S3, bored after 6 months...HELP!

[RO65ERS]

Hi Guys

Ive had my S3 6 almost 7 months now and i would be inclined to say i am bored of it, in a way i can't describe. ( i hope someone can understand how i mean)
Now, I've thought about getting rid of the S3, i have driven the S4, S5, M235i, A250 AMG, CLA250AMG and the 45amg! - also ridden the new R1 and s1000rr

i liked a little bit of everything of each one, but not enough to make me want to change, but i need something.

Pro's and Con's of the S3 ( IN My Opinion)
i love its grip - until it gives up and understeers hideously. i wish is was Torsen not haldex.
i love its looks - I've black out the front end, it appeals to me.
It has great touches and i have it well spec'd in my opinion.
i regret going manual!

at first, i loved its noise! - but have you heard the noise of above listed cars?! they makes the S3 quiet as a mouse.
i thoroughly enjoyed the speed of the M235i, S4 and S5, albeit too smooth / linear.
I much more enjoyed the noise of the AMGs

Have i bought the wrong car, or is there something i can do?!

i'm looking for answers from people who have driven the above cars / similar vehicles.
i'm looking for advise from people who have modified their S3, and are able to compare it to the above cars.

none of this if you want more power get a map, none of this if you want more noise get an exhaust.
I am looking for true, and honest replies from those who understand a position i am in, who have experience with the above vehicles and what they have done to overcome the situation.

my wife doesn't give a sh** she's buying an A250Amg regardless
she also don't want me buying another motorbike (this year) - I'm currently looking a the new R1 for those who are interested in 2 wheels, if i didn't modify or swap the S3.

 

[veeeight]

The 8V S3 is one of the most underwhelming and disappointing cars I have owned.

Out of the box, it's not great. It can be improved, but at the end of the day, it's still based on a small family hatch.

And that is the fundamental issue.

 

[veeeight]

This might help:
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/bye-bye-s3-and-i-guess-audi-sport.250774/

 

[RO65ERS]

The 8V S3 is one of the most underwhelming and disappointing cars I have owned.

Out of the box, it's not great. It can be improved, but at the end of the day, it's still based on a small family hatch.

And that is the fundamental issue.

but at the same time, its someones dream car!

is this all just a case of now I've experienced better, i want it ?

i don't want to bang an ArmyTrix and a remap for it to still 'bore' me. i enjoyed my S1 more.

 

[RO65ERS]

This might help:
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/bye-bye-s3-and-i-guess-audi-sport.250774/

a vehicle that has never crossed my mind.

that was an interesting read. Thanks.

 

[veeeight]

Or .....

 

[Simonb1975]

Welcome to the Club.

Incidentally I spent the morning with T C Harrisons, test driving the Focus RS. Massive smiles all around.

 

[RO65ERS]

his gibbering put me off fat too quickly, and it looks ugly...

the price tag is incredible though! lol.

 

[RO65ERS]

Welcome to the Club.

Incidentally I spent the morning with T C Harrisons, test driving the Focus RS. Massive smiles all around.

i've come across a few people in my position so I'm glad to know its not just me!
as my local ford dealer does not have one available to drive, current or new, its a no go for me. although my current manager at work has just taken on a job as the regional manager of ford, so as i and hi are on exceptionally good terms, I'm sure he could arrange me to try it.

i love the ideal of the new one, on paper it stacks up very well.. BUT, i can't help but feel the dash will still look like a 2004 fusion. just. like. every.other.ford.

 

[THQuattro]

Depends if you want Audi or not and what sort of BHP you like.I have a B7 3.2 as a daily car and is good enough for work,the kids have a B6 S4 Cab which has a full BCS 200 cell exhaust system which sounds great under pressure and a nice amount of BHP to get you around.i have just bought a B7 RS4 which has a stage 1 map and a full 200 cell Milltek exhaust system which is the dogs and to be honest it has every thing i want in a car.Another car that i have thought about is a B5 S4 or RS4 with big turbo,s running 5-600 BHP what more excitement would you want.

