Just collected! Running in and other questions

[sl0wlane]

Morning all,

Just picked up my RS4 (here's a very bad picture):

Few questions:

1. Running in, dealer gave me two options.. Take it easy according to manual, engine will last longer but will probably return worse mpg and won't "go" quite as well as the other option... Nail it... Any advice?

2. Will the launch control become available at some point, at the moment I can't seem to get it to engage, maybe I'm doing it wrong? What's the procedure?

3. I've done 700 miles so far.. Average mpg is 22 on the dis, will this get better or worse as the engine runs in? I'm guessing this will be largely dependent on how I drive it

4. How big is the hard disk in the Mmi?

Cheers,

[sl0wlane]

Also...

I want to purchase some roof bars for a snowboarding trip this winter... But would rather not pay stealer prices on something I can probably get elsewhere for less... Are the audi ones Thule? Any part numbers or details on what I am looking for?

[blueaudi]

You will always get conflicting views on running in, but if you're already looking for LC it sounds as though you've decided which way to go! My wife's SQ came with roof bars as standard, my RS comes in the New Year and I'd assumed it would also come with bars, is it worth asking your dealer?

[tiger78]

I didn't get roof bars as standard but negotiated a set for the snowboards.. I'm now at 2500 miles. Running in was good - the odd blast but nothing too major - until the rs 246 run the other week - can is officially ran in!! Not sure what mpg I'm getting - but commenting a tank is lasting 270 miles.

[carsarecool]

Nice car!

I was given no real advice advice from the dealer, apart from "drive it how you want to". If it breaks then warranty kicks in. It's run in on bench yadda yadda yadda.

And the deal I got, I was getting nothing free.

[MK2Golf24v]

Read the manual.

[Pando99]

I have two sets of roof bars - one set brand new and the others used, ping me a private message if you are interested in a set
Both Audi bars

Iain

[Graeme4130]

Fwiw, I think the Thule wing edge bars are a lot neater than the Audi branded ones as they sit a lot flusher and don't stick out at the ends
These are what I've always used with no issues and no whistling like you get with some others
https://roofracks.co.uk/Thule-Products/ ... gBar-Edge/

[adsgreen]

Warranty can be void if you go against the manual. Probably be fine but just remember huge amounts of data can be logged and even on ECUs 20 years old they logged how the mount of time in each rpm band at different coolant temps. So always bear advice whilst looking at the manual.

I personally think both arguments are correct - too light on the engine during running in isn't great, but gunning it from the outset isn't the best.
- Don't do anything until the engine oil temp is up to operating temperature. So keep engine rpm and load (throttle position) low until then. (this is sensible even after running in!)
- remember you are also running in the transmission. So don't let the engine idle to warm up - you need to drive it.
- First 500 miles just keep things light.
- after 300 miles you can start to extend the rpm range. The car has variable valve tech which only kicks in at higher rpm and this needs to be run in too. Just keep the car in a low gear so there is no load on the engine so you only need a light throttle to get higher on rev range.
- avoid long motorway if you can (where you sit at the same speed). If you must, then try to vary speed and gears (don't use cruise control)
Personally I wouldn't use launch control so early in the cars life - its the single most aggressive thing you can do to the drivetrain. At least give it a chance to have the rough edges polished off.

RS cars are test driven (they are delivered with some miles)