Hopeful New S3 Owner ** Advice Please**

[sheridan94]

Hi All
Let me introduce myself, my names Will im 20 years old from North wales.
I've been lurking arund here for some time now
I currently drive a Corsa C SRi 1.8 which i have loved for the last 2 years.

I've been saving extremely hard for the last year to enable me today to consider a new car. I'm pretty much decided upon a face lift S3 up to the 15k mark. Looked around at various different cars and im certain it's the one for me.

Before I get out there and start driving and getting the feel for the S3 i was wondering if there is anything i should look out for? any common faults i should be aware of etc etc? Even any decent S3 specialists to look out for?

Any advice would be much appreciated.
Hopefully i'm riding along in one soon

 

[Sandra]

Hi will, welcome to audi-sports.net. Have a read in the faqs thread at top of this section, lots of info in there. Enjoy the forum. x

 

[AndyParker]

Welcome to the Audi forums and great choice for your next car!

My advice would be to take your time and hold out for the car that you really want. The option that was an absolute must for me was the RS4 bucket seats - I'm so glad i kept hunting for 4 months to wait for a car to come up with them. You won't be disappointed!!

 

[sheridan94]

Hey Guys! Thank you

I am definitely after an S3 with Recaro RS4's along with the flat bottom steering wheel.
I would like recommendations on whether its worth going for a DSG box, whats the tuning like over manual?

 

[AndyParker]

I went for manual as my gut feeling was that it would be cheaper to replace a manual if it ever went wrong. However the DSG can cope with more tuning.

Mine is booked in to go to 360BHP ish and i'm budgeting for a new clutch as the standard clutch on pre facelift cars starts to struggle with that much power. You're looking at £1,500 ish for an appropriate sports clutch set up including fitting

 

[sheridan94]

I have thought a bit like this too ... DSG would be very dear !

I'm looking to eventually get to the same power as you. I have done a little research and have a good idea what i need in order to reach 360.
Out of interest how much will it set you back to achieve the power ? Am i right in assuming the facelift model copes better at stage 2 on a standard clutch ?

 

[S3_Mat]

Intake - £150 - 350
Turbo back exhaust - depends on if you have a cat or not but budget £700 - £1k
Uprated DV £50 - £100
HPFP - £575
RS4 Fuel valve - £40
Clutch - £900 - £1300 fitted depending on which one you get (DMF or SMF)
Remap stage 2+ approx £500 depends on the tuning company.

Suspension is recommended, brakes may be as well.. depends how prolonged and hard your driving will be.

 

[sheridan94]

They are far from a cheap car to tune hahh
I could get a astra VXR engine in my corsa for that money.

So you dont actually require a FMIC? I read somewhere they already have some type of OEM FMIC?
I've read about suspension on them. Cant decide on springs or live a little and spend on coilovers.

I think once i get i'll be keeping off the power upgrades to begin with and sort some cosmetics out. Well maybe not completley true i sort of want to get a non res millitek exhaust on it and some breathing mods to get some nice whistle going

 

[Jackx1]

That's gonna be quite a change from a corsa to s3!

 

[Dave-S3]

You wont get an S3 with a S-tronic box in for £15K, add another £2.5k!

With regard to the RS4 bucket seats, I have them in mine, they look the nuts but theyre not overly practical or comfy if you're on the large side, they are fine for me because im pretty slim but others have moaned lol!! if I was buying again they wouldn't be on my list to be honest!

S3's are holding their value VERY well at the moment I think, probably due to the new one with a good spec costing between 35-40k. So don't be surprised if your struggling to find a localish (I live on the Wirral and ive looked) low milage, well specced facelift example for under your budget mate...

With the budget you have everything is going to be over or coming up to 5 years old so make sure the cambelt and water pump have been done regardless of the mileage, if the mileage is over 40k make sure the Quattro/haldex service has been done too.

Keep looking and you will find the right one, look forward to seeing what you get!

 

[JJ10]

I'm on the same trail - got a house move to sort then the car hunt can begin properly

Wasn't massively concerned about man/dsg - but its food for thought knowing the dsg responds to mods well...

 

[sheridan94]

Hah without a doubt ! Although it may sound pathetic to you guys but my corsa was no slouch.

You wont get an S3 with a S-tronic box in for £15K, add another £2.5k!

With regard to the RS4 bucket seats, I have them in mine, they look the nuts but theyre not overly practical or comfy if you're on the large side, they are fine for me because im pretty slim but others have moaned lol!! if I was buying again they wouldn't be on my list to be honest!

