Audi TTS - will the gamble pay off?
Discussion
The new exhaust tips turned up the other day. Unfortunately they were the wrong size and for reference the TTS 8S part number for these is 8S0253825A (left) and 8S0253826A (right). The omission of "A" meant I got the standard round pieces:
I was a bit annoyed as the non-A parts are listed as fitting the TTS, and thanks to post-Brexit arrangements I will have to reclaim the import duty on the returned parts.
Given all the above plus the higher prices of the TTS-compatible items at £70 a pop, I decided to have a second and more intensive attempt at cleaning-up the originals:
With some Bar Keeper's Friend, 0000 wire wool and Radio 4 for company, I then spent (too many) hours getting the four to this state:
Second attempt fitted on right, in comparison to the first attempt on the left:
This will do me. It's an 8-year old car after all and, instead, I will use some of the funds towards new discs and pads. These will also need doing over the course of my ownership, so my logic is that I might as well do them now to maximise the benefit.
Hence I've ordered some of these with matching pads all round, and will get them fitted soon.
I was a bit annoyed as the non-A parts are listed as fitting the TTS, and thanks to post-Brexit arrangements I will have to reclaim the import duty on the returned parts.
Given all the above plus the higher prices of the TTS-compatible items at £70 a pop, I decided to have a second and more intensive attempt at cleaning-up the originals:
With some Bar Keeper's Friend, 0000 wire wool and Radio 4 for company, I then spent (too many) hours getting the four to this state:
Second attempt fitted on right, in comparison to the first attempt on the left:
This will do me. It's an 8-year old car after all and, instead, I will use some of the funds towards new discs and pads. These will also need doing over the course of my ownership, so my logic is that I might as well do them now to maximise the benefit.
Hence I've ordered some of these with matching pads all round, and will get them fitted soon.
I did the front pads on my wife’s 2015 TTS, which were not unlike any other car. You will need a piston compression tool for a four pot caliper.
I had to get a local (non VW) garage to do the rears for me as you need a servicing coding tool to pull back the electronic handbrake first.
As is often the case, the likes of Eurocarparts cannot confirm which pads are correct for the vehicle Registration, but if use the disc size as a guide, you narrow down the options.
I had to get a local (non VW) garage to do the rears for me as you need a servicing coding tool to pull back the electronic handbrake first.
As is often the case, the likes of Eurocarparts cannot confirm which pads are correct for the vehicle Registration, but if use the disc size as a guide, you narrow down the options.
The wheels were refinished this week:
...and the calipers. These seem to have come up nicely, though it looks like the older "TT" logo was used so I may source the newer decals to ensure a finish I'm 100% happy with.
I'll also fit these new centre caps. They seem to be exact and convincing copies of the original OEM parts, down to a made in "Italy" stamp on the back... though the price they're available for on eBay suggests they're Chinesium.
Interestingly, a slight drone from the rear of the car around 60+mph has now disappeared. I assume this is because the wheel people have mounted the tyres with more worn tread on the front instead of the rear, or because the wheels are now balanced.
Next week the car goes to the paint shop for a front end re-spray, after which I'll have the Brembo X discs and pads fitted.
Once those are done it'll be getting close to finished. Final things to do include fixing the seat side trims and cleaning the engine bay a little.
...and the calipers. These seem to have come up nicely, though it looks like the older "TT" logo was used so I may source the newer decals to ensure a finish I'm 100% happy with.
I'll also fit these new centre caps. They seem to be exact and convincing copies of the original OEM parts, down to a made in "Italy" stamp on the back... though the price they're available for on eBay suggests they're Chinesium.
Interestingly, a slight drone from the rear of the car around 60+mph has now disappeared. I assume this is because the wheel people have mounted the tyres with more worn tread on the front instead of the rear, or because the wheels are now balanced.
Next week the car goes to the paint shop for a front end re-spray, after which I'll have the Brembo X discs and pads fitted.
Once those are done it'll be getting close to finished. Final things to do include fixing the seat side trims and cleaning the engine bay a little.
Looking good.
I've not used this site for decals, but saved it for when I get around to having my wheels done. https://www.brakecaliperdecals.co.uk/Audi-Decals
I've not used this site for decals, but saved it for when I get around to having my wheels done. https://www.brakecaliperdecals.co.uk/Audi-Decals
The TTS was in the paint booth this week...
Following which, I feel like we're getting there with my build:
It looks like a really good job and the paint man went to some extensive lengths to refinish that poor previous job I mentioned before. I think this has tidied the looks of the car up a lot:
I've also fitted replica plates for that original look:
I'm happy with the brake calipers' new matching colour. The incorrect (old style) TTS decals will be replaced by these correct ones:
I'm having those Brembo discs & pads fitted this week, and I've caved-in by buying some overpriced OEM tailpipes following my efforts to re-finish the originals, which wasn't proving durable. This should bring the preparations for my ownership towards a close now.
