New (to me) S3 owner

[baderlfc]

Picked up an 07 plate 3 door sprint blue S3 yesterday at what I believe is a good price and has left me with a fair bit of spare cash to give the car some TLC following the sale of my 135i coupe.

65k from new, same owner since 2010 and stacks upon stacks of invoices and history including haldex servicing and cambelt/water pump service...

However, the car does have some issues that require addressing before I look at modding.. which is the plan assuming sorting these issues doesn't bankrupt me!

So, I noticed on the 200 mile drive home that at motorway speeds with the steering wheel turned slightly to the right there is a definite vibration that instantly goes when the wheel is set back straight, not present turning left. This is not noticeable at low speeds.

For reference, last years MOT gave advisories for "slight play in offside front wheel bearing" and "play in steering rack inner joints".. I'm no mechanic by any stretch but I guess it's related to one or both of these issues? Does the steering rack have joints that can be replaced or is it a new rack needed when they are done?

Other issue which i'm kicking myself about as I should have noticed during my checks and could have potentially got more money off (had a good deal as is!), temperature needle doesn't get to 90°, stays around circa 85° and not hot air through vents... coolant sensor and/or thermostat?????

Cheers in advance guys, this is my first Audi so go easy on me!

 

[e9_mustii]

Picked up an 07 plate 3 door sprint blue S3 yesterday at what I believe is a good price and has left me with a fair bit of spare cash to give the car some TLC following the sale of my 135i coupe.

65k from new, same owner since 2010 and stacks upon stacks of invoices and history including haldex servicing and cambelt/water pump service...

However, the car does have some issues that require addressing before I look at modding.. which is the plan assuming sorting these issues doesn't bankrupt me!

So, I noticed on the 200 mile drive home that at motorway speeds with the steering wheel turned slightly to the right there is a definite vibration that instantly goes when the wheel is set back straight, not present turning left. This is not noticeable at low speeds.

For reference, last years MOT gave advisories for "slight play in offside front wheel bearing" and "play in steering rack inner joints".. I'm no mechanic by any stretch but I guess it's related to one or both of these issues? Does the steering rack have joints that can be replaced or is it a new rack needed when they are done?

Other issue which i'm kicking myself about as I should have noticed during my checks and could have potentially got more money off (had a good deal as is!), temperature needle doesn't get to 90°, stays around circa 85° and not hot air through vents... coolant sensor and/or thermostat?????

Cheers in advance guys, this is my first Audi so go easy on me!

Stick with the basics first get those wheel bearing replaced dont just do one side your doning the front do both left and right same applys for the rear or just all 4 if for peace of mind depending on cost if cheap then f*ck it why not if expensive then dont do untill necessary then get your car 4 wheel alignment with a garage that uses hunter 4 wheel alignment and then go from there, last thing u want is your wheel flying off when that bearing goes out

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[baderlfc]

I agree, car is going to my trusted local VAG specialist for an inspection Friday, will go from there. Just trying to work out how much of my modding fund is going to be taken up by these 2 issues...

Another thing... The B pillar trims, the one side is peeling, are the facelift gloss black trims a simple like for like fitment????

 

[ch1z64]

Have a look at the Vcd's section on here and see if there is a member close by you who is willing to do an autoscan for you ( can save on Audi specialist ) , check you front tyres for depths across the whole tyre this will give you a good indication of your tracking is out ( Alignment needed ) another thing worth noting you say the belt / water pump done look to see how many miles since it was done cause I would suspect if recent your mechanic would notice evidence off this always good to have it double check for piece off mind
Is your 57 the facelift version as there isn't much you can do with the front if it isn't IE you won't be able to fit a honeycombed grille . Removing off B pillar simple enough perl back rubber , 2 rivets drill out and presto clean up paint black gloss pop rivet back in Bingo

 

[MartinRG]

So, I noticed on the 200 mile drive home that at motorway speeds with the steering wheel turned slightly to the right there is a definite vibration that instantly goes when the wheel is set back straight, not present turning left. This is not noticeable at low speeds.

