I really like the S3. Could one purchase a 6speed manual from Europe new or used?

[h_curtis]

I don't think you can do a European delivery of an S3 manual transmission car, BUT could you buy a preowned one and have it shipped? Why not? Yes, I want a manual that bad. It is what it is. I have a European passport if that would help, but I don't think that would matter? Not sure?

Any advice or links to such a question? Thanks in advance.

[fatbrembos]

to answer your question in a few words no its not possible.

There are many things that make a euro car different from a us DOT approved car. i wanted to import a b7 rs4 avant, and after months of research and talking to every possible person that could help me i figure out that its just easier to build one that import one. In short if you REALLY REALLY REALLY needed to have one you could import it, but after you make ALL the DOT changes (all the glass, bumpers, bumper supports/crush bar, etc.) wait months if not over a year for all documentation, and pay every possible tax on earth you might just as well source a 6 speed tranny from europe and do the swap yourself.

[h_curtis]

Thanks. Just in case Canada gets a manual, would that be the same mess, trying to import from up there? I know Australia got a manual, so maybe Canada will get one. Of all the cars Audi makes, you would think they would produce a manual in an S3. Really is odd.

[Mr.Jetta]

Manual Trans on Ebay

Saw this yesterday ^


Or wait for a 6MT mk7 golf R over here in the US to get totaled and see if the parts are salvageable off that. You would still need the interior parts, coding, and maybe some other things for it all to work. But the parts exist overseas so im sure it "can" work. Like the firs poster said, building it yourself is probably cheaper than going through the import process.

[GramCracker]

Manual Trans on Ebay

Saw this yesterday ^


Or wait for a 6MT mk7 golf R over here in the US to get totaled and see if the parts are salvageable off that. You would still need the interior parts, coding, and maybe some other things for it all to work. But the parts exist overseas so im sure it "can" work. Like the firs poster said, building it yourself is probably cheaper than going through the import process.

Reasonable price for the trans IMO, you'll still need a ton of other little things to get this to work unfortunately. Props to whoever is willing to give it a shot!

[h_curtis]

I am not willing to do all that for a manual. I will have to stick to an A4 or S4 I guess. They keep ballooning these cars and they get too big. I prefer smaller cars in general and the S3 seems almost perfect. I think there would be a lot of people who would want a manual in a car this size, but maybe automakers just want to do away with the manual. I know they are slower, but driving experience is more important to me. I am not into 1/4 mile crap, just driving and enjoying.

Thanks for the help. The only other choice is a WRX, but that is so busy looking and I tend not to like cars like that.

[bakedcorn]

I am not willing to do all that for a manual. I will have to stick to an A4 or S4 I guess. They keep ballooning these cars and they get too big. I prefer smaller cars in general and the S3 seems almost perfect. I think there would be a lot of people who would want a manual in a car this size, but maybe automakers just want to do away with the manual. I know they are slower, but driving experience is more important to me. I am not into 1/4 mile crap, just driving and enjoying.

Thanks for the help. The only other choice is a WRX, but that is so busy looking and I tend not to like cars like that.

I'm all for a manual, had them ever since I owned my first vehicle - nothing better than rowing through the gears. But with todays vehicles and technology and jumping into the S3 - DSG, this transmission is nothing but SLOW! We are looking at 4.9sec 0-100 km\h - amazing! Plus the option of a manual mode is nothing short of sweet. Is it a true manual - no (debatable - please no egg throwing), but the fun factor can still be had. This thing blips on both the up and down shifts, can't get that on a manual (generally speaking of course). The Mercedes SLS AMG is not offered in a manual and they sell like hotcakes same goes for the other hyper cars - Ferrari's, Lambo's etc - the manuals are slowly dying even Chevrolet has optioned the Z06 Vette with an automatic - that must say something.

IMHO, I would not bother with a *conversion* and would rather spend the monies on upgrades or simply invest those available funds elsewhere. But as mentioned above, kudos to whomever slaps one in and gets it working.

Good luck though and please keep us posted if you do reconsider.

[Fociracr]

I'm all for a manual, had them ever since I owned my first vehicle - nothing better than rowing through the gears. But with todays vehicles and technology and jumping into the S3 - DSG, this transmission is nothing but SLOW! We are looking at 4.9sec 0-100 km\h - amazing! Plus the option of a manual mode is nothing short of sweet. Is it a true manual - no (debatable - please no egg throwing), but the fun factor can still be had. This thing blips on both the up and down shifts, can't get that on a manual (generally speaking of course). The Mercedes SLS AMG is not offered in a manual and they sell like hotcakes same goes for the other hyper cars - Ferrari's, Lambo's etc - the manuals are slowly dying even Chevrolet has optioned the Z06 Vette with an automatic - that must say something.

