Is the A3 for me? Will TDI suit me? Help me out *PLEASE READ*

S

Seedler

Registered User
Joined
Jun 26, 2009
Messages
27
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
NULL
Hi People,

Story of things so far….

Im changing my car at the end of June and either will be going for A3 or A4 – whatever I choose will be the 140 TDI version as economy is the only reason im changing! Im currently getting less than 20mpg and paying over £400 for road tax! Needs must unfortunately

Still undecided as to whether im going 3 or 4 but the plans will be relatively the same…

I have a few questions im hoping you can help with…
1. Will any A3 I look at have the BLB engine in? As I know they’re prone to problems?
2. Has anyone gone from a RWD petrol to a FWD diesel? Did you want to kill yourself from lack of fun? haha
3. Whether I buy a 3 or a 4 I want to get some Lamborghini Gallardo 19” alloys – would I be able to lower/space these much at all on a A3 – still flabbergasted 19s go on an A3 to be honest! They must look HUGE – any photos of this combination would be HUGELY appreciated - would these wheels seriously effect fuel economy?
4. Will any 140 I buy come with an LSD?
5. Id like to make as much “pigeon” noise as possible, with a straight through engine back single pipe single exit – will their be a lot of smoke?!
6. Are there any things to be wary of on a test drive with an A3? Anything I should look for, I will probably be buying privately as I can get a lot more for my money – so what do I need to look for? Ask?

In short, I cant wait to get an Audi! Its really exciting me and the idea of getting economy is insane lol im a serious forum head and a big time car modder so im looking forward to accessing the forums

I hope I haven’t bored you, I really appreciate any help or guidance – this will be my first diesel car!

Dan
(Seedler)
 
No LSD on the 140.
BLB isn't fitted to the A3 it is fitted to the A4 platform cars including the Passat.
Milltek TBE is a good choice for a straight pipe setup, if you get the non-res version it has a larger downpipe, no cat and only the backbox.
Check out the Wiki page on the A3 for Engine info Audi A3 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Can't help with wheel situation, not sure I'd want 19s on though with the state of our roads, it is bad enough with 18s and a 40 profile tyre.
Paul
 
Appreciate the fast reply mate...

Got to say im a little gutted at the lack of LSD but I think i've been spoilt with my rx8 and the standard equipment it comes with (Xenons, LSD, heated seats ETC) so the A3 is going to take some getting used to, but over 400 miles to a tank will be seriously refreshing!

Thanks for the link dude, are any of the A3 TDI engines prone to any failures/problems?

I like the idea of a Miltek system, I know theyre highly regarded brand! My current exhaust is a GReddy SE - unfortunately they dont make diesel zausts! Utter shame

Well having a poke around the site 19s lowered looks awesome! Just a shame about tyre sizes, gonna miss my 245s - makes the car look alot hencher with big tyres
 
audi upgrades
TBH the 140 doesn't need an LSD.

newcar001.jpg
 
RX-8 nice motor - just like to drink too much :keule: my Mrs has an MX-5 and we tried the dealers 230 version.
The early PD140 (BKD) can suffer from a cracked head (if you search the site there is a VIN range in a thread) the IMF (intake Manifold Flap) can fail (again there is a thread on this) also the rads have a habit of developing a leak (again a thread on it).

Paul
 
I wasnt sure if an LSD would be needed or not, as the 140 isnt the best 0-60 I just wasnt sure if it still had a problem with traction from standing start? From experience of hot hatches with adequate power in the front wheels, I just dont wanna be chewing up tyres!

Yeah the RX8 is a lovely motor and a real headturner too, it makes a noise that puts the biggest grin on my face and shoots 2 foot flames atm haha (not big or clever i knowwww :whistle2:) But its just getting too much now, my weekly fuel bill is £70 and im getting 200-250 miles to a tank! I've had my fuss too as I've had it 2 years

Thanks for the heads up on those links Paul, really appreciate it

Need to get myself along to a meet and see some A3s for myself!
 
