Forester XT to MKV GTI to MKVI R to Audi S3

[AdamD]

Lost in translation ???

Evidently SilvrFoxX has retired to the pool room for a scotch or two.

Was extra nice getting the shocks replaced as well with new versions.

First service is due in a few months but have not got anything that needs to be done under warranty this time.

Good thinking getting it done; very unlikely to cause issues and hopefully rectify one or two! I know your car doesn't often suffer from the dreaded pogo-stick effect when driving over speed humps at moderate speed in Comfort, but have you noticed any improvement in this regard? Or is it too soon to tell?

Beyond the major warranty issue I had in the first month or two of ownership, I've not had a single problem with my S3 either. It seems built exceptionally well, but then it is a "Wednesday" car. Doesn't even rattle (touchwood).

[Candyman]

I know your car doesn't often suffer from the dreaded pogo-stick effect when driving over speed humps at moderate speed in Comfort, but have you noticed any improvement in this regard? Or is it too soon to tell?

Beyond the major warranty issue I had in the first month or two of ownership, I've not had a single problem with my S3 either. It seems built exceptionally well, but then it is a "Wednesday" car. Doesn't even rattle (touchwood).

I don't use Comfort mode really - always in auto for suspension.

Will try it this week.

I had the screws drop out from the undertray a few times but sorted that myself using silicon under the head of the screws.

Other than that, all good. No rattles. No DSG issues. No untoward engine noises. No oil use (none at all).

[AdamD]

I don't use Comfort mode really - always in auto for suspension.

Will try it this week.

I had the screws drop out from the undertray a few times but sorted that myself using silicon under the head of the screws.

Other than that, all good. No rattles. No DSG issues. No untoward engine noises. No oil use (none at all).

There's some seriously sub-par bitumen around Adelaide's CBD so my dampers are in comfort most of the time - I find it's slightly more compliant than Normal, although you never know - it could be the placebo effect mostly. The only time I change away from Individual (with dampers in Comfort) is when it all goes Dynamic on a "hills run", and I'm keeping up with the SA VWW/EuroSA regulars (Audi B5 S4 Stage 3, B7 RS4 APR Stage 3 supercharged, Mk6 GTI ED35 APR Stage 2, 8V RS3, etc etc - those guys like the corners almost as much as the straights).

I've not crawled under mine to check for dropped screws. I probably should at some stage. I check the oil monthly (typically only gets between 1 and 3 drives, perhaps 100-250km at most over that period), and have never noticed it use a drop either. Happy times.

[Candyman]

Yep, mine is in Individual half the time (Steering on auto, suspension on auto, engine and DSG and sound in Dynamic)

The other half of the time in Sport manual with Individual mode.

High rev changes in that setting are fun

[AdamD]

Yep, mine is in Individual half the time (Steering on auto, suspension on auto, engine and DSG and sound in Dynamic)

The other half of the time in Sport manual with Individual mode.

High rev changes in that setting are fun

My Individual is the same, save for the dampers, oh and obviously the transmission is unaffected. No shift farts for me though, and I really do miss that - heavy (but not WOT) throttle upshifts in my Stage 1 Mk6 GTI were just outrageous.

I made the VCDS change to permanently open the exhaust valve (rather than it only opening above ~3,000rpm on a heavy throttle, and then only when sound is in dynamic). Best change I've made, without a doubt - with a manual it makes the car so much easier to drive, as I can now hear the engine when taking off and operating the clutch, even with the radio on (at a moderate volume). And although it doesn't sound all that sporty, at least it's got a hint of bass to it now.

[SilvrFoxX]

Just poking the bear


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[Candyman]

My Individual is the same, save for the dampers, oh and obviously the transmission is unaffected. No shift farts for me though, and I really do miss that - heavy (but not WOT) throttle upshifts in my Stage 1 Mk6 GTI were just outrageous.

I made the VCDS change to permanently open the exhaust valve (rather than it only opening above ~3,000rpm on a heavy throttle, and then only when sound is in dynamic). Best change I've made, without a doubt - with a manual it makes the car so much easier to drive, as I can now hear the engine when taking off and operating the clutch, even with the radio on (at a moderate volume). And although it doesn't sound all that sporty, at least it's got a hint of bass to it now.

Interesting feedback on opening the flaps

I disconnected them but reconnected them as I didn't like the sound.

I'm an old bastard though

[parso_rex]

Just poking the bear


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RS is too slow anyway for now mr Fox. I've started playing with the S3 a bit again

[SilvrFoxX]

Something tells me you pay for the exhaust note on an RS3 .. But I haven't driven one to know.

I have no doubt your S3 is scary


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[Candyman]

Added 1,000 km today and 200 km on dirt roads going through the hinterland - car performed great and handled mud, small streams and gravel without issue.

RC much better than my R and much more fun.

What a great car it is.

Might wash it tomorrow, might not - it's wearing the mud with pride.