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hi all,just a quick question as i am looking to buy an s3 and would prefure a 225 model,is there a lot of difference between the 210 and 225.also have seen some 2000 models which say 225 is this correct.are both models available on all years.is there anything else i should look out for.
thanks in advance.

Hello James,

I've just bought an S3, and although I am by no means an expert on the car. I thought I'd let you know you what I found out doing my research and test drives. Firstly you cannot get a 225bhp engine on the 2000 model. This was only available at the end of the cars production life, I think towards the end of 2002.
I have driven both the 210 and 225 versions and I couldn't tell any particular difference, of the six cars I drove before buying, none seemed to give the same performance, some markedly quicker than others, it was one of the early 210 cars that seemed the most responsive!
As far as things to look out for, the cars archiles heel seems to be electrics, so look for a car thats only had a few owners. The only other thing I came across was crunchie gear boxes.
On the plus side I've had my car now for a couple of months, in one word its fantastic!!!
Last thing, I found the articles in back copies of Audi driver were really helpful, and actually there comments on the car are spot on.

Hope this helps

Mark

Have driven both and couldn't tell the difference. Once you re-map them you pretty much eliminate any difference anyway between the two. There is even a bit of a myth/legend/rumour that the S3 always had more than 210 but it was posted at 210bhp so as not to take sales away from the then top of the range TT (225) Persoanlly would go for the condition, mileage, service history, warranty factors before the engine bhp.

The 225bhp S3 (identified by engine code BAM on the vehicle data sticker) was introduced roughly in October 2001 onwards. I've had both the 210 and 225bhp versions from new and couldn't tell any difference.

My standard 2000 S3 had a rolling road done on it before i brought it, the figures were in the sevice history.
ITS PRODUCED 217 thats probably why you dont notice much between the 210 and 225,
And as someone stated they become virtually identical after the remap.

thanks for all the replies,will let you know how i get on.

useless fact, but my 225 produced 228 bhp on the rollers - anyhow, James, I would just ensure I got one of the facelift models if I were you, 210 or 225 doesnt matter

Dunc

Mine is a Feb 2001 facelift 210 bhp...now APR mapped

I heard the 210bhp engine had stronger engine internals than the 225bhp version (for modifying), but may not be true!

what are the differances on the facelift model.

The facelift model was introduced across the A3 range in 2001, you can get some facelift models registered at the end of 2000 though.
From my research before I bought my S3, the differences I spotted were on the outside, 1 piece headlights and newer current Audi style rear lights along with different badges. On the inside the dash is a slightly smoother material, the centre console has been altered the most with a thin strip of piano laquer trim incorporating a cup holder, underneath there is space for a bigger hi-fi or sat nav. Finally the steering wheel and gear knob have chrome trim. Mechanically the only difference I know of, was the fitting of ESP as standard.
Hope this helps.