 

[Simonb1975]

Don't fall into the Audi net, The dash in my S3 looks good, but it rattles. Times to get over the 'better interior thing' that some here get their knickers in a twist over. It's just to hide the many failings of the S3 (On these forums, the S3 appears to be the worst for this).

As a drivers car, I found the Focus RS to make the S3 look a little pathetic and the same to a lesser extent the RS3.

If you must have a 'posh interior' stick with the S3 and get used to the so so driving characteristics. If you want a proper car to enjoy, look elsewhere. Just to note, the Focus RS doesn't have a spare wheel so it's a no no from me. Past experience means its the first thing on the check list.

Or as mentioned above, if you want to keep your posh frock, get it tuned or something.

 

[RO65ERS]

Depends if you want Audi or not and what sort of BHP you like.I have a B7 3.2 as a daily car and is good enough for work,the kids have a B6 S4 Cab which has a full BCS 200 cell exhaust system which sounds great under pressure and a nice amount of BHP to get you around.i have just bought a B7 RS4 which has a stage 1 map and a full 200 cell Milltek exhaust system which is the dogs and to be honest it has every thing i want in a car.Another car that i have thought about is a B5 S4 or RS4 with big turbo,s running 5-600 BHP what more excitement would you want.

i thoroughly enjoyed the 3.0super charged in the s4. but it just wasn't enough, it was much more linear and being dsg made it more pleasant as i have issues with my left knee. but i would of happily said my s3 would p155 it.
the m235i and the 45amg are circa 365 hp - now that seemed plenty. but they didn't give the impression of being aggressive, again too linear.

am i chasing BHP, yes, but I'm also chasing noise and character. i've now seen people pushing the 380-400hp marks in their s3, which i think i would be pleasantly surprised with.
i think it more of an aggressive power plant I'm looking for! my previously revo 2.0 tfsi made decent power and changed everything...

 

[RO65ERS]

Don't fall into the Audi net, The dash in my S3 looks good, but it rattles. Times to get over the 'better interior thing' that some here get their knickers in a twist over. It's just to hide the many failings of the S3 (On these forums, the S3 appears to be the worst for this).

As a drivers car, I found the Focus RS to make the S3 look a little pathetic and the same to a lesser extent the RS3.

If you must have a 'posh interior' stick with the S3 and get used to the so so driving characteristics. If you want a proper car to enjoy, look elsewhere. Just to note, the Focus RS doesn't have a spare wheel so it's a no no from me. Past experience means its the first thing on the check list.

Or as mentioned above, if you want to keep your posh frock, get it tuned or something.

interior isn't the be all and end all, but the S3 is gorgeous to myself, and i have no interior rattles or noises, infant, no other faults with the vehicle itself, minus the lack of character i think I'm seeking.
i would love to drive a focus RS, i have driven the ST 3 and i loved it! but its a fusion dash bored. i really hope the new RS have something else in place.

 

[THQuattro]

So get a S4 with supercharger and get it remapped to 450, job done.

 

[Simonb1975]

i would love to drive a focus RS, i have driven the ST 3 and i loved it! but its a fusion dash bored. i really hope the new RS have something else in place.

I'm afraid, if you can't get over a ford interior, the car might not be for you
You'll have to pretend to enjoy the S3 whilst looking at the dash

 

[DrEskimo]

So get a S4 with supercharger and get it remapped to 450, job done.

Was going to be my suggestion. S4/S5 with a stage 2 MRC remap and pulley upgrade.

Like the 435i/M4, but wonder if I will miss quattro. Love the instant traction so much now!!

 

[Rob2k68]

I had the 6 month itch but the remap has seriously transformed the car and springs to a lesser extent.

If you're worried about warranty try an MTM or DTUK tuning box.

 

[S32B]

My family and friends drive cars such as Ford KA's, Astra diesels, Mariva, DS3's, Mondeo's, Insignia's, basically the normal cars you see everyday! To them my S3 is the dogs bits, I think that we sometimes forget how lucky we are to have a nice car such as the S3!
I suppose it depends on your background and what you have been brought up with....for me who has come from a working class background and have worked my **** off from the age of 15, I feel lucky to be in an S3 and I appreciate the car for what it is. Obviously if your parents always took you to school in the latest and greatest Merc/BMW/Audi, then the S3 is lower down the ladder than what you are used to

PS: This isn't a pop at the OP, just my thoughts on the matter in general

 

[Soulboy]

M2?

