Hunting for the right S3 - trying to undertstand the variations! A few questions...

[-Keith-]

Hi All,

New to the site and the Audi world in general - seems a little more complicated than teh BMW world I'm used to! Many variations and facelifts/updates on each model from what I can see?

As following on from my intro post HERE (if anyone is interested!) I have searched as much as I can, but still have a few questions I would like to ask, if anyone could oblige with some help!

1. I am looking at a 2007 (57) plate S3. So far I have determined this is the 8P platform, and a 2007 is the 2nd generation of this platform. But I have also seen references to pre/facelift 2nd gen 8Ps? Is this correct? Could anyone please summarise the differences between them (pictures would be a HUGE help too)? Aside from cosmetic differences between the pre and facelifts, is there any differences inside the cabin, or technical revisions such as system updates etc?

2. The car I'm potentially looking at has FASH, but needs the cambelt waterpump done imminently. I know prices differ from region/dealer, but roughly what am I looking at to get this done at a main dealer?

3. What sort of timescale (age/mileage) can I expect the turbos to need overhauing/replacing on a standard (non-mapped) car? I've only ever driven naturally aspirated cars before so have no realy idea, although I'd like to expect 100k on a looked after car? Is this realistic?

4. Clutches - again timescales of life and cost to replace (specialist for this work is wher I'd probably go)?

5. Haldex. As long as correct oil/filters at the correct intervals (20k?) is there any other well know problems or foibles of this system?

6. Finally, is there any 'must-do' checks I should do when viewing the car?


That should do me (for now)! Thank you for your patience and valuable input. Looking forward to adding the S3 to our driveway, they certainly look the part.

Keith

 

[Reload]

Hi All,

New to the site and the Audi world in general - seems a little more complicated than teh BMW world I'm used to! Many variations and facelifts/updates on each model from what I can see?

As following on from my intro post HERE (if anyone is interested!) I have searched as much as I can, but still have a few questions I would like to ask, if anyone could oblige with some help!

1. I am looking at a 2007 (57) plate S3. So far I have determined this is the 8P platform, and a 2007 is the 2nd generation of this platform. But I have also seen references to pre/facelift 2nd gen 8Ps? Is this correct? Could anyone please summarise the differences between them (pictures would be a HUGE help too)? Aside from cosmetic differences between the pre and facelifts, is there any differences inside the cabin, or technical revisions such as system updates etc?

2. The car I'm potentially looking at has FASH, but needs the cambelt waterpump done imminently. I know prices differ from region/dealer, but roughly what am I looking at to get this done at a main dealer?

3. What sort of timescale (age/mileage) can I expect the turbos to need overhauing/replacing on a standard (non-mapped) car? I've only ever driven naturally aspirated cars before so have no realy idea, although I'd like to expect 100k on a looked after car? Is this realistic?

4. Clutches - again timescales of life and cost to replace (specialist for this work is wher I'd probably go)?

5. Haldex. As long as correct oil/filters at the correct intervals (20k?) is there any other well know problems or foibles of this system?

6. Finally, is there any 'must-do' checks I should do when viewing the car?


That should do me (for now)! Thank you for your patience and valuable input. Looking forward to adding the S3 to our driveway, they certainly look the part.

Keith

Hi mate, I'll answer what I can:

1. Pre and post facelift refers to the 8P2 and 8P3 more respectively. The differences, with photos are I believe in the FAQ turned of the 8P forum. The differences are mainly cosmetic, although I believe the newer engines are a little more efficient.

2. I think Audi do a fixed price service deal on these, not sure how much but expect in the region of £500

3. As long as the engine is looked after the turbo should last the lifetime.

4. Depends on how the car has been driven so hard to say. Cost wise I'd guess at between £800-900 parts and labour.

5. No real problems with the haldex.

6. Make sure you check the service history and for changes such as brake fluid and haldex oils etc.

Hope this helps, I've had my 2007 S3 for nearly 3 years now and still love it.

 

[-Keith-]

Reload, thank you for the help - very grateful.

Glad to hear you have had no problems after 3 years in a 2007. May I ask your current mileage?

