Recent content by Philbert

Just to add to the list... my S3 is slipping in 4th, 5th, and 6th gear. I've covered 23k miles. It is booked into Audi in a couple of weeks and I am not going to be happy if they try and tell me it's my fault! It is clearly not suitable for the car if it only lasts this long. On both of my...

If the clips won't fit through the gaps you could be struggling with any rear-mount carrier! The Saris Bones carrier I have can have some hooks (the top ones) replaced with foam dumbbell style ends, not sure if that would help you. Have you looked into a towbar (think you can get a removable...

I'm not fit enough for consecutive days yet! Did see your S1 on the way in - have a soft spot for them. Nice car! If you're a regular I suspect you'll be seeing me again, feel free to take a look! I've also seen a black S3 SB parked down near the pub in Peaslake a few times too.

That was me! It was pretty dusty afterwards! Great day for some biking in the hills.

I take your point that they are complex machines that are operated in many different ways, but I don't think acceleration at varying throttle loads is a difficult or uncommon scenario to design for. My job is in rotating machinery (pumps, compressors, gas turbines, etc...) and sometimes...

So it's clear that Audi aren't too interested in doing anything about this. It's either too costly for them to investigate and implement a change, and/or there's no compelling safety concern. In my opinion it detracts from the otherwise high standard of the car (I have the S3), relative to other...

I believe the Audi official ones are made by Thule. For a little less money you can get the Thule Wingbar Edge and a couple of cycle carriers. Which is what I did! I highly recommend them. I don't have any pictures to show unfortunately. I have the Thule fork mount carriers (I think they're...

I also have the rattle on my S3. The Audi garage I went to said they knew about it and also said there's no fix... I don't think we should accept the 'characteristic' argument.

You can definitely have black roof rails without the black styling pack, as that's what I have! Obviously I don't think it looks weird, but it's all in the eye of the beholder. Make your own mind up...

True - they are not the only way to fit a roof rack, but they are the most convenient. Without roof rails you have to deform the seals to get to the fixing points. I'm sure this isn't a problem short term. Over time it could be an issue, or after many installations/removals. I actually went for...

Roof rails are a practicality option. If you need to carry stuff, get them. I got them on mine for easier bike transportation.

Ha! Yes, I have to say that the car has not disappointed at all :) it has totally lived up to my expectations. Veeeeight, good point!

I got absolutely nothing when I picked up my new S3...quite disappointing.

On the subject of snow chains as I am considering a set for a trip to the Alps in January...I have an S3 with the 18" twin spoke star wheels. The manual suggests you can only use snow chains on the winter wheels (alloy = 6jx17, 48mm offset, 205/50 tyres). Is this correct? Has anyone...

The numbers people are quoting are quite reasonable I reckon. I had an Alfa gtv with the v6 engine and 1 litre per 1000 miles was no cause for concern. The same for the 3.0l BMW Z4. I wouldn't worry too much unless it's going through a lot or you can see visible oil smoke (blueish tint) from...