Metal RS4/6 Paddle Shifters

[Spinstorm]

I have found the new metal paddle shifters online in the US:

https://europrice.us/audi?cat=438&p=3

They will fit the RS3 - maybe someone can find a UK or EU price... but this is a much cooler upgrade than those annoying metal add on bits. Not sure how easy they are to fit.

Edit: Part Number 8W0951523AD

Found an eBay listing for £117.

 

[Splathead]

https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/how-to-install-rs3-paddles-on-a-facelift-s3.379209/

The process doesn't look too bad.

 

[Walternate]

https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/how-to-install-rs3-paddles-on-a-facelift-s3.379209/

The process doesn't look too bad.

Doesn't look overly complicated. Is it a requirement to disconnect the battery when removing the airbag, I presume it is? Those paddles do look decent OP

 

[Walternate]

Reading the europrice description, they're not illuminated :/

 

[Spinstorm]

I am no expert here would like someone who knows to clarify but why would you need to remove the airbag at all?

When I had my steering wheel swapped over he clipped the buttons on after putting the airbag and front cover back. Surely you can just pop them out and leave the airbag alone?

 

[TRANC3]

Are these actually bigger (taller) than our OEM ones? Not sure it's worth the change if they are the same size. If they stick up further than OEM then I'd be keen.

 

[Walternate]

I am no expert here would like someone who knows to clarify but why would you need to remove the airbag at all?

Because they are screwed in, watch the vid linked above.

 

[8YARWY]

I am no expert here would like someone who knows to clarify but why would you need to remove the airbag at all?

When I had my steering wheel swapped over he clipped the buttons on after putting the airbag and front cover back. Surely you can just pop them out and leave the airbag alone?

Because you can't access the ring trim that sits underneath the airbag, once the airbag is gone the ring/button trim can be removed to access the paddle shift fixings.

 

[Spinstorm]

Anyone want to offer to do this for me? As I’m not keen on messing about with the airbag.

For me re trimming my wheel in full alcantara is the best mod I’ve ever done. It feels amazing (when clean) but those plastic paddles don’t feel as good. Changing them for metal would take it up a level.

And every review of the RS6 comments on how good they feel.

 

[Tartaris]

Are these actually bigger (taller) than our OEM ones? Not sure it's worth the change if they are the same size. If they stick up further than OEM then I'd be keen.

I think these are the same height. They look no taller than the RS3 paddles. The eBay originals are a steal at AUD$270 as opposed to about AUD$680, which is nuts.

 

[Splathead]

I'm very tempted.
I'm not worried about the lack of illumination. I've never struggled to find the paddles at night.
I have a free weekend in 3 weeks time. I'm thinking that I might have a go then.
It would be nice to get rid of the plastic paddles.

 

[Walternate]

I've ordered some today, gonna give these a try.

I've searched battery disconnect (negative terminal) between 15-30 mins before hand to ensure full capacitor discharge to prevent ANY possibility of accidentally setting off the airbag whilst removing/ disconnecting it

 

[Splathead]

I've ordered some today, gonna give these a try.

I've searched battery disconnect (negative terminal) between 15-30 mins before hand to ensure full capacitor discharge to prevent ANY possibility of accidentally setting off the airbag whilst removing/ disconnecting it

I look forward to your report

 

[Splathead]

Also available cheaper here.
https://www.cars-equipment.com/en/shop/shift-paddles-3/oem-8w0951523ad-dsg-paddles-for-audi/

 

[Tartaris]

Well done @Splathead. I found some on eBay yesterday and these turned out AUD$30 cheaper with FedEx delivery. Ordered!!

Thanks again, mate!

 

[RS03_SEN]

I think these are the same height. They look no taller than the RS3 paddles. The eBay originals are a steal at AUD$270 as opposed to about AUD$680, which is nuts.

A steal for something that's gonna be no better than the originals?

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

 

[Tartaris]

A steal for something that's gonna be no better than the originals?

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

That's somewhat subjective. New metal paddles that look and feel better than the plastic ones, I'd say it is a steal. Can then sell my originals to someone who's looking to upgrade, and they'll be literally a free upgrade!

 

[Nickyc]

I dont get it, I thought the RS3 paddles were all the same ? Why would someone buy your old ones to upgrade ?

