Adam Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 After much to-ing and fro-ing, considerations varying from RS4/6 to Cayenne turbo to 911 I think I have finally decided to save some dosh and get a new S3. Had the old S3 (chipped) and thought it was a great car if lacking in the handling/feel dept. S3 sounds like an improvement so went to see one in the showroom and will test drive the same car (it had not been registered or prepped yet) this weekend. To anyone who has one already would be grateful of your views on: 1. want the DVD satnav with TV - it seems poor that you cannot play a CD in this thing at the same time as use the satnav disc. So you have to the CD changer in the glovebox. But I want the ipod connector which you can't get in addition to the CD changer! Any solution? Seems crap that the satnav DVD cannot just dump info into the hardware and be removed. 2. Phone prep - is this just GSM? Salesperson said there was a bluetooth option (that would presumably work with PCN as well as GSM frequencies). Is this right as I cannot see the option. 3. Quite like the two-tone leather (black with silver inserts) as all black looks quite dull. Any one got any pictures of this? The Audi configurator rendering looks nice but the picture in Evo mag no.97 make it look almost white which is not so good. 4. Discounts - was quoted 8 week delivery so these are not exactly flying off the shelves. Was offered a discount or a few free options without asking so I will bargain hard. My spec works out £32.5k so should try to get £2.5k off this (or 7.5% ish). Anyone managed this or better? 5. Seeing as I have been testing quicker cars I am thinking of boosting power - anyone offering this yet? I suppose 300bhp must be possible with chip-only but anyone got views on longevity. I know the old 1.8T was a very strong block but know nothing about the new 2.0 FSI motor. Thanks Current spec thining is: Phantom or Dolphin Black leather or maybe black/silver DVD satnav TV Bose ipod thing parking aid (for missus) dim/fold mirrors rain / light sensor pack lumbar support armrest interior light pack - though not sure why I have to pay for this pleasure! tyre sensor - does this give you pressure readings all round or is it just a warning when your tyre is kaputt? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollox Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 Look at you coming back to the fold Here was me thinking Paul and I were the sole survivors of the Original S3 Boyz . Do it, just to bolster the numbers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted February 12, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 Maybe! Wonder if I can buy my old S3 plate back off the current owner for nostalgia sake! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollox Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 Not such a silly idea. I still love mine to this very day, almost 6 years ( ) after I picked it up. You can always buy it if you want to revisit those memories (I'm sure I'm going to sell it to Chelsea Mick one of these days ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chins Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 [ QUOTE ] Look at you coming back to the fold Here was me thinking Paul and I were the sole survivors of the Original S3 Boyz . Do it, just to bolster the numbers [/ QUOTE ] Dont forget me, Ive had two S3's in the past and the wife has my old S3 plate on her Meriva Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chins Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 On the discount front, they seem a little hard to get at the moment. What have people achieved and from which dealers? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollox Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 You can buy mine then Do you have a holiday home in Spain? It'd be perfectly happy there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 [ QUOTE ] On the discount front, they seem a little hard to get at the moment. What have people achieved and from which dealers? [/ QUOTE ] People have got discounts. But it seems that Audi has tried to do price fixing by telling dealers not to discount at all on the S3. Very naught indeed and against the law. There is another thread on it a few pages back. Push them hard and you should at least get some options thrown in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_d Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 Good choice overall Adam, but lets delve deeper and give you some advice 1. Yes, you need a CD changer with it. It could "dump" the info to a HDD but that would be adding cost again to the system. 2. My phone prep was BT, I believe they all are. There isn't a cradle included, but the BT works very well. The entire system is amazingly integrated. It uploads you phone book to the DIS/RNS-E and allows you to scroll through via the steering wheel controls (if specced). 3. The two tone leather looks very good imo, it does lift the cabin, however it is very light, infact it's almost white/cream. 4. Audi have strengthened this engine quite considerably over the Golf GTI version, so I would be confident in it achieving 300bhp. AmD don't have anything out yet, but iirc Superchips have recently released something (???) As for the rest of your spec; Colour; Id probably go for Dolphin grey as there are a lot of black ones. Looks great in black, don't get me wrong, but dolphin grey may look a bit more individual. RNS-E; fantastic bit of kit. Looks the business, works very quickly and TMC is awesome. Only thing I don't like is the somewhat "messy" DIS satnav display. TV; wouldn't bother mate, it's £700 and most people use it very rarely. This will also stop receiving any signal when analogue is turned off... Bose; Awesome, really good sound quality, nice base, good treble and doesn't distort at high volume. Ipod; no point imho, get an SD card for £30 and put your songs on there (there're two slots for SD cards behind the RNS-E screen). This will allow you to put the CD changer in it's place, meaning you can listen to MP3's and CD's. Parking aid; like anyother, works well enough Mirrors; yeah, I like these as I do a lot of night driving and parking in London I like to keep them folded in! Rain/light pack; pretty good, not a crucial option imo, but they work well lumbar; essential, for me at least as I suffer from lower back pain. armrest; does