B8 S4 Ownership
Discussion
Oddly, I was thinking about this a couple of days ago and meant to google it as Colorado moves out from its 8 month long Summer into its 8 month long Winter*; I had a feeling that the outside temperature needed to be below a certain value for them to come on. Apparently not; will check the switch is centered.
I've never used mine; it's so dry here most of the time and it's garaged now - the only time they would have been useful in the last ten years was when sleet melted and froze on one mirror. That took more than a week to clear by itself...
* beats me, too.
I've never used mine; it's so dry here most of the time and it's garaged now - the only time they would have been useful in the last ten years was when sleet melted and froze on one mirror. That took more than a week to clear by itself...
* beats me, too.
jimmyjimjim said:
Oddly, I was thinking about this a couple of days ago and meant to google it as Colorado moves out from its 8 month long Summer into its 8 month long Winter*; I had a feeling that the outside temperature needed to be below a certain value for them to come on. Apparently not; will check the switch is centered.
I've never used mine; it's so dry here most of the time and it's garaged now - the only time they would have been useful in the last ten years was when sleet melted and froze on one mirror. That took more than a week to clear by itself...
* beats me, too.
Apparently below 5C they come on by themselves (when the snowflake appears on the dash), above that they come on when you turn the rear demister on (but only in the central position).I've never used mine; it's so dry here most of the time and it's garaged now - the only time they would have been useful in the last ten years was when sleet melted and froze on one mirror. That took more than a week to clear by itself...
* beats me, too.
Yeah - I had concluded that I need to program the mirror dip as I dont have memory seats - going to look at that later but was just trying out because you never know and anyway the previous owner might have already done it.
Its bonkers that the mirror dip only works in one position and the heated mirrors only works in a different one - so if you use both features you have to keep switching...!
It takes no time at all for the mirrors to de-ice but the rear screen can take a lot longer. I tend to manually switch the mirrors off once they've cleared to reduce electrical load and unnecessary wear on the heating elements
My 2002 S8 is configured the same too in terms of mirror switch use, so guess I'm just used to it!
My 2002 S8 is configured the same too in terms of mirror switch use, so guess I'm just used to it!
apreading said:
MattS5 said:
I went with a removable Bosal bar on mine. The guy who fitted it said there was better clearance between that and the bumper than with the Westfalia.
I guess it depends what you're towing though. (I needed to have as much room for the ALKO stabiliser as possible)
Interesting - I saw the Bosal too and my guy stocks them. 'Towing' will be mainly a bike carrier and maybe a jetski in the future (if I can convince the mrs). Presumably they code it so the rear parking sensors disable when attached?I guess it depends what you're towing though. (I needed to have as much room for the ALKO stabiliser as possible)
They also said that the Bosal doesnt come with "an extended socket so even with it swung all the way down you'd still have to feel around up behind the bumper in order to plug in"
Do you find it difficult to plug in?
I guess I would live with it beeing a little bit fiddly if it means I can get a usable tow bar...!
apreading said:
Hi - just checked with PFJones - they said that the Westfalia will have less than 65mm clearance to the bumper - so not enough to fit a bike rack (or at least the Thule one I was looking at)...
They also said that the Bosal doesnt come with "an extended socket so even with it swung all the way down you'd still have to feel around up behind the bumper in order to plug in"
Do you find it difficult to plug in?
I guess I would live with it beeing a little bit fiddly if it means I can get a usable tow bar...!
No issues at all. They also said that the Bosal doesnt come with "an extended socket so even with it swung all the way down you'd still have to feel around up behind the bumper in order to plug in"
Do you find it difficult to plug in?
I guess I would live with it beeing a little bit fiddly if it means I can get a usable tow bar...!
A random few pics attached, hopefully gives you an idea just how invisible it is when detached.
and then a ridiculous one
![](http://thumbsnap.com/sc/gO5lz7wb.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="http://thumbsnap.com/O02EPhNg" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]http://thumbsnap.com/sc/O02EPhNg.jpg)
Edited by MattS5 on Friday 28th October 16:37
Do you have this fitted on an S4 or just an S5? Looks promising either way but would be more reassuring if someone had one on an S4 obviously! I just looked at the Westfalia on PF Jones and it says both the S4 and S5 need the extension for the electrical socket - so hopefully safe to assume that the requirements of both bumpers is similar...
Anyway, the Westfalia is a non-starter - they have confirmed there will not be enough clearance for a bike rack on S4s or S-Line A4s. I dont know why Westfalia dont make one with a longer neck - it wouldnt be too hard to change the moulding slightly and get more sales as a result.
Anyway, the Westfalia is a non-starter - they have confirmed there will not be enough clearance for a bike rack on S4s or S-Line A4s. I dont know why Westfalia dont make one with a longer neck - it wouldnt be too hard to change the moulding slightly and get more sales as a result.
apreading said:
Do you have this fitted on an S4 or just an S5? Looks promising either way but would be more reassuring if someone had one on an S4 obviously! I just looked at the Westfalia on PF Jones and it says both the S4 and S5 need the extension for the electrical socket - so hopefully safe to assume that the requirements of both bumpers is similar...
