2013 Audi S3

[Louay]

I ordered mine on the same day as you and I was chatting to a guy on YouTube who ordered his s3 at the end of July and he's received a build week scheduled for 25th November. Logic dictates we should expect first/second week in December!

thanks for your reply Paul, hope your well? First/second week in December, is that build date? or delivery? If build, how long after that for delivery? I also followed you and requested the audi ashtray (to keep my Burger King change, not that you ever get much change from a tenner) from my dealer even though i have ordered the non-smoking pack, we have in effect paid for that item so it is rightfully ours!

Louay

 

[paullowther]

Yes Louay I think 1st/2nd week in December is when we should expect our build date. From what I've read on here it usually takes another 3 weeks before the car is then delivered. **sighhh** so much waiting around to do!

 

[Louay]

Yes Louay I think 1st/2nd week in December is when we should expect our build date. From what I've read on here it usually takes another 3 weeks before the car is then delivered. **sighhh** so much waiting around to do!

Thank you for the reply Paul, clearly high demand for the new 8V then....late Christmas present in early January perhaps whilst everyone is licking their wounds from overspending and over indulgence, you and me shall be picking up new S3's! Oh well, alright for some. lol

 

[driver_tim]

Just to pick up on the S3 vs M135 debate; whilst neither of these were unfortunately options for me I did consider a lesser 1 series before I ordered my A3. After test driving both (including a second, extended test drive in the 1 series) my conclusion was that the BMW was slightly better to drive, however in every other respect the Audi was the clear winner. It's worth mentioning specifically that the pedals are slightly offset in the 1 series, as opposed to being perfectly aligned in the A3. As someone who has a slightly sensitive back, this was a big issue to me.

 

[baldrick]

Driving within limits like in the video below I think both M135i and S3 would offer similar levels of grins but the BMW soundtrack is pretty awesome even if it is enhanced using the speakers. As a package I think the S3 has the edge but that sound is a mighty attraction. The vid livens up after 50 secs or so.

 

[paullowther]

Driving within limits like in the video below I think both M135i and S3 would offer similar levels of grins but the BMW soundtrack is pretty awesome even if it is enhanced using the speakers. As a package I think the S3 has the edge but that sound is a mighty attraction. The vid livens up after 50 secs or so.

Great video. I wish there was a video like this of the S3. You really get a better sense of the speed of these cars when the video is filmed in normal driving conditions. Especially when overtaking.

Videos on a track don't offer the same sort of relatable feel!

 

[Snake Pliskin]

Without question for me the BIG draw of the BMW is the straight six engine ... they sound wonderful !

I previously owned a 330i m sport and the soundtrack to that was superb !

I can't be drawn back to BMW though purely because they are rear wheel drive and with the harsher winters we appear to be having more regularly now and driving rain, you cannot beat the reassurance of four wheel drive Quattro.

Lovely cars to drive the BM's and glad I have owned one though.

 

[Harris27]

Paul! thanks so much for the comparison. Make some very valid points there, The only difference is i Live in South Africa, so snow isn't the biggest issue for me snowed for an hour last year though (hectic right?)
I have yet to see the new S3 as it's only arriving here this month, so haven't had the chance to drive it yet. i think on looks interior and exterior the Audi wins hands down and the bmw the engine. The only thing that puts me off the S3 is because here in South Africa audi claim because of the heat. The power must come down to 201KW opposed to the normal 221KW & the BM has 235KW.
This only happens with the S3 odd isn't it?

 

[Toadoftoadhall]

Talking of sounds - some of the official S3 videos have those lovely gearshift burp sounds, mentioned in some of the reviews too. Is this gearshift burp noise specific to the S Tronic or is at evident at all with the manual?
Can anyone who has taken delivery of a new S3 recently update me on this?

 

[VeeDubDan]

Happens on the S Tronic only.

