B9 Audi RS4 Carbon Edition
Discussion
Looks brilliant, the wheels are a great addition - nothing like a bit of man maths.
Having owned a 340i Touring and C63 Estate, I’ve got some unfinished business with wagons in the form of an RS4.
I had a boot buddy for my 340i, good bit of kit, perfect for containing dog hair and dirt. It’s as a bit of a pain if you’re folding the rear seats but I rarely did that.
Having owned a 340i Touring and C63 Estate, I’ve got some unfinished business with wagons in the form of an RS4.
I had a boot buddy for my 340i, good bit of kit, perfect for containing dog hair and dirt. It’s as a bit of a pain if you’re folding the rear seats but I rarely did that.
JAMSXR said:
Looks brilliant, the wheels are a great addition - nothing like a bit of man maths.
Having owned a 340i Touring and C63 Estate, I’ve got some unfinished business with wagons in the form of an RS4.
I had a boot buddy for my 340i, good bit of kit, perfect for containing dog hair and dirt. It’s as a bit of a pain if you’re folding the rear seats but I rarely did that.
Great thanks, never fold the rear seats so that won't be an issue! Having owned a 340i Touring and C63 Estate, I’ve got some unfinished business with wagons in the form of an RS4.
I had a boot buddy for my 340i, good bit of kit, perfect for containing dog hair and dirt. It’s as a bit of a pain if you’re folding the rear seats but I rarely did that.
Lovely, wheels really suit it. What’s the ride quality like in comparison to the F80, does it shake the doggo about a lot?
I’d not seen one in flesh for anything other than a fleeting passing and tbh thought they looked a bit fussy in pictures (particularly in comparison to a B8). However I was stuck in a traffic jam the other night and found myself behind a grey one, it looked great, squat and wide but still Q car enough to be mistaken by the average motorist.
I’ve not quite had the same experience as you but I’ve gone from a E46 M3 to a Golf R estate and for sure the M3 is a wilder car that you miss on that good road, when it’s sunny and light of traffic, but back in the real world there is something about a fast 4WD estate that just works here in the UK. I’d have one over the current M3 / C63 offerings. Particularly as the latest G80 M3 is a six figure car with options
I’d not seen one in flesh for anything other than a fleeting passing and tbh thought they looked a bit fussy in pictures (particularly in comparison to a B8). However I was stuck in a traffic jam the other night and found myself behind a grey one, it looked great, squat and wide but still Q car enough to be mistaken by the average motorist.
I’ve not quite had the same experience as you but I’ve gone from a E46 M3 to a Golf R estate and for sure the M3 is a wilder car that you miss on that good road, when it’s sunny and light of traffic, but back in the real world there is something about a fast 4WD estate that just works here in the UK. I’d have one over the current M3 / C63 offerings. Particularly as the latest G80 M3 is a six figure car with options
joshcowin said:
Was looking at the boot buddy for my car, I was worried they would make a noise or rattle? How has it been? I also have a black lab (ringo) who is in it a few times a week max.
There are no noises or rattles with mine. The 'poppers' on each side are pretty heavy duty and it's also cut/shaped so the liner doesn't actually contact the interior trim and just covers the carpeted areas. They also supply velcro you can use to 'secure' the sides and to the seat backs if you want.I think the original smell I had was the heavy duty mat which I bought at the time, it's remained in my garage and the smell I had originally has vanished. So while I wouldn't recommend buying that particular mat, you will need some kind of mat on the floor to stop Ringo sliding about on the plastic liner.
mischmaster said:
Slightly random question but where do you purchase the smaller number plates from that are on some of your other cars, is there a particular website you use? I'm after this exact style of plate that is still a legal size but much smaller and without all of the borders and writing etc that seem to be on most plates today. Thanks!
I've always used www.fancyplates.com and they've always made the plates exactly how I've requested; size, logo, etc. I'm not sure how their prices compare to others, but I've never felt like they were overcharging so haven't looked elsewhere and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them.JAMSXR said:
Looks brilliant, the wheels are a great addition - nothing like a bit of man maths.
Having owned a 340i Touring and C63 Estate, I’ve got some unfinished business with wagons in the form of an RS4.
I had a boot buddy for my 340i, good bit of kit, perfect for containing dog hair and dirt. It’s as a bit of a pain if you’re folding the rear seats but I rarely did that.
