Help I'm new - 3.2 Q DSG

B

base_line

Registered User
Joined
Aug 12, 2008
Messages
36
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Hi all,

I'm new to the forum and looking to buy my first Audi. I have been recently looking at 3.2 TT's and 3.2 A3's, after talking to the better half she's not keen on the TT as feels it will be "too expensive to run" and see's the A3 as a cheaper car....

..she doesn't understand that they are nearly the same car (I understand the TT was build on the old mk4 Golf platform and the A3 was on the new mk5 platform is that right?).

Anyway I quite like the A3 even if it's a little understated.I've been reading the posts on this and a few other forums and understand that most people suggest booking an extended test drive before buying to ensure you're 100% happy with the DSG, so my plan is to get this sorted ASAP.

In the mean time I have a few questions that I hope you all can help with, these are;
- Is there anything I should be looking out for?
- Does anyone have a Haldex Gen 2 ECU fitted and what sort of difference does this make?
- I know the 3.2 has a tendency to under steer does this help to resolve this?- Can I get the limiter removed?
- Can I retro fit a Audi Satnav and DVD unit easily?
- If I was to mod the suspension (coilovers) does this have any adverse effects and any recommendations on make?

Any general tips would be fantastic.

I have found 53 plate from an Audi dealer which has taken my fancy but would like to know the answers to the above before handing over the cash.

Thanks all
Si
 
Sat nav can be retrofitted easily if you can source a RNS-E unit.
Suspension mod is quite a common one so I assume there isn't that much adverse effects if done properly.

Pedro
 
newbiecrg said:
Sat nav can be retrofitted easily if you can source a RNS-E unit.
Suspension mod is quite a common one so I assume there isn't that much adverse effects if done properly.

Pedro
Click to expand...

Thanks newbiecrg,

I didn't think there would be any problems, but wondered if this would effect the q system.
 
And remember the 3.2 engine'd cars are 2-3k behind book at the moment, due to emmissions
 
base_line said:
In the mean time I have a few questions that I hope you all can help with, these are;
- Is there anything I should be looking out for?
- Does anyone have a Haldex Gen 2 ECU fitted and what sort of difference does this make?
- I know the 3.2 has a tendency to under steer does this help to resolve this?- Can I get the limiter removed?
- Can I retro fit a Audi Satnav and DVD unit easily?
- If I was to mod the suspension (coilovers) does this have any adverse effects and any recommendations on make?

Any general tips would be fantastic.

I have found 53 plate from an Audi dealer which has taken my fancy but would like to know the answers to the above before handing over the cash.

Thanks all
Si
Click to expand...

A few notes from my experience

I've had a 3.2 manual for 18 months, best car I've owned yet.

If it does understeer I haven't noticed and I really push it round the bends, the 4-wheel drive system always gets you round amazing. Never risked it without the ESPas i don't want to end up in a hedge!!

I've thought of the haldex but from what i can find out you need it on a track to really notice the difference.

satnav can be retrofitted for around 600 quid but you're better off buying it ready fitted if you can - its a buyers market.

I've fitted lowering springs £120 and they only improve the handling much better then standard.

if you can put up with the depreciation and escalating petrol costs you'll love it.
 
Just my 2-pence, I previously had a 3.2 manual and it is a great engine, strong and responsive, as long as running cost is not an issue you will love it in either an A3 or TT. Strange comment to make about not wanting the TT as the TT is quite a bit lighter (about 150kg or more) and will feel quicker and return slightly better mpg.

I now have a TT-S and absolutely love it, best car I've ever owned, its a real hoot. I have the DSG box and think its an amazing piece of kit, you won't be disappointed with it. The TT btw (I believe) is nothing to do with any golf platform, it uses the new Audi space-frame technology and handles completely differently. Although I loved my A3, the TT is in a different league and can't be compared.
 
The RNS-E is a great retrofit, but bear in mind it's alot harder and more expensive if the dash is single din. Definately worth doing though.
I had H&R springs on mine and that lowered the car nicely and improved the handling too although I did think it was a little nose heavy at times.
The DSG is great but it can be a little clunky when going from first to reverse and visa versa, it also used to roll back slightly on steepish hills when transfering from brake to throttle setting off.
The best thing about the car though is also the worst. The engine sounds fantastic and pulls strongly but will be very thirsty if driven that way. I had my car 15 months and in that time I averaged 19mpg. I ended up finding myself driving it like a 1.6 to save fuel as it was costing me almost £60 a week on petrol. If your doing low mileage then it's not really a problem.
Still a great car though as long as you are aware that it WILL cost to own one.
 
