I'm learning, but.....

[A3T.IAN]

Hi,

I've just bought an A3 1.8T Sport, a '99 model. It's a one owner with 90k and full service history, all stamps Audi except the last two which are independents. The car has been well looked after but I have a few issues...

The car on paper is supposed to hit 60mph in around 8 secs, i was expecting to 'feel' the power of the turbo, but although the car drives very smooth and quiet, doesn't seem to have any power surge from the turbo, to a point where i'm wondering if it is working? . Can you here the turbo when it spools??
Another problem i have is that the temp gauge never rises above 70, i am guessing that it's the stat. Could this be linked with the turbo issue in that the engine thinks it's cold so doesn't allow full power??

My last issue is that i have found rust blisters alond the roof rail above the rear windows and to be quite honest am gutted. BUT having read other posts, wonder if the 12yr warranty will cover this, my concern being that the last two services were done by non-audi dealers....I will be off to Wolverhampon Audi in the week to see what can be done, fingers crossed!

Merry Christmas to all!!

 

[S3 Rav]

if its 150bhp your not really going to feel much of a thump from the turbo. for that you need a REVO remap...= happy days!!

 

[A3T.IAN]

Is there any test or i can do to know if the turbo is spooling? The car is a 150hp but seems slower in take off than my previous 130 TDI Bora.

 

[S3 Rav]

i think as a quick check you can disconnect you maf and see how it runs like that. if it runs better then you need a new maf.

 

[A3T.IAN]

MAF - air flow meter? Where is this on the engine? I've heard this being discussed a few times.

 

[voorhees]

http://images.google.com/imgres?img...t:en-gb:IE-SearchBox&rlz=1I7GPEA_en&sa=N&um=1
the black plastic bit after the air filter

 

[A3Tom]

There are lots of topics on all of these questions, a quick search will bring up LOADS of answers for you

My A3 didnt feel too quick to drive when I first got it, certainly not slow but not that quick. However they do carry the speed and hide it quite well. I think people expect them to be rocket ships because they're a turbo...that might be the case but they're still only 150bhp. They're alright straight out of the box but really do need a remap to liven them up a bit. In standard form they're just a nice cruisy car with average power IMO.

After my map it certainly livened things up though and made it a lot more fun to drive and a fair bit quicker too.....do it

 

[A3Tom]

Oh, and if you need any work doing on it then look at Midland VW in Cannock. They did all suspension work on mine and also remapped it. There's a bloke called Jody there that runs the show, he's a good guy and the prices are really REALLY good.

 

[S3 Rav]

can totally agree with tom on the midland vw part.

 

[ben4866]

Ian I've had a similar experience to you, I've gone from an Astra Cdti 150 to my A3 1.8t mainly because I wanted a cheaper car and I know what you mean because the Astra FELT quicker due to the surge of torque but it only lasted for 1k of revs so I don't think it really was any quicker !
I can hear turbo spool but I have to have the windows down and you certainly won't get that surge you got with the Tdi (unless you get a remap).
When I bought my A3 it had a distinct lack of torque which has just been cured by a new MAF.
Hope this helps.

 

[A3T.IAN]

Hi, Thanks for the info. I've been out in the car today and i think the statement 'carries the speed well' is the case. The car is so quiet you don't realise how quick it is accelerating. I think my thermostat problem of it being stuck open changed today, the needle rose to 90 deg but then moved quickly to overheat and got the warning on the dash appear! I guess it has now closed and is stuck shut. The car is going into the garage to be checked out on Monday, I have 3 mnths warranty so shouldn't cost me, then onto Audi to have the roof corrosion assesed.

HiQ Tyreservices are going to do the thermostat (chapel ash) they have done lots of work for me on my VW'S in the past and have done a good job on time. But thinking about a more Specialised garage, has anyone tried VW RESCUE in Wombourne? The web site reads good, I think they even have a rolling road, not sure. Cheers.