Opinions on swapping my S3

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H17YD L

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Just after some opinions from fellow 8P owners on a little dilemma I have gotten myself into...

I've ordered a BMW M135i, with the ability to cancel as I just cannot make my mind up.

I really like the M135i, I think it looks nice, most don't lol. It gets rave reviews everywhere you look plus it's a brand new car with no worries.

My S3 on the other hand is coming up to 4 years old, it's got nothing wrong with it and I have just got it to where I wanted it, I'm still in the process of fitting my water meth kit.

S3 is 4WD and I love it, not having to worry whether your going to spin the wheels when you step on the loud pedal. Whereas the M is rear drive and I've never owned one, its part of the appeal but I think it's something that could wear off.

What's people's opinions??
 
Hahaha that will be me! I'll attempt to do a slide... End up like that and want the S3 back
 
Honestly I think you would regret moving from the extra quality you get in the Audi and the 4WD which is extremly better in all conditions, I presume youd be happy for a bit but then a month later the novelty will ware off!
 
I test drove an M135i couple of months back and thought it was fantastic.
Drives amazing, sounds epic, you can see what all he fuss is about after just a short drive.
When was shopping around in Sept you could get one for £240/pcm less than an 8V S3 too so lot of bang for your buck.

IMO it looks good too, although a nicely specced 8P in the right colour is probably still a prettier car, despite its age.
I bottled buying a stock car in Estoril at the last minute as a found it a just a little cramped for me and the fact I carry adults in the back too.

It really all depends whether you can live without 4wd after the S3.
Personally I really like the secruity of 4wd and what makes the S3 special is you can drive it like a c0ck will minimal skill and wring every last bhp from it pretty much all year round, it if thats your thing.

Just make sure you get one with the Professional Navigation centre. Some excellent tech that.

If your budget can stretch then the A45 AMG is the biz.

Good luck
 
i wouldnt even bother with the a45 although its a nice car its not stupidly fast for the price you may as well get a s3 and remap it and you going to be just as fast and you dont have a manual option in the a45
 
s3_sid said:
i wouldnt even bother with the a45 although its a nice car its not stupidly fast for the price you may as well get a s3 and remap it and you going to be just as fast and you dont have a manual option in the a45
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I drove one back to back with my own Stage1 S3.
They are completely different cars with completely different price tags.
The Stock A45 was much quicker behind the wheel.
Stage 1 A45s (they are already available) are way North of 400bhp.

If you want the fastest hot hatch on the market, have the budget, and want NEW budget then the A45 is the Daddy IMO.

The 8P is a great car even with just a remap but its not an A45 AMG, trust me.
But then its a much cheaper car. And its not brand new. So it wont be.

The 8V is a fairer comparison and a much harder choice, although that is also a cheaper car to the A45.

I would guess if/when the 8V RS3 comes then AUDI will have an answer to the A45.
 
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Yeah I know that I was comparing it to a new s3 with dgs , my mates the amg specialist at my local merc dealer so we all get to test drive the a45 and 63 models ect before general release

I do think they are quick but not worth the money ! The rs3 is a more capable car which is the same ball game price and power wise but them new s3s with day are quick in comparison to the 8p s3 I think dsg makes them feel faster around town and lower speeds along with the a45

The main thing with the a45 is its power is available very low down with its twin scroll turbo but I don't think their gearbox is as refined as a vag dsg one
 
s3_sid said:
Yeah I know that I was comparing it to a new s3 with dgs , my mates the amg specialist at my local merc dealer so we all get to test drive the a45 and 63 models ect before general release

I do think they are quick but not worth the money ! The rs3 is a more capable car which is the same ball game price and power wise but them new s3s with day are quick in comparison to the 8p s3 I think dsg makes them feel faster around town and lower speeds along with the a45

The main thing with the a45 is its power is available very low down with its twin scroll turbo but I don't think their gearbox is as refined as a vag dsg one
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Fair point. Agree the 8V S3 is excellent and a big step from the 8P, just a bit pricey at the minute and dealers wont negotiate.

I would imagine its pretty handy with a map too, but then you need to compare apples with apples and I would imagine a Stage 1 AMG would see off a Stage 1 S3 no problem.

