Not feeling the love for the S3 steering wheel

drummerdimitri · Nov 30, 2015

I have the flat bottomed steering wheel and although it looks great it is just a pain to get used to but that is just because of the flat bottom option but there's more...

I can't stand feeling the stitching when grabbing the wheel especially at the 9 and 3 O'clock positions and that's how I hold the steering wheel most of the time.

I can't stand the massive bulges at the 10 and 2 positions since that's another way I hold the steering wheel when driving.

I much prefer the steering wheel feel in our Q3 and I hope Audi improves in this department.

Rob2k68 · Nov 30, 2015

Can you drop a Q3 one on it ?

Pickle1970 · Nov 30, 2015

I think you could possibly be in a minority of one on this. I've got the S-Line wheels with flat bottom and love the feel of it.

Simon L · Nov 30, 2015

I know this is yet another personal preference thing but honestly I don't think I've heard such a load of nonsense in all my life!!

drummerdimitri · Nov 30, 2015

Pickle1970 said:
I think you could possibly be in a minority of one on this. I've got the S-Line wheels with flat bottom and love the feel of it.

To each their own but I much prefer a round steering wheel that is perfectly symmetric in shape since it feels more natural to hold on to and slides though your hands nice and smoothly.

Pickle1970 · Nov 30, 2015

you didn't think the same on the test drive then?

drummerdimitri · Nov 30, 2015

Simon L said:
I know this is yet another personal preference thing but honestly I don't think I've heard such a load of nonsense in all my life!!

Nothing I said is nonsense and is backed by factual evidence.

drummerdimitri · Nov 30, 2015

Pickle1970 said:
you didn't think the same on the test drive then?

What difference does it make? The car only comes with one steering wheel design. I had the option of a non flat bottomed steering wheel but I had to try it out but never will I buy a car with one if given the option.

Pickle1970 · Nov 30, 2015

fair enough, you obviously feel extremely strong about a steering wheel so my question stands, If you didn't like it that much why buy the car?

drummerdimitri · Nov 30, 2015

Pickle1970 said:
fair enough, you obviously feel extremely strong about a steering wheel so my question stands, If you didn't like it that much why buy the car?

I love everything about the car except the turbo lag and that steering wheel but that doesn't mean I wont buy it!

All cars come with downsides so it's just a matter of finding a car with more pros than cons.

Simon L · Nov 30, 2015

drummerdimitri said:
Nothing I said is nonsense and is backed by factual evidence.

How about this one mate, nice smooth edges??

Free-shipping-child-the-base-font-b-steering-b-font-font-b-wheel-b-font-toy.jpg

Pickle1970 · Nov 30, 2015

it's still got the fat bits though at 10 and 2 o'clock so I'd say it's a no goer??

Rob2k68 · Nov 30, 2015

There are round S-line ones on eBay for the 8V should be a simple change,

(Said with a large grin after seeing the picture above)

pburv · Nov 30, 2015

Simon L said:
How about this one mate, nice smooth edges??
I like where the key /ignition position.I wonder if Audi will have this feature on there next model A3?
I would have to take it for a test drive first to see whether I like it or not

Rob2k68 · Nov 30, 2015

Item 271756619931 has paddles and airbag says Q3/A3

Bradks3 · Nov 30, 2015

I'm sure if you advertise that you would like to swap an s3 wheel for a standard a3 wheel, there will be plenty of takers

try the classified section of the forum.

drummerdimitri · Nov 30, 2015

Simon L said:
How about this one mate, nice smooth edges??

Smooth edges but fat top part.

Q3 steering wheel is idea although non sporty looking so doesnt fit the interior of the car.

I don't hate the S3's wheel, I just wish I liked it more.

drummerdimitri · Nov 30, 2015

Bradks3 said:
I'm sure if you advertise that you would like to swap an s3 wheel for a standard a3 wheel, there will be plenty of takers try the classified section of the forum.

I am not asking for a replacement just pointing out my dislike for the S3's steering wheel

1wheelonly · Nov 30, 2015

The Q3 steering wheel will bolt straight on to your S3 and your existing controls and airbag will fit it
10 minute job

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/181668802833

jaypers777 · Nov 30, 2015

I love the feel of the flat bottom steering wheel.

blodwen715 · Nov 30, 2015

@drummerdimitri I have some sympathy with some comments about the steering wheel, but as said, everyone's different.

My gripe is that the door armrest is too low (for me) to put my elbow on, hence I think I put more pressure on the steering wheel with the palm of my hand. Given the shape of the rim (and I don't mean the flat bottom) in the 2 /10 position I am getting pain in my hand as well as down the arm. Yes I have only had it 2 weeks and I noted the armrest on the test drive but I put it down to the seat was raised on that one! Putting my elbow on the top of the door card seems just unnatural too. I have been use to driving my last 2 cars (10 years..) resting my right arm on the door whilst been able to hold the wheel without any stress.