Well, I brought my car this morning to the Audi dealer for a cam chain replacement but also had exactly the same problem as you described. A slight turn to the left made a huge vibration and noise at exactly 100 km/h. Slower didn't gave the noise. So I let them investigate it and voila just got the call that it indeed was a wheel bearing (they thought it was a cupped tire at first but checked with different wheels and it was the same). So chances are that yours is too. Just don't go to the Audi dealer themselves but to the local trusted VAG specialist, Audi is charging 600€ for replacing it, lol.

 

[baderlfc]

It'll be scanned Friday when it's in for a once over, my first thought was tracking which I do think is slightly out and does need doing (planning some suspension mods so will be fully 4 wheel aligned after that, very good place also local to me), but front tyres are not drastically wearing on either edge.. then I thought about the MOT advisories and now am concerned regarding the steering rack.

It's pre-facelift, is there no good quality front grill upgrade available? I'll also be on lookout for a set of facelift rear lights that i'm led to believe are plug and play????

 

[baderlfc]

That sounds promising, thanks for the info!

The guy who runs the local VAG specialist is an ex VW master tech of 10+ years so it's dealer+ quality service at half the price!

Looks like a wheel bearing kit is circa. £60-70, that'll be first thing on the list then

 

[e9_mustii]

I agree, car is going to my trusted local VAG specialist for an inspection Friday, will go from there. Just trying to work out how much of my modding fund is going to be taken up by these 2 issues...

Another thing... The B pillar trims, the one side is peeling, are the facelift gloss black trims a simple like for like fitment????

Replace your cam follower too for your hpfp cheap future fix as they were and break and fall into engine

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[e9_mustii]

Its like 30 quid from.audi

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[ch1z64]

It'll be scanned Friday when it's in for a once over, my first thought was tracking which I do think is slightly out and does need doing (planning some suspension mods so will be fully 4 wheel aligned after that, very good place also local to me), but front tyres are not drastically wearing on either edge.. then I thought about the MOT advisories and now am concerned regarding the steering rack.

It's pre-facelift, is there no good quality front grill upgrade available? I'll also be on lookout for a set of facelift rear lights that i'm led to believe are plug and play????

Upgrade lights yip plug play , grille only the Black optic one fits your model , you can do the Auto folding by changing out your door modules and buying the whole units 2nd hand or buy parts individually and build up your own ,
If your looking for advice on suspension use the site supporters @DPM as they give good advice and are competitively priced

 

[baderlfc]

Replace your cam follower too for your hpfp cheap future fix as they were and break and fall into engine

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Cam follower and latest revision DV first on the list along with full haldex service including gearbox oil.. PCV functions fine.

Well first on the list once initially stated issues are rectified.

We've got a 5 door Mk5 GTI for my mrs so i'm familiar with the TFSI engine, kind of..

 

[baderlfc]

Upgrade lights yip plug play , grille only the Black optic one fits your model , you can do the Auto folding by changing out your door modules and buying the whole units 2nd hand or buy parts individually and build up your own ,

Brilliant, keep my eyes out for a decent set of facelift rears then! Makes a big difference I think!

Black optic grill? Is this the obscenely expensive one??

 

[e9_mustii]

I agree, car is going to my trusted local VAG specialist for an inspection Friday, will go from there. Just trying to work out how much of my modding fund is going to be taken up by these 2 issues...

Another thing... The B pillar trims, the one side is peeling, are the facelift gloss black trims a simple like for like fitment????

Nope the shites are riveted on have a permentant marker tip.sized rust spot on mine annoying as **** but not worth removing and powder coating, probably get them capped in carbon fibre

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[ch1z64]

Brilliant, keep my eyes out for a decent set of facelift rears then! Makes a big difference I think!

Black optic grill? Is this the obscenely expensive one??