I can recommend the RS4 if it's an all rounder which you're looking for. I'm sure there are plenty of people who will call it boring because it's not got the tyre shredding ability of an AMG or BMW M, however, it's still a good steer and nothing like the 'numb/lifeless/typical VAG' type vitriol which some people on the internet/social media like to regurgitate. It's not 1998 anymore... so while it's not scalpel sharp, it's a good car to drive on fun B-roads as well as smoother/faster A-roads and motorways.Having owned a 340i Touring and C63 Estate, I’ve got some unfinished business with wagons in the form of an RS4.
I had a boot buddy for my 340i, good bit of kit, perfect for containing dog hair and dirt. It’s as a bit of a pain if you’re folding the rear seats but I rarely did that.
Church of Noise said:
Excellent pics of your car in the Cairngorms, it is gorgeous out there! Discovered them and the a93 very recently in a slightly different car (1929 Rolls, long story) and was awestruck!
Also, looks like an awesome daily!
I have taken a wide spectrum of cars and vans up and down the A93 over the years.. but a 1929 Rolls trumps them all!! Also, looks like an awesome daily!
Feel free to share the story.. even an abridged version!
jwwbowe said:
Lovely, wheels really suit it. What’s the ride quality like in comparison to the F80, does it shake the doggo about a lot?
I’d not seen one in flesh for anything other than a fleeting passing and tbh thought they looked a bit fussy in pictures (particularly in comparison to a B8). However I was stuck in a traffic jam the other night and found myself behind a grey one, it looked great, squat and wide but still Q car enough to be mistaken by the average motorist.
I almost bought this Daytona Grey example when it popped up locally:I’d not seen one in flesh for anything other than a fleeting passing and tbh thought they looked a bit fussy in pictures (particularly in comparison to a B8). However I was stuck in a traffic jam the other night and found myself behind a grey one, it looked great, squat and wide but still Q car enough to be mistaken by the average motorist.
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrIt's a great colour, like you say, it's a great choice if you're going for the understated look.
My car (and the grey car) have DRC, so I can't comment on a passive set up. From reviews and what I've read on the internet, it is meant to sit somewhere between 'Comfort' and 'Dynamic' settings on a DRC car.. which I guess is fairly logical.
In the 'Comfort' setting the ride in my car is really good from a comfort point of view, which I think is really impressive given that it's on 20" wheels with 30-profile tyres. The 'Dynamic' setting is a bit too stiff for the road for me. One thing I think that Audi could have done is provide a middle setting, my F80 M3 had Comfort/Sport/Sport Plus settings for the suspension and while it stayed in Comfort for 99% of the time with me, there were occasions where I needed a little less suspension travel and knocked it up to Sport... I didn't ever have it in Sport Plus for more than a few seconds, which was long enough to remind me how unacceptable it was.
jwwbowe said:
I’ve not quite had the same experience as you but I’ve gone from a E46 M3 to a Golf R estate and for sure the M3 is a wilder car that you miss on that good road, when it’s sunny and light of traffic, but back in the real world there is something about a fast 4WD estate that just works here in the UK. I’d have one over the current M3 / C63 offerings. Particularly as the latest G80 M3 is a six figure car with options
That's exactly my thoughts too. On an early Sunday morning blast on an empty B-road in summer, I'd take a more focused option with a manual gearbox. However for everything else, I'd take the RS4.At some point in the future I may end up in a G81 M3 Touring as it seems a logical progression. They're prohibitively expensive for me just now, which is fine because I'll need to continue mellowing to that front end for some time anyway.
Court_S said:
Some fantastic pics from your drive; the car looks fab. Love the new wheels, they’re much nicer than the OE ones. Audi wheels have gone downhill a bit in my opinion as they get fussier and fussier.
I agree, Audi have done some really smart wheels over the years.. but fussiness has crept in, as it has with many other manufacturers. It's never more noticeable to me than when one of them launches an EV model; as they obviously think the wheels/trims on an EV must have needlessly fussy and try-hard futuristic designs.RS Grant said:
My car (and the grey car) have DRC, so I can't comment on a passive set up. From reviews and what I've read on the internet, it is meant to sit somewhere between 'Comfort' and 'Dynamic' settings on a DRC car.. which I guess is fairly logical.
In the 'Comfort' setting the ride in my car is really good from a comfort point of view, which I think is really impressive given that it's on 20" wheels with 30-profile tyres. The 'Dynamic' setting is a bit too stiff for the road for me. One thing I think that Audi could have done is provide a middle setting, my F80 M3 had Comfort/Sport/Sport Plus settings for the suspension and while it stayed in Comfort for 99% of the time with me, there were occasions where I needed a little less suspension travel and knocked it up to Sport... I didn't ever have it in Sport Plus for more than a few seconds, which was long enough to remind me how unacceptable it was.