IMHO, I would not bother with a *conversion* and would rather spend the monies on upgrades or simply invest those available funds elsewhere. But as mentioned above, kudos to whomever slaps one in and gets it working.

Good luck though and please keep us posted if you do reconsider.

Some people don't care about shaving off .03 seconds with a DSG, some people just want a car with a manual. I drive a DSG S4 car and often I wish I had a manual. It makes you feel more connected with the car.

[markn1689]

i came from a b5 and b7 s4 with a 6 speed. i love the dsg way more.

[h_curtis]

Some people don't care about shaving off .03 seconds with a DSG, some people just want a car with a manual. I drive a DSG S4 car and often I wish I had a manual. It makes you feel more connected with the car.

I am always going to like the manual better. I could care less about it being a tiny bit faster or whatever. Driving a manual is what I enjoy about driving. I also could care less if others prefer a DSG or whatever they want to call the current automatic. Means nothing to me. I am 50 years old and it isn't like I am going to say, wow that kid likes an automatic, maybe I will as well. I won't. I enjoy shifting, my eyes see the road ahead, so I can coast in anticipation for what it ahead. A clutch can be used to soften things in certain situations. The thing about automatics is they can't see, nor do they know what the driver wants. you can downshift and upshift faster or whatever, but what about coasting in anticipation for things ahead? If you could test how many times my motor has turned and compared that to how many miles I have on my car it would clearly show that my car has much less wear and tear on the motor due to coasting while at idle and moving. I have 137K miles on my car and I guarantee my motor has WAY less wear and tear due to having a clutch with option to idle while moving. I don't care that some mustang would whip me off the line, it is about balance and not having to slow down around a rainy curve ahead, when that mustang would be in a ditch if it wanted to try and keep up.

The bottom line is, I enjoy driving a manual. If Audi does't make one, I will look at BMW again. I have had a couple of them and they were good cars, but I do think they have slipped in the past 10 years in quality. I am not a fan of Subaru that much, but there is the WRX. Never drove one, but they usually feel like a tin can.

Enjoy.

[markn1689]

you generally do not want to just idle and coast as you say. this could actually wear the engine more. you want to keep the fan spinning or the engine could overheat (even when going super fast and coasting)

i like manual. i like dsg.

enjoy being an A-hole bimmer driver (jk)

[h_curtis]

you generally do not want to just idle and coast as you say. this could actually wear the engine more. you want to keep the fan spinning or the engine could overheat (even when going super fast and coasting)

i like manual. i like dsg.

enjoy being an A-hole bimmer driver (jk)

You don't have a CLUE what you are talking about! Please refrain from posting here. I have been around cars longer than you have been on the planet. Coasting = overheating? Ha, ha, ha that is too funny. It is the OPPOSITE! Please, stop. Chasing down a hill or towards a light is cooling the motor. Don't give bad info on my watch.

[Tripe46]

You kidding? Canada gets whatever the USA gets and less.

IMO if you want a manual S3...get a manual Golf R, or even a GTI..........................or go with the M2.

Haha I have had my S3 for only 3 months and I love it I really do, but as soon as I saw the M2 I thought "there is my next one!"

[h_curtis]

Hmmm, an M2. That is possible. As far as what Canada gets, i wouldn't know. I don't live there, but thanks for letting me know you folks just get the leftovers. lol That sucks.

Ah well, I got another couple of years I think. I chipped my old car and gave it new life.

[nefkntym]

i came from a b5 and b7 s4 with a 6 speed. i love the dsg way more.

Same here, I have had a B5, B6 and B8 in 6 speed. I love the DSG way more as well.

[javbomb]

The thing about automatics is they can't see, nor do they know what the driver wants. you can downshift and upshift faster or whatever, but what about coasting in anticipation for things ahead? If you could test how many times my motor has turned and compared that to how many miles I have on my car it would clearly show that my car has much less wear and tear on the motor due to coasting while at idle and moving. I have 137K miles on my car and I guarantee my motor has WAY less wear and tear due to having a clutch with option to idle while moving. I don't care that some mustang would whip me off the line, it is about balance and not having to slow down around a rainy curve ahead, when that mustang would be in a ditch if it wanted to try and keep up.
Enjoy.

Just curious, have you actually driven a DSG in full manual mode? It literally is the same as a manual transmission in that mode sans the ability to push the clutch in. (And without a DSG tune the car will upshift at redline and downshift at the stall point). Point is, if you drive the car like a regular manual car in that mode it behaves almost identical to a traditional transmission. It sounds to me like you misunderstand how the DSG transmissions work. As for your comment of setting the car up for things ahead? That really is no different whatsoever between the two. I could drive around in 2nd gear in the power band all I want to going around chicanes and what not, I can use the full extent of engine braking going around corners and know for a fact the car is not going to change gears on me, and be sure of the exact line the car is going to take based on the RPM etc. An old 'Auto' could change gears on you at any time and change the cars line which is not what DSG's will do in Manual mode.

