Facelift Small things you notice that don't seem right...

[Mark_86]

Bit of an odd thread, but I've noticed some small things which I'm not sure are right, but might also be normal and could be my imagination.

Firstly, on the motorway I've noticed the S3 has a tendency to fidget, requiring lots of very small corrections to keep it online. It could be the fat tyres, but seems to just want to wander around and just becomes a bit tiresome on long drives.

Second, which is highlighted by the above, is the dead zone in the steering. Making these small adjustments, the steering seems to have a dead zone where there is little or no power assistance for the first 1 or 2 degrees of adjustment. It might be a trait of modern electric power steering systems as this is the first car I've had that has one - but is quite annoying as you end up fighting the steering which probably highlights the feeling of the car fidgeting.

Additionally, just a side note. Anyone who has had the Method Effects splitter fitted notice any change to the cars feel at high speed (80mph+) where it seems the nose becomes more heavy and direct (again could be me). Anyone know what speeds the splitter has been tested too? I'm concerned that any track days I go to, the splitter may try and pull the bumper off because of the forces added by the higher speeds over 100mph. @MethodEffects - I've fitted it like the video on the website, so x4 bolts on the outer edges, x6 self tapping screws in the centre section and the 3M tape across the whole piece.

 

[TYb]

Hi Mark, I can’t comment on the splitter but my car goes up and down the M5 4 days a week at 3rd lane speeds, I’ve not noticed fidgeting, I can almost take my hands off the wheel and it’ll continue straight.

Mine is on standard 18’s without mag.

Have you hit any big potholes recently, may the tracking is out?

 

[Mark_86]

Hi Mark, I can’t comment on the splitter but my car goes up and down the M5 4 days a week at 3rd lane speeds, I’ve not noticed fidgeting, I can almost take my hands off the wheel and it’ll continue straight.

Mine is on standard 18’s without mag.

Have you hit any big potholes recently, may the tracking is out?

I don't think its the tracking, because I had that done and if I take my hands off the wheel, she tracks straight and true. It's more like that the whole car wanders around a lot. I'm on 19" with Mag... could this be a fault with Mag-Ride or calibrations @DJAlix ?

 

[Daveotto]

Do plenty of motorway driving on Mag ride and 19's and no sign of "wander".

In general electric power steering systems will have a couple of degrees of dead zone associated with electronics response time so don't think that's atyoical either.

You might need a trip to the dealer!!!

 

[sl33p3R]

Splitter has been tested to over 120 mph+(pop 100 mph at least once a day lol) and has been tested on a road course/track multiple times.

There's a coding adjustment for exactly what you need. One of the first changes done to the car when purchased! The most annoying experience ever. Basically, "straight line steering" assist needs to be disabled.

 

[Lehn]

Splitter has been tested to over 120 mph+ and has been tested on a road course multiple times.

There's a coding adjustment for exactly what you need. One of the first changes done to the car when purchased! The most annoying experience ever. Basically, "straight line steering" assist needs to be disabled.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Could you post some more info about this "straight line steering" and what to code in VCDS?

 

[sl33p3R]

Bit of an odd thread, but I've noticed some small things which I'm not sure are right, but might also be normal and could be my imagination.

Firstly, on the motorway I've noticed the S3 has a tendency to fidget, requiring lots of very small corrections to keep it online. It could be the fat tyres, but seems to just want to wander around and just becomes a bit tiresome on long drives.

Second, which is highlighted by the above, is the dead zone in the steering. Making these small adjustments, the steering seems to have a dead zone where there is little or no power assistance for the first 1 or 2 degrees of adjustment. It might be a trait of modern electric power steering systems as this is the first car I've had that has one - but is quite annoying as you end up fighting the steering which probably highlights the feeling of the car fidgeting.

