2013 Audi S3
- Thread starter Snake Pliskin
- Start date
I've got two questions....
1) is there any way of fitting a tow bar to the new S3 (need it to tow my jet ski)
2) has anyone thought about the Servicing and Maintenance plans that are on offer? Servicing at £399 fpr 3 years seems ok. But when you work out the servicing and maintenance package over the 3 years (£34pm x 36 months = £1224) it seems v expensive.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!
1) is there any way of fitting a tow bar to the new S3 (need it to tow my jet ski)
2) has anyone thought about the Servicing and Maintenance plans that are on offer? Servicing at £399 fpr 3 years seems ok. But when you work out the servicing and maintenance package over the 3 years (£34pm x 36 months = £1224) it seems v expensive.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Some cracking looking cars on here Lads, i managed to take an S3 SB demo out for 3 hours yesterday and was very impressed with the whole package,although i jumped straight into my mates new M135i after and it kind of made the S3 feel tame! BUT the look of the BM is just nasty from the front.
Im still waiting for the saloon to come out before i make my mind up though..
Im still waiting for the saloon to come out before i make my mind up though..
gilesf
Registered User
To be fair, its not just Audi who sell cars with roof bars though! In my experience they make life much easier for carrying bikes, you may not strictly need them but if people want to carry bikes im sure that 99% would want roof rails in order to do so. They may make it look like an estate but lots of people seem to like that, all down to personal taste. As some have said too, if you are ordering black, grey, red, then the aluminium can add something visually.
I had read somewhere that the S3 can't have a towbar (not the Audi one) for some reason (perhaps it was quattros that couldnt' have them), but there are probably third party ones you can fit. Bear in mind that you'll have to inform your insurance company of the modification and they may up the premium if it wasn't done by the manufacturer.
I looked at the M135i before I ordered the S3 too...
Couple of things put me off it:
1) The interior in my opinion is miles behind the S3, the S3 just has so much more class and refinement.
2) Rear wheel drive - It's a non-starter for me, i know we don't get that much bad weather, but i need full use of the car all year round.
... And i know people tend to say it's a better driving car, or it has better feel through the wheel, but lets face it, if you're spending best part of 40K on a car, i for one am certainly not power sliding it around corners or taking it to a track anytime soon. - I want the car to be a good all round car, work in all weather, be comfy, but also have a little power for the few times a week you might be able to actually use it on the UK roads. - I think the S3 covers that better than the M135i
Couple of things put me off it:
1) The interior in my opinion is miles behind the S3, the S3 just has so much more class and refinement.
2) Rear wheel drive - It's a non-starter for me, i know we don't get that much bad weather, but i need full use of the car all year round.
... And i know people tend to say it's a better driving car, or it has better feel through the wheel, but lets face it, if you're spending best part of 40K on a car, i for one am certainly not power sliding it around corners or taking it to a track anytime soon. - I want the car to be a good all round car, work in all weather, be comfy, but also have a little power for the few times a week you might be able to actually use it on the UK roads. - I think the S3 covers that better than the M135i
geefunk1978
Registered User
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2013
- Messages
- 660
- Reaction score
- 408
- Points
- 63
- Location
- Mansfield
- Website
- www.gtdesignsolutions.com
I looked at the M135i too, but there were a few reasons I didn't buy one:
They couldn't get anywhere near the deal I wanted for payments.
The S3 may not be as much 'fun' (according to journo's) but I agree I won't be tracking it or powersliding it on the road and want all year round fast useability.
The build quality/class difference is miles apart.
The BMW loses money hand over fist, already seen them for £26k nearly new!
Audi main dealer has been brilliant and bend over backwards to help.
I also looked at the A45 AMG, again a few reasons I didn't order:
The price is ridiculous for what it is, add a few options that you'd want and you're at £45k.
The dealer never came back to me when I rang about being seriously interested (obviously weren't that bothered about a sale!)
paullowther
Registered User
And it's more comfortable to be dragged with a rope around your neck behind the A45 than it is to drive it yourself.
I totally agree mate,he even said the interior on the S3 is much better looking, i would say build quality is around the same in both but the seats in the M135i are much more supportive than in the S3 but the demo i drove didnt have the supersports seats in though.
the feel through the wheel is soooo much better on the BM and you do feel alot more connected with the road plus the noise the BM makes is on another level over the S3, i wouldnt own another BM though as i had an M3 CS and it got to the point where my missus wouldnt drive it much in the winter as she couldnt even get it on the drive after a light covereing of snow!