Abilities aside, many of us aquire cars through the PCP route so its all about whats `new`and what deals can be had.

You often hear.... "why spend spend 40K on a hatch back when you can get a 911/Aston etc...blah blah" however if you want a brand new fast daily then thats a different proposition.
Warranty, running costs, piece of mind, and the whole `new-ness` are major factor for many. Cars like the RS3 dont make the shortlist (havent actually driven one yet, any offers ?? )

The A45 is a much more hardcore machine than the S3 8V but then its an AMG so not a big surprise.
I like the exhaust pop on upshift , the hugging seats etc.. more in your face than the S3.

Apologies to the OP for the thread excursion....:notme:
 
Factor in a set of winter alloys and winter tyres for the bmw. I had a look at one the other day, impressive looking car, especially from the sides and the rear...but IMO the front end design really lets it down. Also I dont like the new fad of putting a fixed Satnav screen plonked on top of the dash...at least with the new S3 the car can be driven with the screen lowered, ie hidden.

A difficult decision but a nice one to have !
 
H17YD L said:
Just after some opinions from fellow 8P owners on a little dilemma I have gotten myself into...

I've ordered a BMW M135i, with the ability to cancel as I just cannot make my mind up.

I really like the M135i, I think it looks nice, most don't lol. It gets rave reviews everywhere you look plus it's a brand new car with no worries.

My S3 on the other hand is coming up to 4 years old, it's got nothing wrong with it and I have just got it to where I wanted it, I'm still in the process of fitting my water meth kit.

S3 is 4WD and I love it, not having to worry whether your going to spin the wheels when you step on the loud pedal. Whereas the M is rear drive and I've never owned one, its part of the appeal but I think it's something that could wear off.

What's people's opinions??
Click to expand...

I've spent almost all of my current car's life getting it to what I wanted it to be,and there's still loads to go!

I'm guessing you've driven the 135,and enjoy the way it handles and goes,in which case you're very unlikely to be dissatisfied with it,whereas it has to be said that the Audi needs a shedload of work to get the performance and handling it should have had from the start.

Just depends on how much you value part-time 4WD,or like the feel of a RWD car,Vs how much you want to throw at the S3.
 
S3Alex said:
I've spent almost all of my current car's life getting it to what I wanted it to be,and there's still loads to go!

I'm guessing you've driven the 135,and enjoy the way it handles and goes,in which case you're very unlikely to be dissatisfied with it,whereas it has to be said that the Audi needs a shedload of work to get the performance and handling it should have had from the start.

Just depends on how much you value part-time 4WD,or like the feel of a RWD car,Vs how much you want to throw at the S3.
Click to expand...

S3 is a great base for a Project as has been demonstrated :rock:
 
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H17YD L said:
Just after some opinions from fellow 8P owners on a little dilemma I have gotten myself into...

I've ordered a BMW M135i, with the ability to cancel as I just cannot make my mind up.

I really like the M135i, I think it looks nice, most don't lol. It gets rave reviews everywhere you look plus it's a brand new car with no worries.

My S3 on the other hand is coming up to 4 years old, it's got nothing wrong with it and I have just got it to where I wanted it, I'm still in the process of fitting my water meth kit.

S3 is 4WD and I love it, not having to worry whether your going to spin the wheels when you step on the loud pedal. Whereas the M is rear drive and I've never owned one, its part of the appeal but I think it's something that could wear off.

What's people's opinions??
Click to expand...

I would not touch a BMW.. Very tacky inside and diabolical handling in wet and snow.

Cancel and order an S3 (you can get good discounts if you try hard).. With discount a decent spec SB can be had for circa £33k and you should get a decent price for an S3 in PX.. Also the image of BMs is still poor.. I know Clarkson says Audi drivers are ***** but IMHO he's probably only referring to those who moved over from the dark side ;-)
 
Ok my take on it. I investigated several cars and had a choice between the A45, the BMW 135i and the new S3 8V. I chose the S3 - why ?

