" symbol being on the left hand side instead of the right.

The early S3s did NOT have ESP (mine doesnt) - you dont need this, however it is a good safety tool.

THE BIGGEST change was the suspension geometry and chasis was stiffened. Id buy a later model for this aspect alone!


Hope this helped.

Steve.
 
YX1010 said:
Hey guys,

Hope I can add my 2c worth here.

October 2001 is when all S3s came with the 225hp as standard. Performance was improved by a ECU remap. 0-100km/h in 6.4 top speed of 243km/h. Prior to that it was 0-100km/h in 6.6 and top speed of 237km/h.

Not quite. There was no clear cut change from a prefacelift 210 model to the facelift 225. For example, I have an early 2002 facelift S3 with 210bhp.


YX1010 said:
You also have clear tail lights and one piece headlights.

Clear? No, but different.


YX1010 said:
The Steering wheel and gear knob has been changed as well as having 2 additional airbags bringing the total to 6.
You will also have glovebox 6 stacker (my one has a boot stacker and its a pain, especially under boost it errors).
The decals in the instrument cluster are also difference with the "S" symbol being on the left hand side instead of the right.

Again, no six-stacker in my glovebox, or any other S3 glovebox I've seen. And the side/window airbags were an option, not standard. There's a few othr cosmetic differences, such as the heater controls.


YX1010 said:
The early S3s did NOT have ESP (mine doesnt) - you dont need this, however it is a good safety tool.

Not available on the very first S3s, but became an option prior to the facelift version (on which it was standard).

Obviously a few differences between overthere and overhere :D
 
ChriS3 said:
Not quite. There was no clear cut change from a prefacelift 210 model to the facelift 225. For example, I have an early 2002 facelift S3 with 210bhp.




Clear? No, but different.




Again, no six-stacker in my glovebox, or any other S3 glovebox I've seen. And the side/window airbags were an option, not standard. There's a few othr cosmetic differences, such as the heater controls.




Not available on the very first S3s, but became an option prior to the facelift version (on which it was standard).

Obviously a few differences between overthere and overhere :D

Interesting how different markets dictate as to what changes and when changes are implemented :biggrin:

So if your buying in New Zealand (and possibly Australia) this information will ring true.

How much are they brand new over there, here they are $85,000, and typically depreciate 7% per annum.
 
Not sure what the exchange rate is just now, but the S3's were about £27k new. I got mine second-hand as a two year old for £17k with low mileage. If it were standard I'd be lucky to get about £12k for it now.
 
They were originally £27K, but then Audi dropped them to £24K..
 
I've got a PDF of the 2002 A3/S3 brochure here that lists all the options and prices. It lists an S3 as £24,830 OTR.

Quite an intersting flick, although it says that some items are standard that I've seen missing from some cars (like climate control on Sport models and CD player in a TDi quattro) so it doesn't seem to be 100% accurate.

I can upload/email somewhere if anyone's interested.
 
Hi Guys.

Have just registered as wondering if you can help me. Very usefull information re the buying guide. A lot of questions have been answered for me.

I am looking to purchase an S3 very soon but was debating between getting a 1999 210bhp version (as there cheaper) compared to the 225bhp facelift model around 2002. After reading the above views I will probably go for the facelift model for the extras they provide unless you can buy a 199 model and purchase the extras yourself to make it the same as the facelift model? What I am still debating is whether to go for the 225bhp or 210bhp model??? I would like to get as much power as possible but then some people say the 210bhp is not that much different. Also when you remap the engine on the 210bhp model it would be the same as a remapped 225bhp model! If this is the case then I do not see the point in purchasing the 225 model?

Has anyone drove both versions or know if there is that greater difference? Any information would be gratefull

Thanks
 
the 210 and 225 models are so close it's very hard (or impossible) to tell the difference. but the interior would be very very hard to upgrade to facelift look...and also the head and taillights would cost you...i think the main difference is the headunit, the facelifts have a better one IMHO.
if these cosmetic changes don't matter too much to you, i'd say go for the pre-facelift, otherwise facelift.
 
Seeing that there are only two S3's in Jamaica that i know off, I didn't have much of a choice when i bought mine. Thank God it was meticulous maintained by the one dealer we have out here :icon_thumright:
 

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