greasykid

2 separate trips of equal length--both mostly on I-77 including mountains in Va & W Va. Lots of rain & fairly heavy traffic.

Set CC @ 75 most of the time when possible. Was using Garmin Nav. GPS showed that with CC set @ 75 I was actually going 73 mph. Speedo was ALWAYS 2 mph fast @ all speeds--constant error. No real problem.

For 2100 mi averaged 34.2 mpg. (trip computer) Do not know how accurate. Really don't care.

My A3 had about 16k miles on it when I started my trips. Had replaced oem tires @ 14.7k mi. with new Conti DWS-06. They were great in all conditions especially in the heavy rains. Felt secure.

After experimenting with several psi settings before the trips,finally settled on cold psi of 37 Front & 34 Rear. For my Conti's it is a very good combination of ride/handling. I will keep using these settings.

The A3 performed flawlessly for the 2100 mi. Used No oil. No top noises etc.

Only complaint. After 500 mi my butt was aching. Tried seat adjustments but it seemed to bottom out. I am 6'/190 lbs. I really wish I had a good power seat that had more support on both bottom & sides.

Can't really complain as the car performed as was designed.

Fortunately I don't make trips of this length (500 mi/day) very often.

BobMar46

Removing wallet from back pocket may help comfort some on a long drive. Monthly I do a round trip that is 4 hours each way (as long as there are not construction slowdowns or backups due to accidents) and find that helps but will not take it away. I think it has to do with the hardness of the cushions in the seats.

That is not unusual with German cars. A friend's wife will not get another Mercedes because to her the seats are way too hard and uncomfortable. I suppose the opposite extreme is my wife's Lexus. I can drive or ride in that one all day without any soreness. I do not appreciate the softness of its suspension or slushy steering wheel feel, but it makes a 4 hour ride feel like a short commute. I also miss her air-conditioned perforated seats on a hot day. I'm not sure how they pull it off while retaining comfort, but if no one is sitting in the passenger seat you can feel the climate controlled air coming out of the perforations.

greasykid

Thx for your reply. I do not carry my wallet in back pocket--Always in front. More security from pickpockets as well as more comfortable for me. As far as Mercedes. I have driven them for MANY years. Best advice-order w/ MultiContour seats. More comfortable & comes with message feature.

re Lexus. Worked 12 yrs for Lexus dealer driving about 30,000 mi/yr. Like going down the road in a bowl of jello.

Back to my A3. Believe seat bottoms out on a long drive. Maybe ok for a lighter driver.

Lastly. Have 2016 Hyundai Tuscon (SUV) Limited. Great perforated leather seats & power ventilated. Better than my A3.

BobMar46

I weigh about 15 lbs more than you do and am about the same height. Generally I find the seats slightly softer than the VW Eos the A3 replaced. I had similar comfort issues on that on long drives.

The mentioned MB is a C series with sport package and seats. They also have an E series ragtop and that has more comfortable seats.

greasykid

Since 1971 have owned 35 MB's. Have had several E Class with MultiContour seats. Have driven as long as 800 mi in a day with no discomfort. The MC seats have been an option for many yrs.
Appreciate comments. Just trying to improve comfort in my A3.