Additionally, just a side note. Anyone who has had the Method Effects splitter fitted notice any change to the cars feel at high speed (80mph+) where it seems the nose becomes more heavy and direct (again could be me). Anyone know what speeds the splitter has been tested too? I'm concerned that any track days I go to, the splitter may try and pull the bumper off because of the forces added by the higher speeds over 100mph. @MethodEffects - I've fitted it like the video on the website, so x4 bolts on the outer edges, x6 self tapping screws in the centre section and the 3M tape across the whole piece.

Not sure why you believe downforce is a negative effect at high rates of speed. Being planted increases confidence?

Splitter has been tested to over 120 mph+(pop 100 mph at least once a day lol) and has been tested on a road course/track multiple times.

There's a coding adjustment for exactly what you need. One of the first changes done to the car when purchased! The most annoying experience ever. Basically, "straight line steering" assist needs to be disabled.


Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[sl33p3R]

Could you post some more info about this "straight line steering" and what to code in VCDS?

[44] Steering Assist
Security code: 19249, 44595, 28183

I can't remember which of the 3 Grant access, I think the first, but load channel 44 and change the "value" to disabled/off, whatever it provides.

No long coding etc. Just straight adaptation.


Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[RO65ERS]

If someone wants to donate a splitter to me, I will happily go out and test it at 150+...

 

[Mark_86]

Not sure why you believe downforce is a negative effect at high rates of speed. Being planted increases confidence?

Never said it was a negative effect, I would be very impressed if it actually provided down force however! Generally, these small additions do nothing for aero performance. I just wanted to know how likely I was to rip the bumper off or something at speed... but happy with the reassurances people have provided, so thank you.

Like I said, this could all just be 'me' being paranoid lol

 

[sl33p3R]

Never said it was a negative effect, I would be very impressed if it actually provided down force however! Generally, these small additions do nothing for aero performance. I just wanted to know how likely I was to rip the bumper off or something at speed... but happy with the reassurances people have provided, so thank you.

Like I said, this could all just be 'me' being paranoid lol

Cool...
Trust me on that coding adaptation. I couldn't stand the damn car until the change. You can't just cruise the car, constantly battling and correcting drove me bananas!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

[Lehn]

Cool...
Trust me on that coding adaptation. I couldn't stand the damn car until the change. You can't just cruise the car, constantly battling and correcting drove me bananas!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Read somewhere about the car throwing an ABS warning when scanned. Is this something you have experienced?

 

[Jassyo06]

So am l reading this thread correctly,if you install this lower valance,you then need to find someone that will encode another program into your cars ecu,what if you cant find one close to where you live

 

[MattSedg]

So am l reading this thread correctly,if you install this lower valance,you then need to find someone that will encode another program into your cars ecu,what if you cant find one close to where you live

think the splitter issue and deadzone steering are sepeerate issues, going by his first post....i've had no weirdness with my splitter, apart from the car looking even better might i say

 

[Steff s3]

Yep it does make it look better, till you smack it off a high kerb while parking it and splitting it into bits, well I did anyway

 

[MattSedg]

Yep it does make it look better, till you smack it off a high kerb while parking it and splitting it into bits, well I did anyway

I reverse into most spots just for this reason!

 

[Steff s3]

At the time I done it I forgot I had it on the car, in fact it’s still lying in my garage from when I took it off, what a crunch noise it made when I did it,to make matters worse the kerb was painted bright yellow, blamed the misses lol

 

[amb66]

Is it in efficiency mode when you get this steering defect? I found the other week that if you drive in efficiency mode on the motorway you're constantly having to make steering corrections because efficiency mode seems to knock out the straight line steering assistance, ie car will tram line more. Put it back into auto or dynamic and car goes in a straight line and isn't fatiguing anymore.

 

[DJAlix]

I don't think its the tracking, because I had that done and if I take my hands off the wheel, she tracks straight and true. It's more like that the whole car wanders around a lot. I'm on 19" with Mag... could this be a fault with Mag-Ride or calibrations @DJAlix ?

Could possibly be a fault but TBH it sounds like it could use a recalibration. This would remove any bounce which which could lead to "twitchiness". Re-calibration works on stock cars as it improved mine no end, mainly in the rear.

