S3 MY12 Panther Build thread: The End; it's been emotional!

[SimplyTheBest1989]

Hi there, Your car is looking great and you have done all the things I would really love to do I just have a few questions

1. When you fitted the spacers did you have to buy new longer wheel bolts? I have the same wheels as you on my 11 plate 170 2.0tdi BE, are the spacers alright to fit to mine with the standard ride height?

2. What were the names of all the led bulbs you used to fit to all the interior lights(overhead festoon, map reading, rear roof, vanity mirrors and footwell)?

3. You had put a link to these... White 64 SMD LEDs H11 Fog Light Bulb Replacement for Car: Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike is it them that are on your car? They seem very cheap lol

Thats it hope you dont mind the questions.

Cheers, Andrew

Can someone please answer my questions above ^^^

Thanks

 

[Ash187]

Hi there, Your car is looking great and you have done all the things I would really love to do I just have a few questions

1. When you fitted the spacers did you have to buy new longer wheel bolts? I have the same wheels as you on my 11 plate 170 2.0tdi BE, are the spacers alright to fit to mine with the standard ride height?

2. What were the names of all the led bulbs you used to fit to all the interior lights(overhead festoon, map reading, rear roof, vanity mirrors and footwell)?

3. You had put a link to these... White 64 SMD LEDs H11 Fog Light Bulb Replacement for Car: Amazon.co.uk: Car & Motorbike is it them that are on your car? They seem very cheap lol

Thats it hope you dont mind the questions.

Cheers, Andrew

1. yes
2. contact a seller on this forum called tr8ups... there are threads all over the forum so just do a search
3. I'l leave this to Warran to answer

 

[NHN]

Has anyone also tried disabling Bose in the head unit coding as in change to just 8P instead of 9 Bose, aswell as gala settings in adaptations to see if this has any affect, its completely obscure idea but given how some stupid things affect others, maybe worth a go even if its not fruitful, I do wonder if you disable Bose in one other area, if it disables the whole system as such.

 

[areeb1]

Hi

I have a MK1 RNS-E. Which screen protector do I need as there are quite a few on their website.

Regards

7) RNSE SCREEN PROTECTOR

NuShield Inc. Dayview Film for 6.3" Nav Displays (E.g. Audi RNSE) - Sourced direct from NuShield USA $18 inc. delivery (no taxes payable)

Link to product: NuShield screen protectors provide long-lasting protection for your Audi display

All I can say is revelation. Sent in a robust package, this film is thick and looks purposeful out of the box. It was designed for use in the military for products used out in the field, so for what it is, it's actually remarkably cheap. Delivery takes about 2 weeks, but it was well worth the wait.

Again I cleaned the screen with anti static screen wipe and a glasses cloth, and guess what; right size, fitted like a dream, looks just like the OEM anti glare finish. It was easy to install, line up, and with the edge of a credit card I smoothed it on and it looks a treat. It's actually hard to see there is anything on it at all.

I've taken some initial shots (1 with a flash to show lack of on screen glare), but please note these were taken at 6pm in my garage with an iPhone 4 (so not the greatest of shots).

I will do a follow up review when it's been used for a bit, but initial signs are very encouraging. If you want to protect your RNSE screen from grubby mitts, winter sneezes or whatever else the world can throw at it, I can seriously recommend this film.

Rating (to date): 5/5

Longer term update; The thing I really like about this film is it's almost impossible to tell its there. The cheap **** one I had before was very glossy / smudgy whereas this one just looks like the OEM anti reflective coating so you wouldn't even know it was there. Very OEM look, and protection where you need it from clumsy fingers.

 

[Jambo26]

Hi Ads, I'll get you a pic, I'm just embarrased by how rank the car looks as it's dirty as feck!

In the meantime another mod for y'awll that I'm not sure if I'll keep or not. Bored and fiddling with VCDS yesterday!

How is done via VCDS something I would like to do, as is just about everything you've done lol.

Cheets. Jamie

 

[mjr901]

Its as simple as ticking a box mate.

 

[Jambo26]

I see cool getting VCDS hopefully next week so il have a look.cheers

 

[NHN]

The issue for the audiopilot volume going up/down can only be resolved via a modification to the amp, which I've done for others already & seemed to fix this.

 

[warren_S5]

The issue for the audiopilot volume going up/down can only be resolved via a modification to the amp, which I've done for others already & seemed to fix this.

Nige, at some point I'm going to have to get you to do this to mine as it drives me nuts. The first few minutes of starting up the car and the stereo keeps turning itself up. I've returned to factory settings for Bose system as I found the treble seemed to be lacking a bit, but to be honest I think something must have changed in the system from my 8P2 (either within the head unit or speaker drivers) as the sound just isn't as good in my 8P3. Lacks the depth and can't sustain the same volume levels without distortion.

 

[NHN]

No worries, happy to help resolve for you

Oh didnt hear back from your mate, did he get the car sorted?