It's funny, I know it's generally when things go wrong people chime in (rather than things go smooth) but I asked on one of my BMW forums about experiences with the S3, and had mixed answers! Some telling me their tales of woe (sensors, window regulators, coil pack issues etc) and other saying they are pretty rock solid. I'm confident they are built well (I love German cars), and as long as they are driven sensibly, serviced and maintained regularly well they should be fine for many years of motoring.

 

[coreythorny]

I've been I a member on here since March and not seen one thread telling woes which are a major part failure anything greater than a 5 minute fix with simple tools.

Coming from a Corsa VXR this car is made of Granite to me. Ill never go away from German

 

[S3Alex]

Hi Keith,

Here's a few of my thoughts..

2.Water pump and cambelt are cheap items,but you're likely to spend much less at a good independent.

3.Turbos are generally reliable,but I don't see them as lifetime items,and would expect to replace one before 100 000 miles,or less if ti's been mapped at any time.

4.Clutches again are a lottery,and down to how the previous owner(s) treated the car,and a good replacement(not the original chocolate clutch) would come to around £1k inc labour etc,as you need to replace the clutch and flywheel together.

5.Haldex is generally reliable but expensive if not serviced according to schedule.

6.Make sure it drives well,and that everything works.

Look for smoke from the exhaust at idle after a run when warm,and for misfires under load.
FSH...but you say it has that.

 

[-Keith-]

Informative stuff Alex, thanks.

Just out of curiosity, what problems does the Haldex system exibit though bad maintenance/neglect? Are they know to fail or do they just get noisey and whine etc?


Another query if I may. My wife uses bluetooth phone connection a lot, but the car is missing this feature. Obviously parrots are fairly easily fitted, but is it possible to retrofit the OEM bluetooth without too much hassle? Car just has the standard CD headunit + Bose. Thanks again guys

 

[S3Alex]

Informative stuff Alex, thanks.

Just out of curiosity, what problems does the Haldex system exibit though bad maintenance/neglect? Are they know to fail or do they just get noisey and whine etc?...


Thanks again guys

Occasional failures(and I do mean occasional considering how many there are around),and also whining.

There's a well publicised maintenance schedule for the oil and filter,and if you stick to that,they're very reliable.

 

[wanton]

Hi All,

New to the site and the Audi world in general - seems a little more complicated than teh BMW world I'm used to! Many variations and facelifts/updates on each model from what I can see?

As following on from my intro post HERE (if anyone is interested!) I have searched as much as I can, but still have a few questions I would like to ask, if anyone could oblige with some help!

1. I am looking at a 2007 (57) plate S3. So far I have determined this is the 8P platform, and a 2007 is the 2nd generation of this platform. But I have also seen references to pre/facelift 2nd gen 8Ps? Is this correct? Could anyone please summarise the differences between them (pictures would be a HUGE help too)? Aside from cosmetic differences between the pre and facelifts, is there any differences inside the cabin, or technical revisions such as system updates etc?

2. The car I'm potentially looking at has FASH, but needs the cambelt waterpump done imminently. I know prices differ from region/dealer, but roughly what am I looking at to get this done at a main dealer?

3. What sort of timescale (age/mileage) can I expect the turbos to need overhauing/replacing on a standard (non-mapped) car? I've only ever driven naturally aspirated cars before so have no realy idea, although I'd like to expect 100k on a looked after car? Is this realistic?

4. Clutches - again timescales of life and cost to replace (specialist for this work is wher I'd probably go)?

5. Haldex. As long as correct oil/filters at the correct intervals (20k?) is there any other well know problems or foibles of this system?

6. Finally, is there any 'must-do' checks I should do when viewing the car?


That should do me (for now)! Thank you for your patience and valuable input. Looking forward to adding the S3 to our driveway, they certainly look the part.

Keith

From what I know if your budget can stretch get a 59 or even a 58 with the facelift. You seem to get a lot more stuff as standard. For a start Xenon Plus are standard, I believe that you also get Auto lights, wipers and dimming mirrors as well. Someone correct me if I am wrong! There is also other upgrades I cant think of at the moment.

 

[Brodster]

Black Edition models started in the post facelift aswell so black grill, black fog surrounds and rear tints

 

[-Keith-]

Budget will only stretch to £13k tops. This will be our 3rd car and we've just bought a house, so can't push it any further. That seems to get nice 07/08s with decent miles/spec but the 09s are out of reach.