S3's are holding their value VERY well at the moment I think, probably due to the new one with a good spec costing between 35-40k. So don't be surprised if your struggling to find a localish (I live on the Wirral and ive looked) low milage, well specced facelift example for under your budget mate...

With the budget you have everything is going to be over or coming up to 5 years old so make sure the cambelt and water pump have been done regardless of the mileage, if the mileage is over 40k make sure the Quattro/haldex service has been done too.

Keep looking and you will find the right one, look forward to seeing what you get!

I did think it would be hard getting DSG within my budget and right now i dont think im too bothered, 15k is the most i can afford.

Im 5 foot 11 and only 9 stone 11lb being a track runner so getting in them wont be a problem. Although i think my dad wont be coming out in it much haha 

Yeah im looking for a 08 09 model and i will be certainly checking for the haldex service , although i dont know what it is hah anyone could tell me i would appreciate.

Im prepared to travel wherever within reason for the right one. I do a fair bit of travelling due to my athletics anyway so its no bother, mentioning that im always down in connahs quay so not far from yourself.

Im setting myswlf a target to hopefully get one start of november. May be a bit ambitious but i can certainly give it a go

 

[Dan-Jnr]

Fair superior car to any Vauxhall, you'll fee and notice the difference as soon as you test drive an S3.
Forget DSG if your budget is only 15k, don't just limit yourself to face lift either, plenty of bargains to be had with the pre facelift.
Keep your options open and remember a lot of options can be retrofitted if a car you have seen doesn't have all you want.

 

[Dave-S3]

Haldex is the quattro control system.. (I think!) the service is basically an oil change in the quattro system, just one to check if your buying used and milage is over 40k! £15K should see you right for a facelift with average milage and a few toys, theres nothing id really say is a huge necessity in them unless you've had it before, cruise control is handy and the flat bottom wheel is nice, but in the facelift the wheel came as standard, as did a Bose stereo and most.. especially the ones I've seen have the sat nav DVD system, but again its not a necessity and can be retrofitted for around £500!!

 

[sheridan94]

The only difference with facelift that im that bothered about is the headlights so far , how much will a set of them set me back ?
what else is there different ?

 

[sheridan94]

Haldex is the quattro control system.. (I think!) the service is basically an oil change in the quattro system, just one to check if your buying used and milage is over 40k! £15K should see you right for a facelift with average milage and a few toys, theres nothing id really say is a huge necessity in them unless you've had it before, cruise control is handy and the flat bottom wheel is nice, but in the facelift the wheel came as standard, as did a Bose stereo and most.. especially the ones I've seen have the sat nav DVD system, but again its not a necessity and can be retrofitted for around £500!!

Cheers for clearing up the haldex
That answers some of my questions with whats different with facelfit models ! I would like to just get on and focus with some exterior and performence mods instead of having to upgrade oem bits

 

[S3Alex]

Welcome to ASN.

You'd be looking at a good £2+k to get to Stg2+ but the good part is that it can be done in stages and you need each previous round of parts for the next so nothing is wasted.

The engine is pretty tough and as long as everything is serviced regularly you should have a good reliable car.

Hope you enjoy it here.

 

[Lewbo]

Consists of a whole new front end to accommodate those led headlights.
Other exterior differences are rear lights which look way better and good news is there a straight swap.
Wheels, rear diffuser, door mirrors which have led indicators In them.

Interior is Clocks have a white led tone rather than orange and looks good, new climate control panel, centre console buttons, headlight switch, steering wheel has double stitching to match gaitor and handbrake plus other things too.

 

[Dave-S3]

The only difference with facelift that im that bothered about is the headlights so far , how much will a set of them set me back ?
what else is there different ?

To do lights you need a full front end conversion as the whole lot is different mate, probably about £1500 plus spray work? xenon lights aren't cheap

Wheels are different
rear lights
Interior standard parts are better
The quattro/haldex system is upgraded and better
Dash clocks...

 

[S3Alex]

As you can see,a lot of us here can help you empty your wallet.

Whether it's mechanical or cosmetic ASN has the right people for you. Lol.

Look what it did to me.

 

[sheridan94]

To do lights you need a full front end conversion as the whole lot is different mate, probably about £1500 plus spray work? xenon lights aren't cheap

Wheels are different
rear lights
Interior standard parts are better
The quattro/haldex system is upgraded and better
Dash clocks...