1. I hate the looks of the 135 I so it was ruled out from the start.
2. The Audi
- better build quality all over
- a screen that disappears in the dash (not one that is in the way and looks like a after thought.
- a lot cheaper and more value for money
- has a spare-wheel (The A45 -run-flats)
- better ride suspension (A45 very hard uncomfortably ride)
- good everyday all rounder.
- 2 adults can easy fit in the back. (A45 only suitable for children)
- no tow-hitch can be fitted to AMG
- carbon fiber dash look cheap.
- A45 has a lot of rattles, see the A-class forum for all the complaints.
- just trust the Audi Quattro system
- power and speed very close to the A45 - Audi S3 vs BMW M135i vs Mercedes A45 - YouTube
 
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briniuk said:
Honestly I think you would regret moving from the extra quality you get in the Audi and the 4WD which is extremly better in all conditions, I presume youd be happy for a bit but then a month later the novelty will ware off!
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Not entirely sure what you mean by extra quality? The 8P design is now 10 years old and the quality isn't brilliant by any means, yes it's better than most everyday cars of its time. The BMW is newer, faster and better quality in my opinion which is what you expect. If you like the looks and how it drives why not?
 
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I used to own a ZM coupe and it was a fantastic driving car, but I knew I could only really drive it hard in the dry whereas with the audi I like driving it in the wet and snow as it adds anothe dimension to driving and it's a lot safer
 
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From what I hear the 135 is supposed to be an epic car. But, as an ex-BMW owner take it out on a wet or icy day and it won't be very much fun.

I loved my E90 but the only way I'd go back to BMW is if I got an xDrive...
 
PilotAudi said:
I would not touch a BMW.. Very tacky inside and diabolical handling in wet and snow.

Cancel and order an S3 (you can get good discounts if you try hard).. With discount a decent spec SB can be had for circa £33k and you should get a decent price for an S3 in PX.. Also the image of BMs is still poor.. I know Clarkson says Audi drivers are ***** but IMHO he's probably only referring to those who moved over from the dark side ;-)
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Classic fanboy rubbish.

Spec for spec 8V S3s were £240 pcm more than a M135i in Sept 13. Fact.
Believe me, I went round the houses.
If its changed in Dec 13 then I am happy to be corrected. But I doubt it.

Clarkson is a great entertainer but I like to think we are intelligent enough not to let his view influence our choice of car.
A car is a car, not a true indicator of some ones personality.

I have owned 2 AUDIs and 2 BMWs. Cant quite work out when I switched between **** and non-c0ck modes.??

Ok its an AUDI forum and thats cool but that doesn't mean the `competition` is crap by default.
I just like cars.

Merry Xmas:ninja:
 
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The Governor said:
From what I hear the 135 is supposed to be an epic car. But, as an ex-BMW owner take it out on a wet or icy day and it won't be very much fun.

I loved my E90 but the only way I'd go back to BMW is if I got an xDrive...
Click to expand...

XDrive is brilliant but you have to go up a size to 3 series. I have one.

M135i is epic but will no doubt be a right handful in adverse conditions.

Pretty sure an 8V S3 will be a safer bet if you want `fast security`.
Cabin is lovely too. Great car.

On a dry day the M135i sounds, goes, feels better though.

Take your pick! Nice dilemma!
 
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I have been thinking about swapping my S3 for a 135i but what it came down to is that they are horrible, horrible, horrible looking cars - yes I needed 3xhorribles lol.

The other thing that makes me want to stay in the VAG stable is I know a very good (and honest) specialist.

Seems a bit wrong comparing an A45 AMG to an S3 as the prices are vastly different though...
 
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Seems like a relevant threads to be posting on...

Firstly, I'd personally stick with the S3 over the 135, if you're feeling it's time for something new and exciting I'd spend a couple of grand working on the car unlocking some of it's potential power - getting 350hp+ in a hatchback is guaranteed to put a massive smile on your face.

I'm also having a little dilemma, contemplating either picking up a TTRS or keeping the S3 and sinking ze cash into trying to get around 450 out of it next year - has anyone on here made a similar move on here? Mainly contemplating the TTRS as I'd like to have something that's covered by warranty for a little while, still has a pretty decent boot space (hard top with seats folded down) and after seeing the stage 3 APR kit turn it into a 600hp+ monster after warrenty looks like a extremely nice car.
 
adamccc said:
Seems like a relevant threads to be posting on...


