Could I get an S3 with a Manual?

"RyanFrew" (ryanfrew)
03/10/2015 at 16:22 • Filed to: Row row row your own

In 2006, my dad fell in love with the top-of-the line Audi a8 steering wheel and its delightful wood grain found at the top and bottom. However, he wasn't interested in the a8 itself and was dismayed to learn that the a6 did not feature the same steering wheel as an option. So, in spite of the extended wait that it entailed, he went ahead and made a factory order so that his a6 would come straight from Germany with the beloved steering wheel. Even though this wasn't even an option in Europe, it turned out that it was pretty simple for Audi to complete, and I don't think his choice featured much of a price hike either.

This story lead me to a thought that I can't seem to get rid of: Could I factory order a 2014 S3 with a standard transmission? Better yet, could I fly to Europe and pick it up, enjoy it on German/Italian roads, and then have it delivered to the US? What say you, Oppo? Should I drive over to my nearest Audi dealership and ask them about it? Do Tavarish or Tom have any insight here?

DISCUSSION (31)

E. Julius > RyanFrew
03/10/2015 at 16:24

Wow I didn't even know you could do the steering wheel thing. That's pretty cool.

ColoradoTaco > RyanFrew
03/10/2015 at 16:25

Only available with the S-tronic DSG. You could do a Euro delivery, but you're still stuck with whats available to the US market.

http://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-s3…

jkm7680 > RyanFrew
03/10/2015 at 16:25

Contact Audi Of America and review your options from there. They're usually good about that kind of thing, like Nogaro blue on a base model A6 is something they can do.

BeaterGT > E. Julius
03/10/2015 at 16:26

Same, I always thought you or your wallet would get crucified for special ordering something like that.

Cé hé sin > RyanFrew
03/10/2015 at 16:26

If you can't get a manual S3 in America, then no you can't import one. It won't have been subjected to US emissions and whatever testing.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > RyanFrew
03/10/2015 at 16:27

Of course you can get the S3 with a manual... the owners manual ...

:-p

Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz) > RyanFrew
03/10/2015 at 16:28

If you did a factory order I don't see why you couldn't get a manual S3, and you certainly can do Euro Delivery. The only issue with that is that you may not be able to import it since the S3 w/manual isn't offered in good 'ole 'Murica. The exact details on all this would obviously have to be discussed with the dealer though. Note: There are import date restrictions for S Line models with performance tires, for whatever reason.

BeaterGT > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
03/10/2015 at 16:29

I just got dad joked.

RyanFrew > BeaterGT
03/10/2015 at 16:29

If I remember correctly, Audi charged him the same price that the upgraded steering wheel would have cost in the a8. Obviously, it would have been a bit of a pain for Audi, but I have a feeling they do it as a customer satisfaction kind of thing, when they can. It's not like there are going to be a million customers seeking that level of "customization".

E. Julius > BeaterGT
03/10/2015 at 16:33

I just didn't expect that they would be so compatible. Pretty cool though.

bob and john > RyanFrew
03/10/2015 at 16:35

you can.

drive over to your nearest VW dealerr. order a golf R.
done.

Clay Smith's Revenge > RyanFrew
03/10/2015 at 16:36

If you don't mind taking your factory warranty, tearing it up and throwing it out the window then I'm sure you could find some Frankenstein Audi shop that would swap in a 6sp but I don't have to tell you what a bad idea that is.

Just get the DSG. You'll have a jump on the rest of us in experience after the auto makers finish killing off the manual

Saracen > jkm7680
03/10/2015 at 16:37

exclusive paint isn't the same as a transmission not offered on a US spec model.

Saracen > RyanFrew
03/10/2015 at 16:38

Nope.