 

[paullowther]

Talking of sounds - some of the official S3 videos have those lovely gearshift burp sounds, mentioned in some of the reviews too. Is this gearshift burp noise specific to the S Tronic or is at evident at all with the manual?
Can anyone who has taken delivery of a new S3 recently update me on this?

I can't remember where but I'm quite sure I read somewhere that the upshift burp noise was only on the s tronic.

 

[CraigI]

Been a while since I have been on here.

I have a requirement for a 5 or 4 door to take the place of my 2013 S5 (which is somewhat premature as I only bought it new in March, but life has thrown a curve ball and as much as I like the S5 and appreciate it as a GT car, it struggles to excite me so it will be sacrificed for something a touch more practical), so was in my local Audi dealership to try an A7 BE and a A8 Sports Exec.

Whilst I was waiting for my salesman to get finished with his current customer, he threw me the keys to their new S3 Sportback demo, so I thought why not, does no harm to give it a blast whilst I wait.

Wow. What a car this is. The handling is spot on and it gets the heart pumping with hugely impressive acceleration and grip. Nicely bolted together and with the space I need in the back.
I got out and couldn't stop grinning.

I then went out in the A8 and A7 back to back, both of which have 20% plus discount at the moment.
Ruled out the A8 as, despite having every toy under the sun, it's a bit of a barge.
A7 was much better and in BE Quattro 245 diesel spec looks great is well kitted out and drives well.

Went back today for a second drive and ordered a S3 Sportback, which wasn't discounted at all. Both the A8 and A7 could be had for not much more than the monthly on the S3, due to the discount, but neither car had any excitement about it and I'm suffering from not bonding with the S5, so let my heart rule my head.
Very glad my salesman wasn't ready for me yesterday, otherwise I'd never have known how brilliant the new S3 is!!!!
Build should be week 47.

 

[Toadoftoadhall]

Happens on the S Tronic only.

Ok - thanks for the confirmation.

 

[paullowther]

Delivery should be week 47.

You've already got a delivery week? Did you get a car that was in audi's Stocklist/used or order a brand new one built specifically for you?

 

[CraigI]

Sorry, meant build, not delivery. Delivery will be 4 weeks or so after, so around Xmas.

I took one of the dealership orders that they placed a few weeks back, that I then altered the spec on.

 

[paullowther]

Ah that makes more sense! Me and a couple of guys guys on here placed our orders for the s3 mid August and haven't yet had a build week but we're anticipating Christmas time delivery like you! Can't wait!

 

[Louay]

Ah that makes more sense! Me and a couple of guys guys on here placed our orders for the s3 mid August and haven't yet had a build week but we're anticipating Christmas time delivery like you! Can't wait!

Please stop reminding me Paul! #patienceisavirtue #notwhenwaitingforanaudiS3 lol

 

[Acheron]

Driving within limits like in the video below I think both M135i and S3 would offer similar levels of grins but the BMW soundtrack is pretty awesome even if it is enhanced using the speakers. As a package I think the S3 has the edge but that sound is a mighty attraction. The vid livens up after 50 secs or so.

Like the M5, all that sound is coming from the in-cabin noise generation system. Youtube has a few clips of what it sounds like disconnected.

Yes, the straight six turbo sounds good (better than the S3 I would say), but it does not sound like the clip above without the fake noise being piped into the cabin.

 

[paullowther]

I prefer the sound of the s3 from the outside, but the BMW from the inside!

 

[baldrick]

Like the M5, all that sound is coming from the in-cabin noise generation system.