I'm also having a little dilemma, contemplating either picking up a TTRS or keeping the S3 and sinking ze cash into trying to get around 450 out of it next year - has anyone on here made a similar move on here? Mainly contemplating the TTRS as I'd like to have something that's covered by warranty for a little while, still has a pretty decent boot space (hard top with seats folded down) and after seeing the stage 3 APR kit turn it into a 600hp+ monster after warrenty looks like a extremely nice car.
Click to expand...

Have a read through my thread if you want to know the ins and outs of 450bhp+ for the S3.

If you're looking at the Stg3 APR kit for an RS,just bear a few things in mind....

The kit alone costs nearly £11k,and is only for manual cars at present.

You need:

a new HPFP at a further £1.5k
a new exhaust at up to £2.2 k depending on what you have already on the car if you bought one
uprated intercooler at £1.2k

Adding up to around £16k before fitting.

And that's on 104RON fuel,which either means feeding it race fuel,or fitting WMI at further cost.


That little lot would comfortably see you at 600bhp with an S3,with a bit to spare for parts like brakes and suspension which also aren't included in the RS build price.

Don't get me wrong,the RS is a fantastic car,but wringing 600+bhp from it is not cheap or easy.
 
PaulAr said:
XDrive is brilliant but you have to go up a size to 3 series. I have one.

M135i is epic but will no doubt be a right handful in adverse conditions.

Pretty sure an 8V S3 will be a safer bet if you want `fast security`.
Cabin is lovely too. Great car.

On a dry day the M135i sounds, goes, feels better though.

Take your pick! Nice dilemma!
Click to expand...

Oh yeah, definitely a first world problem :)

How do you fin the xDrive by the way, I've yet to test drive it but it's definitively on my future list of options... a 3 series Touring with xDrive would be all the car you'd ever need I think...
 
The Governor said:
Oh yeah, definitely a first world problem :)

How do you fin the xDrive by the way, I've yet to test drive it but it's definitively on my future list of options... a 3 series Touring with xDrive would be all the car you'd ever need I think...
Click to expand...

Its excellent.
You can still feel the rear bias, in particular when accelerating out of a corner, but just when you think the rear is about to swing out it hooks up and shoots you up the road.
Very useful with 313bhp and 630NM!

You could have had a run out in mine mate but Southampton isn't that local!
 
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I had the option of a brand new 135i and still have but I just could not do it ,my car has everything I need ;)
1f7a57b1ce35dcbb7d13d3f962bab80b_zpsab753cda.jpg
 
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briniuk said:
Honestly I think you would regret moving from the extra quality you get in the Audi and the 4WD which is extremly better in all conditions, I presume youd be happy for a bit but then a month later the novelty will ware off!
Click to expand...

That's what I'm worried about, novelty wearing off and I'm stuck with it!

PaulAr said:
I test drove an M135i couple of months back and thought it was fantastic.
Drives amazing, sounds epic, you can see what all he fuss is about after just a short drive.
When was shopping around in Sept you could get one for £240/pcm less than an 8V S3 too so lot of bang for your buck.

IMO it looks good too, although a nicely specced 8P in the right colour is probably still a prettier car, despite its age.
I bottled buying a stock car in Estoril at the last minute as a found it a just a little cramped for me and the fact I carry adults in the back too.

It really all depends whether you can live without 4wd after the S3.
Personally I really like the secruity of 4wd and what makes the S3 special is you can drive it like a c0ck will minimal skill and wring every last bhp from it pretty much all year round, it if thats your thing.

Just make sure you get one with the Professional Navigation centre. Some excellent tech that.

If your budget can stretch then the A45 AMG is the biz.

Good luck
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Thanks for the input as you've driven one, nice to hear it was as good as they say. It is half the monthly cost of both the A45 and new S3

And I do like to use every last BHP lol

S3Alex said:
I've spent almost all of my current car's life getting it to what I wanted it to be,and there's still loads to go!