exactly what it says on the tin light pack; not got it on mine, you do get the basic lights tho, but apparently this is a really nice feature as it adds LED's to add cabin "ambience" tyre sensor; OK for the price, but it will only warn you when your tyre is low (doesn't give readouts) and you really should check your pressure regularly and be able to tell when a tyres flat just by driving hth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_d Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 [ QUOTE ] On the discount front, they seem a little hard to get at the moment. What have people achieved and from which dealers? [/ QUOTE ] Yeah, I managed a decent discount, but that was by taking a showroom model, really haggling and being lucky (they needed to hit month end sales targets). I got around 7.5% off iirc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edo Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 1. want the DVD satnav with TV - it seems poor that you cannot play a CD in this thing at the same time as use the satnav disc. So you have to the CD changer in the glovebox. But I want the ipod connector which you can't get in addition to the CD changer! Any solution? Seems crap that the satnav DVD cannot just dump info into the hardware and be removed. No need - the DVD Nav has 2 SD slots which can take 2 4gb cards. PS - Unless you must have TV, why pay over 2k to Audi for Nav when you can retro-fit RNS-E for 500-700? 2. Phone prep - is this just GSM? Salesperson said there was a bluetooth option (that would presumably work with PCN as well as GSM frequencies). Is this right as I cannot see the option. I believe GSM prep is Bluetooth. Either dash or armrest mounted. [/ QUOTE ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vertigo1 Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 1. Why on earth do you need a CD player? Just rip the CDs to MP3s and shove them on SD cards. CDs are yesterday's technology tbh. 2. The GSM prep is indeed BT. You get a mounting bracket, either on the dash or in the front centre armrest (has to be ordered separately) which you can purchase a separate cradle for to house the phone (if there's one for your phone model - the list is fairly restricted). Out of the cradle, the phone connects via BT. In the cradle it uses a wired connection and thus disables the BT and also charges the phone and connects its aerial to the sharkfin on the roof. Note that not all phones integrate fully with the GSM prep so it's worth checking this out for your phone model. That said, the system is so good it's worth changing your phone to a supported one if necessary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZURES3 Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 Hope this helps [ QUOTE ] To anyone who has one already would be grateful of your views on: 1. want the DVD satnav with TV - it seems poor that you cannot play a CD in this thing at the same time as use the satnav disc. So you have to the CD changer in the glovebox. But I want the ipod connector which you can't get in addition to the CD changer! Any solution? Seems crap that the satnav DVD cannot just dump info into the hardware and be removed. I toyed with the idea of the IPOD connector but in the end went for the over priced 6CD. I have read the IPOD connector is not great and aftermarket ones are better. Due to the 2 SD slots in the Sat/Nav Plus I find the 6CD and the 2 * 2GB SD cards a good if not expensive mix. 2. Phone prep - is this just GSM? Salesperson said there was a bluetooth option (that would presumably work with PCN as well as GSM frequencies). Is this right as I cannot see the option. This option plus BOSE and the Sat/Nav Plus is amazing, the phone kit is fully Bluetooth compatable and if you look in the ICE section you will see a list of compatible phones. A word of warning there are 2 options and unless you want a chunk of plastic on the dash ensure the dealers order you the one located in the fron centre armrest, you will need to buy this too though. It is a great kit and works very well. 3. Quite like the two-tone leather (black with silver inserts) as all black looks quite dull. Any one got any pictures of this? The Audi configurator rendering looks nice but the picture in Evo mag no.97 make it look almost white which is not so good. There are some pictures on here but worth seeing in the flesh if you can as it is quite bright. I am not sure if you get the embossed pattern on the 2tone leather. Personally I find the embossed pattern really help to stop you sliding around. 4. Discounts - was quoted 8 week delivery so these are not exactly flying off the shelves. Was offered a discount or a few free options without asking so I will bargain hard. My spec works out £32.5k so should try to get £2.5k off this (or 7.5% ish). Anyone managed this or better? Some dealers have a 3-4 month wait others dont but it sees Audi are stopping discounts on the new S3 for a while. A few people have managed between £300 and £700 from cancelled orders but I am sure this will change over time. My spec was also about £32K and as one of the first customers, I took delivery 9/12/06, discount were far from possible. I would say £1,000 should be possible now though. 5. Seeing as I have been testing quicker cars I am thinking of boosting power - anyone offering this yet? I suppose 300bhp must be possible with chip-only but anyone got views on longevity. I know the old 1.8T was a very strong block but know nothing about the new 2.0 FSI motor. The powerplant is amazing and whilst it may not be such a nice tune as the V6 it is a formidable engine. The 280 BHP version due in the TT very soon will be a monster. There are kits out for 306 BHP already and a few people on audi-sport.net are getting them done soon. It is a quick car in basic tune once you have a few miles on the clock AZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_d Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 Azure> I can confirm the two-tone isn't embossed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZURES3 Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 [ QUOTE ] Azure> I can confirm the two-tone isn't embossed [/ QUOTE ] Shame really its a good feature, even if it does look like a golf ball How you enjoying the car, you run it in yet ? AZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted February 12, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 thanks for the useful replies, so: 1. Yes, you need a CD changer with it. It could "dump" the info to a HDD but that would be adding cost again to the system. The thought of adding to the ridiculous £2175 is alarming indeed!! 