S3, bored after 6 months...HELP!

[Flibble]

The man clearly likes his hot hatches...
The RS3 does sound absolutely epic though, far far better than any of the 4-pots.

 

[Soulboy]

Well this should be a serious consideration. First reviews of the M2 are in and as expected, it's a peach...

http://www.evo.co.uk/bmw/m2/17373/b...aby-m-car-a-return-to-form-for-the-m-division

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/bmw/m235i/first-drives/2016-bmw-m2-review

The M2 is allegedly an amazing car and the best BMW M car for years. And £12k+ cheaper than an M3/4.
Biggest problem will be getting hold of one, as they are going to sell out fast.

Quote from the Evo article. ...
It’s about fifty times more exciting than the effective but rather dull A45 AMG and more enjoyable and interactive than an Audi RS3.

And another cracking review just in (yesterday) from Top Gear....
http://www.topgear.com/car-reviews/m2/first-drive

 

[veeeight]

The M2 is definitely going to shake things up, it will probably be the most engaging and rewarding to drive above all other AWD rivals.

However, this is an Audi forum, and apparently we've all forgotten how to drive RWD cars when it's not sunny, so AWD just has to be better, period.


Meanwhile:
TG's latest Hot Hatch shootout:

http://www.topgear.com/car-news/big-reads/ford-focus-rs-vs-rivals

 

[Chris5]

Yeah I would change it up a bit to. His sister used the s3 and brother uses the golf r but the A45 and merc just sit about mostly

 

[sjbarneS3]

I got a sales manager friend at bmw too....

 

[DangerS3]

Yeh, I've heard the boot is a tad tight...the real test is if I can fit my golf clubs in ha. R is a 3 door, so the 5 door thing will be better for passengers etc, but not many 5 doors I like the look of Hence why I'm left with the A45 or RS3. Need to test drive them both nearer the time of order. How do you find the interior? People think it's cheap, I didn't think it was in the pre facelift a45.

Golf clubs with the rear seats down would fit, but I'd say they would have to go diagonally.
I actually like the interior of the A Class (pre facelift), especially the front seats, although I've not lived with it long term. I was on a forum where a fair portion of the members were complaining about the build quality of their A45s. Mainly issues with cheap materials used around the dash and other areas. One guy even handed it back and opted for an M135i 5 door instead lol.

 

[DangerS3]

Also I know people are saying a remap won't change the car, and making it go faster isn't the answer. But surely the remap, if you don't opt for a standard power curve, would change the character of the car?
I still have my EP3 Type R and I took that out for 15mins and came back grinning like a Cheshire cat. I love the S3 but the smooth power delivery removes a bit of the fun of owning a turbo. I want the big boost hit, like the Vtec kick. But yeah pootling around town, may as well be in a 1.2 Corsa lol.

 

[Ignition1]

My friend is looking for a new car - had a look at a few already (went with him on a few test drives). So far he's tried:

- A45 (hated it - and horrible interior. The screen ruins the look completely).
- M135i (didn't like the exterior or interior but sounded great)
- M3 (didn't like the exterior, too boring, but felt good)
- Audi S5 (great sound and speed - slightly boring to look at)
- Merc C63 AMG (ridiculous power but 7 to 9 MPG...)

Then his favourite so far is the Merc CLA45 AMG - great all round, interior is a bit tacky compared to the Audi but the outside looks great. Shame about the sound though. For a car that big - and the fact it says "45 AMG" - a 2.0L Turbo doesn't have that AMG rumble.

I've been trying to get him into an S3 Saloon but he said for the money you might as well get a second hand S5.

I do love the car buying process..

 

[DangerS3]

- A45 (hated it - and horrible interior. The screen ruins the look completely).

Then his favourite so far is the Merc CLA45 AMG - great all round, interior is a bit tacky compared to the Audi but the outside looks great. Shame about the sound though. For a car that big - and the fact it says "45 AMG" - a 2.0L Turbo doesn't have that AMG rumble.

That's really odd considering they are essentially the same car with the same engine and same interior lol. Except there's less head room in the back of the CLA.

 

[Ignition1]

That's really odd considering they are essentially the same car with the same engine and same interior lol. Except there's less head room in the back of the CLA.

I know lol - I thought the same until I sat in the CLA and had a good look when it was side-by-side with the A45. The interior is slightly different. His main issue with Mercs is the screen which is either nicely built into the dash (like the S-Class) or just slapped on the dash (like the A-Class). The CLA's screen is still bad but looks better than the A-Class, likely because it looks more in proportion.

Seats were a little tight in the CLA, almost uncomfortable for long drives, so he had to play around with the electric seats. I think the looks are making him think it's a great car.

BMWs were in his heart at first but I agree with him when he says the interior is in dire need of updating.

 

[DrEskimo]

- Audi S5 (great sound and speed - slightly boring to look at)

How very dare you!!

I actually found the S5 cheaper on PCP compared to the S3 Saloon due to the larger discounts. Although that may have changed now as it was a good few months ago when I was looking at both.

 

[DangerS3]

I know lol - I thought the same until I sat in the CLA and had a good look when it was side-by-side with the A45. The interior is slightly different. His main issue with Mercs is the screen which is either nicely built into the dash (like the S-Class) or just slapped on the dash (like the A-Class). The CLA's screen is still bad but looks better than the A-Class, likely because it looks more in proportion.

Seats were a little tight in the CLA, almost uncomfortable for long drives, so he had to play around with the electric seats. I think the looks are making him think it's a great car.

BMWs were in his heart at first but I agree with him when he says the interior is in dire need of updating.

Oh I see what you mean, I personally would take a CLA over an A Class. What about the GLA? Also the same car but bigger? Exterior looks aren't that great but probably more comfortable.