 

[warren_S5]

Oh didnt hear back from your mate, did he get the car sorted?

Funnily enough I've not heard from him either; I'll send him a text and find out what's going on.

 

[Ironborn]

Its as simple as ticking a box mate.

Is it available on a 53 plate, TDI?

 

[IceHanger]

I've done a few "chirp" mods for a few mates, it seems that anything older than about 2010 only gets a faint "pip" not a chirp and sounds a bit pansey

 

[warren_S5]

17) The End; it's been emotional!

After nearly three incredibly happy years in the panther S3 unfortunately all good things have to come to an end....

It will be no great surprise to remaining regulars that I've been out of the loop for some time. Due to an unfortunate (ongoing) health situation I've been left with such bad sciatica in my left leg (that no amount of treatment seems to be curing) that I've had to make the decision to change cars to an 'auto' . I'm gutted as I love this car, and it's everything I could have wished for really in an 8P.

So it's with regret that this will be the last post in the thread for this car, I'll post a few pictures of some of the happy miles we've done together below, but it's not all bad news, I'm sticking with Audi with S-Tronic, so no doubt there will be another build thread in the future!

Thanks to all of you for all the kind words / input / support in getting this car right, in the first week of April I've decided to part-ex it at the dealers as they're doing a decent price for me as a regular customer. Can't be going through the hassle of selling it privately at the moment with everything else on my plate.

All that remains is to get shot of the exhaust system and the RS3 rotors, sort out her last service and she'll be ready for a new owner. If anyone is interesting in doing a swap for 18" OEM rotor wheels (in good nick) for 19's & tyres PM me. Likewise if you fancy a full TBE system (that's all I now have left) then give me a shout.

So to close the chapter a few photos of the old girl. 24,000 fantastic miles and never missed a beat; I'll certainly try and enjoy the last 3 months of her.

Picking her up brand new

S3 at dawn

RS3 rims and Eiback Pro kit installed:

Waiting for the ferry to Sandbanks:

About to head off the Le Mans 2012:

Head to head with a BTCC car!:

On the Revo stand at ADI 2012:

And finally that wonderful Panther paint pop!

 

[Morells]

So gutted for you warren but hope everything health wise gets better for you. And looking forward to the new build thread of the new car. And always enjoyed reading your great wright ups. Sure we will see some more in the future.

 

[warren_S5]

So gutted for you warren but hope everything health wise gets better for you. And looking forward to the new build thread of the new car. And always enjoyed reading your great wright ups. Sure we will see some more in the future.

Cheers chap, kind words. Whilst I'm not running at full capacity the desire for a quick car has not evaporated! S5 already has planned mods (Trups LED light kit, H&R 20/25mm Trax spacers, Revo Stg 1, Stasis intake, rear ARB etc...). I'll just be less hands on than I was with this one.

Post it here as it saves creating another post:

> LED rear number plate lights also up for grabs if anyone wants some (forgot them on previous list)

 

[ChrisP1303]

You getting the Revo done at APS again? (I've been there a few times, Ed's a good bloke)

You yocal to the area where they are? (I live 10 minutes away)

 

[Muzza80]

I've PM'd you regarding the wheels mate.

Cheers

 

[Gavin0478]

Dont forget the supercharger pulley upgrade too......

 

[Dave-S3]

PM'ed about the TBE

 

[batch]

Sad to see you/it leave mate... Enjoyed seeing this beauty on here! Are the plate lamps just plug and play then?

 

[Cruiser89]

Ahhh man.. Sad times!!!

Can't believe its been 3 years since you first got her. Remember the build up to it all was awesome especially as I was waiting for mine to be built.

Good pic in Sandbanks too. That's where I live

What have you decided to go for with the new car? The Mod bug will definitely hit you again

 

[warren_S5]

Ahhh man.. Sad times!!!

Can't believe its been 3 years since you first got her. Remember the build up to it all was awesome especially as I was waiting for mine to be built.

Good pic in Sandbanks too. That's where I live

What have you decided to go for with the new car? The Mod bug will definitely hit you again

They were good times indeed! I'll probably never lose the mod bug, it's under my skin.

Next, pretty much exactly this:

 

[Dave-S3]

They were good times indeed! I'll probably never lose the mod bug, it's under my skin.

Next, pretty much exactly this:

Abit of wee just came out….!

 

[Cruiser89]

They were good times indeed! I'll probably never lose the mod bug, it's under my skin.

Next, pretty much exactly this:

I was expecting you to say you were downgrading to an A1 Auto but this......

 

[warren_S5]

I was expecting you to say you were downgrading to an A1 Auto but this......

Need plenty of space in the footwell to stretch my leg (sciatica); that's the excuse I gave to the wife.... ;-)

 

[NHN]

Yummy V6 supercharged, not that horrible V8 lump.

Still got the back issues then mate, sucks big time I know.

 

[warren_S5]

Yummy V6 supercharged, not that horrible V8 lump.

Still got the back issues then mate, sucks big time I know.