As you say the S3 is a great alround package and it does look great, i currently have a B8 S4 which ive been very happy with hence why i want to stick with Audi and i cant fault the service either.
After driving the S3 and then straight after the M135i my summary is-
M135i
Pros- Sounds ****** awesome
- Seats are great
- steering feel is bang on
- Its a hell of alot of car for the money
Cons- it has a face only a mother could love
-The cabin is bland as with all Bms IMO
- rear wheel drive is a ***** in winter
- BMW service is ****e.
S3
Pros- it looks great
- interior is very very nice
- all weather performance
- Audi service is bang on (from my experience)
Cons - Dull steering feel
- seats should be more supportive (standard seats)
- comfort pack should be standard!
All IMO of course.
i suppose the M135i will sound alot better then the S3 with the lump thats in it and to be fair for a 2ltr the S3 does sound good and i was impressed with the sound of it untill i opened up the BM BUT at the end of the day the BM will be more expensive to run aswell.
M135i
Pros- Sounds ****** awesome
- Seats are great
- steering feel is bang on
- Its a hell of alot of car for the money
Cons- it has a face only a mother could love
-The cabin is bland as with all Bms IMO
- rear wheel drive is a ***** in winter
- BMW service is ****e.
S3
Pros- it looks great
- interior is very very nice
- all weather performance
- Audi service is bang on (from my experience)
Cons - Dull steering feel
- seats should be more supportive (standard seats)
- comfort pack should be standard!
All IMO of course.
i suppose the M135i will sound alot better then the S3 with the lump thats in it and to be fair for a 2ltr the S3 does sound good and i was impressed with the sound of it untill i opened up the BM BUT at the end of the day the BM will be more expensive to run aswell.
And funny thing, in EVO's review of the car, they ended up saying that the M135i and the S3 might be less powerful, but both of them are more involving to drive than the A45.
here's the quote:
Lin to the article
paullowther
Registered User
paullowther
Registered User
Did somebody say they wanted to see an Estoril S3? Here's a bunch!
geefunk1978
Registered User
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2013
- Messages
- 660
- Reaction score
- 408
- Points
- 63
- Location
- Mansfield
- Website
- www.gtdesignsolutions.com
Not even seen one in the metal as yet! Apparently they do sound good though, but £40K+ for a hot hatch is definitely too much. I'd buy a decent 911 instead.
I'm in thinking of maybe getting Milltek to use my S3 to develop an exhaust, reckon that'll sound nice...
Battlekrapz
Registered User
- Joined
- May 18, 2013
- Messages
- 418
- Reaction score
- 241
- Points
- 43
I'm a happy man... I'm picking up my baby next Tuesday.
It'll have its winter sox on if i understood correctly. It'll be a slight shame to see it on ugly 17 inchers but since i'll be driving my kid to school and back, safe is best.
I'm reading the "s3 running in" thread very carefully and must say i'm unsure which techique to use, give it the beans or take it easy... Oh well, a mixture of both should do it
It'll have its winter sox on if i understood correctly. It'll be a slight shame to see it on ugly 17 inchers but since i'll be driving my kid to school and back, safe is best.
I'm reading the "s3 running in" thread very carefully and must say i'm unsure which techique to use, give it the beans or take it easy... Oh well, a mixture of both should do it
Last edited:
NotquiteWelsh
Registered User
IMO having gray/black interiors make the insides dark and dull, especially with dark rooflining.
I also don't like full leather seats as I feel I'm moving about on the seat when cornering.
The alcantara is a great finish and feels good, the seat colour and the decorative bits in the interior give a lighter larger feel.
I feel secure in the seat, BUT I don't think the standard seats are as good a design as they could be, I feel like I am sinking down between the back and the squawb. The sports seats are better but they don't come in luna silver or any other light colour.
I really like the way they look, but I wonder how they will look after a couple of years of use - but I have had them treated to resist stains and dirt - will be interested if that makes any difference at all.
Itguy
Registered User
Changing the subject, I've asked Audi customer services today if the LED headlight option includes variable range control if you order high beam assist - they're checking with the techs and letting me know. I expect it does as the A6 does (Audi A6 LED Headlights) and this photo LED Photo by cuke2u | Photobucket shows a range control power module (ref 1) and this (2015 Audi A3 Cabriolet First Look - Motor Trend Magazine) article states (it's a copy of an audi press release) that the newnA3 Cabriolet offers optional full-LED headlights, with segment-exclusive variable headlight leveling control.