 

[Mark_86]

So am l reading this thread correctly,if you install this lower valance,you then need to find someone that will encode another program into your cars ecu,what if you cant find one close to where you live

No mate, separate things. The feeling I have with the car generally re steering and ride... still struggling to gel with the S3 after nearly a year. The splitter looks awesome, I just wanted to know what its been tested to and how likely it was to make a break for freedom at speed. I have noticed a slight heaviness to the front on the motorway since fitting it, so it's having a small effect on the balance of the car but whether this is positive or negative remains to be seen, but I'd be very surprised if it was producing any meaningful down force. It's more for cosmetic reasons.

Is it in efficiency mode when you get this steering defect? I found the other week that if you drive in efficiency mode on the motorway you're constantly having to make steering corrections because efficiency mode seems to knock out the straight line steering assistance, ie car will tram line more. Put it back into auto or dynamic and car goes in a straight line and isn't fatiguing anymore.

It happens in efficiency, comfort and auto mainly, but it's just a small deadness to the steering before it wakes up. Very minor, but you notice these things the more you drive the car.

Could possibly be a fault but TBH it sounds like it could use a recalibration. This would remove any bounce which which could lead to "twitchiness". Re-calibration works on stock cars as it improved mine no end, mainly in the rear.

@DJAlix Could you PM me your price list mate; I'll need to pop up and see you soon to get some bits done.

 

[Mark_86]

Thought I'd revive this thread, rather than start a new one... the saga continues.

S3 has just gone back to Harwoods again today for the following:

- ACC & Pre-Safe Sensor fault (second time this has happened)
- Mag-Ride Fault (Error message on the VC)
- Sticking auto-hold (minor niggle)
- Coolant Leak (Thermostat apparently)
- Squeak noise coming from front left wheel

For a car that's been in as often as mine, now covering 37k miles it's rather annoying. Not sure if I'll be getting another Audi if I'm honest...

 

[Svenedin]

Didn't notice this thread first time around. Is it this that bothers you https://www.audi.co.uk/glossary/d/dynamic-steering.html ? I notice my car can be a bit "twitchy" but it does depend a lot on the road surface.

 

[Mark_86]

Didn't notice this thread first time around. Is it this that bothers you https://www.audi.co.uk/glossary/d/dynamic-steering.html ? I notice my car can be a bit "twitchy" but it does depend a lot on the road surface.

No, it's not that. Ironically, it went away for a while, but has come back recently. Apparently, there is a sensor on the steering rack that's faulty...

 

[Svenedin]

No, it's not that. Ironically, it went away for a while, but has come back recently. Apparently, there is a sensor on the steering rack that's faulty...

Ah! Faulty sensor makes sense

 

[Svenedin]

Did this steering rack sensor fault throw an error code?

 

[wab172uk]

Firstly, on the motorway I've noticed the S3 has a tendency to fidget, requiring lots of very small corrections to keep it online. It could be the fat tyres, but seems to just want to wander around and just becomes a bit tiresome on long drives.
.

This was the first thing I noticed when I first collected my car. Mine fidgets at times too. Not on every road, so many it's the road surface that makes it do it.

It is annoying and off-putting. I sometime sit there thinking my passengers think I'm a crap driver.

 

[Svenedin]

This was the first thing I noticed when I first collected my car. Mine fidgets at times too. Not on every road, so many it's the road surface that makes it do it.

It is annoying and off-putting. I sometime sit there thinking my passengers think I'm a **** driver.

That's interesting what you say. I wonder the same thing and when I'm on my own I wonder whether I am just a nervous, wound up driver which I'm not! I doesn't like deteriorated road surfaces (most of the UK) but on a good road surface it's absolutely spot on. It's as if all of the little jolts send the car slightly off course and that needs a tiny correction.

 

[Mikeso51]

I’ve noticed this on my newly acquired A3, and thought it was just a case of getting used to the car. However I went on a 150 mile motorway trip on Thursday, and was quite tired at the end of it with having to constantly make small steering corrections. Not relaxing! Drive Select was set to Auto, and I wondered afterwards if Comfort would have made a difference.

