Advice and guidance on a new RS4

[GlynRS2]

I've got an RNS-E with the Speech Dialogue System - just waiting for the last part to get that fully working. Then I'll have an RS4 with an RS4 steering wheel, no phone cradle and speech controlled sat nav, using Audi parts - something Audi say you can't have!!!

@Dave,
I would be interested in getting the Speech Dialogue System - what would you need to get and how much would it cost? Would good to be able to talk to the RNS-E rather than use the rotary control.
I guess Craigb can fit it all.

[PetrolDave]

You need a different version of the RNS-E, suffix H, so it would probably mean swapping your RNS-E. You also need to re-wire the microphone for the Bluetooth so that it connects through the RNS-E to the Bluetooth module.

The part I'm missing at the moment to get it 100% working is a special CAN box that takes a switch input and generates the CAN message to make the RNS-E think you've pressed the PTT (push-to-talk) switch on the MFSW. That will take 3-4 weeks to arrive, in the meanwhile I've tested the setup using the engineering mode on the RNS-E.

[peter_964rs]

Just thought you'd all like to know what I chose to do.

I test drove the M5 and thought it an amazing car. Super-powerful, even quicker than the RS4 especially when in the upper rev ranges, and more in your face and crowd-pulling, which is both a plus and a minus.

But I won't be buying it, I'll be buying the RS4.

The M5 is too big, the engine sounds like a bucket of bolts unless screaming and that kills what little fuel economy it might achieve, and I hate the SMG. I found it impossible to drive smoothly and the slight hesitation in the throttle when driving off annoying. Yes, with experience I might mitigate those traits, but it's just too inaccessible to the keen driver.

The RS4, however, represents a better set of compromises, is smaller, lighter, just as quick in the real world (i.e. not on a German motorway) and much, much more accessible. I love it!

Hope to get one for March delivery. That is, if I have the money.....

[fredfunk1975]

Good to hear that peter! Did the looks of the interior not put you off the M5 as well? I had a look at them prior to the RS4 (didnt test drive) and found them to be very ugly inside.

[peter_964rs]

Yes, the interior wasn't fantastic. Build quality on the Audi seemed better too. It wouldn't have stopped me buying an M5, though, I think a car that big is better served by a "proper" automatic like that in the Merc E63 AMG.... now if I won last night's lottery I'd be in one of those too!

[simple1]

better served by a "proper" automatic like that in the Merc E63 AMG.... now if I won last night's lottery I'd be in one of those too!

Not the case, having owned 6 AMG cars in a row, I can state without doubt, Merc's hold on building good cars is shot to bits...... and their dealer network sucks in both terms of being able to diagnose and repair problems, and also their attitude..... dont squander your winnings.........

[ashleyadam]

Simple would have to agree with you. My younger brother & his family have been living with them for years and all I ever hear of are problems in particular gearbox 2 in SL55. Peter glad you decided to choose the better car in a number of areas enjoy your ownership.

[binder]

Phantom Black, Silver Nappa Leather, Technology Pack, Sunroof, Aluminium Inlays. I think the Technology pack is a must everything else personal preference.

I prefer the Recaros as much easier to live with (getting in & out) and very comfortable.

Fuel: I am getting 24 -25 on a long cross country journey driving hard when the opportunity arises but much less in town & stop start. Overall 19.6.

6000 miles up with no problems and still get a buzz every time I start it up