Hi Dan, I'm new to these parts but was in more or less the same situation about a year ago. I had an RX8 a while back which I didn't get on with so changed for an FN2 type R. Sadly cars like that became to expensive for me what with a new baby, new house and just getting generally sick of being h*mped for tax and fuel. I had shortlisted an A4 avant but somehow ended up buying a BMW e90 320d, the Audi itch just needs scratched though (plus a saloon just felt wrong) so I've just traded that for a 140 sportback.

I have to say that although it's not what you'd call a fast car it's no slouch. Mid range acceleration is good and you get heaps of torque with denzels. It takes a bit of getting used to after a jap car that you have to wring it's neck to get something out of but you can still have fun in a diesel plus you get to look smug when you look at the MPG display.
 
Managed 60MPG from my Revo'd PD140 the other evening cruising at 65 MPG on the Motorway.

One other thing worth testing if you do test one, do a few full throttle to the reline in 3rd gear runs, you will need Mway for this but if the vanes are sticking on the Turbo this should throw an over boost condition that will put the car in limp mode. You'll know if the car is in limp mode as it will loose all power, ignition off restart will reset it. Not the end of the world but I'd negotiate a Turbo change if a dealer or about 1K off the price if private for a replacement turbo. They can coke up anywhere north of 50K on the clock, also if you look after your own car I'd recommend investing in VCDS, useful to scan any car you might want to buy.

The PD140 will have TC though combined with stability control.

Paul
 
i went from a fully loaded E39 M5 to a fully loaded sportback 140 TDI. I had to get full Miltek with large bore down pipe, EGR delete, new air intake, custom map (197bhp claimed) and full Eibach Spings/Dampers/ARB to make it fun. With DSG it's a blast and on a run I get 550 - 600 miles on a tank full.
 
1inchpunch said:
Hi Dan, I'm new to these parts but was in more or less the same situation about a year ago. I had an RX8 a while back which I didn't get on with so changed for an FN2 type R. Sadly cars like that became to expensive for me what with a new baby, new house and just getting generally sick of being h*mped for tax and fuel. I had shortlisted an A4 avant but somehow ended up buying a BMW e90 320d, the Audi itch just needs scratched though (plus a saloon just felt wrong) so I've just traded that for a 140 sportback.

I have to say that although it's not what you'd call a fast car it's no slouch. Mid range acceleration is good and you get heaps of torque with denzels. It takes a bit of getting used to after a jap car that you have to wring it's neck to get something out of but you can still have fun in a diesel plus you get to look smug when you look at the MPG display.
Click to expand...

Good write up mate, thanks for that

The running costs of the 140 just seem brilliant - a dream for such a beautiful car!
How much is a full tank of fuel btw? Do you use premium diesel?

Gti Jazz Blue said:
Managed 60MPG from my Revo'd PD140 the other evening cruising at 65 MPG on the Motorway.

One other thing worth testing if you do test one, do a few full throttle to the reline in 3rd gear runs, you will need Mway for this but if the vanes are sticking on the Turbo this should throw an over boost condition that will put the car in limp mode. You'll know if the car is in limp mode as it will loose all power, ignition off restart will reset it. Not the end of the world but I'd negotiate a Turbo change if a dealer or about 1K off the price if private for a replacement turbo. They can coke up anywhere north of 50K on the clock, also if you look after your own car I'd recommend investing in VCDS, useful to scan any car you might want to buy.

The PD140 will have TC though combined with stability control.

Paul
Click to expand...

Again, brilliant advice Paul! Will be remembering that definitely

60MPG!! ****** hell haha, most i've EVER seen from my 8 has been 28mpg and that was boring as hell!

Meejaman said:
i went from a fully loaded E39 M5 to a fully loaded sportback 140 TDI. I had to get full Miltek with large bore down pipe, EGR delete, new air intake, custom map (197bhp claimed) and full Eibach Spings/Dampers/ARB to make it fun. With DSG it's a blast and on a run I get 550 - 600 miles on a tank full.
Click to expand...