I'm guessing you've driven the 135,and enjoy the way it handles and goes,in which case you're very unlikely to be dissatisfied with it,whereas it has to be said that the Audi needs a shedload of work to get the performance and handling it should have had from the start.

Just depends on how much you value part-time 4WD,or like the feel of a RWD car,Vs how much you want to throw at the S3.
Click to expand...

I haven't even drove it yet, I value 4WD very highly, purely because of the way it can put the power down.

PilotAudi said:
I would not touch a BMW.. Very tacky inside and diabolical handling in wet and snow.

Cancel and order an S3 (you can get good discounts if you try hard).. With discount a decent spec SB can be had for circa £33k and you should get a decent price for an S3 in PX.. Also the image of BMs is still poor.. I know Clarkson says Audi drivers are ***** but IMHO he's probably only referring to those who moved over from the dark side ;-)
Click to expand...

Would love to get a new S3 but I just can't justify the monthly cost.

The Governor said:
From what I hear the 135 is supposed to be an epic car. But, as an ex-BMW owner take it out on a wet or icy day and it won't be very much fun.

I loved my E90 but the only way I'd go back to BMW is if I got an xDrive...
Click to expand...

That's the problem right there, I did think to myself well for the amount of time we have snow or ice I just won't use it but it's the wet weather that will also cause me problems! Which we do have a lot of haha

adamccc said:
Seems like a relevant threads to be posting on...

Firstly, I'd personally stick with the S3 over the 135, if you're feeling it's time for something new and exciting I'd spend a couple of grand working on the car unlocking some of it's potential power - getting 350hp+ in a hatchback is guaranteed to put a massive smile on your face.

I'm also having a little dilemma, contemplating either picking up a TTRS or keeping the S3 and sinking ze cash into trying to get around 450 out of it next year - has anyone on here made a similar move on here? Mainly contemplating the TTRS as I'd like to have something that's covered by warranty for a little while, still has a pretty decent boot space (hard top with seats folded down) and after seeing the stage 3 APR kit turn it into a 600hp+ monster after warrenty looks like a extremely nice car.
Click to expand...

Already have the car running 350bhp, really like the TT-RS stage 1 map and your over 400bhp easy. If you want more its going to be costly as Alex said.

-------------------------------------

Thanks to everyone who replied I need to have a real good think over the holidays. Oh and I definatley need to drive one!!
 
In my opinion RWD cars are not easy to drive fast. Different ball game for the average everyday driver. RWD will expose driving ability far easier than 4WD will. I'd think twice about going back to a RWD car, getting the most out of it on the roads isn't easy.
 
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gilberto said:
In my opinion RWD cars are not easy to drive fast. Different ball game for the average everyday driver. RWD will expose driving ability far easier than 4WD will. I'd think twice about going back to a RWD car, getting the most out of it on the roads isn't easy.
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A long while back,I had a 450bhp Sierra,with a lot of very good parts on it,and on a dry road,it truly was a great car,but on a wet road,it would generate wheelspin up to 70mph,and it was frankly undriveable on an icy road.

The Escort that followed it was in many ways the best handling car I've ever had aside from fuel consumption and it's appetite for suspension parts,but you quickly learned that whilst the limits were a LOT higher,if you exceeded them,you'd be going a LOT faster,and have less time to sort it out.

4WD is great,but it isn't a cure-all,and unfortunately the Haldex system isn't the greatest solution either.
 
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Hi all and thanks for including my little Hullavington wet track video in the thread, appreciated.

Just to add to the debate I recently had a chance to drive my RS3 back to back with an M135i, I wrote up the trip here:
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/rs3-forum/204606-ultimate-driving-machine-m135i-v-rs3.html

Personally I'd take an S3 over an M135i any day because here in Wales the roads are most often either wet or covered in who knows what or both. As others have said a A45 AMG is also a great alternative, to me it feels even more hardcore then the RS3, much like an Evo. Merc usually have some stunning finance deals on offer, a C63 AMG actually worked out cheaper than the RS3 when we were shopping around, so it's worth checking that out too.
 
I love the idiots that say things like "bmws are crap" or they are awful in the wet/snow.