So - lets hope it does as if so, I'm adding to my order!
So - lets hope it does as if so, I'm adding to my order!
Called Audi today to get my free 7 day insurance cover in place for Friday. They offered me a quote to insure me for the year which was over £700. Called Tesco insurance and got fully comp, protected no claims, business use and her indoors on the policy too for under £300!!!!
Roll on Friday
oh forgot to say, im 40 with 9years no claims
Roll on Friday
oh forgot to say, im 40 with 9years no claims
Marky142
Registered User
Hi All,
I have been reading all the posts with great interest as well as the recent very smart pics of all the S3's that have been collected. I collect my S3 SB this weekend. Estoril Blue ( another I know ) and went for Silver Nappa ( no kids so hoping it will keep well ) I can post pics at the weekend if any interest.
Cheers
I have been reading all the posts with great interest as well as the recent very smart pics of all the S3's that have been collected. I collect my S3 SB this weekend. Estoril Blue ( another I know ) and went for Silver Nappa ( no kids so hoping it will keep well ) I can post pics at the weekend if any interest.
Cheers
paullowther
Registered User
We're always interested in pics! ALWAYS.
c.grex
Registered User
How long has it taken people to get a confirmed build week after they have ordered? (On a sportsback)
Itguy
Registered User
Got mine next day. I ordered on a sunday and got my build week number on the Monday, mid morning.
It has the auto option which will select the right beam for the lighting condition, and you can also manually select them too.
I don't have lane assist.
I will try nip out later and take a snap of the lights on a country lane, but if i end up in a ditch because of it - i'm holding you all responsible....
Also I think the lights adjust to the conditions eg fog or snow and if you go abroad and you have techy audi connect itll adjust the lights for driving on the other side of the road when abroad, apparently
I kept being indecisive about them as I initially they were just a nice to have to not necessary but then I though so it just add them. im glad I ordered them now though I haven't got the car yet, but they sound good.
nice, good idea hiding the number plate, suggest everyone does this - some sad loser muppets could be looking
And this...
I was shocked at the difference between the pics and what my eye was seeing, need a proper camera...
even with the rubbish phone (trust me iphones are dressed up dogs dinner, iphone 5s is finally closer to a decent spec but still and iphone) you can tell the lights look good with a huge spread distance wise
you have to specify the high beam assist - well I did as it was still an option despite selecting led lights - oddly I selected the comfort pack and led lights and BOTH come with the rain/light sensor - eh?? and I am being double charged
I don't like it as it too black then, but if you are going to do it, then id change the wing mirror colour to black as well as this one looks odd
nice camera, did you or do you have a dslr by any chance too
I bought a sony nex3 about 2 years ago mega cheap £180 with an sd card (I bought 2 others wich I sold at £375 each,lol) takes great pics but alas lacks a viewfinder so Ill probably upgrade to the nex6 or 7. I have a canon dslr which takes better pics with the expensive pro lens but it too bulky and I rarely use it
Agreed, i have had an iphone 5s on order for 2 months!! Apparently coming on 21st November and looking forward to using the camera, gonna take some better pics of the S3 and LED's when i get it...
pretty sure I saw it listed in the accessories but not sure why the tow bar would go though
I was waiting for the saloon but saw a standard a3 saloon and rear headroom and rear space killed it for me and I suspect the s3 will be worse. nice looking saloon though - I went for the s3 sportback in the end
yep and the m135i is MEGA ugly from EVERY angle - even a 2vc, any Austin or lada looks nice
I liked the merc a45 but alas almost £50K with a small number of options is mad, plus its cramped and auto only
im 46 with 3 points but with over 20 years protected ncd and cover for the missus for an audi s3 worth almost £39K is about £270
laughably my 11 year old pug xsi which is probably worth naff all is £325 and my 15 year old Ford fiesta is £250
these insurance companies just make it up
protected no claims is a waste of money. They'll only add the cost on to your premium instead.
They always fail to mention that the bmw is mega ugly and is not as well specced as the audi s3, plus im not an a**** so Im not allowed in any bmw showroom. because it was so ugly I didn't even consider it. I did consider the merc but after seeing the price I didn't even bother test driving it. I did configure it and if I did buy one I would have to have the BTCC type rear spoiler - then again at 46 id look daft driving that!!
its not a waste!!
it doesn't add that much cost for, sure for younger people it will but ive always had that's why ive got 20+years ncd to cover me against liars (always Indian or Pakistani) - I now drive with a brilliant blackview 500 hd camera so the next liar wont get away with it