That's it mate , but you can easily remove your own an spray it , maybe the colour off the car would look cool , plus you can remove the trim round it but it is tricky and needs patenice

 

[ch1z64]

Brilliant, keep my eyes out for a decent set of facelift rears then! Makes a big difference I think!

Black optic grill? Is this the obscenely expensive one??

Check Eurocarparts on the online one as they do deals and you can pick up brand new for an extra £30/40 quid compared to 2nd hand as they do codes for discounts. Join a cashback site and see if there sites are in there and go through them again another saving in the long run

 

[samuelh_888]

Hi @baderlfc, welcome to the forum!

Take a read of the Preventative Maintenance thread at: https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/preventative-maintenance-audi-s3-bhz-cdl.341180/

As you have a big pile of receipts then you may be all up to date but worth the read none-the-less.

The MY11 rear lights are plug and play in your MY07. Most purchased from ECP or CarParts4Less as their discount code makes them cheaper than eBay. Getting a ‘RS3’ style grille for pre-facelift S3 is near on impossible. The optics grille looks similar to stock but black. Some of the others have cut down an RS5 grille (@Daveyonthemove, RS5?) and made their own but it’s not for the faint hearted.

It’s good that you have a VAG specialist to deal with. I’ve never had anything other than issues from the main Audi Dealer, many of them aren’t very smart... in saying that, Audi do offer a free ‘health check’ which is always interesting and may help diagnose your issue.

So, when are you getting it mapped? Get your wallet out, we’re all waiting!

 

[Daveyonthemove]

Hi @baderlfc, welcome to the forum!

Take a read of the Preventative Maintenance thread at: https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/preventative-maintenance-audi-s3-bhz-cdl.341180/

As you have a big pile of receipts then you may be all up to date but worth the read none-the-less.

The MY11 rear lights are plug and play in your MY07. Most purchased from ECP or CarParts4Less as their discount code makes them cheaper than eBay. Getting a ‘RS3’ style grille for pre-facelift S3 is near on impossible. The optics grille looks similar to stock but black. Some of the others have cut down an RS5 grille (@Daveyonthemove, RS5?) and made their own but it’s not for the faint hearted.

It’s good that you have a VAG specialist to deal with. I’ve never had anything other than issues from the main Audi Dealer, many of them aren’t very smart... in saying that, Audi do offer a free ‘health check’ which is always interesting and may help diagnose your issue.

So, when are you getting it mapped? Get your wallet out, we’re all waiting!

RS6 C6 Grill, and yes it's a horrible job.
Please don't ask for a guide, I've typed out rough instructions to various members over the last few months and most decide they can't be bothered to thank me, and those that do say that they don't fancy the job anymore.
If you take it on, you're on your own!

 

[baderlfc]

Cheers guys, I won't be chopping up any RS6 grills I can assure you of that, if I can't buy something off the shelf I will probably leave as is..

With regards to ECP for rear lights I didn't realise ECP sold genuine Audi parts??????? I'll have to take a look.

I'm familiar with the preventative maintenance side of things, hence haldex (inc. gearbox oil) service is being done immediately along with cam follower, DV and spark plugs (NGK BRK7EIX), also rectification of the 2 issues originally mentioned. Car has just had oil and filter service, with full service including fuel filter (but not plugs) carried out 5k miles ago.

I didn't realise Audi did a free health check, that could be good fun to see how long the list of faults they find is!

Remap at R-tech pencilled in for july/august I hope sometime, won't be long!

 

[Daveyonthemove]

Sounds like you are on top of things, I did the same when I collected mine.
Cambelt and water pump were the very first jobs I had done, followed by every fluid and filter being changed.
I did use a VAG alternative oil in my diff's and soon after that was done my transfer box failed, so ensure you use the correct oil. Might have been a coincidence on mine, but it's been fine since the oils were changed to the VAG stuff.