Anyway, the Westfalia is a non-starter - they have confirmed there will not be enough clearance for a bike rack on S4s or S-Line A4s. I dont know why Westfalia dont make one with a longer neck - it wouldnt be too hard to change the moulding slightly and get more sales as a result.
Its an S5Anyway, the Westfalia is a non-starter - they have confirmed there will not be enough clearance for a bike rack on S4s or S-Line A4s. I dont know why Westfalia dont make one with a longer neck - it wouldnt be too hard to change the moulding slightly and get more sales as a result.
The guy who runs this place (he's been fitting bars for 30+ yeaqrs for all the local main dealers) would be a great person to ask for some advice.
He sells the bike racks too, so would be best placed to answer your questions. He highlighted the bumper issue as a problem with the S4, when I mentioned my S5, thats why I went Bosal on his recommendation.
He fits Wetsfalia too, so wasn't looking to put me off it.
http://www.broadland-towbars.co.uk/
MattS5 said:
Its an S5
The guy who runs this place (he's been fitting bars for 30+ yeaqrs for all the local main dealers) would be a great person to ask for some advice.
He sells the bike racks too, so would be best placed to answer your questions. He highlighted the bumper issue as a problem with the S4, when I mentioned my S5, thats why I went Bosal on his recommendation.
He fits Wetsfalia too, so wasn't looking to put me off it.
http://www.broadland-towbars.co.uk/
Have sent him an email - sounds promising already from your experience though.The guy who runs this place (he's been fitting bars for 30+ yeaqrs for all the local main dealers) would be a great person to ask for some advice.
He sells the bike racks too, so would be best placed to answer your questions. He highlighted the bumper issue as a problem with the S4, when I mentioned my S5, thats why I went Bosal on his recommendation.
He fits Wetsfalia too, so wasn't looking to put me off it.
http://www.broadland-towbars.co.uk/
Cheers
apreading said:
Do you have this fitted on an S4 or just an S5? Looks promising either way but would be more reassuring if someone had one on an S4 obviously! I just looked at the Westfalia on PF Jones and it says both the S4 and S5 need the extension for the electrical socket - so hopefully safe to assume that the requirements of both bumpers is similar...
Anyway, the Westfalia is a non-starter - they have confirmed there will not be enough clearance for a bike rack on S4s or S-Line A4s. I dont know why Westfalia dont make one with a longer neck - it wouldnt be too hard to change the moulding slightly and get more sales as a result.
Hi - just joined to add some experience on thisAnyway, the Westfalia is a non-starter - they have confirmed there will not be enough clearance for a bike rack on S4s or S-Line A4s. I dont know why Westfalia dont make one with a longer neck - it wouldnt be too hard to change the moulding slightly and get more sales as a result.
My B8 S4 has a 'Tow Trust' detachable that was fitted following recommendation from Alex @ Fontain Audi (who I got the car from). Excellent fit, carries bikes easily with my Atera carrier - not problems at all.
Don't have any shots of it but can try to get some if you need some help.
Duncan
Interesting - Tow Trust is another option as a local fitter does them, wasnt sure if they were as good as the 'brand names' though.
Pics would be fantastic - is yours a B8 or B8.5? Was the rear bumper changed with the face lift?
Distance between towbar ball and bumper is key, as is access to electrics and how 'invisible' it is when removed.
Just to confuse, Broadland Towbar just told me "Either bar should fit for any cycle carrier" (referring to Westfalia or Bosal) but PFJones told me that the Westfalia one will be too near to the bumper (less than 65mm centre of ball to bumper) and the electrics on the Bosal wont be accessible...
Why does something so simple have to be so hard?
Pics would be fantastic - is yours a B8 or B8.5? Was the rear bumper changed with the face lift?
Distance between towbar ball and bumper is key, as is access to electrics and how 'invisible' it is when removed.
Just to confuse, Broadland Towbar just told me "Either bar should fit for any cycle carrier" (referring to Westfalia or Bosal) but PFJones told me that the Westfalia one will be too near to the bumper (less than 65mm centre of ball to bumper) and the electrics on the Bosal wont be accessible...
Why does something so simple have to be so hard?
Pics would be fantastic - see below
is yours a B8 or B8.5? B8 'pre facelift' (one of the last manual ones
)
Was the rear bumper changed with the face lift? - no idea, see above!!
Distance between towbar ball and bumper is key
as is access to electrics - no problems there
and how 'invisible' it is when removed. - again no problems (sorry I haven't removed the swan neck - didn't have time this morning
is yours a B8 or B8.5? B8 'pre facelift' (one of the last manual ones
)Was the rear bumper changed with the face lift? - no idea, see above!!