RyanFrew > Clay Smith's Revenge
03/10/2015 at 16:44

Yeahhhhh there's no way I'd dabble with that.

spanfucker retire bitch > bob and john
03/10/2015 at 16:45

Actually, wait a few months. Then order a Golf R.

bob and john > spanfucker retire bitch
03/10/2015 at 16:46

good point

nermal > RyanFrew
03/10/2015 at 16:52

In order to do that, today, you would need to to the following:

1) Buy American S3 w/ DSG

2) Buy the manual transmission and alllllll of the parts needed for it that didn't come on the DSG model (clutch pedal, shifter, random doo-dads, etc).

3) Get transmission installed

4) The ECU is obviously going to be FUBAR'd now. So, figure out how exactly you need to un-FUBAR it, then do that.

5) Enjoy!

Realistically, the figure that I extracted from my rear quadrant is about $20k for all of that. You would have the parts removed to sell to make some back, who knows how much that would be worth. Your warranty would also be voided.

For the $60-$70k you'd have invested into a manual S3 that you can legally own in the US, you'd be better off just getting an S4 and calling it a day.

Clay Smith's Revenge > RyanFrew
03/10/2015 at 17:01

Didn't think so but I've seen all sorts of craziness like you wouldn't believe when it comes to buying a car

Coty > bob and john
03/10/2015 at 17:05

Winner.

jkm7680 > Saracen
03/10/2015 at 18:20

It's always worth a shot though! Anything is possible if you have deep enough pockets.

Saracen > jkm7680
03/10/2015 at 18:21

And if my pockets were THAT deep I wouldn't waste my time or money on a 4 cylinder Audi!

jkm7680 > Saracen
03/10/2015 at 18:21

I'd personally get a manual S4 for probably the same price.

Saracen > jkm7680
03/10/2015 at 18:36

I test drove a B8 S4 some time ago, and it didn't really do anything for me.

Probably didn't help that I drove it right after I got out of an RS4..

jkm7680 > Saracen
03/10/2015 at 19:16

Haha, that probably would not help. I just wish that the B9 will bring the 4.2 V8 back. The interior works wonders for me though, everything just looks and sounds great.

Saracen > jkm7680
03/10/2015 at 19:22

I think the 4.2V8 has been put out to pasture.

That 2.5 TFSI though...that really needs to be put in an MLB chassis..

jkm7680 > Saracen
03/10/2015 at 19:45

Yup, I believe the last time they used it was late 2008, early 2009.

The 2.5 could potentially replace the 2.0T. Some TDI options would be nice on the A4 and A3 though.

Saracen > jkm7680
03/10/2015 at 20:03

Last use of the 4.2 was in the 2012 S5 coupe (the cab had the 3.0T), and the A8.

jkm7680 > Saracen
03/10/2015 at 20:06

Ah, forgot about those. Timing chain issue was fixed by what the B7?

Saracen > jkm7680
03/10/2015 at 20:29

Timing chain is less of a problem on the B7 S4, and not a problem at all on the RS4. Not all the cars have timing chains, though. S4, RS4 and allroad have chains. A6, Q7, Touareg, A8 have belts.

Spasoje > RyanFrew
10/13/2015 at 16:59

I’m guessing nope. They have to certify every powertrain combo for emissions (heh) before they’re approved for sale in this market. Ergo, if they don’t even offer a manual S3 on their website here, chances are it’s not legal in an emissions context. Naturally, a steering wheel or color choice doesn’t fall under this category and can be done.

Here’s another crazy automotive legality while we’re at it: The current BMW 3 series doesn’t offer the special BMW Individual leather interior you can get in Europe. Why? Because the leather is a different thickness from the base leather, the airbag sensor in the seat has to be calibrated differently. But because BMW didn’t predict enough of a demand for the nicer interior in the 3, they didn’t spend the costs of certifying the thicker-leather sensor setup for sale here. So effectively, a 3 series with nicer leather is illegal here!

That said, it can’t hurt to ask Audi. Even though the chances are extremely low, maybe there are some legal economies of scale that can make the manual S3 legal here.