I drove my 330Ci all through a couple of bad winters. good tyres and some flagstones in the boot and you can go anywhere. Have had a load of BMWs and where they fall down is interior. Audi have them absolutely licked on that front.

my only advice is drive on and see which you prefer.

FWIW - you can get a 2yr lease on a 135i M sport for £210pm+vat.
 
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S3Alex said:
A long while back,I had a 450bhp Sierra,with a lot of very good parts on it,and on a dry road,it truly was a great car,but on a wet road,it would generate wheelspin up to 70mph,and it was frankly undriveable on an icy road.

The Escort that followed it was in many ways the best handling car I've ever had aside from fuel consumption and it's appetite for suspension parts,but you quickly learned that whilst the limits were a LOT higher,if you exceeded them,you'd be going a LOT faster,and have less time to sort it out.

4WD is great,but it isn't a cure-all,and unfortunately the Haldex system isn't the greatest solution either.
Click to expand...

I really enjoyed driving in bone dry conditions but always felt uncomfortable nipping on in any other conditions, I didn't feel as protected as I do now. Much more predictable having haldex/4WD.

I've driven the M135i, it's a great car and a nice place to be but I have to agree with MBK's review too, and would point out that these RWD cars are tested by really competent drivers but in reality, 95% of the people buying them will never use them on track or be able to get anywhere close to the performance demonstrated by Chris Harris and others.
 
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MBK said:
Hi all and thanks for including my little Hullavington wet track video in the thread, appreciated.

Just to add to the debate I recently had a chance to drive my RS3 back to back with an M135i, I wrote up the trip here:
http://www.audi-sport.net/vb/rs3-forum/204606-ultimate-driving-machine-m135i-v-rs3.html

Personally I'd take an S3 over an M135i any day because here in Wales the roads are most often either wet or covered in who knows what or both. As others have said a A45 AMG is also a great alternative, to me it feels even more hardcore then the RS3, much like an Evo. Merc usually have some stunning finance deals on offer, a C63 AMG actually worked out cheaper than the RS3 when we were shopping around, so it's worth checking that out too.
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That's a brilliant write up mate!! That has helped me out a lot.

pablo said:
I love the idiots that say things like "bmws are crap" or they are awful in the wet/snow.

I drove my 330Ci all through a couple of bad winters. good tyres and some flagstones in the boot and you can go anywhere. Have had a load of BMWs and where they fall down is interior. Audi have them absolutely licked on that front.

my only advice is drive on and see which you prefer.

FWIW - you can get a 2yr lease on a 135i M sport for £210pm+vat.
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It is a funny when people slag BMW's off just for being a BMW lol
That's the deal I was getting, the main reason I went for it, it's a bargain
 
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yeah Ive my S3 for sale atm and if it sells Id be very tempted by that offer!

BMWs are fantastic, just as Audis are. Just in slightly different ways.
 
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I different debate, but I would probably always trade off chassis dynamics and outright RWD `fun` for 4wd security.

Although I wouldn't pay a massive premium for it which is why M135i look VERY tempting against the 8V at the minute.
If they were the same price then that would be a different matter. The 8V is a lovely thing, just way too expensive by comparison.

2year PCP, 3K down and £730 pcm.!
No thanks.
 
PaulAr said:
I drove one back to back with my own Stage1 S3.
They are completely different cars with completely different price tags.
The Stock A45 was much quicker behind the wheel.
Stage 1 A45s (they are already available) are way North of 400bhp.

If you want the fastest hot hatch on the market, have the budget, and want NEW budget then the A45 is the Daddy IMO.

The 8P is a great car even with just a remap but its not an A45 AMG, trust me.
But then its a much cheaper car. And its not brand new. So it wont be.

The 8V is a fairer comparison and a much harder choice, although that is also a cheaper car to the A45.

I would guess if/when the 8V RS3 comes then AUDI will have an answer to the A45.
Click to expand...

I have seen a race between a Golf MKVI GTI with a KO4 kit and an A45 Stage 1 and the Golf won... not really that impressed with the money they are asking for that Mercedes
 
PaulAr said:
I different debate, but I would probably always trade off chassis dynamics and outright RWD `fun` for 4wd security.