Distance between towbar ball and bumper is key
as is access to electrics - no problems there
and how 'invisible' it is when removed. - again no problems (sorry I haven't removed the swan neck - didn't have time this morning
You are a star - looks like plenty of room there and as you say no problem with electrics. Tow Trust it is, I think - my most local fitter seems to do alot of them and the price seems good.
Yours will be a B8, pre facelift I imagine if it is a manual, but the bumper looks the same as mine, so I guess it didnt change.
Thanks alot!
Yours will be a B8, pre facelift I imagine if it is a manual, but the bumper looks the same as mine, so I guess it didnt change.
Thanks alot!
So I've finally had a message pop up to tell me my first service is now due (17 months and 14,000m - although car was pre-registered and not used for the first 6 months of its life).
I've done a ring-around of the local Audi dealers and obtained prices of £407, £409 and £458 - I believe this is for an oil change service and inspection (even the service principals seemed a little confused what was required).
Price seems a little steep to me so I was wondering what others had paid / received?
I've done a ring-around of the local Audi dealers and obtained prices of £407, £409 and £458 - I believe this is for an oil change service and inspection (even the service principals seemed a little confused what was required).
Price seems a little steep to me so I was wondering what others had paid / received?
I should also probably update on my previous moaning about mpg, when I first got the car early last year - I was initially quite disappointed to only be getting around 25mpg, on a fairly steady (and 40 mile ew) commute.
I must admit though, since the engine loosened up, around 7,000 miles, it has improved quite significantly - over the summer I was regularly seeing over 30mpg at the end of my commute and I'd probably say my average is up to around 28/29, which isn't too bad for a supercharged V6 I suppose.
And yes - I know the S4 is not all about driving steadily but trust me, chances to really boot it on my M25 commute are few and far between!
I must admit though, since the engine loosened up, around 7,000 miles, it has improved quite significantly - over the summer I was regularly seeing over 30mpg at the end of my commute and I'd probably say my average is up to around 28/29, which isn't too bad for a supercharged V6 I suppose.
And yes - I know the S4 is not all about driving steadily but trust me, chances to really boot it on my M25 commute are few and far between!
DTB77 said:
So I've finally had a message pop up to tell me my first service is now due (17 months and 14,000m - although car was pre-registered and not used for the first 6 months of its life).
I've done a ring-around of the local Audi dealers and obtained prices of £407, £409 and £458 - I believe this is for an oil change service and inspection (even the service principals seemed a little confused what was required).
Price seems a little steep to me so I was wondering what others had paid / received?
Pretty much the same. Eye watering isn't it... I've done a ring-around of the local Audi dealers and obtained prices of £407, £409 and £458 - I believe this is for an oil change service and inspection (even the service principals seemed a little confused what was required).
Price seems a little steep to me so I was wondering what others had paid / received?
theboyfold said:
Pretty much the same. Eye watering isn't it...
Try getting a quote from an indy and get the main dealer to price match it. Works for me on specific items like air-con service when we were under a service plan for years 3-5.Worth swapping onto annual services if you plan to keep the car long term.
Also ask to supply your own oil. Some dealerships allow it and given they charge over £20 per litre and it needs 7 litres (I think?), you'll save a good £70-80 if you buy the correct spec oil from somewhere like Opie Oils.
The last fixed annual oil change service at Portsmouth Audi with me supplying the oil was only £130, plus about £50 for 7 litres of Mobil 1 ESP 5w30 from Opie
The last fixed annual oil change service at Portsmouth Audi with me supplying the oil was only £130, plus about £50 for 7 litres of Mobil 1 ESP 5w30 from Opie
Edited by LocoBlade on Monday 7th November 20:12
Hi,
I'm having the bigger service at an Indy this Sat for £310. Audi was £475 as you said. First service for mine outside the Audi network but the cost saving is big, especially as I've just had a wheel bearing done at around £250, 2 new tyres at £280 and front discs and pads (genuine) at £400.
As for MPG, seriously 25mpg+ is great for a 1700kg+ car with near enough 350BHP, given it's a SC and not a turbo too, an SC will always be less fuel efficient, but the upside over a turbo is the lack of lag, broader power range, less likely to fail once its old etc.
Plus this is a car made from 2009 not a new car remember, so IMO 25mpg is great, nothing compares with the same weight and power, a friend got an M4 recently and struggled to get over 15mpg most of the time.
I'm having the bigger service at an Indy this Sat for £310. Audi was £475 as you said. First service for mine outside the Audi network but the cost saving is big, especially as I've just had a wheel bearing done at around £250, 2 new tyres at £280 and front discs and pads (genuine) at £400.
As for MPG, seriously 25mpg+ is great for a 1700kg+ car with near enough 350BHP, given it's a SC and not a turbo too, an SC will always be less fuel efficient, but the upside over a turbo is the lack of lag, broader power range, less likely to fail once its old etc.
Plus this is a car made from 2009 not a new car remember, so IMO 25mpg is great, nothing compares with the same weight and power, a friend got an M4 recently and struggled to get over 15mpg most of the time.
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