R-tech can get some serious power out of these engines, so you may want to factor in a clutch to make the most of what they can give you.
My Stage 1 is running 338lb-ft.

 

[baderlfc]

Sounds like you are on top of things, I did the same when I collected mine.
Cambelt and water pump were the very first jobs I had done, followed by every fluid and filter being changed.
I did use a VAG alternative oil in my diff's and soon after that was done my transfer box failed, so ensure you use the correct oil. Might have been a coincidence on mine, but it's been fine since the oils were changed to the VAG stuff.

R-tech can get some serious power out of these engines, so you may want to factor in a clutch to make the most of what they can give you.
My Stage 1 is running 338lb-ft.

I'm pretty OCD with my cars and although this was an impulse buy (had an offer i couldn't refuse on my 135i and thought why not), I have done plenty of research on the engines and common issues etc.

Yes the garage I will be using do use the Audi/VW specified fluids etc, I believe including the gearbox it's 3 sets of oils and a filter for the total haldex system service? Although Audi only specify the one as necessary and the others as "lifetime fluids"...

With regards to cambelt/water pump i'm on the fence regarding what to do, it was done 25k miles ago with invoices to prove, but that 25k was 5 years ago.. I know the schedule is and/or in relation to mileage/time but i've always felt wear induced by mileage is more of an issue than degradation of materials over time???

Don't get me wrong it will be done sooner rather than later but i'm not currently putting it top of my ever growing "to-do list"

 

[baderlfc]

Just booked the car into local Audi main dealer for their free health check, this should be interesting.

I wonder how many people use that as a free diagnostic then take car elsewhere for work? No catch is there? Like if I don't have follow up work done they charge a set fee etc?

 

[Daveyonthemove]

I'm pretty OCD with my cars and although this was an impulse buy (had an offer i couldn't refuse on my 135i and thought why not), I have done plenty of research on the engines and common issues etc.

Yes the garage I will be using do use the Audi/VW specified fluids etc, I believe including the gearbox it's 3 sets of oils and a filter for the total haldex system service? Although Audi only specify the one as necessary and the others as "lifetime fluids"...

With regards to cambelt/water pump i'm on the fence regarding what to do, it was done 25k miles ago with invoices to prove, but that 25k was 5 years ago.. I know the schedule is and/or in relation to mileage/time but i've always felt wear induced by mileage is more of an issue than degradation of materials over time???

Don't get me wrong it will be done sooner rather than later but i'm not currently putting it top of my ever growing "to-do list"

As far as I can remember, you are right. 3 oils for transmission. Haldex also wants a filter and you can get the pair online for around £70 IIRC.
The cambelt is too much of a risk to take the mileage as the main service point IMO. I work with materials like seals and belts and they are all batch controlled with a shelf life, usually 5-10 years from date of manufacture. We regularly throw out perishable items that have remained on the shelf for their life simply because the rubber degrades over time. The heat and cold cycles of an engine combined with winter and summer months are going to take their toll on any rubber items in that engine bay, and the cost of replacement is much lower than the cost of repair if they fail.
It's up to you, but I wouldn't risk it personally. It's far more important to replace that than it is to visit R-tech.

 

[e9_mustii]

Sounds like you are on top of things, I did the same when I collected mine.
Cambelt and water pump were the very first jobs I had done, followed by every fluid and filter being changed.
I did use a VAG alternative oil in my diff's and soon after that was done my transfer box failed, so ensure you use the correct oil. Might have been a coincidence on mine, but it's been fine since the oils were changed to the VAG stuff.

R-tech can get some serious power out of these engines, so you may want to factor in a clutch to make the most of what they can give you.
My Stage 1 is running 338lb-ft.

Davey am i wrong in thinking we both both cam belt and chain in our engines ? Cam bekt been done recently by previous owner on mine but i heard there is also a chain that should be done at 70k mark

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[baderlfc]

There is a cam chain aswell that has guides which fail, an experienced TFSI specialist will be able to tell by having a listen to the engine starting up whether or not it needs doing, although a lot seem to also do this as preventative.. it's on my list but not near the top.

