Hi Everyone,

So I've finished the break in period on my 2018 RS3, and overall I am incredibly pleased with the the car, however, there are a few things that maybe shouldn't be happening!

The first of these happened before I received the car, actually before it reached the dealer. As you can see in the pictures attached, the area where the two pieces of the front "lip" meet (circled in red) are pushed in/up. My sales rep texted me some pictures of the car at the dealer before I received it, and when examining those pictures you can see the defect/damage as well.

Secondly, my sunroof likes to creak and make noises when in the "cracked" position, that is not all the way open. This occurs when driving at low speed, particularly when going over bumps or turning corners. Additionally, a rattle/vibration has developed in the cabin that seems to be coming from the front right, but I have not been able to locate or stop it. This occurs at idle and at low rpm, and the speaker volume or air conditioning setting does not affect it.

Lastly, something quite odd happened recently. I heard a very loud pop underneath the car while driving on the freeway after dark. It sounded like a firecracker, and I saw a small flash and felt it a little bit in my seat. I was cruising at about 65mph, 7th gear, dynamic mode, in far right lane. No check engine light came on however. When I arrived at my destination I inspected the car, and the furthest left exhaust pipe of the four looked charred. You can easily spot the difference in the pictures attached. Previously that day my break in period ended and I went WOT/ almost to redline for the first time.

Those are some of my issues so far. I'm hoping that this thread can be used as a place to discuss all known and future issues that current owners and experts encounter!! Thanks to all for your time

 

Someone else has mentioned the creaking noises coming from the sunroof. Took the car to the dealer and wanted to take the whole roof panel off and replace the sunroof. Hopefully this is not the norms with these cars.

Also, maybe the same person, or someone different, mentioned rattles coming from the glovebox compartment and taping some felt on the sides fixed it for him, maybe the sounds that you're hearing that are coming from the right front is the same glovebox noise?

 

A few other S3 owners have commented on creaking sunroof noises but they seem to be attributed to sun/heat on exceptionally hot days.

 

The Exhaust part is something very strange, it seems a problem with a stuck valve Exhaust that has finally released.

I have marked the zone where I think you can have a problem. Let's hope that this do not repeat.....

 

My only issues have been a slight vibration going at... *ahem* let's just go with "a brisk pace". Took a couple of tries at the dealer to convince them it was an issue as their tech swore up and down that it wasn't there. They finally did a road force balancing and told me that three out of the four tires are flat spotted. Guess that's what happens when the car sits at port for over a month before they released it. I wonder if anyone else who ordered early had any similar issues with their tires.

Now the problem is that it's such a new and rare car, they don't have replacement tires handy. So I'm stuck with a Q5 loaner for a few days. Oh well.

 

At least they ultimately took care of it I guess... Its better than them flat out refusing to acknowledge it. Did they give you any ETA on when tires should show up? I am a bit worried about how difficult (and expensive) it will be to get tires... I am almost wanting to order a set in early so I have them when I need them. None of this wait 2 months for tires thing. In Hawaii... getting tires is not an easy or quick thing

 

No kidding...getting anything out there is not quick or easy. Where in Hawaii are you? I'm on Oahu, windward side. You driving an RS3? Talked to some guys I know at the dealer and hearing the first one on island won't be till January. Can't wait to see it in real life!

 

Mine is on a boat right now, just nearing Panama, on its way to the Island. Should be here in early to mid October according to estimates. So... a couple months sooner than January

I am in Makalapa. South of the stadium, near the airport. When it comes in you can maybe come check it out when i pick it up! Zzcet on the forums here also has one coming into the Islands. He lives on the Big Island, and is getting his through European delivery. His will probably take a 4-5 weeks after that to get here from Germany, but he will likely drive it first. As far as I know... I am the only one that has been able to get an allocation for dealer delivery here yet. Seems crazy to me, but they have only gotten that 1 allocation.

 

Nice! Now that you say that, I think I do remember him saying October. I think there was one more taking European delivery too, but I've got a terrible memory. Who was your salesperson? I'd love to stop in and see it at pickup if you don't mind. European delivery would be sweet! I just didn't have the time for that right now, but someday they wife and I talked about doing it. I'd love to link up with the other S3/RS3 owners here, not too many around.

 

I have been working with James over at Audi Honolulu. I turned Scott on to him as well, and he took care of him and got him hooked up with that European delivery slot.

I have noticed that. There are an ok amount of Audi's about, but its big on BMW, MB, and Lexus here on the islands. I am actually hoping the sound of the RS3 starts converting some people as I drive it around

I have seen very few S cars much less Audi Sport cars. Plenty of the popular Q3's Q5's and the normal A class cars. I personally geek out when I see any newer Audi. Audi has the best looking cars in my opinion... but thats why I am here. I have seen a couple S4's over here by the bases. I imagine someone in service over here has one.