Sadly my dad passed away during the week, which was a hectic one and involved nearly a thousand miles of too-ing and fro-ing in my Golf GTD (which I'll cover separately).
The TTS was partly bought with visiting my dad in mind, so I'll have to see how I now end up using it as the year progresses. My Mum likes the car a lot and so I took her out today in it to look at a natural burial ground.
I'll keep the thread updated.
Following which, I feel like we're getting there with my build:
It looks like a really good job and the paint man went to some extensive lengths to refinish that poor previous job I mentioned before. I think this has tidied the looks of the car up a lot:
I've also fitted replica plates for that original look:
I'm happy with the brake calipers' new matching colour. The incorrect (old style) TTS decals will be replaced by these correct ones:
I'm having those Brembo discs & pads fitted this week, and I've caved-in by buying some overpriced OEM tailpipes following my efforts to re-finish the originals, which wasn't proving durable. This should bring the preparations for my ownership towards a close now.
Sadly my dad passed away during the week, which was a hectic one and involved nearly a thousand miles of too-ing and fro-ing in my Golf GTD (which I'll cover separately).
The TTS was partly bought with visiting my dad in mind, so I'll have to see how I now end up using it as the year progresses. My Mum likes the car a lot and so I took her out today in it to look at a natural burial ground.
I'll keep the thread updated.
Thanks everyone.
Those Brembo Xtra discs and pads were fitted last week, following which I took the car over to see my Mum and catch up with friends where I grew up.
On these familiar Welsh roads the TTS makes everything seem too easy, and it confirmed again that it's feels closer to my old RS3 than S3 in pace - despite not being remapped like those two were.
Also reminiscent of the RS3 is the distant but controlled thumping of bigger wheels on magnetic shocks, never bottoming out and giving amazing grip but missing a touch of lightness in its steering. Overall, though, it feels more nimble and slightly more usable than the RS on tighter roads - only missing out on the soundtrack, though even that is quite decent with exhaust valves open.
The incorrect TTS decals will have to stay on the front calipers after all, as it seems that they've been lacquered over. Not a big deal really!
Visiting my Dad was one of the main reasons for having this car, as he was mainly cared for at home by my Mum. The car's now finished just after he's left us, so I'll have to see what that means for how I use it because my Mum will be much more independent.
Those Brembo Xtra discs and pads were fitted last week, following which I took the car over to see my Mum and catch up with friends where I grew up.
On these familiar Welsh roads the TTS makes everything seem too easy, and it confirmed again that it's feels closer to my old RS3 than S3 in pace - despite not being remapped like those two were.
Also reminiscent of the RS3 is the distant but controlled thumping of bigger wheels on magnetic shocks, never bottoming out and giving amazing grip but missing a touch of lightness in its steering. Overall, though, it feels more nimble and slightly more usable than the RS on tighter roads - only missing out on the soundtrack, though even that is quite decent with exhaust valves open.
The incorrect TTS decals will have to stay on the front calipers after all, as it seems that they've been lacquered over. Not a big deal really!
Visiting my Dad was one of the main reasons for having this car, as he was mainly cared for at home by my Mum. The car's now finished just after he's left us, so I'll have to see what that means for how I use it because my Mum will be much more independent.
I've now had 4 complete months with the car, doing around 1,600 miles in that time. Only a few hundred of those have been done recently, related to my Dad's passing away, lower business miles and a well-needed holiday.
Some more pics now that it's brightened-up a bit:
And some close-ups of bits that I've improved recently:
I'm tending to use it once or twice a week, often doing something with one of the kids while my wife has the other.
The next and final renewal should be a new windscreen because of all the small stone chips. I'm procrastinating a bit as this version has a camera (due to matrix LEDs) and that means a fairly steep cost.
As I said earlier, I'm going to suck it and see with this car for the year given the amount I've invested upfront in its renovation. It's clearly not doing essential miles, but they're always enjoyable - this is definitely a good times / feelgood car and it's nice to be able to have something like this ready to go.
In the longer run it would make sense for this car to become a 5-door again (maybe another RS3?), while the current Golf GTD stablemate would become something insurance-friendly for our kids as they come up to Learner age.
Some more pics now that it's brightened-up a bit:
And some close-ups of bits that I've improved recently:
I'm tending to use it once or twice a week, often doing something with one of the kids while my wife has the other.
The next and final renewal should be a new windscreen because of all the small stone chips. I'm procrastinating a bit as this version has a camera (due to matrix LEDs) and that means a fairly steep cost.
As I said earlier, I'm going to suck it and see with this car for the year given the amount I've invested upfront in its renovation. It's clearly not doing essential miles, but they're always enjoyable - this is definitely a good times / feelgood car and it's nice to be able to have something like this ready to go.
In the longer run it would make sense for this car to become a 5-door again (maybe another RS3?), while the current Golf GTD stablemate would become something insurance-friendly for our kids as they come up to Learner age.
Edited by The Cardinal on Friday 26th April 13:08
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