 

[ch1z64]

If your really interested here is a step by step on a 2L tsfi engine ( https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=66&t=1741310 )

 

[e9_mustii]

If your really interested here is a step by step on a 2L tsfi engine ( https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=66&t=1741310 )

Thanks bud

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[baderlfc]

Just ordered FAG wheel bearing and Gates thermostat along with a full Mann filter kit from autodoc

Plus a super pro anti lift kit.

So all that will be done along with haldex (diff/gearbox/transfer box oils + filter)

Gonna get a quote to do cambelt water pump and cam chain then aswell while I’ve got the money, and a multi stage correction detail because today in the sun it looks like the cars been cleaned with a scourer!

Anyone got any contacts for Audi breakers? Want a couple of random bits like one of the door speaker grills is cracked, seems hard to find stuff like that on eBay and I dread to think of dealer prices if you can even still get stuff like that on a car that went out of production 7 years ago

 

[ch1z64]

Just ordered FAG wheel bearing and Gates thermostat along with a full Mann filter kit from autodoc

Plus a super pro anti lift kit.

So all that will be done along with haldex (diff/gearbox/transfer box oils + filter)

Gonna get a quote to do cambelt water pump and cam chain then aswell while I’ve got the money, and a multi stage correction detail because today in the sun it looks like the cars been cleaned with a scourer!

Anyone got any contacts for Audi breakers? Want a couple of random bits like one of the door speaker grills is cracked, seems hard to find stuff like that on eBay and I dread to think of dealer prices if you can even still get stuff like that on a car that went out of production 7 years ago

What colour of speaker cover as I have 2 black ones not the Bose

 

[baderlfc]

They are black with a silver bose trim along the top

 

[ch1z64]

They are black with a silver bose trim along the top

I just have to spare black , just take you Bose trim off if your interested PM me

 

[MartinRG]

There is a cam chain aswell that has guides which fail, an experienced TFSI specialist will be able to tell by having a listen to the engine starting up whether or not it needs doing, although a lot seem to also do this as preventative.. it's on my list but not near the top.

As I said a few comments back I let Audi do this today. Including the cam adjuster and cam follower and just got it back. I’m flabbergasted, the car drove fine until now but only made a bit more noise I thought.

Well it’s like I got a completely different car back. It’s so silent and so much more throttle response like I gained it’s full power back. And the cam follower was really worn. No more fuel stank anymore outside the car. I’m in love with the car for the second time!

So if you need it, do it or get it done, it’s not only the noise you get but you also have a lack in performance.

I bought the car in January and replaced all important things (also belt & pump) and got it in perfect health. Seems like you’re doing the same, you’ll not regret it!

 

[baderlfc]

I just have to spare black , just take you Bose trim off if your interested PM me

Thanks for the offer mate, managed to pick one up complete on ebay cheaply

 

[baderlfc]

As I said a few comments back I let Audi do this today. Including the cam adjuster and cam follower and just got it back. I’m flabbergasted, the car drove fine until now but only made a bit more noise I thought.

Well it’s like I got a completely different car back. It’s so silent and so much more throttle response like I gained it’s full power back. And the cam follower was really worn. No more fuel stank anymore outside the car. I’m in love with the car for the second time!

So if you need it, do it or get it done, it’s not only the noise you get but you also have a lack in performance.

I bought the car in January and replaced all important things (also belt & pump) and got it in perfect health. Seems like you’re doing the same, you’ll not regret it!

If you don't mind me asking what did Audi charge for that little lot?

 

[MartinRG]

If you don't mind me asking what did Audi charge for that little lot?

