Changing my S3 for a S4

[zish]

Hi guys. I'm currently driving a 52 plate imola yellow S3 and i'm thinking about changing it for a S4 saloon. I haven't had the chance to drive one yet as i'm having a hard time tracking one down near to me.

I've read some old posts and some of my questions have been answered, but it has also raised others, so I hope you can bear with me .

I would ideally like a facelift car with sub 50k miles, silver or nogaro blue, fash, and a decent spec. I'm definitely after a saloon - no avants. I've done some searching but it seems that most are prefacelift cars with high mileages

Anyway, I was wondering if you guys could answer some q's for me:

1) What is the ride quality like on standard suspension and 18s - i've got 18" RS4s on my S3 and the ride is very crashy over bumps - is the S4 any better?

2) I understand that recaro seats were an optional extra - does anyone have a pic of how these look compared to standard leather seats.

3) I've seen a few interior pics with different trims - one had carbon fibre inserts and the other had brushed aluminium inserts - was this an aftermarket mod or factory option - how much would it cost to buy the brushed alu trim?

4) What are the power and torque figures for just a remapped car - AMD claim +40bhp on their site, so 305bhp?

5) are there any 'must have' options on the car? Ideally i'd want the factory satnav+ but i believe this can be retrofitted after.

Sorry for all the questions folks.

Thanks

[ajsl]

Zish,

1 What is the ride quality like on standard suspension and 18s

I've got 18" B6 S4 wheels on my car (which are quite popular!) and the ride quality on the standard suspension is not to bad at all. It certainly doesn't "crash", though it perhaps isn't as precise as would be ideal.

2) I understand that recaro seats were an optional extra - does anyone have a pic of how these look compared to standard leather seats.

Here's a pic from the gallery of my Recaro fronts modules/pnCPG/Coppermine/albums/userpic ... _small.jpg the back seats are Recaros too.

3) I've seen a few interior pics with different trims - one had carbon fibre inserts and the other had brushed aluminium inserts - was this an aftermarket mod or factory option - how much would it cost to buy the brushed alu trim?

I think that UK S4s had the choice of carbon fibre or aluminium. The US also could choose a wood trim! As for a price to change (though I can't see why you would want to personally! ) try asking the guys at www.vagparts.com

4) What are the power and torque figures for just a remapped car - AMD claim +40bhp on their site, so 305bhp?

I don't know this one as my car is still stock.

5) are there any 'must have' options on the car? Ideally i'd want the factory satnav+ but i believe this can be retrofitted after.

I have black leather heated/electric recaros, ski bag, CD changer, arm rest, and a boot lid spoiler. Of those I'd say the only "must have" is the leather recaros. All the rest can be added later or have better aftermarket units (i.e. the sat nav and CD changer). Definitely get a leather interior though!

Check this thread out for the options list : http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... ic&t=48809

[CliveH]

Hi Zish. Welcome to potential S4 ownership.

First question is : where do you live? Someone near to you might be kind enough to at least give you a ride in one. But if you like driving the S3, you will like the S4 even more!

Your search and wishlist criteria are almost identical to mine some 9 months ago.
I was very impatient but the one piece of advice I did eventually heed was to keep looking and the right car will come along - although they're relatively rare, there are still plenty of good examples around (facelift reasonably low mileage included).

In terms of your questions :-

1. I have the B6 S4 18" wheels on mine on standard suspension and the ride is very similar to the stock 17", little firmer ride. It all depends on tyres too of course. I have 235/40 as opposed to stock 225/45 so slightly lower profile. It needs lowering a shade now so next step is suspension upgrade (probably H&R coilovers).

2. Recaros were optional extras, as were leather, electrics, and heated. I have the full monty so I'll send you some pics. IMHO, if you're going to go for a car of this standing you need some decent seats - the basic cloth looks very basic.

3. Cant say much anout interior trim - thought the carbon fibre effect was standard.

4. AMD's stage 1 is +40bhp, but they also offer higher uplifts. They're not cheap and all you get is a "standard chip". You will be better off going for a custome remap, which is tailored to your car and your driving style/needs. Mihnea at MRC is your man. He gave me +50bhp for a sensible price - you're talking £1,500 to get anything near that from AMD. If you add a performance exhaust, you can get 325bhp+ before you start doing some RS4 style mods.