Sounds awesome! I want I want! haha - have you got a video of the exhaust dude? Dont think i'll be going DSG as thats too far against what im used to! Going for Diesel is gonna be weird enough, my car comes alive at 4krpm and revs to 9.5 - gonna be weird changing at 5k
 
I filled my tank last week and put £70 in, that was Shell fuel save stuff (not V power) and was at a service station so not the cheapest,

Ive had my 140 Sportback sline a week now and i absaloutely love it! the S-line suspension setup isnt too shoddy either handles very nicely on the country lanes!

Will defo be getting mapped and a few other performance mods in the future, but im happy with it for now, and you do get a lot of car aswell!
 
The exhaust sounds and looks like stock. The M5 had a bespoke Hayward and Scott special, the sound of that could make grown men weep.

I suggest you try the ride comfort on our appalling roads before you get the 19s.

Good luck
 
As someone who knows nothing about derv a3s is not the 170 a better option ?
 
Seedler said:
...Did you want to kill yourself from lack of fun?
Click to expand...

To be fair mate, Audi's are not best known for being fun. Neither are diesels so the combination will be almost certainly be lacking in this respect. That said it will no doubt be a very good overall ownership experience.
 
Sparkie said:
To be fair mate, Audi's are not best known for being fun. Neither are diesels so the combination will be almost certainly be lacking in this respect. That said it will no doubt be a very good overall ownership experience.
Click to expand...

Go drive the diesel TT mate...bet you change your mind.
 
paddy said:
As someone who knows nothing about derv a3s is not the 170 a better option ?
Click to expand...

Coming from someone who has driven both extensivley this is my thoughts.

The 170 is alot 'rougher' than the 140. The 140 is a more refined smooth ride.
170 has higher tax.
170 has higher insurance (for me there is about £400 difference in it).
140 can easily hit 60mpg/600 to a tank. My 170 would hit 475 to a tank/45mpg if you were lucky.

Speedwise...the 170 pulled right up to 130/140ish. The 140 runs out of grunt around 90-100mph.

Initial acceleration I don't think there is much in it. Speed different only really affects you when you're nearing triple figures, and that's not something you do.

I just ordered a 140 Black Edition as tbh, I can live without the extra poke/speed from the 170. :)
 
paddy said:
Go drive the diesel TT mate...bet you change your mind.
Click to expand...

They're quite decent and of course torquey but the OP's choice after coming from a high revving, normally aspirated rotary to a 140 diesel smacks of disappointment in terms of 'fun'. As I say, so long as you can be happy with the rest of the package I'm sure it's a great choice.
 
Seeing as a main reason your changing is due to fuel economy have a look at what my 140TDI showed the other day after filling up £70 and a SLOW BORING Drive home 30 miles after filling up it showed an impressive 1020 miles till next fill up. Ive been driving slow since then and just hit 350miles with half a tank left!!!!

Unbelievable economy but soooooo bored cant wait to put my foot down!!!

photo-31.jpg
 
I would agree that if constant fun and excitement while driving is what's wanted then the OP will be disappointed with any diesel (apart from maybe a BMW 335d). But speaking as someone who owned an ep3 type r, RX8 and fn2 type r before I went diesel I don't feel my drives lack fun, it's just a different type of fun.

The jap cars were great for screaming away from roundabouts and hitting twisty roads, thrashing between 3rd and 4th since you always had to keep it above 5K revs (6K in the ep3). You just can't do that sort of driving in a diesel. However, if you sit on motorways a lot and like to be cruising one minute then effortlessly pulling out and overtaking at almost any legal (and slightly above) speed then a diesel is the place to be. I gave many a supposedly fast car (read as hot hatches) a bit of a scare in my 320d which was the standard 163bhp and isn't exactly a lightweight car.