My missus says the same about BMW, their interiors are very bland. Merc C and E class are in a different league.

 

[steeve]

@FBF01

My pal has a
Golf R (15plate)
A45 (65)
S3 (15)
RS3 (65)
C63s (15)

Leaving the C63 out as its in a league of its own, his most favourite car is the RS3 by far beats the A45 for noise and everything else he says.
If only we had that much money and leave cars parked in our garages we wouldn't have any issues

What a strange collection. Four cars all in more or less the same category. I'm not saying it's not true but what a waste of money. I'm not sure I can take much notice of what your friend says.

FIFTHELEMENT has it spot on.
S3 is a good car but lacks the elements needed to be a great car. I like mine and do regret buying it a little.

 

[RO65ERS]

so today i went to my local apr dealer to have a chat.

I'm going to go stage one, for the price, its with paying to see how i feel after it. as people have previously said, the map also changes not only the speed but the characteristics of the vehicle in other wise.

I've been driving it with ESP off and I've been enjoying it a little more in the bends - again being a country side folk ( well plymouth but over 300 square miles of moorland is 5 minutes from my front door) the roads when i got the car were great, then the car lacked, i took my favourite roads last night with the ESP off, and had myself grinning and the mrs gripping on! its just a shame then even when its off or in sports it still holds you back - i suppose there are safety regulations in place for everything these days.

but anyway - I'm hoping to see an improvement after the APR stage 1 gets carried out - i will provide the before and after results - who doesn't like them. and if i don't like it, it doesn't make me feel any better about it then what have i lost. other than 600 quid lol.

if this map changes something in a positive manner - then i will be more inclined to spend more on it.

i know for a fact i want it louder!
so a TBE would be next on the list - but lets not get ahead of ourselves just yet.

oh, i also have another s5 test drive arranged - because that hit a sweet spot.

 

[Chris5]

How much is the APR stage 1? I'm edging towards APR over revo now and want one of them done soon

 

[Ignition1]

oh, i also have another s5 test drive arranged - because that hit a sweet spot.

That's where my friend is leaning. Audi S5 - and the looks aren't that dull if you have good paint and maybe upgraded wheels. It sounds brilliant and had a ton of power.

I personally would take a CLA over an A Class. What about the GLA? Also the same car but bigger? Exterior looks aren't that great but probably more comfortable.

They didn't have any GLAs to look at but I suspect he overlooked them because he wants something lower and sleeker - i.e. a sports coupe. It's between the S5 and CLA 45. S5 has the best interior, sound and engine. The CLA is a temptation because the exterior looks so good, even if the engine is a bit buzzy (I told him to keep the windows up if he's worried about that).

 

[Soulboy]

Dear Lord
Would it be possible for you to bless me with an M2, before they are all sold out please?
I promise to be good and not stare at girls ar5es so much....like I do now.
Thanks
Soulboy

 

[Sandra]

Dear Lord
Would it be possible for you to bless me with an M2, before they are all sold out please?
I promise to be good and not stare at girls ar5es so much....like I do now.
Thanks
Soulboy

Dear soulboy, on this occasion your request has been denied, lol

 

[Dave-o]

Get Real...car doesnt exist....

Getting more real by the minute! http://fourtitude.com/news/Audi_News_1/audi-confirms-rs-3-sedan-yet-again/

 

[Chris5]

@steeve
I agree I would have different cars aswell. Iv took some pics off the CCTV to show the collection

 

[........]

View attachment 80754 View attachment 80755 @steeve
I agree I would have different cars aswell. Iv took some pics off the CCTV to show the collection

Is that a Nardo Grey RS3....with after market alloys....or am l seeing things...it is isnt it, that owner needs a stretch in a Asylum....***

 

[Chris5]

Yeah he lowered it and put mtm alloys on it. Looks really good

 

[Simon L]

Getting more real by the minute! http://fourtitude.com/news/Audi_News_1/audi-confirms-rs-3-sedan-yet-again/

Yeah but unfortunately they've hit it with the ugly stick so not sure I want one anymore!! lol

 

[Chris5]

Prefer the standard wheels then lol

 

[........]

Prefer the standard wheels then lol

Yip.....but then again the guy got a nardo grey RS3,well it does a little cheapens the car badly so getting after market alloys does'nt surprise me...

 

[Rob2k68]

View attachment 80754 View attachment 80755 @steeve
I agree I would have different cars aswell. Iv took some pics off the CCTV to show the collection

OMG the green Merc

 

[Arcam]

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.

If you like the S3's size then the RS3 must be on your shortlist.

Sent using Tapatalk

 

[steeve]

I wasn't going to change my S3, but plan to visit a BMW dealer in the next week or so. Lets see what availability is like.

 

[15audis3]

I was really hoping there was going to be a M140i or M240i Xdrive in the UK, but both are now on the BMW website with no Xdrive option. Also spoke to a rep and said they wern't aware of it being on the cards

 

[Ignition1]

I was really hoping there was going to be a M140i or M240i Xdrive in the UK, but both are now on the BMW website with no Xdrive option. Also spoke to a rep and said they wern't aware of it being on the cards

I was on the website the other day, just before I ordered an R, and was spec'ing out an M135i. I had no idea BMW were releasing the M140i.

I just can't get over the looks of the M1 (either 135 or 140). It's a Q-car, but perhaps too subtle. Even though they have 18" wheels, they look like really small to me - out of proportion almost. The 3-series has the same problem in my view although not on the M3s.

 

[15audis3]

Yeah the M140i has a brand new engine to replace the N55 and has a little bit more power. Oh well will see what's about in a few months, I do like the idea of a Jag F Type..