Thread: 2012 A3 S-tonic gearknob

As some of you will know I have a new A3 Sportback on order which is due for delivery in early March. It will have an s-tronic gearbox and I was wondering if anyone with a reasonably new A3 could tell me what type of gearknob Audi are currently fitting to the 2.0TDI SE version.

My current 2009 model has the one with the large chrome button on the drivers side on the knob. Is this still the current on for the SE model.

Haven't the new ones changed Dave? To the button being on the front?

Originally Posted by N8

Haven't the new ones changed Dave? To the button being on the front?

I know the S3 one has but I not sure of the position with other models. Personally I hope it's stayed on the right-hand side as that falls just right for the thumb when using the lever.

The S-Line ones are at the front as well, can't you find out on ETKA?

Originally Posted by N8

The S-Line ones are at the front as well, can't you find out on ETKA?

ETKA only show a single illustration of a gearknob and then several different part numbers depending on the model but no further pictures or illustrations.

I saw an 11 plate Sport S Tronic at the dealers the other day and it had the new style with the button at the front (or back as i call it!), I'm fairly sure its the same now for all s tonic's regardless of spec. In my opinion it looks far nicer than the older clunky side buttoned version i have on my current SE

Originally Posted by Paul76R

I saw an 11 plate Sport S Tronic at the dealers the other day and it had the new style with the button at the front (or back as i call it!), I'm fairly sure its the same now for all s tonic's regardless of spec. In my opinion it looks far nicer than the older clunky side buttoned version i have on my current SE

I don't mind the new shape but I would much prefer then button to be on the side so that I can use it with my thumb as I do at the moment. I shall have to talk to one of the Audi Master Techs at my dealers and see if there is a way it can be turned through 90 degrees.

I wonder how you are supposed to operate the button in the normal position?

It's much nicer to drive with the button at the front Dave, believe me fella.

Originally Posted by N8

It's much nicer to drive with the button at the front Dave, believe me fella.

Which finger do you use to opperate the button? I currently us my thumb.

I don't know, lmfao thats so funny

just squeeze and go!

I called in to my dealers this morning to book my A3's second service and I had a look a current A3 with s-tronic and tried the gearknob and I see what you mean. You automatically depress the button as you hold the gearknob. No doubt I will soon get used to it, together with all the other minor changes since I bought my current A3.

Off hand I can think of the Stop/Start system, the different headlight dip switch and greater ability to change things through the DIS. No doubt there are more that I will find when I take delivery. I have already asked the dealers to change the instrument lighting so that both the scales and the needles are always on and to make sure they fit plain numbers plates with not lip and no number plate surrounds. I usually ask for the locking to be set so that all doors unlock on a single press of the remote button but I understand this can now be done through the DIS.

You want everything to be right when you are handing the big cash over for a brand new Audi

Originally Posted by N8

You want everything to be right when you are handing the big cash over for a brand new Audi

Exactly. The new A3 will be the 8th new one they have supplied to me and everyone has been sorted as I want it up to know so there is reason to expect this one to be any different. The young lady in the sales team checked on the status of my order and it is now Confirmed for production in week 7 (w/b 13 February) and she said she would keep me up to date each time the Status changed. Not too long now and I hope to be taking it to Holland for a holiday at the end of March and then Germany at the end of April.

Sounds great Dave! I'm off to Worthersee in Austria for my stag doo in May. Driving there will pass through France/Belgium/Luxembourg/Germany & Austria. Hoping to pop by the Audi Factory in Ingolstadt on the way back as well