Although I wouldn't pay a massive premium for it which is why M135i look VERY tempting against the 8V at the minute.
If they were the same price then that would be a different matter. The 8V is a lovely thing, just way too expensive by comparison.

2year PCP, 3K down and £730 pcm.!
No thanks.
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Wow that is expensive over £20k to drive an 8V for 2 years, they must be expecting some poor future values too. Audi certainly like to keep the APR up if they can which probably accounts for a lot of that extra cost. I don't know much about BMW finance but Mercedes seem particularly competitive.
 
MBK said:
Wow that is expensive over £20k to drive an 8V for 2 years, they must be expecting some poor future values too. Audi certainly like to keep the APR up if they can which probably accounts for a lot of that extra cost. I don't know much about BMW finance but Mercedes seem particularly competitive.
Click to expand...

Yep, residual was 18.5K which is less than the GFV for my 8P after 2 years. Bonkers really as the 8P was going to be the `old` model by then and the 8V would still be bang up to date.
Setting GFV at 40% residual for a premium car such as the S3 doesn't show much confidence in your own product.
Nice car though.
The stock figures must be quite conservative as it actually felt quicker than my Stage 1 8P S3.
 
S3Alex said:
If you're looking at the Stg3 APR kit for an RS,just bear a few things in mind....

The kit alone costs nearly £11k,and is only for manual cars at present.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the help Alex, knew the upgrade would be a lot but was guesstimating more around the 10K+ rather than 20. As for manual only, there a S-tronic version below but I guess that's because he works closely with APR



S3Alex said:
Don't get me wrong,the RS is a fantastic car,but wringing 600+bhp from it is not cheap or easy.
Click to expand...

Managed to drive a TTRS yesterday, beautiful car, good bootspace and the noise it made was out of this world

1533751_10200559713190006_1759605537_n.jpg

1240373_10200559780151680_837711577_n.jpg


Found myself really disappointed with the stock power and torque though, was putting my foot to the floor in third and getting a slow pull throughout powertrain - but after coming home and looking at the stock torque I can see why. Don't think I'd be too happy about buying one and having to hold myself back for a couple of years until I could unlock some true power.

25tfsi_trans_s0_vs_s1_91_cc.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:
kimhemm said:
I have seen a race between a Golf MKVI GTI with a KO4 kit and an A45 Stage 1 and the Golf won... not really that impressed with the money they are asking for that Mercedes
Click to expand...

If you have A45 AMG budget I doubt you would be looking at a used Golf Gti. Or care that a tuned one is quicker in a straight line.
For many there is more to ownership than just BHP/£.
If that was the case we would all drive tuned Skylines, or tuned Golfs, or tuned whatever..

I kind of get your point, in that you can get a tuned Golf to go faster than an A45 but not everyone wants that. (Unless Youtube hits are more important tha a new car)
I agree the Merc seems a lot of money for what it is but there is a 5 month waiting list for them so someone wants them!
Its also an AMG, and people want that, so Merc can charge a premium for it.
 
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adamccc said:
Thanks for the help Alex, knew the upgrade would be a lot but was guesstimating more around the 10K+ rather than 20. As for manual only, there a S-tronic version below but I guess that's because he works closely with APR





Managed to drive a TTRS yesterday, beautiful car, good bootspace and the noise it made was out of this world

1533751_10200559713190006_1759605537_n.jpg

1240373_10200559780151680_837711577_n.jpg


Found myself really disappointed with the stock power and torque though, was putting my foot to the floor in third and getting a slow pull throughout powertrain - but after coming home and looking at the stock torque I can see why. Don't think I'd be too happy about buying one and having to hold myself back for a couple of years until I could unlock some true power.

25tfsi_trans_s0_vs_s1_91_cc.png
Click to expand...


That TTRS looks stunning! I drove a TTS a while back before I got my S3 and was actually quite impressed with the way it drove, although it felt a little under powered. Surprised the 2.5 felt under powered though.

Looking at that APR comparison...91 Octane fuel!? I'd be interested to see how it performed on 99 Octane fuel..
 
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