OP, on the point of avoiding the DSG because it's too big a difference from where you currently are I'd suggest giving it a go. I always swore I would never drive an auto because I'm a "proper" driver but after owning 1 manual diesel I just feel that auto compliments diesels better. 1st gear in all diesels I've driven is a terrible experience but the auto makes it less noticeable.
 
The only person i know who went the R8 route gave up because on top of a tank of fuel you had to add a ltr of oil to the cost as well
 
And op, go try a DSG and you will never buy a manual again. the only reason i don't have a diesel is audi don't do DSG and Quattro in a A3. For that reason my next car will probably be a 3ltr DSG derv A5
 
Yeah, the rx8 drank petrol and oil like crazy. I have to say I really didn't like mine so my tastes are obviously a lot different than the OPs. I agree about the DSG comment. In flappy paddle mode it actually left me speechless on the test drive. I could tell by the salesmans reaction that it tends to have that effect.
 
This is my experience coming from a 200bhp FTO...

I needed to get something much more economic but also more refined and the A3 S Line 140 fitted the bill perfectly as I've always loved the look of them.

The plan was always to buy the A3 and then sell the FTO immediately, however after driving the A3 for a week and then jumping back in the FTO for a quick blast I just couldn't go through with it and decided to insure it for another year.

Don't get me wrong the A3 is a cracking car and everything I thought it would be and what I need but it does lack that something that makes a truly fun drive. The torque is way better in the A3 than in the FTO because its so easily accessible from any revs and just pulls so well - much better than the FTO in this area (which doesn't come alive until 5k and redlines at 8500rpm) but the handling just isn't in the same league as the FTO, it feels like understeering all the time and too much body roll. I will be sorting this out at a later date with a better suspension setup.

85% of my driving is on motorways so the A3 is much better and feels a faster car on these roads, but on the twisty's it's not the same. Not to mention the V6 roar I get from the twin exit custom exhaust and ITG filter always makes it feel and sound more fun :)

I'm just glad I'm in the position to keep both as this gives me the best of both worlds.

One more thing, you should definitely check out the DSG box, it is amazing like others have already said. The change is faster than you could ever do in a manual and does suit a diesel engine very well. I know that I will always try to stick to this box in the future now anyway.

Best of luck with your choice :)
 
Thanks for all the input people, really appreciate everyones comments

I realise that its unfair to expect so much of the Audi and to try and compare it to a RWD Petrol, thats just wrong. Im looking forward to the ease of tuning with the A3, thats something that doesnt happen with the 8 as its all "specialist"

That picture upload is awesome! 350 to half a tank is something dreams are made of haha. Id love to hold onto the 8 as a weekend toy but sadly insurance is a problem for me as im only 21 with 2 years ncb and petrol is beyond ridiculous

I realise that suspension and set up is something im definitely going to have to upgrade and tweak, the 8 has very little body roll and is known for being outstanding in the bends so thats something il be looking into. Am I right in thinking coilovers and RARB is the best bet?

I like the rarity that comes with an A3 too, see quite a few of them but never a modified one in these parts (Nottingham) :)
 
Coming from a BMW M3 (343bhp) to 140 2.0ltr Tdi DSG

You'll miss the power and fun but not the fuel bills.
I was spending £70 a week in petrol on my M3, now im spending less than £20
Takes a few months getting used to but its worth it in the end, love the car now!!
 
Thats my current fuel bill mate, looking forward to the change!

Now just need to find the right one! Test drives very soon, just splitting my RX8 atm
 
What speed are you guys driving at on the motorway to get the best fuel economy?
 
Maxumo said:
What speed are you guys driving at on the motorway to get the best fuel economy?
Click to expand...

70mph on motorways. You get better MPG if you went 50mph but that would be silly :)

I tend to get better MPG when driving on slowish A roads where it's 50-60mph.
 
Cheers guys driving to Liverpool on Saturday morning so i'll try my best not to put my foot down!
 
Sorry for the really random question folks….

