Don't use acid cleaner on any wheels, ruins every type of wheel in the end, and also strips the coating on the hub which will then go rusty and look terrible, plenty of excellent wheel cleaners that aren't acid based.
2013 Audi S3
- Thread starter Snake Pliskin
- Start date
Don't use acid cleaner on any wheels, ruins every type of wheel in the end, and also strips the coating on the hub which will then go rusty and look terrible, plenty of excellent wheel cleaners that aren't acid based.
paullowther
Registered User
I literally had a nightmare last night that I went to go and pick up my car but they'd painted it green instead of black & all audi offered me was a refund on my paint costs! Woke up in cold sweats! Haha.
like wonder wheels you mean - does a good job of cleaning wheels but ultimately destroys them
This.
I foam my wheels to lift the dirt, jet wash and then wash using a microfibre mit and Auto Finesse car shampoo only, then dry and seal.
Sure the mit gets dirty, but it is far better than using acid cleaner and some of the alloy brushes that you get.
Sealing them means the dirt sits on the outside, rather than on the wheel so will make them easier to clean.
Away out to do this very thing this morning.
All wheel cleaners are going to be "abrasive" whether acidic or alkaline and will ruin your alloys if you use them every couple of weeks but I find that as long as wheels are clean and are protectedi with a good sealer then you can keep them clean with a pressure washer, car shampoo and a brush for a good few months. Consequently, you will then only need to use an abrasive cleaner 3 maybe 4 times a year max so limiting any potential chemical erosion on the surface.
paullowther
Registered User
Does anybody know where I might be able to find some carbon fibre style inlays to replace the standard ones found in the S3? It's been really bugging me that they didn't offer carbon fibre style inlays as an option.
What would you guys suggest for a roof box and rack system, I've order a S3 with roof rails and would like something that's easy to install and remove so its not a permanent fixture. Have never had a roof box before so mind my ignorance. Any advise welcome.
paullowther
Registered User
There is a safer version Wonder Wheels Hot Wheels | Auto Express but the best and safest is bilberry in my opinion...
Itguy
Registered User
as you've got rails, I think you have two real options for the bars. Option A is genuine Audi clamp on cars, c.£200. Option B is Thule bars, which will come as a kit, ie the bars and the clamps. C. £140-160. I expect thule make the genuine Audi ones anyway as thule are THE people in the world for these.
Regarding roof boxes, you'll need to decide how big you want and how you want it to open (side / front etc). Halfords is a best first place to visit to get an idea. Prices vary wildly, generally the bigger and more aerodynamic ones cost more. Thule also make roof boxes.
Ive used thule roof bars and cycle carriers on my MINI for years and they are rock solid.
paullowther
Registered User
There are some really nice S3's on here but i've noticed that almost all of them are Sportbacks. Are there anymore 3 doors here?
paullowther
Registered User
the_lecht_rocks
Registered User
sb outselling 3dr 6:1
its the only hatch I've ever seen that looks better in 5dr than 3dr.... And the lads at audi aberdeen agree..... The 3dr looks unfinished somehow...
I'll try and take some more tomorrow and post them up
Unfortunately one thing I have noticed on mine...
There appears to be imperfections in the two passenger side glass windows. I shall be taking my car back to the dealer tomorrow to show them but I am amazed at how this got past factory and dealer checks. Its not noticeable glancing or from certain angles, just up close when facing the window square on. You can also feel some of them, almost like small (literally minuscule) chips in the glass
3 Door Estoril S3 on order.
Prefer the shape of the 3 door and dont need 5 doors and who wants to pay more for a slower car.
Dont forget the 3 door was the original. And with there being less on the road will be a little bit more special. I prefer the fewer doors, as with my current 3 door A1, my previous 2 door A5.
Although I must say the 5 door looks very nice and I was tempted, but who really want to drive the second fastest version of the A3 range
Prefer the shape of the 3 door and dont need 5 doors and who wants to pay more for a slower car.
Dont forget the 3 door was the original. And with there being less on the road will be a little bit more special. I prefer the fewer doors, as with my current 3 door A1, my previous 2 door A5.
Although I must say the 5 door looks very nice and I was tempted, but who really want to drive the second fastest version of the A3 range
c.grex
Registered User
I love the banter on this post some times!
The fact is most of the S3's on here are heavily optioned up, making them a very personal thing. 3 door vs 5, S tronic vs manual, roof rails or not, the list goes on and on. You make the car how you like it, don't worry what others think, just enjoy it yourself!
As for .1 of a second faster, I'd like to see this proven by any normal driver on here, doing a 0-62 time! the extra weight of the Technology DVD play / Hard drive could make .1 second difference to a car!
The fact is most of the S3's on here are heavily optioned up, making them a very personal thing. 3 door vs 5, S tronic vs manual, roof rails or not, the list goes on and on. You make the car how you like it, don't worry what others think, just enjoy it yourself!