 

[Tartaris]

I dont get it, I thought the RS3 paddles were all the same ? Why would someone buy your old ones to upgrade ?

I'd sell them to an A3 or S3 driver looking to get something better perhaps....

 

[Walternate]

Yep, to anyone who wants to replace these diddy plastic ones

 

[SPIKE_]

I've ordered some today, gonna give these a try.

I've searched battery disconnect (negative terminal) between 15-30 mins before hand to ensure full capacitor discharge to prevent ANY possibility of accidentally setting off the airbag whilst removing/ disconnecting it

Checking in to see if you got your new paddles yet? Curious to see what the quality is like and if they are the same length as previous RS paddles. Keep us updated

 

[Walternate]

Not yet

 

[Shawn8V]

Anyone know if these will fit preface lift steering wheels ?

 

[Spinstorm]

Photos from an RS4 facelift (which looks awesome) although shame there is no alcantara on that wheel.

 

[wuta3]

That RS4 steering wheel looks like it is made from some kind of fetishwear material

Offcuts from a gimp mask production line

 

[SPIKE_]

That RS4 steering wheel looks like it is made from some kind of fetishwear material

Offcuts from a gimp mask production line

Haha! I never for a second thought I’d be reading comments like that in this thread

 

[Walternate]

Anyone know if these will fit preface lift steering wheels ?

I would take an educated guess at yes, they do.

 

[Tartaris]

I would take an educated guess at yes, they do.

Yeah, I'd have to agree. I'd say yes.

 

[Splathead]

Mine have arrived.
Full aluminium and they seem to have a very positive click operation

 

[SPIKE_]

Mine have arrived.
Full aluminium and they seem to have a very positive click operation

They do look well. Where did you buy them from?

 

[Splathead]

I bought mine from here:
https://www.cars-equipment.com/en/shop/shift-paddles-3/oem-8w0951523ad-dsg-paddles-for-audi/

Arrived in 4 days.

 

[Walternate]

they do look and feel pretty decent

I'll see if I can find time tomorrow or Monday to not set off my airbag....

 

[D0C]

They look much better!

 

[Tartaris]

I think you'll also feel a significant weight difference too!

 

[SPIKE_]

they do look and feel pretty decent

I'll see if I can find time tomorrow or Monday to not set off my airbag....


View attachment 199139 View attachment 199140 View attachment 199141 View attachment 199142

What length are they? Same as the plastic RS versions?

 

[Walternate]

I'm not sure yet, I'll take a pic side-by-side once I have a go swapping them following this guys vid..

 

[Walternate]

The stock RS3 plastic ones are deffo larger than these;

Following the previous vid, it was fiddly but not difficult removing the airbag from the seated position on the steering wheel, with the screwdriver push the spring assy inboard and the bag will release - do this for both sides

I didn't actually disconnect the airbag connections at all, there's enough room to work around it. I did disconnect the battery, so lots of fault codes on completion. VCDS to clear all the codes too!!!

feel and look better than the plastic ones and no plasticky click on operation, more a dull tap, happy me

 

[SPIKE_]

The stock RS3 plastic ones are deffo larger than these;

View attachment 199205

Following the previous vid, it was fiddly but not difficult removing the airbag from the seated position on the steering wheel, with the screwdriver push the spring assy inboard and the bag will release - do this for both sides

View attachment 199206


I didn't actually disconnect the airbag connections at all, there's enough room to work around it. I did disconnect the battery, so lots of fault codes on completion. VCDS to clear all the codes too!!!

View attachment 199209 View attachment 199210



feel and look better than the plastic ones and no plasticky click on operation, more a dull tap, happy me

View attachment 199211
View attachment 199212
View attachment 199213

That’s a shame about the size. It’s also the same problem with all non RS paddles....just to small! How did Audi make the same mistake

 

[Riko0073]

They look good but they’re smaller and I don’t have a real problem with the RS plastic ones coming from S cars where the paddles are way to tiny! Plus they’re not illuminated like the plastic ones.

Glad you’re pleased with them though and good job on the install.

 

[DW81]

Someone fitted the genuine R8 ones to their wheel, these looked superb, but came at a price. About £500 I believe