When I bought my RX8 to make sure it was healthy I carried out a compression test (Rotary engine test) to make sure the engine was a good one – as with all rotaries loss of compression = eventual total engine failure/failure of seals

Im gonna be getting a TDI with anywhere between 50-80k (with full dealer S/H I hope!)
….is there any way to check the health of it? Any test Audi do? I will be buying privately so im pretty nervous – as I have never driven a diesel its all going to feel pretty damn weird so not sure what to look out for

Also, I run my 8 on 2 products (Protek R every tank full and ProLong oil in the sump) – are there any products that help protect diesel engines against ware? Anything I can put in it that will make it healthier/run nicer??

Thanks all
Dan
 
slade777 said:
Seeing as a main reason your changing is due to fuel economy have a look at what my 140TDI showed the other day after filling up £70 and a SLOW BORING Drive home 30 miles after filling up it showed an impressive 1020 miles till next fill up. Ive been driving slow since then and just hit 350miles with half a tank left!!!!

Unbelievable economy but soooooo bored cant wait to put my foot down!!!

photo-31.jpg
Click to expand...

WTF......i should of bought a TDI!
 
Yea but to be fair my 3.2 shows that going down hill. You need to post your ave :)
 
paddy said:
Yea but to be fair my 3.2 shows that going down hill. You need to post your ave :)
Click to expand...

Very true, my car shows about 720 miles when I've just filled up, but I can never get anywhere near that.

I use an App on my iPhone called Road Trip to calculate my TRUE mpg. Currently reading an average of 44.9mpg over the last 4 fills, compared to the 51.2mpg that the DIS is displaying :)
 
speedo3-1y.jpg


This is my 3.2 showing 180mph at 2k revs and 38.8 mpg :)
 
As regards to the DSG gearbox guys, are their any tuning restrictions?

Also, if someone could answer my previous questions from yesterday i'd really appreciate it

Thanks
Dan
 
Seedler said:
Sorry for the really random question folks….

When I bought my RX8 to make sure it was healthy I carried out a compression test (Rotary engine test) to make sure the engine was a good one – as with all rotaries loss of compression = eventual total engine failure/failure of seals

Im gonna be getting a TDI with anywhere between 50-80k (with full dealer S/H I hope!)
….is there any way to check the health of it? Any test Audi do? I will be buying privately so im pretty nervous – as I have never driven a diesel its all going to feel pretty damn weird so not sure what to look out for

Also, I run my 8 on 2 products (Protek R every tank full and ProLong oil in the sump) – are there any products that help protect diesel engines against ware? Anything I can put in it that will make it healthier/run nicer??

Thanks all
Dan
Click to expand...

I was in the same position as you when I got mine so I took it to an Audi garage and asked them to give it a proper once over looking for faults etc. What they offered was a Visual Health Check (which is free) and also a fault diagnosis scan which was about £45. The scan seems pretty thorough and picked up a list of faults which I got sorted.

As for what products to put in your fuel every now and then, I'm not sure and wouldn't mind knowing this myself :)
 
I use Millers Diesel Power EcoMax - could be snake oil - but Millers have a good reputation and it does seem to keep the smoke down.

Paul
 
farhanali said:
WTF......i should of bought a TDI!
Click to expand...

Just had the fuel light come on and it's now saying I have 55miles left. Just done a little under 700 miles. Trust me it wasn't easy and was boring tank has lasted 2 weeks. Won't be doing it again though getting average of well over 60mpg most days sitting at average of about 60mph with cruise.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Gtigadge
S3 owners, please help me out.
Replies
2
Views
607
Gtigadge
Gtigadge
D
Help me please
Replies
13
Views
5K
S3 AEX
S3 AEX
G
help me please
Replies
1
Views
696
wez3570
wez3570
bezA3
PLEASE HELP ME
Replies
4
Views
639
mike foster
M
dkingy11
Help Me Please!!
Replies
1
Views
773
dultanur
dultanur
Top
Back