As for coasting with the clutch in while the car is moving, You may be older and wiser or whatever but thats not an advisable way to drive and probably only 0.05% of the population coast in nuetral/clutch in while the car is moving at speed. Frankly thats a safety issue as you dont truly have the cars drive system engaged and thus have essentially no control over the vehicle. In an emergency situation you would have to pop the clutch at a moments notice to re-engage the cars drive which would upset the car if done hastily. I know you are going to tell me off for that, but Im sorry thats as bad as holding your left foot on the brake all the time. It just goes against everything they teach about driving.

DSG may not ever be right for you, but it would help to actually understand how the system works before blindly shugging it off.

[markn1689]

he wants to coast in his manual car because he thinks he will save gas and increase the life of his engine...
he is a total fool
the dsg is way more efficient.

and he thinks he is a purist because he loves manual. from one purist to another. Your missing out ;-)

[S3Danny]

Less wear and tear due to coasting in neutral..... Lol.

If you like driving a manual then just say that. Don't try and justify it with total BS. I like driving a manual too but the DSG is a blast. Properly setup torque converter autos can be just as fun too. I'd argue that you aren't a real enthusiast if you are so close minded to think that a clutch pedal is the only way a car can be fun.

[markn1689]

Less wear and tear due to coasting in neutral..... Lol.

If you like driving a manual then just say that. Don't try and justify it with total BS. I like driving a manual too but the DSG is a blast. Properly setup torque converter autos can be just as fun too. I'd argue that you aren't a real enthusiast if you are so close minded to think that a clutch pedal is the only way a car can be fun.

yeah the OP is a total assclown. if you even have to mention a WRX as an option and in an s3 forum none the less... then the s3 is NOT the right car for you
and if you think that you can just go to europe and just grab any European spec new (or used) car and just bring it back to the states then your borderline retarded.
don't even get me started on his coasting philosophy... LMFAO

[h_curtis]

he wants to coast in his manual car because he thinks he will save gas and increase the life of his engine...
he is a total fool
the dsg is way more efficient.

and he thinks he is a purist because he loves manual. from one purist to another. Your missing out ;-)

I think you sent me a PM, but I erased it. Not sure why I am back on this thread? I asked a question and it was answered. Why are a few trying to talk me into an automatic? Do you think I don't know what I want? Hardly. Yes, I drove a Porsche with the automatic that you speak of. Not my thing. Goodness, what a strange bunch. Later, or most likely never is a better ending.

[h_curtis]

yeah the OP is a total assclown.

Awww, poor baby throwing you little temper tantrum. How old are you anyway? Geez. Name calling? Wow, kind of sad, don't you think?

[markn1689]

the only thing that is sad is your coasting argument

[joxer]

I have only had manual cars (until this year) and I am also 50. I've had many great ones, like the Miata and Rx-7, BMW 3 series, FR-S, and some just okay ones, say various Hondas, Mini Cooper S, G37 Coupe, Passat VR6, A4 Avant, but even a meh stick is still better to me than any auto, DSG or otherwise. Well, maybe not the G37 - man I hated that car and I think the feeling was mutual. 330 hp my ass.

This year I bought an A3 sedan with DSG, and after 6 months I have to say that if it weren't for the fact that I have a 16 year old learning to drive in Toronto traffic I would never do it again. It's not an S3, it doesn't have flappy paddles, but I just don't think any of that would matter to me. I'd rather have a slower car with a stick than the DSG. I've tried driving it in manual mode and it just feels silly, again, to me. If you love the DSG great, more power to you. I can definitely see if I were driving on a track with the paddles with a fast car how that could be a blast. But driving in a semi-responsible manner on public roads I just enjoy driving a manual much more. Hoping to get a current gen B8 A4/S4 stick in a few years CPO as they are also going all auto in the B9.

I have no idea what the coasting business was with the OP though. I've seen a lot of people drive stick that do so in ways that seem really strange to me and looking for coasting opportunities all the time seems like one of them. Another is the opposite, banging on the transmission and clutch to brake via aggressive downshifts etc. One guy I know shifts virtually all the time in city traffic like he's trying to keep the car perpetually in a 200 rpm zone. Anyway, yeah. To get that same essential package with a stick in Canada/US you basically need to change body styles and go Golf R as others have said. I'd prefer the S4 and not worry about not getting a small enough car or just go plain GTI and save $$. It's a nice little package that I'm not sure is that improved by the R.

[h_curtis]

I have only had manual cars (until this year) and I am also 50. I've had many great ones, like the Miata and Rx-7, BMW 3 series, FR-S, and some just okay ones, say various Hondas, Mini Cooper S, G37 Coupe, Passat VR6, A4 Avant, but even a meh stick is still better to me than any auto, DSG or otherwise. Well, maybe not the G37 - man I hated that car and I think the feeling was mutual. 330 hp my ass.