That's exactly my thoughts too. On an early Sunday morning blast on an empty B-road in summer, I'd take a more focused option with a manual gearbox. However for everything else, I'd take the RS4.
At some point in the future I may end up in a G81 M3 Touring as it seems a logical progression. They're prohibitively expensive for me just now, which is fine because I'll need to continue mellowing to that front end for some time anyway.
Good to know. Comfort mode is just a needed thing in the UK, we are semi rural on the south coast and the roads locally are awful, even worse in the sticks, so having something the takes the edge off is vital. The Golf R we had was only on the 18’ standard fit (19’ are options) and the rebound & control over minor potholes was unacceptable for me. Maybe I’ll source a DRC car in the future, though as they get older these are the sorts of options you don’t want for fear of breaking. Our current family bus is a Touareg in “Daytona Grey” apparently a special order for it when it was new, it looks a bit darker than the grey RS4 I was behind the other night but it’s hard to tell as it was dark. As for the G81, I think again they don’t photo well, my neighbour has a M4 Coupe G80 in black and I quite like it In the 'Comfort' setting the ride in my car is really good from a comfort point of view, which I think is really impressive given that it's on 20" wheels with 30-profile tyres. The 'Dynamic' setting is a bit too stiff for the road for me. One thing I think that Audi could have done is provide a middle setting, my F80 M3 had Comfort/Sport/Sport Plus settings for the suspension and while it stayed in Comfort for 99% of the time with me, there were occasions where I needed a little less suspension travel and knocked it up to Sport... I didn't ever have it in Sport Plus for more than a few seconds, which was long enough to remind me how unacceptable it was.
That's exactly my thoughts too. On an early Sunday morning blast on an empty B-road in summer, I'd take a more focused option with a manual gearbox. However for everything else, I'd take the RS4.
At some point in the future I may end up in a G81 M3 Touring as it seems a logical progression. They're prohibitively expensive for me just now, which is fine because I'll need to continue mellowing to that front end for some time anyway.
though I think a darker colour is a best for it bolidemichael said:
I really like the Rotiform in a different way to the OE alloys and think that they both look great.
Why didn’t you buy some winter tyres for the Rotiform and leave the OE for Summer? Easy swap and a good back up for the occasional puncture.
I did think about going for some winter tyres on the new wheels, however when I looked at prices for 285/30/20 winter tyres.. that idea swiftly became unworkable. There's man maths and there's advanced man maths... I am only qualified in the former. Why didn’t you buy some winter tyres for the Rotiform and leave the OE for Summer? Easy swap and a good back up for the occasional puncture.
When I was looking at second hand wheels I thought about getting hold of some of the OEM 19s (the style on the grey RS4 above) for it and putting winter tyres on those. But with the big arches I think they can look a bit 'under-wheeled' from some angles on the 19s, so decided to stick with 20s.
jwwbowe said:
RS Grant said:
My car (and the grey car) have DRC, so I can't comment on a passive set up. From reviews and what I've read on the internet, it is meant to sit somewhere between 'Comfort' and 'Dynamic' settings on a DRC car.. which I guess is fairly logical.
In the 'Comfort' setting the ride in my car is really good from a comfort point of view, which I think is really impressive given that it's on 20" wheels with 30-profile tyres. The 'Dynamic' setting is a bit too stiff for the road for me. One thing I think that Audi could have done is provide a middle setting, my F80 M3 had Comfort/Sport/Sport Plus settings for the suspension and while it stayed in Comfort for 99% of the time with me, there were occasions where I needed a little less suspension travel and knocked it up to Sport... I didn't ever have it in Sport Plus for more than a few seconds, which was long enough to remind me how unacceptable it was.
That's exactly my thoughts too. On an early Sunday morning blast on an empty B-road in summer, I'd take a more focused option with a manual gearbox. However for everything else, I'd take the RS4.
At some point in the future I may end up in a G81 M3 Touring as it seems a logical progression. They're prohibitively expensive for me just now, which is fine because I'll need to continue mellowing to that front end for some time anyway.