Thats me deffinetly sold on a facelift hahah

As you can see,a lot of us here can help you empty your wallet.

Whether it's mechanical or cosmetic ASN has the right people for you. Lol.

Look what it did to me.

Im sure you can i have a fair few plans already as ive been saving for a year as it is

BBS LM'S
Lower
Stage 2 360bhp
Boost guages
Bit of audio
Rs3 grill and some other bits

 

[S3Alex]

Thats me deffinetly sold on a facelift hahah

Im sure you can i have a fair few plans already as ive been saving for a year as it is

BBS LM'S
Lower
Stage 2 360bhp
Boost guages
Bit of audio
Rs3 grill and some other bits

Most of those are quite straightforward and the only thing I'd advise against is excessive lowering.

Spend some cash on decent coilovers and ARBs and you'll massively improve the handling so you can make the most of the power increase.

Stg2+ is probably the best overall value but also the most expensive and you would definitely need to sort the handling for that.

 

[sheridan94]

Most of those are quite straightforward and the only thing I'd advise against is excessive lowering.

Spend some cash on decent coilovers and ARBs and you'll massively improve the handling so you can make the most of the power increase.

Stg2+ is probably the best overall value but also the most expensive and you would definitely need to sort the handling for that.

Oh yes most definitely im not looking to have stupid low stance. I just want rid of the gap I hear the h& r 25mm springs re popular ?

 

[S3Alex]

Oh yes most definitely im not looking to have stupid low stance. I just want rid of the gap I hear the h& r 25mm springs re popular ?

Good man.

The best of the coilovers are from Bilstein and kW but there are others.

H&R or Eibach ARBs will also make a big difference.

Taking around 20-30mm out of the ride height is usually fine and may help overall.

 

[smurfworth]

Excessive lows is fine, it's just speed bumps that are the problem..

You'll find that most of the people on here with s3's are on let's say the more mature side of life to be bothering about speed bumps and having to really slow down for them.

With the right setup, excessive lows can work.

You've probably seen this one about, most people will probably hate it but it's still stage 2+

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,66066.15.html

 

[sheridan94]

Excessive lows is fine, it's just speed bumps that are the problem..

You'll find that most of the people on here with s3's are on let's say the more mature side of life to be bothering about speed bumps and having to really slow down for them.

With the right setup, excessive lows can work.

You've probably seen this one about, most people will probably hate it but it's still stage 2+

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,66066.15.html

I love stance myself. Just i have a horrid drive thats on a massive dip so i cant have mad lows. I thought Air but then compromises everything a s3 is about. I have noticed most people on here are mid age but thats cool its nice to have a mature crowd isntead of immature ******* like on corsa forums haha

I do happen to follow Kyle on instagram, its beautiful. The brake setup is amazing !

 

[smurfworth]

I know how you feel, 19 speed bumps on my daily drive means no mad lows for me either.

Must agree with the maturer comment too!

Research into airlift performance struts, it's a game changer in the air world. Air isn't what it used to be, there's a video in my thread showing how an Audi s4 on air managed to beat the same car on KW's top coilovers around a track, it's come a long way in recent years.

Oh yeah, the lambo brakes are gorgeous

 

[sheridan94]

I know how you feel, 19 speed bumps on my daily drive means no mad lows for me either.

Must agree with the maturer comment too!

Research into airlift performance struts, it's a game changer in the air world. Air isn't what it used to be, there's a video in my thread showing how an Audi s4 on air managed to beat the same car on KW's top coilovers around a track, it's come a long way in recent years.

Oh yeah, the lambo brakes are gorgeous

I couldnt bare hear scraping every morning hahah

I highly dount i can even justify spending big dollars. And i dont know anyone round my way who can service/repair if there was ever a fault.

Really want his BBS LM'S too

 

[smurfworth]

I couldnt bare hear scraping every morning hahah

I highly dount i can even justify spending big dollars. And i dont know anyone round my way who can service/repair if there was ever a fault.

Really want his BBS LM'S too

There's no metal scraping, just plastic dragging every now and again. The 8P chassis is great for lows, everything is tucked up out the way.

 

[S3Alex]

There's no metal scraping, just plastic dragging every now and again. The 8P chassis is great for lows, everything is tucked up out the way.

That depends I guess.

The sump and a few sensors are just below that plastic tray at the front,and if you're getting that low over bumps,you're asking for it.

Low is fine for those that like the look,but for ground covering,you need a well controlled,compliant suspension with decent travel,and I can see no reason that air can't provide that(as it obviously can),but I'm happy with the way mine is set up.

 

[Jtaylor]

Welcome to ASN I remember that car from ccuk/cduk.

 

[sheridan94]

Welcome to ASN I remember that car from ccuk/cduk.

Hey man thabk you

Youve seen it on cduk i think.
I remember your user , you have a black edition S3 ?

 

[leeds2592]

There's no metal scraping, just plastic dragging every now and again. The 8P chassis is great for lows, everything is tucked up out the way.

That depends I guess.

The sump and a few sensors are just below that plastic tray at the front,and if you're getting that low over bumps,you're asking for it.

Low is fine for those that like the look,but for ground covering,you need a well controlled,compliant suspension with decent travel,and I can see no reason that air can't provide that(as it obviously can),but I'm happy with the way mine is set up.

Lad round my way has a stupidly low A3 and he's had the plastic replaced by what is essentially a large sheet of metal. From the scrapes and scruffs on it, it seems to do its job well, only cost him £70 and can easily be removed to gain access to the sump etc. I know not to everyones taste, but will be helpful for people wanting to go looooow.

With my AP's on the lowest they could go and 1 or 2 people in the back, I used to get a bit of scraping going over them horrible small bumps where every normal car can get away with putting their wheels either side. All part of the fun though

 

[Jtaylor]

Hey man thabk you

Youve seen it on cduk i think.
I remember your user , you have a black edition S3 ?

Yeah I do, I replied on your thread on cduk a while back.

 

[Charlie23]

Stupid low is my mates middle name, you might of seen him at the shows as he's parts of the still static club and he is lower than low, with knotches out of the chassis etc. but he's now on 20" Rotas and dam it looks good!!

 

[smurfworth]

Lad round my way has a stupidly low A3 and he's had the plastic replaced by what is essentially a large sheet of metal. From the scrapes and scruffs on it, it seems to do its job well, only cost him £70 and can easily be removed to gain access to the sump etc. I know not to everyones taste, but will be helpful for people wanting to go looooow.

With my AP's on the lowest they could go and 1 or 2 people in the back, I used to get a bit of scraping going over them horrible small bumps where every normal car can get away with putting their wheels either side. All part of the fun though

Yeah I've always wanted one of those panzer plates from dieselgeek just to protect the sump, that's my only worry really but 9 times out of 10 it's the subframe that takes a bashing first on stupid lows.

Stupid low is my mates middle name, you might of seen him at the shows as he's parts of the still static club and he is lower than low, with knotches out of the chassis etc. but he's now on 20" Rotas and dam it looks good!!

Yeah follow it on Instagram, 140mm coilovers, specially shortened to provide suspension travel, bet it's still comfy for how it's set up

 

[Charlie23]

.



Yeah follow it on Instagram, 140mm coilovers, specially shortened to provide suspension travel, bet it's still comfy for how it's set up[/QUOTE]

Haha ye that's my mate Andy fair play it's still not actually that bad lol considering go low and the true size and profile

 

[leeds2592]

Yeah I've always wanted one of those panzer plates from dieselgeek just to protect the sump, that's my only worry really but 9 times out of 10 it's the subframe that takes a bashing first on stupid lows

If I ever get round to getting an A3/S3 again, it'd definitely get one. For that price, it's worth the piece of mind.

Who's ever idea it was to make these speed bumps deserves a beating!

 

[Dave-S3]

Thats me deffinetly sold on a facelift hahah

Im sure you can i have a fair few plans already as ive been saving for a year as it is

BBS LM'S
Lower
Stage 2 360bhp
Boost guages
Bit of audio
Rs3 grill and some other bits

Stage 2 is about 330ish BHP Stage 2+ Revo or 3 shark is 360, but ive seen stage 2+ cars making lower figures than stage 2 ones, its all about the drivability anyway and where the power is!!

 

[smurfworth]

.



Yeah follow it on Instagram, 140mm coilovers, specially shortened to provide suspension travel, bet it's still comfy for how it's set up

Haha ye that's my mate Andy fair play it's still not actually that bad lol considering go low and the true size and profile[/QUOTE]

See, this is what I mean, people disregard cars that are stupidly low because they think it must be a bone shattering ride.

If I ever get round to getting an A3/S3 again, it'd definitely get one. For that price, it's worth the piece of mind.

Who's ever idea it was to make these speed bumps deserves a beating!

An idiot that's who, only slows people with lowered cars, everyone else in normal height or 4x4's fly over them.