Cheers for the help so far guys, very helpful.

Depending on colour I will retrofit the black grill and fogs anyway - especially if the car is black. Although sprint blue looks great with the OE chrome!

 

[Reload]

Reload, thank you for the help - very grateful.

Glad to hear you have had no problems after 3 years in a 2007. May I ask your current mileage?

It's funny, I know it's generally when things go wrong people chime in (rather than things go smooth) but I asked on one of my BMW forums about experiences with the S3, and had mixed answers! Some telling me their tales of woe (sensors, window regulators, coil pack issues etc) and other saying they are pretty rock solid. I'm confident they are built well (I love German cars), and as long as they are driven sensibly, serviced and maintained regularly well they should be fine for many years of motoring.

I'm currently on 41k miles. In answer to your later question you can get the OEM Audi bluetooth fitted, plenty of places will do this. User NHN on here is the retrofit king

 

[-Keith-]

Cheers Reload, I'll drop NHN a pm to see what's what.

Great news too - we've pulled the trigger and will pick the car up on Sunday. I'm quite excited actually - can't beat that 'picking up a new car' feeling. Have nice road trip to become well acquainted too - we live in Berkshire... Car is 600+ miles north of us in the Scottish Highlands! Going to be a fun journey home. May even spread it over a couple days and do a little Highland roaming whilst up there.

 

[essIII]

Cheers Reload, I'll drop NHN a pm to see what's what.

Great news too - we've pulled the trigger and will pick the car up on Sunday. I'm quite excited actually - can't beat that 'picking up a new car' feeling. Have nice road trip to become well acquainted too - we live in Berkshire... Car is 600+ miles north of us in the Scottish Highlands! Going to be a fun journey home. May even spread it over a couple days and do a little Highland roaming whilst up there.

Lake District is (kinda) on the way back down South, and they have roads like this:

Just saying....

 

[-Keith-]

We know all about the lakes it's where I asked my wife to marry me! I think a little drive of the roads and stopover on the way through may well be fitting!

 

[crunchie]

Cheers Reload, I'll drop NHN a pm to see what's what.

Great news too - we've pulled the trigger and will pick the car up on Sunday. I'm quite excited actually - can't beat that 'picking up a new car' feeling. Have nice road trip to become well acquainted too - we live in Berkshire... Car is 600+ miles north of us in the Scottish Highlands! Going to be a fun journey home. May even spread it over a couple days and do a little Highland roaming whilst up there.

Where did you buy it from mate? I'm up in Inverness, might know the car if it has been local to me.

 

[-Keith-]

PM en route Crunchie

 

[T-800]

Enjoy the Car Keith i've had 2 S3's and they are a superb car!! only thing that lets 'em down is rubbish main dealers.

I also recommend getting yourself a VCDS lead from NHN on here, priceless and cheaper than a dealer visit.

 

[-Keith-]

Thanks pal!

Glad to hear your glowing review - just what I want to hear about the new purchase

may I ask what a VCDS lead is?!

 

[essIII]

Thanks pal!

Glad to hear your glowing review - just what I want to hear about the new purchase

may I ask what a VCDS lead is?!

In short it lets you connect a laptop to your car's computer (via the ODB port) and check\clear error codes, code in retrofitted parts etc. It also allows you to make some changes like having the alarm beep when you unlock the car etc.

 

[-Keith-]

Thanks: I thought as much, we have INPA for BMW and a cable that utilises the OBD. Useful to know NHN is the man for that.

One more query (just out of a morbid curiosity really, hopefully won't need one for a long time!), but roughly how much is it to replace a failed/failing turbo with a new OE equivalent at a decent specialist?

And on that note, I keep hearing about poor main Audi dealers - who might be regarded as the best specialist in the south east (west London, Bucks or Berks specifically)? Is there any place with a rock-solid reputation and fair prices around my way?

 

[S3Alex]

Thanks: I thought as much, we have INPA for BMW and a cable that utilises the OBD. Useful to know NHN is the man for that.

One more query (just out of a morbid curiosity really, hopefully won't need one for a long time!), but roughly how much is it to replace a failed/failing turbo with a new OE equivalent at a decent specialist?