5. Must haves (IMHO) - as I said, leather or leather/alcantara seats, Recaros if you're lucky. Sunroof is nice (aircon is standard), satnav/TV is an expensive gimmick (but admit to using mine from time to time). Other than that, I would strongly recommend that you for a "standard" car so that you can do the mods to suit you - its a lot more fun that way, and you also know that they've been done right and to your liking.

Anything else, just ask away.

Cheers,

[gavsteryoung]

1) I have had many discussions on this in the past on this forum, you may be able to find the posts... but I do find the ride very crashy at times.... the car is superbly smooth and tight on the open roads but backrounds the car does tend to crash, and a lot of people are in agreement with this. It seems to be in the design of the audi setups as even changing to H&R the car can feel the same, im told.... Dippy may comment on this if he's around!

2) I have Silver Recaros will try an add a pic unless Clive does before me (I think he has silver too) Recaros are the way to go, much better latteral support that standard seats..

3) Both are nice..... you will like both, there quality....

4) Pass, im still stock and loving it!

5) Satnav + is superb for me, I have used it tons in both england and france, sure there are better aftermarket systems but keeping stock look its a great system. I also have TV which has been a life saver when the wife is shopping.... I also have a DVD player than can work through the system as it has a S-VHS input.

Other items - Sunroof it great and very rare.... Arm Rest...... I dont rate bose, my aftermarket system sounds superb (thats aftermarket speakers, amps and sub connected to SatNav+)

[CliveH]

I wont race you with a pic of the interior Gav, but mine are actually black leather/blue alcantara - perfect combination for the Noggy blue.

OK, I have to admit using the satnav more than once or twice (although mine is only UK map), and I did once watch some of Top Gear sitting on a grid-locked motorway...now it never occurred to me as using it as a shopping aid...!

[gavsteryoung]

Here's the Silver interior....

[tartan_rob]

Just to add my 2p worth....I have cloth seats and I know they are not liked but having had red leather in M3 for a year in the south of France at 30degC+ every day and some days 40...I have burnt enough skin off my arse and would not go back to pure leather, suede yes, leather no. But that is personal opinion only and I understand the reason for preferring leather in the UK. My car is flame red with dark grey interior and brushed aluminium inserts. It looks top and IMO, way better than carbon....but again, it comes down to personal preferance...I'll try and get a photo if you are interested.

[CliveH]

You beat me to it Gav! I think the silver leather looks great, but i also understand Rob's point of view, but here in Blighty we're lucky to get the odd heatwave.

The leather/alcantara combination does it for me. Here are a few pics... As you can see, it's Recaros throughout, RS4 style.

[oneye]

would you please stop posting pics of your recaros , its making me green with envy think they both look great by the way , wish i'd held out for them , on point 3 i once asked audi how much changing to aluminium trim would cost and they quoted around a thousand quid so i guess if thats what you want you should look for one with it already in.

[tartan_rob]

Where are you guys getting the seats front and rear...I do agree the suede/leather combo looks superb and I am seriousely tempted.....especially as I do 400miles a week + 100 miles towing every 2 weeks and 700 mile journey to the in-laws every 6-8weeks...

I've had a look on recaro website and you can buy front seats from them but what about rears?

[gavsteryoung]

I dont think Clive, Alex or I can help you, we had them as standard in our cars.......

I know Dippy bought the fronts and if anyone may have researched if the rears were available he would be your man!

cheers

Gav

[CliveH]

Yes, thats right Gav, mine were "standard" as you put it - factory fitted.

I understand the front ones are easy enough to fit (unless you want the heated seats, which would involve some fiddly wiring), but I dont know about the rear ones - yea, try Dippy.

[zish]

Thanks for all the replies guys - you've all been really helpful.

Those recaros look exactly the same as the ones in the S3 - i've got the half alcantara ones and it does stop you sliding around, but they haven't seemed to wear as well as i'd have hoped, even after only 20k miles. I suppose they'd be nice to have, but condition of the car, exterior colour etc. will be more important.

I've been looking on all the usual sources - autotrader, exchange&mart, pistonheads, tyresmoke, loot etc., but there doesn't seem to be even a single car matching my criteria - i think i'm in for a long wait

The search begins.......

[zish]

Also forgot to ask - Clive, do you have any more pics of your car? It looks quite tasty judging by your sig.

[CliveH]

Be patient Zish - the right car will come along eventually...

I'll put some more pics of the car on over the weekend - it's really not that "tasty" - the only exterior differences are the B6 wheels and RS4 grille.