Haha no problem mate, they initially charged me €2000 for the cam chain, tensioner, adjuster, follower and front wheel bearing. But after some negotiating I paid €1750 (they also did the belt + water pump and a full fluids flush at the beginning of this year). Still quite expensive but it also gives a 2 year Audi guarantee on the repair and parts. As a thank you they also offered me to use the newest A8 from their showroom for my wedding next month for free, was a nice gesture! Can’t say that they don’t offer good service, but it’s more expensive just because off the logo on their jacket...

 

[baderlfc]

First mods complete on the S3, making the most of the nice weather to get some stuff done.

Awful photo for some reason because it was actually gloriously sunny.. but OEM facelift rear lights fitted, nice easy job, great fit and a must do mod for pre-facelift S3’s IMO.

Genuine 18” rotors finished in a shadow chrome powder coat bought from a forum member.. wheels are a very personal thing and personally I think the rotors really suit sprint blue S3’s, especially when done in this sort of finish! Need to get my tyres swapped over and fit some fresh centre caps but really happy with the way these are looking!

before photo of headlight with orange indicator bulb.. will add an after photo with an osram silver bulb fitted, makes a world of difference! Really modernises the headlights, I’m not personally a fan of the facelift headlights with the early LED style so I think this simple mod for the pre-facelift lights is absolutely ideal and costs pennies!

Lots more planned over the coming months, got centre caps and an A3 8V rear wiper arm on order, need some new plates (probably go for pressed plates), plus looking for a set of S5 front seats currently which will really smarten up the interior, not to mention the suspension upgrades which will be ordered and fitted over the coming weeks.. stay tuned

 

[samuelh_888]

Looking forward to following the progress. Not many people document their builds any more!

 

[baderlfc]

Osram silver bulb fitted, due to the brightness of the sunlight the difference isn’t so obvious but in the flesh it makes a huge difference! For the cost of the bulbs and 5 mins work it’s an absolute must for any pre-facelift owner!

And thanks to the wizardry of iPhone editing a better photo of that original **** up I managed to take! Facelift rear lights transform the rear!!

 

[ninjakid]

Looking good so far buddy, I'm enjoying reading progress. I've always loved the S3 in sprint blue. Question, whereabouts did you purchase the rear lights and Osram bulbs? Thinking of getting some for mine. Thanks

 

[baderlfc]

Looking good so far buddy, I'm enjoying reading progress. I've always loved the S3 in sprint blue. Question, whereabouts did you purchase the rear lights and Osram bulbs? Thinking of getting some for mine. Thanks

Cheers mate, I’ll try and keep updating as I do bits and bobs.. collecting the car tomorrow after all the servicing and preventative maintenance and rectification of a few minor issues so although the appearance won’t look any different I’ll give a better review of the cars performance/drive as it is in the next few days.

Bulbs are osram diadem chrome py21w, I did put them in the rear lights but not sure regular orange bulbs are actually that noticeable.. make a really nice difference at the front though. Readily available on eBay.

Lights are genuine oem lights made by magneti Marelli, ordered direct from Eurowagens, £140
For the pair. Easiest light replacement ever. Bare in mind there is one difference in bulbs from pre facelift to facelift. So I did need to buy a pair of w16w wedge fit bulbs..

 

[ninjakid]

Looking good so far buddy, I've a

Cheers mate, I’ll try and keep updating as I do bits and bobs.. collecting the car tomorrow after all the servicing and preventative maintenance and rectification of a few minor issues so although the appearance won’t look any different I’ll give a better review of the cars performance/drive as it is in the next few days.

Bulbs are osram diadem chrome py21w, I did put them in the rear lights but not sure regular orange bulbs are actually that noticeable.. make a really nice difference at the front though. Readily available on eBay.

Lights are genuine oem lights made by magneti Marelli, ordered direct from Eurowagens, £140
For the pair. Easiest light replacement ever. Bare in mind there is one difference in bulbs from pre facelift to facelift. So I did need to buy a pair of w16w wedge fit bulbs..

I'll have a look, thanks for the info