RS4 ownership one week in

[TGJR]

Nearly a week since collecting my 2 year old RS4 and on the whole very pleased. Driving it this evening on wet, bleak moorland roads gives an idea of how accomplished these cars actually are. I am hopeful that it is exactly what I have been looking for - a car with similar driving enjoyment to a 911 but with the dogs in the boot and our bikes on the roof!

It took me a couple of days fiddling with drive settings to get to what feels right for me - auto on engine/gearbox, comfort for suspension and steering, dynamic for differential. Thing I am happy with that though have not tried it set on auto across the board. Gearbox - still running mainly in D and will try to use the paddles in M mode more to see how this effects the drive.

I can notice a slight knock noise driving over potholes and sharp bumps in the road but from what I have read on this forum that seems par for the course and something that you have to live with - correct?

A couple of other questions if anyone is kind enough to answer.....

S gearbox mode - is this the same as putting the drive select into dynamic for engine/gearbox?
I have 19 inch wheels with 265/35 tyres - if I go for winter tyres what I my parameters for size, eg. can I go 235/40? I ask because I can only find Michelin in 265/35 at £260 each where as in 235/40 I can source Dunlop at £170 each!

Thanks.

[MK2Golf24v]

To run 235 you'll need to run a narrower rim, 8 or 8.5"

[ARSEY4]

Try opponents.co.uk, saw vreds for around 200 mark.
The clunk seems to be very common, I have an RS5 and cold the clunk is bad and irritating.

[ARSEY4]

Also try camskill.

[carsarecool]

I live with the knocks when cold and re: S Mode I think that's how it works. Did you post any pics previously??

Also, you need 10mm (per side) spacers and a louder exhaust (if standard)

[TGJR]

Thanks for the replies.

I am not 100% sure what my car has regarding the exhaust. I think it is standard but certainly seems to sound 'gruffer' when you select the dynamic mode. By the way, the dynamic steering when on feels very odd. It was on when I picked it up and going along the motorway on gradual curves it felt like an arm-wrestling contest with the car. Fortunately the comfort setting works very nicely for me.

[Revolution]

Also try camskill.

Also try Revolution
PM us for the best possible prices...

[Revolution]

Thanks for the replies.

I am not 100% sure what my car has regarding the exhaust. I think it is standard but certainly seems to sound 'gruffer' when you select the dynamic mode. By the way, the dynamic steering when on feels very odd. It was on when I picked it up and going along the motorway on gradual curves it felt like an arm-wrestling contest with the car. Fortunately the comfort setting works very nicely for me.

Try leaving it in auto mode...and you'll notice its stiffer but turns in much sharper too...

[TGJR]

Thanks for the replies.

I am not 100% sure what my car has regarding the exhaust. I think it is standard but certainly seems to sound 'gruffer' when you select the dynamic mode. By the way, the dynamic steering when on feels very odd. It was on when I picked it up and going along the motorway on gradual curves it felt like an arm-wrestling contest with the car. Fortunately the comfort setting works very nicely for me.

Try leaving it in auto mode...and you'll notice its stiffer but turns in much sharper too...

Thanks will do and pm sent re. winter tyres.

On the subject of tyres.... my car came from a main Audi dealer and they put a new set of Kumo tyres on it which surprised me a little as I thought Audi would fit a European brand. Are these a decent tyre or not?

[carsarecool]

Kumho.....perception is they are very budget brand. I am surprised and I'd have a word with the dealer because I bet Audi UK wouldn't be happy that a dealer is putting non-Audi OE fit tyres on a main dealer car.....unless they've added them to the OE list recently.

If you look at their website (pretty <beep>) they have a relationship with Audi re: NORDSCHLEIFE and R8.

However,

http://www.audi.co.uk/owners-area/audi-tyres.html - click "get a quote" funnily enough they have Falken as an option for 19" and the usual suspects for 20" but not Kumho?? And eff me they are expensive!!!!

Play your cards right and you my man are getting a new set of tyres.

[TGJR]

Just had a look on Camskill as well and they show OE Audi tyres in 265/35/19 as either Dunlop or Continental - no sign of Kumho. Having searched the tyre I have I came across it on mytyres at £116 each so you can see why the dealership might have chosen to fit them!

I will have to see how they go but not having driven an RS4 on any other tyre I am lacking a benchmark. Must say though, the Kumho tyres I used on my race car were excellent and were the tyre of choice amongst the series.

[carsarecool]

People were surprised when Audi started using Toyo as OE. I have nothing against Kumho, just they aren't listed as an "AO"\OE tyre. If you're not bothered about it then I guess there's no issue....I would be though from an Audi dealer being a cheapskate on a £60k car perspective, I'd be onto Audi UK if dealer didn't budge.....tyres keep us on the road and I guess there is a reason the fit Pirelli/Continental/Michelin from the factory. Good track tyre manufacturers may not make such good road tyres, whatever the marketing. Just my opinion.