This year I bought an A3 sedan with DSG, and after 6 months I have to say that if it weren't for the fact that I have a 16 year old learning to drive in Toronto traffic I would never do it again. It's not an S3, it doesn't have flappy paddles, but I just don't think any of that would matter to me. I'd rather have a slower car with a stick than the DSG. I've tried driving it in manual mode and it just feels silly, again, to me. If you love the DSG great, more power to you. I can definitely see if I were driving on a track with the paddles with a fast car how that could be a blast. But driving in a semi-responsible manner on public roads I just enjoy driving a manual much more. Hoping to get a current gen B8 A4/S4 stick in a few years CPO as they are also going all auto in the B9.

I have no idea what the coasting business was with the OP though. I've seen a lot of people drive stick that do so in ways that seem really strange to me and looking for coasting opportunities all the time seems like one of them. Another is the opposite, banging on the transmission and clutch to brake via aggressive downshifts etc. One guy I know shifts virtually all the time in city traffic like he's trying to keep the car perpetually in a 200 rpm zone. Anyway, yeah. To get that same essential package with a stick in Canada/US you basically need to change body styles and go Golf R as others have said. I'd prefer the S4 and not worry about not getting a small enough car or just go plain GTI and save $$. It's a nice little package that I'm not sure is that improved by the R.

Yeah, this is about how I feel. I will probably go with either a Porsche Cayman or Carrara S4 or another A4/S4. I really like the S3, but I am just not ready for an automatic. Maybe when and if I hit 80, I will want one, but not now. I still like to drive. Shame Audi doesn't make the right car for me, but lets face it, the young folks just want lots of screens/smartphone crap and cup holders. I am old school and like to actually drive.

About coasting. I really don't think the kids would get it, but there is this thing called RPMs. I live in a hilly area and coast quite a bit to glide to stops or glide up to curves in the road. Prior to entering a curve, you engage the motor again matching RPMs, so it is smooth, etc. Clearly most folks are unable to do this, but I can shift through gears without a clutch if I feel like it, due to matching RPM to RPMs. There is one hill I coast down from work that I literally coast for over a mile. Sure I can have it in gear and have that drag on the motor and have it spinning like crazy, but why? Again, I am practical and like to be easy on my cars. Maybe that is why I have the original clutch on my A4 with over 140,000 miles on it. My last car had over 170K with original clutch when I sold it. Some morons are changing out clutches before they even hit 100K. lol All I can say is they should have an automatic.

Enjoy. Hope to get a manual S3, but it looks like I am probably heading to Porsche.

[h_curtis]

Seems there are some folks in the USA that can get an A3 with a manual.

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...og=0#420468707

[S3Danny]

Yeah, this is about how I feel. I will probably go with either a Porsche Cayman or Carrara S4 or another A4/S4. I really like the S3, but I am just not ready for an automatic. Maybe when and if I hit 80, I will want one, but not now. I still like to drive. Shame Audi doesn't make the right car for me, but lets face it, the young folks just want lots of screens/smartphone crap and cup holders. I am old school and like to actually drive.

About coasting. I really don't think the kids would get it, but there is this thing called RPMs. I live in a hilly area and coast quite a bit to glide to stops or glide up to curves in the road. Prior to entering a curve, you engage the motor again matching RPMs, so it is smooth, etc. Clearly most folks are unable to do this, but I can shift through gears without a clutch if I feel like it, due to matching RPM to RPMs. There is one hill I coast down from work that I literally coast for over a mile. Sure I can have it in gear and have that drag on the motor and have it spinning like crazy, but why? Again, I am practical and like to be easy on my cars. Maybe that is why I have the original clutch on my A4 with over 140,000 miles on it. My last car had over 170K with original clutch when I sold it. Some morons are changing out clutches before they even hit 100K. lol All I can say is they should have an automatic.

Enjoy. Hope to get a manual S3, but it looks like I am probably heading to Porsche.

Coasting with the car in gear down a hill does not add any appreciable wear to anything.

[markn1689]

this again... if you want to coast go ahead and coast. its really saving you nothing. but at least you think you are a cool clutch master pro stick driver. so coast on brutha!

[h_curtis]

Coasting with the car in gear down a hill does not add any appreciable wear to anything.

Please take a few simple science classes. You don't need an advanced class to know that higher RPM's would create more wear and tear than low RPM's, but really do we need to discuss such a thing that is that simple? Come on.

[S3Danny]

Please take a few simple science classes. You don't need an advanced class to know that higher RPM's would create more wear and tear than low RPM's, but really do we need to discuss such a thing that is that simple? Come on.

Please take a few simple reading classes. You don't need an advanced class to know that I didn't say it would add no wear, I said it would not add any appreciable wear. "Come on."