Yup; did clear up a bit but have come back with a vengeance. Standard S3 seat w/o is life a torture instrument at the moment

 

[NHN]

Sorry to hear that mate, it is the worst place to have these types of pains, when I get a dose, I literally have to lay down for hours.

 

[warren_S5]

Yummy V6 supercharged

Yup, whilst I hankered after the V8 noise they're now too old/high mile, carboned up and the V6 has more to work with for some easy power. Lazy cruiser most of the time, then on the odd occasion when you fancy it, a complete hoon wagon. The sports rear diff is amazing (tucks the car into a corner beautifully). Really looking forward to getting it over to Europe when I'm given the all clear.

 

[essIII]

End of an era. Not had any direct dealings, but during my 5 years of S3 ownership your posts were exceptionally useful. Hope your health picks up, love the new S5 - very nearly went for a supercharged V6 S4 myself.

On a side note, pretty sure we briefly occupied the same stretch of dual carriageway (guessing by the numberplate) a couple of Sundays ago in Derbyshire - S3 looked lovely! I was in a debadged blue M135, with a Milltek sticking out the back.

 

[warren_S5]

End of an era. Not had any direct dealings, but during my 5 years of S3 ownership your posts were exceptionally useful. Hope your health picks up, love the new S5 - very nearly went for a supercharged V6 S4 myself.

On a side note, pretty sure we briefly occupied the same stretch of dual carriageway (guessing by the numberplate) a couple of Sundays ago in Derbyshire - S3 looked lovely! I was in a debadged blue M135, with a Milltek sticking out the back.

Thanks for very kind words ess! Wish that had been me; I've been pretty much homebound since October apart from the punctuated hospital visits. Only really started driving again a couple of weeks back. There is another very similar Panther kicking about up that way that was owned by another forum member but cant remember their tag off the top of my head. Bet you're enjoying the M135, hell of a car for the money.

 

[essIII]

Thanks for very kind words ess! Wish that had been me; I've been pretty much homebound since October apart from the punctuated hospital visits. Only really started driving again a couple of weeks back. There is another very similar Panther kicking about up that way that was owned by another forum member but cant remember their tag off the top of my head. Bet you're enjoying the M135, hell of a car for the money.

Ah man, that's not good at all. Here's hoping for a better 2014! Am sure this S3 had "MR COX" as a personalised plate!

And yes, loving the M135. Not lost the modding bug either - Superchip, Milltek & Eibach Pros so far!

 

[warren_S5]

Ah man, that's not good at all. Here's hoping for a better 2014! Am sure this S3 had "MR COX" as a personalised plate!

And yes, loving the M135. Not lost the modding bug either - Superchip, Milltek & Eibach Pros so far!

I'd love that plate, nearly bought one like that last year (S3 WCX) before all this kicked off. Good job I didn't really now I'm getting a '5', so I'm on a plain jane '61' plate!

When I think how good the 135 is to start with, with tweaks it must be sublime. Lucky ******; enjoy!

 

[scotty76]

I'd love that plate, nearly bought one like that last year (S3 WCX) before all this kicked off. Good job I didn't really now I'm getting a '5', so I'm on a plain jane '61' plate!

You have to be careful with that sort of thing. I see a 1.6 A3 occasionally near Theale with a plate that starts S3 ..... I always wonder what happened to the S3.

I was just wondering the other day why I hadn't seen any posts from you for ages. I hope your health picks up and you feel better soon.

 

[warren_S5]

You have to be careful with that sort of thing. I see a 1.6 A3 occasionally near Theale with a plate that starts S3 ..... I always wonder what happened to the S3.

Know what you mean! I live in your neck of the woods so A4 corridor is pretty much my local, see more S3 number plates on cars that aren't S3's than I do on them. Most of them are pretty ordinary cars too.

I worked in Theale for a while in that business park just south of the M4 (off the roundabout). That was 6 years ago when I took the punt to leave the corporate world behind. How time flies, 2 S3's have come and gone in pretty much that time.

 

[scotty76]

I'm at Green Park so plough the A4 / M4 route most days.

 

[warren_S5]

19" rotors SOLD

 

[warren_S5]

my 19" RS3 wheels are gone to a new home.

Forum member Muzza made the drive from Scotland down to the M4 corridor to pick up the wheels, interior LED light kit and rear plate LEDs. Hope they serve you well Murray!

 

[Muzza80]

View attachment 27193

my 19" RS3 wheels are gone to a new home.

Forum member Muzza made the drive from Scotland down to the M4 corridor to pick up the wheels, interior LED light kit and rear plate LEDs. Hope they serve you well Murray!

Hey mate, great meeting you.

Total 750 mile round trip, dont think I'll be doing that in one day again I'll say that much! Delighted with the wheels though they completely change the look of the car, well worth the effort and a great deal for them so im over the moon.

Thanks again mate, look forward to seeing the new car!

Shout me about that other bits as and when, cheers