And on that note, I keep hearing about poor main Audi dealers - who might be regarded as the best specialist in the south east (west London, Bucks or Berks specifically)? Is there any place with a rock-solid reputation and fair prices around my way?

Maybe a bit of a trek around to the east side of London(Lakeside),but I can wholeheartedly recommend AMDTuning if you want a good specialist.

They've done some excellent work for me,and good on prices as well.

 

[essIII]

No idea on Turbo mate, but I used AMD Surrey (in Woking) for servicing my S3 over the last 5 years - they also do my missus 1.9 Tdi Golf. Simon's a decent chap and I've not had any issues.

 

[Kelza]

Hi keith pop in and see me and the rs3 i,m in the lakes...

 

[-Keith-]

Two out of two for AMD - sounds like a winner. I don't mind travelling for a decent Indy. Well worth the effort for good, honest service and expertise.

if Audi main dealers are anything like BMW ones, they'll sting you for higher labour rates for being an ///M car, but still have the apprentices and junior techs cut there teeth on your pride and joy, with no real enthusiasm or care and charge you through the nose for it!

Fortunately my sister in law works for Finchley Road Audi in London and gets me family rates for services (worth it for maintaining FASH), but in my experience, jobs I cant do myself like clutches, fault diagnosis, engine work etc its MUCH better going to a well-trusted Indy.

Thanks for the recommendation guys

 

[-Keith-]

Hi keith pop in and see me and the rs3 i,m in the lakes...

Hi mate! I'll be in touch if we pass through... You can give the ride a once over with your experienced eye!

EDIT: You should have bough an M135i though... Chris Harris thought so anyway LOL



Just pulling your plonker mate

 

[essIII]

Hi mate! I'll be in touch if we pass through... You can give the ride a once over with your experienced eye!

EDIT: You should have bough an M135i though... Chris Harris thought so anyway LOL



Just pulling your plonker mate

Chris Harris was right

 

[Kelza]

Hoo noo ,for me its the rs3 all day long

 

[-Keith-]

To be fair, they're both properly awesome. And the RS3 is a damn handsome beast. But add a quaife LSD to the 135i and I think it's a tough prospect for any sub £50k car to better!

I'm still happy with my aging m3!!

 

[thebluefox]

Hi keith pop in and see me and the rs3 i,m in the lakes...

This is my favourite place to drive, even love the journey up the m6 from once you're past Manchester.

I need to come up again soon.

 

[S3Alex]

Two out of two for AMD - sounds like a winner. I don't mind travelling for a decent Indy. Well worth the effort for good, honest service and expertise.

Thanks for the recommendation guys

Just worth noting...AMDTuning in Essex are not associated with AMD in Surrey,and I can't say I have any experience of them.

The guys in Essex have built my car up from stock...engine,suspension,drivetrain,WMI and big turbo,so they're the only ones I can recommend.

 

[essIII]

Just worth noting...AMDTuning in Essex are not associated with AMD in Surrey,and I can't say I have any experience of them.

The guys in Essex have built my car up from stock...engine,suspension,drivetrain,WMI and big turbo,so they're the only ones I can recommend.

I thought they were the same company Alex? Weren't AMD Surrey originally called BigBoysToys, then were bought\merged with AMD?

Edit: Wasn't quite right; Big Boys Toys Announce AmD Technik Buyout

 

[-Keith-]

Ah, thanks for clarifying. I read them as the same!

Getting more excited everyday about picking the car up, Sunday seems an age away! I know it won't be quite as sharp a tool as the M3, but nevertheless I can't wait to get behind the wheel of our first hot Audi. Always liked the look of the S3 and on paper it should be a touch quicker than our old 130i, which was no slouch. The turbo nature / low down torque should make for easily available power too, which will make a novel change coming from NA cars.

 

[S3Alex]

I thought they were the same company Alex? Weren't AMD Surrey originally called BigBoysToys, then were bought\merged with AMD?

Edit: Wasn't quite right; Big Boys Toys Announce AmD Technik Buyout

This should clear it up....

http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/a3-s3-...s-amd-stage-1-what-ya-reckon.html#post1841101