2. Good news on phone. Why does the options list not mention BT? Also they both mention GSM - does this mean Vodafone and O2 only? I thought the beauty of BT is your chuck the phone in the boot if you want and it all works through car controls/speakers - so what is dash or armrest mounted exactly and presumably you don't actually need to stick your phone in a lead? Or do you? RNS-E - is this shorthand for the DVD satnav? TV - thanks for the views, points taken and it will be last choice of options probably but I would find it useful every now and again, when is analogue turning off - 2010? Ipod; no point imho, get an SD card for £30 and put your songs on there - aha! I know zilch about SD cards - I have 40gb of music on my ipod, how much can an SD card hold? Can I scroll through contents by artist / track / genre / date etc like an ipod? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZURES3 Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 [ QUOTE ] thanks for the useful replies, so: 1. Yes, you need a CD changer with it. It could "dump" the info to a HDD but that would be adding cost again to the system. The thought of adding to the ridiculous £2175 is alarming indeed!! No real win here if you could have the 6CD & IPOD then great but I went for the best mix for me. I have to say I dont use the 6CD much though 2. Good news on phone. Why does the options list not mention BT? Also they both mention GSM - does this mean Vodafone and O2 only? I thought the beauty of BT is your chuck the phone in the boot if you want and it all works through car controls/speakers - so what is dash or armrest mounted exactly and presumably you don't actually need to stick your phone in a lead? Or do you? No connections needed and yes once the phone is paired it can be anywhere. The reason about having it in the front centre armrest is it avoids the mounting plate being on the dashboard. You will need a FCA though. The mouting plat is for people who want to spend £100 on a craddle so rarely used as it only gives you charging power and no other benefits RNS-E - is this shorthand for the DVD satnav? It is indeed. TV - thanks for the views, points taken and it will be last choice of options probably but I would find it useful every now and again, when is analogue turning off - 2010? Sounds about right, you can get the modification so it works whilst moving too Ipod; no point imho, get an SD card for £30 and put your songs on there - aha! I know zilch about SD cards - I have 40gb of music on my ipod, how much can an SD card hold? Can I scroll through contents by artist / track / genre / date etc like an ipod? It works very well with the names etc asyou mention about scrolling etc, this is why I rarely use the 6CD as you dont get this on the 6CD. SD cards can be used up to 4GB and are cheap as chips now, about £35 get you a decent Kingston high seed one with a lifetime warranty. /quote] AZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_d Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 1. Yeah, very alarming 2. No idea why it doesn't mention Bluetooth tbh, I would check the specifics with your dealer, but as I understand it. The GSM gives you bluetooth and a unit for which to place a phone specific cradle onto. You have to buy this cradle seperately. However, the bluetooth works fine without a cradle, I keep mine in my jacket pocket which hangs up on the very suitable coat hanger thingy in the back Yes mate, RNS-E is the DVD satnav. I think it's being turned off in 2010, personally I've never seen the point of a tv in a car, although it is pretty cool. (if that makes sense) The RNS-E can read upto 512 tracks off a single SD card, which is about a 4GB card at very decent quality iirc. It won't be as comprehensive as the ipod, however it does allow you to play playlists. I believe most people add music in folders, i.e. Radiohead - The Bends would be a folder with all the related tracks in it. They then place a playlist file (.m3u iirc) in the "root" directory, which is essentially the first directory you come to. It can play from here. Sorry for the awful explanation of the SD card, sure someone can do it better than moi, but that's the general idea Azure: done 600 miles now, so opened her up to red line a few times, but still being fairly careful. My journey comprises of mainly fast moving motorway traffic atm, so I'm trying to change speed often to keep the revs at different ranges. So far so good tho, I am a very happy boy p.s. I'll post some pics as soon as I can get my personal computer up and running (currently using works laptop) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AZURES3 Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 [ QUOTE ] Azure: done 600 miles now, so opened her up to red line a few times, but still being fairly careful. My journey comprises of mainly fast moving motorway traffic atm, so I'm trying to change speed often to keep the revs at different ranges. So far so good tho, I am a very happy boy p.s. I'll post some pics as soon as I can get my personal computer up and running (currently using works laptop) [/ QUOTE ] Excellent would liek to see the 2 tone leather on a black one AZ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Posted February 12, 2007 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 last questions: the GSM BT phone - it does work on T-Mobile/Orange phones? is the sunband worthwhile (I may not be keen on the look)? what is boot liner for luggage pack - worth it? think it includes a 12v connector in boot, what is this useful for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevie_d Posted February 12, 2007 Report Share Posted February 12, 2007 1. I assume it will work with T-Mobile/Orange, no reason for it to be network dependent. 2. Meh is all I can say to this one mate, it's not really worth it, but doesn't look bad either. 3. Boot liner is for protecting your boot carpeting, iirc Azure has it and really rates it 4. The 12v connector is very useful for connecting electric air pumps to inflate airbeds at Le Mans Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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