Gripe over... lets get on with it and drive it..

xBox · Nov 30, 2015

blodwen715 said:
@drummerdimitri I have some sympathy with some comments about the steering wheel, but as said, everyone's different.

My gripe is that the door armrest is too low (for me) to put my elbow on, hence I think I put more pressure on the steering wheel with the palm of my hand. Given the shape of the rim (and I don't mean the flat bottom) in the 2 /10 position I am getting pain in my hand as well as down the arm. Yes I have only had it 2 weeks and I noted the armrest on the test drive but I put it down to the seat was raised on that one! Putting my elbow on the top of the door card seems just unnatural too. I have been use to driving my last 2 cars (10 years..) resting my right arm on the door whilst been able to hold the wheel without any stress.

Gripe over... lets get on with it and drive it..

I got used to driving with my hand resting on the passenger seat. Few years of Elise's did that.... but my female passengers seldom complain

musicegbdf · Nov 30, 2015

Interesting.
Flat bottom looks great , but agree feels odd.
Agree the arm rest on the door us too low for me, and the lag is a bit concerning. Clock in the Drs needed , internal boot release needed.... But loving it... Would buy the same again in a heart beat.

Jassyo06 · Nov 30, 2015

Do you even like the car........all you do is moan about it?
Best looking steering wheel best to Touch/hold
Av had 2 flat bottomed wheels love em
Best of all perfect size
.

Rob2k68 · Nov 30, 2015

Have to say I love it far better than the FBSW I had in my Leon FR even fitted a black edition flat bottom wheel to my 8P but felt that was lacking some thickness.

alijnclarke · Nov 30, 2015

I was never the biggest fan of my S3, but I loved the steering wheel! Truly an excellent wheel imo (apart from the small paddles).

I'm not sure why anyone would moan about it, but if you really don't like it just do something about it and swap it?

The flat bottom takes a bit of getting used to, but I really liked it. I wish Porsche would offer it!

1wheelonly · Nov 30, 2015

I've just fitted the facelift carbon one to my TT, VERY thick, feels great in the hands

WarwickL · Nov 30, 2015

drummerdimitri said:
Nothing I said is nonsense and is backed by factual evidence.

No, you would be using personal opinion which of course is valid for you personally (even if I disagree)

The S3 steering wheel is nicer than the flat bottomed one in our R

Have driven and owned a few hundred vehicles in my 45 years of driving and the S3 wheel is one of the best.

1wheelonly · Nov 30, 2015

WarwickL said:
the S3 wheel is one of the best.

I believe the s3 wheel is all smooth leather ??

Before my carbon one I had the RS5 wheel

Similar to the s3 wheel but fully perforated and slightly thicker

I suppose it all boils down to personal preference but I wouldn't be taking a flat bottom out to fit a round one

Rob2k68 · Nov 30, 2015

Which wheel is perf at the sides but smooth top & bottom ?

(There's no punch line lol genuine question)

1wheelonly · Nov 30, 2015

I think the regular s-line wheel is half and half

sleeves_008 · Nov 30, 2015

Rob2k68 said:
Which wheel is perf at the sides but smooth top & bottom ?

(There's no punch line lol genuine question)

S Line - Or at least mine is 2015 model.

WarwickL · Nov 30, 2015

Golf R we owned had perforated 'leather' on the wheel

Disliked the idea of perforations in the wheel covering. Body fat and sweat magnet and it made it look low class. Similar wheel to the S3 however (no surprise)

Jassyo06 · Nov 30, 2015

I prefer smooth leather, perforated leather looks a bit old fashioned in my humble opinion

WarwickL · Nov 30, 2015

Although I like the S3 wheel, our Golf R wheel had a better setup for cruise control and other steering wheel controls (audio).

My more general gripe with VAG is why put so much fuel use info on the screens - I don't care

Give me oil and water temp, boost, EGTs etc - useful stuff

1wheelonly · Nov 30, 2015

What I don't understand is why the S models have smooth,
s-line have half & half
And the RS models have fully perforated

I'd of thought the order was wrong

1wheelonly · Nov 30, 2015

My favourite wheel is the latest mk3 TT wheel
Smaller and thicker than previous wheels
But works on a different Lin version so I can't retro fit one

Rob2k68 · Nov 30, 2015

1wheelonly said:
What I don't understand is why the S models have smooth,
s-line have half & half
And the RS models have fully perforated

I'd of thought the order was wrong

Does seem strange now you've said it.

What's the deal with Alcantara is that an option ?

A3_Rider · Nov 30, 2015

True, I was wondering why they didn't offer the grip like in the S line on 8P A3s it's something I miss but it's not something that would bother me too much.

WarwickL · Nov 30, 2015

1wheelonly said:
What I don't understand is why the S models have smooth,
s-line have half & half
And the RS models have fully perforated

I'd of thought the order was wrong

S-Line - they use the leftovers from the bin
S3 - they match the rest of the S interior, unified look
RS - they know owners sweat a lot when they drive 'fast'

Not feeling the love for the S3 steering wheel

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