 

[Mark_86]

Did this steering rack sensor fault throw an error code?

It probably did, but I don't know what it was... Audi aren't forthcoming on these things.

Current driving an A4 S-Line 180PS Saloon in black... it's quite nice, except for the weird steering and front wheel drive.

 

[amb66]

I had the straight line running adaptation done at a local independent and I must say it does improve the twitchiness significantly. Disabling this feature stops it constantly trying to compensate for any unevenness in the road surface and does feel more relaxed. I'd recommend trying it.

 

[Damo S]

Didn't notice this thread first time around. Is it this that bothers you https://www.audi.co.uk/glossary/d/dynamic-steering.html ? I notice my car can be a bit "twitchy" but it does depend a lot on the road surface.

Agreed. My old 3.2 quattro felt planted and rock solid even at 155 mph (on the autobahns, officer). The S3 is twitchy and feels like it tramlines easily especially when booting it (I run individual mode and steering is set to comfort mode, everything else dynamic). I've had the tracking done and it made little difference, I'm also now running the same tyres I had on the old 3.2 so it's not that either. I was thinking of having the tracking done again in case the first effort was a bad job. Maybe its just the way they are but yes the drive is a little more fatiguing and the car does seem to wander around a bit.

 

[Svenedin]

Agreed. My old 3.2 quattro felt planted and rock solid even at 155 mph (on the autobahns, officer). The S3 is twitchy and feels like it tramlines easily especially when booting it (I run individual mode and steering is set to comfort mode, everything else dynamic). I've had the tracking done and it made little difference, I'm also now running the same tyres I had on the old 3.2 so it's not that either. I was thinking of having the tracking done again in case the first effort was a bad job. Maybe its just the way they are but yes the drive is a little more fatiguing and the car does seem to wander around a bit.

I was on the autobahn a lot this Summer and I found the twitchy behaviour so unnerving that I didn’t really push past 125mph even though there were opportunities. It just didn’t feel safe enough. The surfaces were generally poor though.

 

[Jassyo06]

Agreed. My old 3.2 quattro felt planted and rock solid even at 155 mph (on the autobahns, officer). The S3 is twitchy and feels like it tramlines easily especially when booting it (I run individual mode and steering is set to comfort mode, everything else dynamic). I've had the tracking done and it made little difference, I'm also now running the same tyres I had on the old 3.2 so it's not that either. I was thinking of having the tracking done again in case the first effort was a bad job. Maybe its just the way they are but yes the drive is a little more fatiguing and the car does seem to wander around a bit.

The S3 hatches are like this twitchy and can be unnerving at speed the saloon isn't

 

[Flying Scotsman]

No experience with a hatch but my S3 saloon runs straight and true, unlike a brand new 2018 XC60 Volvo which I hired this year, it required constant steering adjustments.

 

[Damo S]

The S3 hatches are like this twitchy and can be unnerving at speed the saloon isn't

how can that be. Perhaps the saloon version is more rigid at the rear end so that makes the difference?

 

[Jassyo06]

how can that be. Perhaps the saloon version is more rigid at the rear end so that makes the difference?

I don't know what makes the difference but it was the main reason l got rid of my S3 sportback

 

[Flying Scotsman]

A shot in the dark....mag suspension, 19" wheels and tyre width.

 

[Svenedin]

At UK motorway speeds the car is fine except on very poor surfaces. It’s only when pushing it on the autobahn that I feel things are unsettling. There’s quite enough to think about at high speed without worrying about a twitchy car! I might get Audi to look at my car when it’s next in.

 

[Svenedin]

A shot in the dark....mag suspension, 19" wheels and tyre width.

I’m on 18” and no mag ride. Tyres are standard as are wheels. Weirdly it is less noticeable on Winter tyres. I can’t explain that.

 

[Damo S]

A shot in the dark....mag suspension, 19" wheels and tyre width.

mine is on 18s, normal suspension.