 

[CraigI]

Power doesn't equal greater thrills / interest / excitement.
The novelty will soon wear off.

You should get out and try different cars, from different marques.

 

[Bristle Hound]

Some info on the RS Focus
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/ford-focus-rs-2016.237053/
& BMW M2
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/bmw-m2.255351/

You should get out and try different cars, from different marques.

@CraigI - I think he has mate

Now, I've thought about getting rid of the S3, i have driven the S4, S5, M235i, A250 AMG, CLA250AMG and the 45amg! - also ridden the new R1 and s1000rr

 

[grimey121uk]

Take my advice
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/upgrade-coming.262248/

 

[RO65ERS]

Was going to be my suggestion. S4/S5 with a stage 2 MRC remap and pulley upgrade.

Like the 435i/M4, but wonder if I will miss quattro. Love the instant traction so much now!!

the over steer and getting the rear out in the 235i was fun, but last night i has a c250 mercy try to outrun me on a roundabout with an S bend junction, needless to say he couldn't carry the speeds i was carrying (55+) and i couldn't gone faster. i love quattro, but i prefer the 60/40 rear split on torsen, (correct me if I'm wrong with that)

I had the 6 month itch but the remap has seriously transformed the car and springs to a lesser extent.

If you're worried about warranty try an MTM or DTUK tuning box.

warranty can go shove itself, the idea of a DTUK box seemed amazing for such a long time for me, but I've seen this things go wrong too many times, so i would refevert to a good solid professional map!

My family and friends drive cars such as Ford KA's, Astra diesels, Mariva, DS3's, Mondeo's, Insignia's, basically the normal cars you see everyday! To them my S3 is the dogs bits, I think that we sometimes forget how lucky we are to have a nice car such as the S3!
I suppose it depends on your background and what you have been brought up with....for me who has come from a working class background and have worked my **** off from the age of 15, I feel lucky to be in an S3 and I appreciate the car for what it is. Obviously if your parents always took you to school in the latest and greatest Merc/BMW/Audi, then the S3 is lower down the ladder than what you are used to

PS: This isn't a pop at the OP, just my thoughts on the matter in general

no offence taken (EDIT), i work for Vauxhall, i drive everything from T reg astras unto their latest models, including insignia VXR and everything inbetween, thats what makes the S3 such a dream to drive home in. when i had this conversation with my wife last night, i said to her I'm complaining about something that ALOT of people would class as their dream car. i sound like a wonkier!
I've never had nice cars, my mum never had a car, so we had to walk everywhere and it wasn't until i was able to get a job, i started two jobs, and started savings for all the nice things i never had whilst i was young.
now not having car and walking, no sh1t now, 9 miles to school whilst all the other kids had their parents pay for their bus fair or get them a moped, i wanted to have that something to pay for and then be able to see them years later with something worth in terms of an Audi, and a nice one at that

i had a A4 avant 3.0 tdi V6
Then i had an S1
now the S3

as much as i may sound spoiled, its further from the truth and i worked 2 jobs from the age of 16 to be able to afford nice things i work every hour under the sun, to be able to give me something to be proud off.

 

[gamegenie]

You guys are crazy, I look back my A3 all the time when I get out of it.

I had it since October 2014, now I'm at 16,000+ miles and I still love it.

I bought Hakkapeliitta R2 tires for it to drive comfortably in it during these below freezing Midwest winters, and I love to oogle at the car after I taken her out for an early morning spin, take a trip to the barber on the west side, and a trip to the Laser car wash to wash all the nasty road salt that built up on her beautiful chocolate coated paint.

 

[RO65ERS]

Power doesn't equal greater thrills / interest / excitement.
The novelty will soon wear off.

You should get out and try different cars, from different marques.