Somewhere BMW quoted as saying it was 90% engine, 10% generated. The S3 uses a sound actuator to enhance the sound in the cabin. I can live with a bit of enhancing, having full V12 Ferrari blasting out the speakers in a Micra would be properly fake

 

[Acheron]

Somewhere BMW quoted as saying it was 90% engine, 10% generated. The S3 uses a sound actuator to enhance the sound in the cabin. I can live with a bit of enhancing, having full V12 Ferrari blasting out the speakers in a Micra would be properly fake

Those figures are sketchy at best. Have a listen and decide if it's really a 90/10 split like they say:

Active sound on:


Active sound off:

 

[Rum Lad]

Somewhere BMW quoted as saying it was 90% engine, 10% generated. The S3 uses a sound actuator to enhance the sound in the cabin. I can live with a bit of enhancing, having full V12 Ferrari blasting out the speakers in a Micra would be properly fake

This is true by all accounts. Exhaust on the M135i sounds amazing from the outside, in fact even better than in the cabin.

I'm not going to say the M135i is better than the S3 or vice versa, owned Audi's for years and loved every one but a few weeks ago I took the plunge and ordered a new M135i (part exing my a5). It's due for delivery next week(ish) so I will make a new thread (if I'm allowed now I've gone to the dark side ) with pics and a review etc if you'd like. One reason that swayed me was the 6-8 week build time where as my audi dealer expected 4-5 months for the s3.

The new S3 does look the dogs, seen a couple out and about so far

 

[keyser]

First used S3 available at Huntingdon Audi in Phantom Black for just shy of £40k!! Good for pics while you're waiting...

Alloys a bit on the dark side when coupled with black IMO.

 

[paullowther]

Mines a higher spec than that, it's new and I'm paying £33.5k!

I should take delivery and then sell it straight away and make a tidy profit!

Huntingdon audi are also my local garage, I'll go have a look this weekend!

 

[Louay]

First used S3 available at Huntingdon Audi in Phantom Black for just shy of £40k!! Good for pics while you're waiting...

Alloys a bit on the dark side when coupled with black IMO.

The advert quoting 8P performance figures! muppets

 

[RRB]

Hopefully for all other prospective S3 Sportback owners I'm in a minority, but have just had my dealer on the phone. Apparently my confirmed build week of 39 (S3 SB Manual, Estoril Blue) wasn't as confirmed as I thought (or the dealer thought). I'm now looking at build week 4 2014!!

Am awaiting more feedback from the dealer as have had no reason other than "because Audi HQ said so" at the moment. Pretty exasperated by it all, and will have to seriously consider cancellation and taking my deposit back unless something changes as I've moved from the seemingly standard four - five month wait to seven months. Ridiculous!

 

[davejinx]

hi RRB, that's really annoying, sorry to hear that!

Plus, as I've ordered an S3 SB Manual, Estoril Blue (towards the end of June) too, with a quoted build week of 39, it's a little worrying!

When did you place your order, and at which dealer?

David

EDIT: Just emailed my dealer to double-check my build status/week number..

 

[RRB]

hi RRB, that's really annoying, sorry to hear that!

Plus, as I've ordered an S3 SB Manual, Estoril Blue (towards the end of June) too, with a quoted build week of 39, it's a little worrying!

When did you place your order, and at which dealer?

David

EDIT: Just emailed my dealer to double-check my build status/week number..

Order placed July 2nd with Wimbledon Audi. They've been good so far, and confirmed the build week about a month ago. Was always expecting an October delivery so all looked to be going well. Had a missed call from then when I was on holiday last week and so was unpleasantly surprised when I checked in with them today.

Have asked for some clarification on what exactly the situation is as it is frankly absurd to arbitrarily move a build date by four months with no explanation.

Hope your build week is safe David!!

EDIT: Right then. According to Wimbledon Audi there will be NO S3 Sportbacks in the UK before December. Foul up in my being told of a confirmed build week of 39 was human error in inputting similar client names and getting two different vehicles mixed up. Significant backlog of Sportback builds, both A3 and S3, is leading to some very awkward and embarrassing conversations for the dealer. Obviously not my contact's fault but still leading me to pause and think about taking the money somewhere else. Doh!!