Good to know. Comfort mode is just a needed thing in the UK, we are semi rural on the south coast and the roads locally are awful, even worse in the sticks, so having something the takes the edge off is vital. The Golf R we had was only on the 18’ standard fit (19’ are options) and the rebound & control over minor potholes was unacceptable for me. Maybe I’ll source a DRC car in the future, though as they get older these are the sorts of options you don’t want for fear of breaking. Our current family bus is a Touareg in “Daytona Grey” apparently a special order for it when it was new, it looks a bit darker than the grey RS4 I was behind the other night but it’s hard to tell as it was dark. As for the G81, I think again they don’t photo well, my neighbour has a M4 Coupe G80 in black and I quite like it In the 'Comfort' setting the ride in my car is really good from a comfort point of view, which I think is really impressive given that it's on 20" wheels with 30-profile tyres. The 'Dynamic' setting is a bit too stiff for the road for me. One thing I think that Audi could have done is provide a middle setting, my F80 M3 had Comfort/Sport/Sport Plus settings for the suspension and while it stayed in Comfort for 99% of the time with me, there were occasions where I needed a little less suspension travel and knocked it up to Sport... I didn't ever have it in Sport Plus for more than a few seconds, which was long enough to remind me how unacceptable it was.
That's exactly my thoughts too. On an early Sunday morning blast on an empty B-road in summer, I'd take a more focused option with a manual gearbox. However for everything else, I'd take the RS4.
At some point in the future I may end up in a G81 M3 Touring as it seems a logical progression. They're prohibitively expensive for me just now, which is fine because I'll need to continue mellowing to that front end for some time anyway.
though I think a darker colour is a best for it You're right about the worry about DRC bork on the RS4.. that's one area which concerns me a little and the other, which concerns me more, is the potential roller/rocker issue which can pop up on a PFL 2.9TT engine.
I'm a man who has lived with BMWs, Subarus, Fords, etc.. all of which the internet has said were due to grenade themselves every time I turned the key.. so living with potential borkage is not foreign to me. However once the warranty I got from the dealer I bought the car from expires, I think I will invest in some Audi warranty on the car. I did the same with my S3 and it paid dividends, all claims (regardless of value) being processed and completed with little to no real hassle.
How are you getting on with the RS4?
I was certain a G80 M3 was going to be my next car, but I’ve decided a B9.5 will be better suited to handling daily/family duties. I’ve lined up a 2020 Vorsprung, one slightly annoying issue is that DRC cars can’t take a towbar, but I can live with a roof rack for carrying bikes - I think all the other features will be worth it.
The plan is the keep the car for some time (4 years) so I’ll be extending the Audi warranty as mentioned above. These things have some much kit on them something expensive is bound to go wrong at some point.
I was certain a G80 M3 was going to be my next car, but I’ve decided a B9.5 will be better suited to handling daily/family duties. I’ve lined up a 2020 Vorsprung, one slightly annoying issue is that DRC cars can’t take a towbar, but I can live with a roof rack for carrying bikes - I think all the other features will be worth it.
The plan is the keep the car for some time (4 years) so I’ll be extending the Audi warranty as mentioned above. These things have some much kit on them something expensive is bound to go wrong at some point.
Edited by JAMSXR on Tuesday 6th February 21:29
RS Grant said:
I've done a lot of scrolling through adverts for second hand wheels and either couldn't find anything which I liked, I thought would suit the car and/or were for sale at a reasonable price.
So with some liberal application of man maths and periodical affirmation of 'I'd probably need to put new tyres and refurb a second hand set anyway' to myself, I started looking at what new wheels were around and finally settled on:
20" Rotiform DTM in silver, wrapped in 285/30/20 Continental SC7 tyres and to fill the sizeable arches I went with a 15mm spacer (with extended bolts) all round too.
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
I'm really happy with the difference they've made to the car. I think the silver really ties in with the aluminium trim on the car too... they were bought to preserve the OEM wheels over winter, but I think the original wheels will remain in storage for the foreseeable.
Above all else it also proves, yet again, that man maths works.
That looks bloody awesome! Absolutely love silver wheels and they suit the car perfectly, especially with the silver trims too.So with some liberal application of man maths and periodical affirmation of 'I'd probably need to put new tyres and refurb a second hand set anyway' to myself, I started looking at what new wheels were around and finally settled on:
20" Rotiform DTM in silver, wrapped in 285/30/20 Continental SC7 tyres and to fill the sizeable arches I went with a 15mm spacer (with extended bolts) all round too.
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrUntitled by Grant F, on FlickrI'm really happy with the difference they've made to the car. I think the silver really ties in with the aluminium trim on the car too... they were bought to preserve the OEM wheels over winter, but I think the original wheels will remain in storage for the foreseeable.
Above all else it also proves, yet again, that man maths works.
I've put Continental SC7 on the back of my car to replace some Michelin PS4S and can't say I've noticed any difference in grip, which shows the SC7 are doing well!
JAMSXR said:
How are you getting on with the RS4?
I was certain a G80 M3 was going to be my next car, but I’ve decided a B9.5 will be better suited to handling daily/family duties. I’ve lined up a 2020 Vorsprung, one slightly annoying issue is that DRC cars can’t take a towbar, but I can live with a roof rack for carrying bikes - I think all the other features will be worth it.
