Interested in an RS4

[englebert]

Hi Guys,

I currently drive an M3 CSL. As much as i like the car it's almost a bit too fancy for me, i feel guilty driving it. The RS4 appeals to me because of the practicality side of things.

I run the M3 on finance so outright cost isn't that important to me, but running costs are. I've read through the Buyers Guide (thanks for that!) and am a bit worried about potential issues such as the exhaust breaking.

I was wondering of the current owners of RS4s, how often do you get problems and how much contingency money would you say needs putting aside for these each year? How much is servicing on top of this?

Lastly, i'm concerned that every RS4 i've seen so far has a woeful interior. The leather resembles a minicab that's done 250k! Is there a magic leather treatment solution to this?

Kind Regards

Rob

[neckarsulm]

Lastly, i'm concerned that every RS4 i've seen so far has a woeful interior. The leather resembles a minicab that's done 250k! Is there a magic leather treatment solution to this?

The hi-tech half leather interior wears a lot better than full leather and can have new panels stitched in with no really colour match worries.

As for running costs, judging by postings here the running costs are getting a lot higher now the cars are getting older and chances are the ones you are looking at will be higer mileage than a CSL and all will be a chunk older. It's not a car to be purchased lightly.

[Nige_RS4]

Lastly, i'm concerned that every RS4 i've seen so far has a woeful interior. The leather resembles a minicab that's done 250k! Is there a magic leather treatment solution to this?

You've been looking at the wrong cars then! Mine's done 85k and it still looks like new.

Check these out ...

[neckarsulm]

You've been looking at the wrong cars then! Mine's done 85k and it still looks like new.

and is for sale...?

[Nige_RS4]

You've been looking at the wrong cars then! Mine's done 85k and it still looks like new.

and is for sale...?

Yes, I thought you knew that! http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... highlight=

[neckarsulm]

Yes, I thought you knew that! http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... highlight=

..thought it might have been sold by now!

[englebert]

That looks like a fantastic example!

Can't say i've seen those seats before, were they optional i take it?

I'm used to this...

[TopBear]

The seats in Nige's car are Black Nappa Recaro Pole Positions, not the standard leather seats in 95% of RS4's on the road.

I've got no idea whether the Pole Positions have the same functions as the std leather seats i.e. adjustment for comfort, and are heated?

[Silversea]

The Pole Positions do not have side airbags, no heated seat elements (although I hear that MRC offer a kit to suit) and are adjustable but to do so, you have to unbolt the seat shell from the side up-rights and change the position. Once you have the seat in the correct position you never have to move it.......
Really fantastic seats and as light as a feather (your car will feel as though it handles just so much better after fitting!!!

[rhunter203]

Lastly, i'm concerned that every RS4 i've seen so far has a woeful interior. The leather resembles a minicab that's done 250k! Is there a magic leather treatment solution to this?

You've been looking at the wrong cars then! Mine's done 85k and it still looks like new.

Check these out ...

I'm gutted I keep seeing these fantastic cars for sale – wish i'd waited 7 months!

What a car!

[Nige_RS4]

The Pole Positions do not have side airbags, no heated seat elements (although I hear that MRC offer a kit to suit) and are adjustable but to do so, you have to unbolt the seat shell from the side up-rights and change the position. Once you have the seat in the correct position you never have to move it.......
Really fantastic seats and as light as a feather (your car will feel as though it handles just so much better after fitting!!!

You still have front / rear adjustment via the std lever at the front of the seat.

[Nige_RS4]

Definately the second best mod on the car (after the MRC remap) as the seats maintain the quality feel of the interior and the driving position is in a league of its own! Cornering becomes a real pleasure as you no longer have to brace your knee against the centre console to stop you sliding off the std seats.

[Doug_S2]

You just need a good leather treatment to get the shiney leather back to a nice soft leather. If you like driving fast, you cannot beat the pole position seats for making it more enjoyable.

[neckarsulm]

you cannot beat the pole position seats for making it more enjoyable.

I had them in a TT quattro sport and they rapidly made getting in and out a PITA - different strokes for different folks!

[englebert]

Come to think of it they look like the same as the CSL's seats albeit in a different material and without harness holes in my case.



I just had a look on Autotrader and found one with said seats and it says they are heated? Misprint do you think?

Were parking sensors an option also?