I've driven more cars than I've had hot dinners.
as already stated, I've tried a few cars in similar ranges to the S3 for bang for buck comparison.

as for power will soon wear off - you've obviously never had the right amount available.
if it wasn't what people were after, why would manufactures keep upping their figures? sod the pub talk, i live in the country side, grip and power on tap are the most advantages things i could want.

Take my advice
http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/upgrade-coming.262248/

I'm currently unable to drive an RS3 - my dealer is looking for one for me to borrow, just as you described. theres actually a white one just a mile from me which looks incredible - but I'm not 100% convinced i will like it. there is something about the s3, i love and at the same time, find tedious.

 

[Darlo]

Read these threads with interest. I've owned my fair share of fast cars over the years which have all had there own positives and negatives, I tent to change every 12-18 months. The s3 is my favourite all rounder, although mine has a DTUK box installed for extra poke. It does everything very well but nothing amazingly if that makes sense.

The only thing I would change is the the fact I bought a 3dr. Really wish I had got a 5dr then it would be more future proof now I'm growing up! I would probably be tempted by and exhaust upgrade if I could justify it but the moaning from the Mrs just ain't worth it.

My best mate has an m135i which is a fantastic car, a little too small on the inside for me but it goes link stink and sounds brilliant.... The interior not as nice as mine though!

 

[RO65ERS]

Read these threads with interest. I've owned my fair share of fast cars over the years which have all had there own positives and negatives, I tent to change every 12-18 months. The s3 is my favourite all rounder, although mine has a DTUK box installed for extra poke. It does everything very well but nothing amazingly if that makes sense.

The only thing I would change is the the fact I bought a 3dr. Really wish I had got a 5dr then it would be more future proof now I'm growing up! I would probably be tempted by and exhaust upgrade if I could justify it but the moaning from the Mrs just ain't worth it.

My best mate has an m135i which is a fantastic car, a little too small on the inside for me but it goes link stink and sounds brilliant.... The interior not as nice as mine though!

i have the 3dr, but at the same time I'm unable to have kids so it makes no difference to me lol.
the 135i i drive when it was released, i only enjoyed the noise. that was it.
now I've driven the m235i earlier this week, it was almost the same feeling.

 

[Simonb1975]

Maybe Audi should start making only interiors and stop trying to make a car that's good to drive Just a thought. They could get a monopoly and make them for all marques. Win win

 

[Bobwas4]

tte450 turbo? which lets be honest is prob more reliable than the stock turbo. and you get the bonus of around 450bhp. i love my s3 but i guess its different strokes for different folks. i love the fact its a wolf in sheep clothing. and with stage 2 will wipe the smiles off the faces of people with much bigger and more expensive cars. also it doesn't depreciate half as much as said s4/s5. i like the noise again as its not TOO loud. when i go stage 2 I'm just going to change the cat and keep stock exhaust too keep the essence of "Sleeper". but this is all in my opinion and i respect other also. perhaps try a tuning box before you kick it to the curb??

 

[Sandra]

the over steer and getting the rear out in the 235i was fun, but last night i has a c250 mercy try to outrun me on a roundabout with an S bend junction, needless to say he couldn't carry the speeds i was carrying (55+) and i couldn't gone faster. i love quattro, but i prefer the 60/40 rear split on torsen, (correct me if I'm wrong with that)



warranty can go shove itself, the idea of a DTUK box seemed amazing for such a long time for me, but I've seen this things go wrong too many times, so i would refevert to a good solid professional map!



no offence taken (EDIT), i work for Vauxhall, i drive everything from T reg astras unto their latest models, including insignia VXR and everything inbetween, thats what makes the S3 such a dream to drive home in. when i had this conversation with my wife last night, i said to her I'm complaining about something that ALOT of people would class as their dream car. i sound like a wonkier!
I've never had nice cars, my mum never had a car, so we had to walk everywhere and it wasn't until i was able to get a job, i started two jobs, and started savings for all the nice things i never had whilst i was young.
now not having car and walking, no sh1t now, 9 miles to school whilst all the other kids had their parents pay for their bus fair or get them a moped, i wanted to have that something to pay for and then be able to see them years later with something worth in terms of an Audi, and a nice one at that

i had a A4 avant 3.0 tdi V6
Then i had an S1
now the S3

as much as i may sound spoiled, its further from the truth and i worked 2 jobs from the age of 16 to be able to afford nice things i work every hour under the sun, to be able to give me something to be proud off.