The plan is the keep the car for some time (4 years) so I’ll be extending the Audi warranty as mentioned above. These things have some much kit on them something expensive is bound to go wrong at some point.
I'm getting on really well with it.. a few months in and it's settled into daily life really well. Don't regret the (difficult) decision to let the F80 M3 go to free up cash/space for the RS4 at all. Obviously winter is not the greatest time to explore the breadth of it's abilities, but once the better weather/longer nights arrive and the cars'n'coffee meets/drive outs start up again, I'll get a better feel for the car and how it handles being used recreationally... but I have been impressed so far.I was certain a G80 M3 was going to be my next car, but I’ve decided a B9.5 will be better suited to handling daily/family duties. I’ve lined up a 2020 Vorsprung, one slightly annoying issue is that DRC cars can’t take a towbar, but I can live with a roof rack for carrying bikes - I think all the other features will be worth it.
The plan is the keep the car for some time (4 years) so I’ll be extending the Audi warranty as mentioned above. These things have some much kit on them something expensive is bound to go wrong at some point.
Edited by JAMSXR on Tuesday 6th February 21:29
It never fails to bring a smile to my face. I still do the 'turn and look back at your car thing' when it's parked as well as looking at it and thinking 'can't believe I own a Nogaro RS4!' too.
Not all good news though; as predicted by a poster on here previously, unfortunately the car had some unwanted negative attention recently.. and more annoyingly was that it happened at the house too.
A few weeks ago I was just finishing off washing the cars as it was getting dark, the RS4 was right at the end of my drive and I was down at the garage beside the other cars. A new-ish RRS came into the street, drove directly to my driveway and stopped at the RS4. I assumed it was a friend so I started walking up the driveway, but as I got close to the RS4 the RRS pulled away.
As I got back to the garage I heard them turning (there's no need to turn, there is another entry/exit at that end of the street too) and coming back again. They stopped at the end of my driveway again and as I got back to the RS4, they drove off and out of the street, never to return again.
I live in a small residential area which is not a short cut for anywhere and out of the way, so the only reason people have to be in the street is to visit somebody.
I got the registration and the Police were made aware. I also messaged a few people I know, who know people I don't want to know.. and found out who the person was. They're from a different city so given they weren't in my street to see anyone, they've clearly been told about my car(s) and made a special journey to see them. It's been enough for me to move them away from the house.. I'm just glad I was there to see it and pro-actively increase security.
T_S_M said:
RS Grant said:
I've done a lot of scrolling through adverts for second hand wheels and either couldn't find anything which I liked, I thought would suit the car and/or were for sale at a reasonable price.
So with some liberal application of man maths and periodical affirmation of 'I'd probably need to put new tyres and refurb a second hand set anyway' to myself, I started looking at what new wheels were around and finally settled on:
20" Rotiform DTM in silver, wrapped in 285/30/20 Continental SC7 tyres and to fill the sizeable arches I went with a 15mm spacer (with extended bolts) all round too.
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
Untitled by Grant F, on Flickr
I'm really happy with the difference they've made to the car. I think the silver really ties in with the aluminium trim on the car too... they were bought to preserve the OEM wheels over winter, but I think the original wheels will remain in storage for the foreseeable.
Above all else it also proves, yet again, that man maths works.
That looks bloody awesome! Absolutely love silver wheels and they suit the car perfectly, especially with the silver trims too.So with some liberal application of man maths and periodical affirmation of 'I'd probably need to put new tyres and refurb a second hand set anyway' to myself, I started looking at what new wheels were around and finally settled on:
20" Rotiform DTM in silver, wrapped in 285/30/20 Continental SC7 tyres and to fill the sizeable arches I went with a 15mm spacer (with extended bolts) all round too.
Untitled by Grant F, on FlickrUntitled by Grant F, on FlickrI'm really happy with the difference they've made to the car. I think the silver really ties in with the aluminium trim on the car too... they were bought to preserve the OEM wheels over winter, but I think the original wheels will remain in storage for the foreseeable.
Above all else it also proves, yet again, that man maths works.
I've put Continental SC7 on the back of my car to replace some Michelin PS4S and can't say I've noticed any difference in grip, which shows the SC7 are doing well!
My experience with the SC7 has been similar to yours, I'd rate them on par with the PS4S. Granted I am unlikely to have them on track and push past their limit like I did with the Michelins on my E92/F80, but in normal winter (wet, icy, generally cack) conditions they have been rock solid on the RS4.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff