mtm S3

[stained_green]

Hi folks, been lurking around for a while trying to gather as much info as possible before taking the plunge into an S3.

Been to look at an '02 S3 60k miles with an MTM 300bhp conversion, tt suspension and porsche brakes. So far it's just been a quick nose about inside and outside, lifted the bonnet and had a quick look. The car is very tidy inside and out and on paper has a very good history with only two owners FSH etc.

Planning on going back in a day or two for another look and to have a drive in it. I know if I have a drive I'll be sold so what should I know about in terms of problems, maintenance, hidden costs and so on before I go and drive the car.

What lifespan should be expected from the MTM components ? My understanding is that the MTM conversion includes full exhaust with manifold, daft question but if I stick my head under the car will I be able to tell if it's still the full MTM system ? At what point will my local garage/dealer shrug their shoulders and refuse to work on the car because of the conversion .. do I need a specialist even to get it serviced, and does the conversion need any special service intervals/work that a standard S3 doesnt.

Thats probably enough for a first post, and thanks for any info you might be able to offer.

cheers
Michael

 

[Olly P]

If your worried about the conversion, ask the seller for reciepts. It was probably done at QS Tuning as there the official UK MTM dealer. You could get in touch with them, I'm sure they have a record of whats been done. I thought MTM did a 310 and a 345 bhp kit, not a 300 one? This might help with spotting whats what:

"310bhp - As for 269bhp version but with new MTM exhaust manifold hybrid turbo new wastegate and down pipe uprated dump valve uprated fuel system silicon turbo hoses"

I've got the 310 bhp MTM kit on my S3, it was fitted by the previous owner. I've had no problems at all, it make the S3 a quick car! To be honest, your always going to want more power, I'd love a 350/400 BT kit on mine! I'm pretty sure storm developments offer a 410 bhp supercharger kit too, mmmmm! As far as every day drivability, the 310 MTM kit is pretty good compromise! I've also got the Porsche breaks, they give awesome stopping power!!!

Ahem, not sure about a S3 in green though

 

[bantam1]

I'd enquire as to what exactly 'TT suspension' means as that would be an unusual upgrade route!

 

[stained_green]

Thanks for the quick reply folks.

Olly, This is the mtm kit I was referred too. I'll give QS tunning a call and have a chat with them tommorow. lol no worries on the Green, it's in Imola Yellow.

Bantam I'm glad you bring up the 'tt suspension' as it's not something I have seen done to any other s3, I actually just dropped it into the post rather than asking specifically about the what's and why's to see if it raised any questions ... I'll ask when I go back but I wouldn't expect the dealer to have too much of a clue, I now think it may be the tt suspension arms fitted to give more negative camber ?

 

[<tuffty/>]

TT and S3 front suspension arms are one and the same and have slotted holes for adjusting camber, the difference (IIRC) is the arms rear bushes... the S3 ones are voided and the TT ones are solid giving better turn in, high speed stability and less skirming under heavy braking...

<tuffty/>

 

[bantam1]

It could possibly be a blag about the suspension, or something the dealer was told. If you're seriously considering it i'd simply get clarity. Not necessarily a bad thing unless you're expecting a ready modded car and actually find out you need to shell out the £1500 or so to sort the suspension properly. It all depends on what you want from the car and whether the suspension is a must.

 

[stained_green]

If that's what has been done tuffty, sounds ok to me I'll see if the dealer can clarify the details.

I didn't set out looking for a modified motor, in fact I would normally shy away from anything that had 'work' done in it. The showroom is close to me and I had nothing better to do, so I went for a look. I was half expecting something knocked together by a couple of numpties in a garden hut with bits of blue silicone pipe rammed under the bonnet and some old milk bottle tops stuck here and there for extra cooling.
The first owner of the car who had the work carried out was a manager of some sort in the local audi dealer, second owner was the owner of a exhaust fitting centre so I'm pretty happy that any work carried out, subject to speaking with QS tuning, has been done properly and the car has been well maintained through it's life. After a bit of research it seems that the MTM conversion is pretty sound and well respected.

As I say I normaly wouldnt touch anything modified with a barge pole, a standard S3 would have been treated to a new set of wheels and an engine re-map, maybe the draw of having something a bit different and a bit faster than normal is clouding my good judgement ?

This is the car in question It has been suggested that it's way over-priced, any comments on that or anything else welcome.

 

[<tuffty/>]

I like the way they state "Insurance Group:18" and then put "MTM Conversion output of over 300bhp, Audi tt suspension upgrade & Porsche brakes" after it... like you could insure that as a std car!! LOL

Looks nice mate, I think the yellow is a nice colour on an S3 but was never brave enough to go for it as I prefer the generic yet subtle silver...

<tuffty/>

 

[S3 HODGE]

Looks nice, Not to sure on the mirrors tho...

 

[S3Matt]

Not to sure on the mirrors tho...

My thoughts too!

I spotted this car a wee while ago, quite close to me... did think (very briefly) about a trade in as a cheaper way to 300hp

...but it's very yellow... I like my black one!

 

[ianysm]

Looks great. Not sure about the price though! I guess alot has been done but how much on top of a decent donor car would it cost to get 300bhp, decent suspension and brakes?

It will drive great! I thini 8-9k would be more realistic

 

[ianysm]

Ah reading QST's website indicates its about 6k for 310bhp. Thats rediculous. In fact they seem rather expensive to me! £600 for a remap alone? PLUS VAT, who are they kidding?

 

[S3 HODGE]

If you want big power you have to pay the price

I like the yellow colour just not the mirrors? But apart from that its a good example. I think the price is about right....Taking in to mind its an 02 plate with 65k on the clock? Yes modifiying a car devalue's it in most cases but the MTM conversion makes more people think about bumping up there budget a bit for the power.

 

[S3Matt]

looks a bit scruffy too... what does it look like in the flesh?

 

[stained_green]

Yep those mirrors were tat, trust me they dont look half as bad in the pics as they do in real life, bit of a bodged job with the little trim panels missing on the inside as well.

after a lot of website clicking, changing of minds and having a good old sleep on it I think this one will be dropped from the shortlist. My initial instict was to avoid it and there are just too many wee niggles about it, also if I wanted a 300 bhp S3 i would want it to be mine and not somone elses.

oh well the search continues

 

[ianysm]

Thats what i was getting at. You're better off adding the mods yourself and starting with a decent standard or remapped car!

 

[S3 HODGE]

O well...Dont settle for second best, at least if you buy a standard car and mod it yourself you know its been done properly and not by a bunch of cowboys.
I traveled 300 miles to wales to see a "mint" condition S3 in yellow. He told me down the phone that the car was in showroom condition and was the facelift model. I got there after being so exited on the way over and it was a mess...He'd cut yes cut! coils off the rear springs to "lower" it, It wasnt a facelift but had all the cheap ebay poop to make it look like the facelift, he prodly told me that he was banned for drug trafficing? Found out more when i sat inside because every panel was lose and didnt sit flush....I didnt even find 1 panel that wasnt scratched or damaged. Then i asked if he could take me out for a spin....So much for warming the engine up.....He turned it on and booted it up the road before the car could think after turning on the ignition and then onto a duelcarrageway doing around 100mph. I said "youve got to be laughing" and walked off....People these days....

 

[stained_green]

Dont tell me that, I'm about to set off for an overnighter too check out another couple of cars tomorrow

 

[S3 HODGE]

Dont tell me that, I'm about to set off for an overnighter too check out another couple of cars tomorrow

Lol, Just make sure they are what they tell you they are. Like they may tell you it will have BOSE and it may not...Just little things you can pick at and bring the price down

Good luck matey:icon_thumright: