I've currently got an S3 8p and im thinking of upgrading to a 2014/2015 S3 but I've heard certain model years have turbo issues so just looking for a bit of advice on that. I'm thinking of going DSG I've always had manual in the past so is there anything I need to look out for. Are there any other common problems thanks.
S3 8V Turbo problems
- Thread starter jamescam2009
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- s3 8v
I'm not aware of any turbo issues - our (unmapped) 2015 S3's was fine for the few years we had it. However, 8v S3 water pumps are made of chocolate. The pump WILL go, its just a matter of time, so ideally you want one that's already been replaced! As a minimum, check coolant level isn't low and the undertray looks dry.
Manual cars also have chocolate clutches, but not an issue for DSG
from what I remember, a few of the earlier models (2014) a certain batch of turbos had issues but likely that would either have come to light by now or the turbo wasnt one of those.
as above. manual clutches ... some but not all are crap but the problem ones are likely to have been replaced by now too. They typically fail some point up to 30k miles if they are bad. Signs the clutch is failing: Slipping on full throttle in high gears, but more likely some slippage between aggressive (very quick) gear changes, i.e. it takes a little while for the revs to drop to the engine speed after dropping the clutch (best test here is aggressive change from 6.5k rpm in 2nd to 3rd, or 3rd to 4th)
haldex: look for evidence that the haldex oil / filter has been serviced regularly. The audi service schedule which is not to bother will not look after it properly. The filter haldex pump filter needs regular cleaning, like every 10k miles (I would suggest) to ensure the pump remains in good working order. If not the haldex pump will fail. To be honest this is not a huge deal. Ive just replaced mine which cost me 220 quid for a new pump and kit plus a bit of a labour. Signs of a failing haldex pump are struggling for traction when booting it in the low gears, and torque steer when booting it at higher speeds.
DSG. I think clonky gear changes, especially changing down, is not a good sign for the health of the box. Might be wrong but perhaps someone else could advise on that.
I tested both the manual and the DSG. I didn't like the DSG too clonky and annoyingly slow to pick the correct gear sometimes. I probably would have learned to live with it, but went for the manual instead. No regrets there except the cost of a new clutch, although I always planned to modify the car so an uprated clutch was on the cards anyway.
as above. manual clutches ... some but not all are crap but the problem ones are likely to have been replaced by now too. They typically fail some point up to 30k miles if they are bad. Signs the clutch is failing: Slipping on full throttle in high gears, but more likely some slippage between aggressive (very quick) gear changes, i.e. it takes a little while for the revs to drop to the engine speed after dropping the clutch (best test here is aggressive change from 6.5k rpm in 2nd to 3rd, or 3rd to 4th)
haldex: look for evidence that the haldex oil / filter has been serviced regularly. The audi service schedule which is not to bother will not look after it properly. The filter haldex pump filter needs regular cleaning, like every 10k miles (I would suggest) to ensure the pump remains in good working order. If not the haldex pump will fail. To be honest this is not a huge deal. Ive just replaced mine which cost me 220 quid for a new pump and kit plus a bit of a labour. Signs of a failing haldex pump are struggling for traction when booting it in the low gears, and torque steer when booting it at higher speeds.
DSG. I think clonky gear changes, especially changing down, is not a good sign for the health of the box. Might be wrong but perhaps someone else could advise on that.
I tested both the manual and the DSG. I didn't like the DSG too clonky and annoyingly slow to pick the correct gear sometimes. I probably would have learned to live with it, but went for the manual instead. No regrets there except the cost of a new clutch, although I always planned to modify the car so an uprated clutch was on the cards anyway.
Re the manual clutches, ours soldiered on for 60k and slipped for a good portion of that.
I found the best test for our clutch was to drive at ~2000rpm in 6th and floor it. The revs would often jump to 3k and then settle as the clutch struggled. It was also incredibly sensitive during low speed manoeuvres - slip it even for a second (e.g reversing uphill) and you'd get a lovely toasty smell...
Mine never slipped once in gear and revs matched the drivetrain speed. But it did slip between changes to the point the revs never dropped to meet the drivetrain speed. It went from a bit of slippage to undriveable using anything over half power in the space of about 2 months. Ah yes, that lovely smell