 

[davejinx]

It all seems a bit suspicious to me RRB; I believe 4 months is the standard lead-time quoted for a new S3 SB order, and that's interesting the delay you've incurred - perhaps they forgot to place the order, or there's been some other mess-up (dealer-internal, or within Audi) that's caused your order to have to start again.

I may be have a conspiracy-theory moment, but until they give you an alternative (or any) reason, what are you supposed to think?

I'll of course let you know what my dealer says; if I don't get the same delay though (because there's not a general problem/shortage), I'd revert to my previous theory.

David

 

[RRB]

It all seems a bit suspicious to me RRB; I believe 4 months is the standard lead-time quoted for a new S3 SB order, and that's interesting the delay you've incurred - perhaps they forgot to place the order, or there's been some other mess-up (dealer-internal, or within Audi) that's caused your order to have to start again.

I may be have a conspiracy-theory moment, but until they give you an alternative (or any) reason, what are you supposed to think?

I'll of course let you know what my dealer says; if I don't get the same delay though (because there's not a general problem/shortage), I'd revert to my previous theory.

David

See my edit above David.

If you get confirmation from your dealer of the build week and delivery date (presumably next couple of weeks if you were b/w 39?) then I can go back to my dealer and ask what's going on if they are telling me that no one in the UK is getting an S3 SB before the end of the year.

We shall see...

 

[Harris27]

That is odd, i phoned my dealer today. i haven't actually ordered but he said if i placed an order today or like now. Audi said delivery will be December, he says 1st week Jan just to be safe. i'm in south africa by the way.
I just haven't ordered as im not sure if i want this or M135i

 

[davejinx]

edit acknowledged; the plot thickens! I'll let you know what I find out...

 

[paullowther]

I presume he didn't mention anything about the 3 door model?

 

[RRB]

Paul - Nope. I think it's an SB thing as I know people have already started receiving their 3 doors.

David - indeed! If it's a dealer mess up than it's one whopper of a fib to say that demand can't keep up to the extent that S3 SBs aren't going to arrive for customers until December earliest. Hence my interest in seeing what other people are being told.

 

[Ecosphere]

Has anyone got a FIRM date for a S3 sportback delivery? I ordered 24 June with eta end of October, chased dealer end of August to be told no build date yet just "in the line".

 

[Louay]

Why such a delay? do they make the S3's after the A3 orders have been satisfied? do they build the S3's on the same production line as the A3 SB's and manfacture say one S3 SB every 100 A3 SB's? I feel an official answer to our lead time concerns should be accurately addressed by Audi UK.

 

[r500frs]

You can add me to the list of early S3 Sportback orders with no confirmed build date as yet

Its a company car but I know our Audi dealer contact and she confirmed the order had been placed with Audi on 27th June (and would be one of their dealers initial allocation of S3's). I was quoted an early November delivery at the time of order.

Glacier white, S -tronic, black leather / alcantara, B&O, privacy glass, auto mirror / wipers by the way....

Rich

 

[Louay]

Presumably, S3 3dr order books opened before the SB, does anyone have any dates to verify this? I am just trying to establish how long after books were opened that i ordered, like Paul, my S3 SB on the 15 Aug.

 

[keyser]

I was in the dealership early June and told then that S3 3dr ordered then and there would be delivered late September / early October, and to expect the 5dr to be delivered late November / early December. That was if I ordered then and there (think it was around the 7th June). Went for the 3dr in the end as I currently have a 5dr but never use the back seats anyway and didn't want to wait until the end of the year...

 

[Dylock]

Presumably, S3 3dr order books opened before the SB, does anyone have any dates to verify this? I am just trying to establish how long after books were opened that i ordered, like Paul, my S3 SB on the 15 Aug.

I ordered my 3dr on June 2nd, they were taking orders for sb also. At the time I was told 3dr delivery 1st sept and sb delivery 1st nov. turned out my 3dr was delivered to me on 22nd August. So I was very lucky and seems they have not stuck to that for the sb.