Agree with 3.2 Ju. If you cane it expect 20 mpg, if you're careful you can get 30 mpg on average around 25. Turning the aircon off saves around 4mg so make sure its off when you don't need it.
 
Thanks all for your replay's.

Some really good comments and info, the fuel costs aren't an issue for me and neither is the depreciation.

I would rather go for a TT but the wife isn't keen due to the lack of 4 good seats so the A3 is a compromise.

I would be tracking it a good 3-4 times a year so it sounds like the Q upgrade would be worth while, as would the retro-fit Satnav.

I'll see how I get on and keep you all in the loop.

Thanks again
Si
 
just be aware that the car tax changes will make taxing it very expensive next year..so if you could hold on and afford the tax £410ish then you might grab a bargin
 
mechanic69 said:
Agree with 3.2 Ju. If you cane it expect 20 mpg, if you're careful you can get 30 mpg on average around 25. Turning the aircon off saves around 4mg so make sure its off when you don't need it.
Click to expand...

That seems optimistic. I would say 16-18 mpg when driven hard is more accurate, at least in my case.

Isn't the 2.0t DSG w/quattro available over there. We are getting this in Sportback form. I really think this is going to be one of more fun, more tunable cars that Audi has made in some time. Chip, exhaust, Gen2 HPP and maybe a bigger turbo. A person could easily have over 300 bhp and still have the fuel efficiency of the 3.2! I love my 3.2q but if I was buying an A3 today it would be 2.0t DSG w/quattro all the way!
 
SteveTDCi said:
just be aware that the car tax changes will make taxing it very expensive next year..so if you could hold on and afford the tax £410ish then you might grab a bargin
Click to expand...

I can indeed, I'm down sizing from two cars to one so the overall costs will still be cheaper :beerchug:
 
.:R2theT said:
That seems optimistic. I would say 16-18 mpg when driven hard is more accurate, at least in my case.

Isn't the 2.0t DSG w/quattro available over there. We are getting this in Sportback form. I really think this is going to be one of more fun, more tunable cars that Audi has made in some time. Chip, exhaust, Gen2 HPP and maybe a bigger turbo. A person could easily have over 300 bhp and still have the fuel efficiency of the 3.2! I love my 3.2q but if I was buying an A3 today it would be 2.0t DSG w/quattro all the way!
Click to expand...

I can certainly see your point and don't not disagree with the fact that the 2.0T is in many ways a better car for the £ per BHP.

However.... and you may think me mad for saying this....

..I find the 4 pot engines very heartless, they lack sole and character IHMO. I’m coming from owning TVR’s, Alfa’s and cars which really offer not just a good drive but an experience.

The Audi unfortunately will never do this to the same extent but the 3.2 at least gives it a good go :racer:. I was also thinking that the car/engine would make a good base for a supercharger :eyebrows:
 
base_line said:
I can certainly see your point and don't not disagree with the fact that the 2.0T is in many ways a better car for the £ per BHP.

However.... and you may think me mad for saying this....

..I find the 4 pot engines very heartless, they lack sole and character IHMO. I’m coming from owning TVR’s, Alfa’s and cars which really offer not just a good drive but an experience.

The Audi unfortunately will never do this to the same extent but the 3.2 at least gives it a good go :racer:. I was also thinking that the car/engine would make a good base for a supercharger :eyebrows:
Click to expand...

I completely agree about the engine characteristics. And if you are going to supercharge or turbo then the 3.2 is the way to go. And DSG can handle a lot more HP/torque than people give it credit it for. Really if you are going FI then the 3.2 is the perfect candidate. If I had an extra $10k I would be all over VF Engineering supposed upcoming turbo!
 
Interesting, I've seen a few companies that provide a Turbo kit for the VW R32 Golf but I can't find anyone that offers a supercharger kit/conversion.

Does anyone know who may be able to help with this?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Spook
A3 3.2 Q S-Line DSG or New S3?
Replies
5
Views
1K
dbm
dbm
trekbiker
3.2 Q DSG or gti mk5
Replies
11
Views
1K
rich164h
R
A3_Rider
A3 3.2 V6 DSG drivers - Quick Q?
Replies
13
Views
1K
paddy
paddy
M
New 3.2 DSG owner
Replies
22
Views
2K
Sarah's A3
Sarah's A3
UV-RS3
Intermitant Noise on 3.2 Q
Replies
1
Views
569
andy1acars
andy1acars
Top
Back