I have been following this thread. I have read every post and all I'm going to say is you have achieved so much through working 2 jobs from an early age. You have a nice car, why don't you just try to enjoy what you have worked so hard for. You have nothing to prove to anyone. Be proud of what you achievied, as for the car, imp the s3 is a great car, if you need a bit more power a remap be a good investment.

 

[RO65ERS]

tte450 turbo? which lets be honest is prob more reliable than the stock turbo. and you get the bonus of around 450bhp. i love my s3 but i guess its different strokes for different folks. i love the fact its a wolf in sheep clothing. and with stage 2 will wipe the smiles off the faces of people with much bigger and more expensive cars. also it doesn't depreciate half as much as said s4/s5. i like the noise again as its not TOO loud. when i go stage 2 I'm just going to change the cat and keep stock exhaust too keep the essence of "Sleeper". but this is all in my opinion and i respect other also. perhaps try a tuning box before you kick it to the curb??

my knowledge on changing the turbo is limited - i can fix cars and drive them. no problem. anything more than basic modifications i tend to steer away from as i believe in longer term potential detrimental effects.

 

[RO65ERS]

I have been following this thread. I have read every post and all I'm going to say is you have achieved so much through working 2 jobs from an early age. You have a nice car, why don't you just try to enjoy what you have worked so hard for. You have nothing to prove to anyone. Be proud of what you achievied, as for the car, imp the s3 is a great car, if you need a bit more power a remap be a good investment.

Thank you, fully appreciated the kind response.
Maybe a stage 1 would be the better and cheaper investment for the moment.

 

[Bobwas4]

my knowledge on changing the turbo is limited - i can fix cars and drive them. no problem. anything more than basic modifications i tend to steer away from as i believe in longer term potential detrimental effects.

yes agreed. yeh i would recommend a stage 1 or a tuning box from dtuk. you may rekindle the love for this cool and understated car

 

[RO65ERS]

yes agreed. yeh i would recommend a stage 1 or a tuning box from dtuk. you may rekindle the love for this cool and understated car

the scorpion decat pipe is 300 quid, is this all i need to take it to stage 2? does it come with the reducer to fit em system?
or is an intake and FMIC necessary ?

i love the videos of the armytrix, but damn the price tag!

 

[Rob2k68]

I'm Revo stage 1 and more than happy with it it's not about the numbers but the power delivery it adds so much fizz and grin factor.

I had the remap taken off for a week for its service and that really made me appreciate it even more so much so that the map was back on an hour after I got it back from Audi. From what I'm reading and seeing from the stage 2 dynos the bang for your buck is much less than stage 1 as you need the downpipe which if you go sport cat is £1,000+ supply and fit and the intercooler is also recommended. If you go Revo stage 1 first then wish to go to stage 2 then the software is free with their downpipe or £60 otherwise so this may be a good path to tread.

 

[CraigI]

I've driven more cars than I've had hot dinners.
as already stated, I've tried a few cars in similar ranges to the S3 for bang for buck comparison.

as for power will soon wear off - you've obviously never had the right amount available.
if it wasn't what people were after, why would manufactures keep upping their figures? sod the pub talk, i live in the country side, grip and power on tap are the most advantages things i could want.



I'm currently unable to drive an RS3 - my dealer is looking for one for me to borrow, just as you described. theres actually a white one just a mile from me which looks incredible - but I'm not 100% convinced i will like it. there is something about the s3, i love and at the same time, find tedious.

How much power is enough?
Most I've had is 450bhp AWD. Also had 350 RWD.
Most involving car that captured the most excitement and had the most character was a 230bhp RWD mid engined set up. Best handling was 250bhp FWD.

Power is pointless if it's delivered in a lifeless way, with little or no thought to steering input, feedback and suspension set up. If it is missing these elements, all you've got is a 0-60 pub brag.