As for .1 of a second faster, I'd like to see this proven by any normal driver on here, doing a 0-62 time! the extra weight of the Technology DVD play / Hard drive could make .1 second difference to a car!
Itguy
Registered User
My personal view is that the 3dr looks too long. It's just as though they designed to be a SB first then did the 3dr after.
It doesn't appeal to me, the bigger doors of the 3dr are a pain in car parks and as I live on a slight hill they are also heavy on the drive too.
I had a mk4 golf in 3dr as I was too tight to pay for the 5dr. Never again, hated that car for 3 years because of it.
SB all the way for me!!
It doesn't appeal to me, the bigger doors of the 3dr are a pain in car parks and as I live on a slight hill they are also heavy on the drive too.
I had a mk4 golf in 3dr as I was too tight to pay for the 5dr. Never again, hated that car for 3 years because of it.
SB all the way for me!!
I'd have to agree with you and without meaning to sound disrespectful to any 3 door owners or potential owners that it is and correct me if i a wrong, the same bonnet and larger front doors, IMO, that visually give the 3dr a disproportionate look compared to that of the 5 door brother. It looks like Audi, without wanting to infringe on cabin space have stretched the front doors in order to utilise and maximise driver and passenger cabin space?
Sadly the following video is overdubber but heres the video from the designer next to a three door version.
L'Audi A3 raccontata dal designer Dany Garand - YouTube
And we are not allowed to re-ignite the discussion about how the white version shows off the paint work so much better, we're on to a whole new argument / disscussion about which is better between three and 5 doors. Obviously Estoril is the best colour, even though this guy is using a white car to show off the lines, but what does he know he only desinged the car
L'Audi A3 raccontata dal designer Dany Garand - YouTube
And we are not allowed to re-ignite the discussion about how the white version shows off the paint work so much better, we're on to a whole new argument / disscussion about which is better between three and 5 doors. Obviously Estoril is the best colour, even though this guy is using a white car to show off the lines, but what does he know he only desinged the car
I bought a Karrite Odyssey 360 and fits my pug 307xsi - I guess itll be ok on the audi - its the almost the same as the Halfords exodus but a lot cheaper - paid about £130 delivered, laughably the Halfords one that's near identical is £230 - only difference being the mounting system
the_lecht_rocks
Registered User
poor mans black.... Rich men choose panther.....
paullowther
Registered User
Sportback owners out in full force tonight bashing on the 3 door!
I for one wouldn't be seen dead in a car that will be interpreted by many road users as an estate. Not at 23 at least... It would appear I've either given up on life or had a child I didn't plan to have too early!
I for one wouldn't be seen dead in a car that will be interpreted by many road users as an estate. Not at 23 at least... It would appear I've either given up on life or had a child I didn't plan to have too early!
strange. The salesman I got at Aberdeen Audi said the 3dr looks better. Imagine them telling you what you want to hear to sell a car.....
Itguy
Registered User
Sportback owners out in full force tonight bashing on the 3 door!
I for one wouldn't be seen dead in a car that will be interpreted by many road users as an estate. Not at 23 at least... It would appear I've either given up on life or had a child I didn't plan to have too early!
hahaha - I was 23 when I got my first 850 T5. My wife and I did a lot of camping back then and it was great fun burning almost everyone off the road in clouds of tyre smoke. I loved that car.
Embrace the extra doors!
i presume you wanted the hatch format for practicality? I ask as a lot of younger drivers who have the money go the coupe or sports car route?
Itguy
Registered User
strange. The salesman I got at Aberdeen Audi said the 3dr looks better. Imagine them telling you what you want to hear to sell a car.....
i can't wait to see pics of your ice silver one - my wife wasn't keen but would have been my first choice
the_lecht_rocks
Registered User
the_lecht_rocks
Registered User
looks like racing blue mica exclusive. A friend has the same colour in his RS4...
paullowther
Registered User
The big draw for me was that most people (mainly staff) won't have a clue how much the car is. If I rocked up to work in a Porsche word would quickly spread and they'd all be wanting a pay rise!
paullowther
Registered User
paullowther
Registered User
It could well be Estoril, it looks like the car in that photo has been post processed to f*ck!
Itguy
Registered User
good of call, I totally understand this. I have a senior job in the NHS and I have the same concerns about image also. The S3 is a great car for stealth.
3 Door Estoril S3 on order.
Prefer the shape of the 3 door and dont need 5 doors and who wants to pay more for a slower car.
Dont forget the 3 door was the original. And with there being less on the road will be a little bit more special. I prefer the fewer doors, as with my current 3 door A1, my previous 2 door A5.
Although I must say the 5 door looks very nice and I was tempted, but who really want to drive the second fastest version of the A3 range
They all do 155 mph ! and if its 0-62 you mean, if yours is the manual (not sure from your signature info) then you will be 3 tenths slower than a lot of S3 SBs :icon_thumright:
If you are getting s tronic then fair play!
