RS4 Steering Wheel

[RichK]

I'm in need of some advice if poss.

Just taken delivery of my new RS4 Avant last week , had a shocker though. I have the multi-function steering wheel (same as A4/S4?) fitted to control the phone kit in armrest, have already realised that I don't need it and it does not look too clever compared to the new one.

I'm going to ask the local Audi centre whether its possible to change it and how much.

You boys know your stuff, what do you think? Is there anybody who you could recommend to do it? or has anyone else already changed one?

Cheers

[GlynRS2]

The steering wheel on it's own is £437.38 and then it is £500.90 for the airbag - ouch!

If you have the multifunction steering wheel it might be worth exploring whether the multifunction wheel from the new TT would fit OK :



This is priced at £361.45 for the wheel and but then £500.90 for the round aibag again.

[PetrolDave]

Just taken delivery of my new RS4 Avant last week , had a shocker though. I have the multi-function steering wheel (same as A4/S4?) fitted to control the phone kit in armrest, have already realised that I don't need it and it does not look too clever compared to the new one.

IMHO Audi don't make it clear enough that if you spec their (naff) version of the phone kit you will lose the "proper" RS4 wheel.

[Jezzer]

There is a steering wheel currently on ebay being sold by a German company, I've asked them if they'll source an alcantara one for me.

Ebay no. 170073823487

[Ozrs4]

Sorry to heat that RichK,

I ALMOST made the same mistake you did. Lucky for me I found that out early and managed to change the order. I rather not have the bluetooth phone prep and keep the RS sport steering wheel. It did say that in the brochure but unless you read the fine prints, it's easy to miss it.

Hate to say but imo the RS4 is not quite the RS4 without the RS steering wheel and RS bucket seats.

Perhaps you could go back and tell the dealer you were mis-informed and request the change-over free of charge. Good luck.

[webbah]

Hey guys,

Do you know if this is the same case with LHD RS4 Avant's? I will take delivery of mine in 2 weeks or less. I ordered the Bluetooth kit installed in the headrest, but INSISTED that I get the RS Steering wheel and they told me no problem and even specified it in the notes on the contract. I also physically saw 3 Avants they had in stock with the same setup. This is in Switzerland. Is this only an issue with RHD vehicles in the UK?

I'll be irritated if I end up with the Multifunction wheel and not the RS wheel! I may even decline the car, as hard as that would be, until they remedy the issue.

[PetrolDave]

Audi say that you need the MFSW to control the Bluetooth (you don't the RNS-E can do it perfectly well).

It's not a LHD/RHD thing.

I expect you'll find that your car comes either with the RS4 wheel and no Bluetooth, or the MFSW and Bluetooth.

This stupid policy is why so many of us get the Bluetooth retrofitted - then you can have the RS4 wheel AND Bluetooth.

[RichK]

Thanks fellas,

Looks like its going to be a costly change , I'm going to get a confirmed price from audi tomorrow. I think I'll try and sell the existing wheel on ebay. Is the airbag useless or can that be sold on with the wheel?

It wouldn't be so bad if anyone could actually hear me when I'm talking to them on the factory fit system, apparently sounds like I'm 10 yards away from the mic! Spoke with audi and they basically have told me thats how it is. The german law is not as strict on mobile phones as in the uk, so audi have neglected to invest any serious cash on a decent system. Thats just great.

Oh well, its still the fastest car i've ever driven!

[Andyuk911]

webbah, we could run a little bet on what wheel you will end up with ... I think the mfsw and not the RS one !

[webbah]

Just sent a long email to the dealer an hour ago. Told him I will not accept delivery of the car if it is not with the RS wheel. I'm going to be so bummed! Hopefully he can do something as it is in production this week.

[webbah]

I just got off the phone with my dealer and he told me "don't worry, we've confirmed with the factory that your car with include the RS Steering Wheel and the bluetooth option. You won't be able to answer calls with the wheel, but this is only a convenience of the multifunction wheel." I'm still nervous after reading all these posts about this, but my car is just leaving the production tomorrow. Should have it on February 14-15. If it doesn't have the RS Wheel I'll be quite pissed! Will post results and pics here once I have the car.

[MarkB]

simple1 had the bluetooth installed in his car and had the RS4 wheel.

He didn't like the cradle on the dash so had Audi remove it.

[webbah]

My bluetooth will be installed in the middle arm rest. Already told them I hate the cradle and told them to make sure it isn't there. They told me if they specify the bluetooth kit to be in the middle arm rest the cradle will not be there. I still don't understand why you need a damn cradle anyway, afterall it's bluetooth we're talking about. If I need to charge my phone I'll use the cigarette lighter adapter.

[MarkB]

I think thats why they change the wheel then. If the phone is in the box you can't get at it. If you have a cradle you can press the answer button.

I know the RNS-E will do it also but they seem to have missed that!

[ConvictS4]

Greetings from the Antipodes - help required from the experts

I have been offered by local (and only) Audi dealer a B7 RS4 Cabrio with Blue Tooth in arm rest and MFSW or Sedan w/o blue tooth but proper RS4 Steering wheel both in Daytona Grey. I really prefer the RS4 steering wheel however am aiming for a Cabrio as Mrs will have primary driving while I mostly use the RS6 ... but there are only 26 Cabrio's coming into Oz and I have been offered number 24 so not much chance of finding a swap to match my requirements.

So .... has any one had success in retro fitting the RS4 steering wheel to MFSW fitted car ?