Really depends on your priorities, you'll probably love the RS3, but will get bored soon enough if you buy one as it has the same (Haldex) formula as the S3 is underpinned by.

Do you need practicality, does it have to be AWD?
Porsche Caymen, new Boxster or used 911?
Why all German? Nissan GTR?
Used AM DB9?
Focus RS / Mustang V8?

 

[RO65ERS]

I'm Revo stage 1 and more than happy with it it's not about the numbers but the power delivery it adds so much fizz and grin factor.

I had the remap taken off for a week for its service and that really made me appreciate it even more so much so that the map was back on an hour after I got it back from Audi. From what I'm reading and seeing from the stage 2 dynos the bang for your buck is much less than stage 1 as you need the downpipe which if you go sport cat is £1,000+ supply and fit and the intercooler is also recommended. If you go Revo stage 1 first then wish to go to stage 2 then the software is free with their downpipe or £60 otherwise so this may be a good path to tread.

you're right, it's not about pub talk and **** measuring but application of it. i do feel the quattro is one of the best power to ground I've experienced!
now I've had revo 3 times, so it would obviously be fair to say i should stick with what i know, but APR have come over and have raving reviews so in this difficult time I'm prepared to put a curve ball in there and go with them. though it makes a 40 mile drive to revo, an extra 350 miles to my nearest apr dealer.

if i were to downpipe, it would be a decat (i won't lie, MOT isn't an issue - well all know the friendly tester, or are one yourself) but then as read myself, without the cooler i would lack mid to top end detail. so again with just sticking with a stg1. unless I'm prepared to spend over a thousand pound for 10 hp / ftlb. which surely on the road, isn't noticeable.

I've just looked on awesome GTi site and they have an offer on maps...

 

[RO65ERS]

How much power is enough?
Most I've had is 450bhp AWD. Also had 350 RWD.
Most involving car that captured the most excitement and had the most character was a 230bhp RWD mid engined set up. Best handling was 250bhp FWD.

Power is pointless if it's delivered in a lifeless way, with little or no thought to steering input, feedback and suspension set up. If it is missing these elements, all you've got is a 0-60 pub brag.
Really depends on your priorities, you'll probably love the RS3, but will get bored soon enough if you buy one as it has the same (Haldex) formula as the S3 is underpinned by.

that is exactly what my dealership has said to me! id love to drive one, but even though I've not driven one, the reason I'm not chasing it is because i know this.

coming from motorbikes, R6, R1, x10 territories, 130 to 200hp in something that i can pick up, the hp/tonne ratio has given me that feeling where no car will ever come close.
I've driven briefly an rs6 (previous model) didn't excite me, the latest 3.0t s4 did in terms of being able to slide it, but the delivery of its 333hp didn't.

as mentioned a few times now, its application. yes I'm interested in how my dyno plot will look, but at the end of the day, i want it to go round that bend faster than before and with a bigger grin on my face,

 

[RO65ERS]

Do you need practicality, does it have to be AWD?
Porsche Caymen, new Boxster or used 911?
Why all German? Nissan GTR?
Used AM DB9?
Focus RS / Mustang V8?

practical - not really. its for me and the wife - she's looking at an A250AMG and my balls don't work so it doesn't need to be child friendly either. we have dogs, but i also have a sax VTR (please laugh) but its used to take the dogs to and from the woods / park.
the GTR, i have experienced but i see them on a daily basis - its not that special.
i need to think servicing cost. I've heard people paying a grand for a service on things like an Aston and more! People don't think the cost for the next 3 years to run the car as it should be run. whilst i could happily remove, rebuild and install the engine myself, i would take it to the dealer and pay dealer costs regardless.
as said before I'm not a ford interior fan, but I'm DYING to drive a new RS!

Grip is king, understeer unfortunately comes with grip where as doing some sexy skids may be sexy, i am not trying to impress school girls. i want to get to where i want to go as fast as possible. everytime.

 

[RO65ERS]

By the way, thanks for everyones inputs, ideas and positive advice.

clearly I'm not the only person who struggles to know where / what i want in life.