Any RS3 Owners Coming From BMW?

[F80Dreamer]

When my RS3 comes in towards end of this year, it will be my first Audi of any kind. Have had multiple BMW's in the past including some great M cars. Anyone on here make the switch from BMW to Audi, and overall pretty happy with the switch? I know both brands are great in their own way, just curious to hear real world experiences. Thx

[J_3_f_f]

Had 2015 M3 after gen6 golf R. And initially planned to order MY18 M2 but switched to RS3. Happy with the changes so far. :)

[F80Dreamer]

Had 2015 M3 after gen6 golf R. And initially planned to order MY18 M2 but switched to RS3. Happy with the changes so far. :)

Thanks! I was also considering the M2 as well but just fell in love with many aspects of the RS3...

[J_3_f_f]

Thanks! I was also considering the M2 as well but just fell in love with many aspects of the RS3...

No problem. To be honest, if I was able to convince my wife to let me have manual, I would have gotten M2.


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[Morbo]

No problem. To be honest, if I was able to convince my wife to let me have manual, I would have gotten M2.


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I was also looking at M2.

One "con" was that the manual has auto rev match. It's hard to find a manual that doesn't have it these days. The only way to turn it off was to turn all traction control off.

I also test drove a 991 C2s at Porsche Experience Center, and it had the same damn stupid auto rev match in it's manual. It is highly annoying and actually made me hesitate and "forget" how to drive stick for a second. It felt so damn weird that it made the experience of driving stick terrible. I hated it and it made the manual an actual Con instead of a Pro.

[eason_c]

I find auto rev match make life so much easier, you can enjoy the process of rolling thur the gears while it can gives you perfect downshift like DSG/DCT transmission. Maybe I am a bad manual driver, but auto rev match helps me to put more focus on the road.

[J_3_f_f]

I find auto rev match make life so much easier, you can enjoy the process of rolling thur the gears while it can gives you perfect downshift like DSG/DCT transmission. Maybe I am a bad manual driver, but auto rev match helps me to put more focus on the road.

I agree. I actually like auto rev match. Haha

[Diversion]

I agree. I actually like auto rev match. Haha

I like the rev matching system, however I don't exactly like the attention it gets from sounding like a jerk revving up around town.. Especially on the RS3 in Sport Mode where it sounds like i'm challenging everyone as i'm slowing down to a stop light.

[dcb]

I switched from a 2011 BMW 1M. That was my first M car and my second BMW. The big reasons I rules out an M3 was the price. The main reason I rules out an M2 was the interior felt a little cheap, no AWD for the Canadian winters and it was not a 4 door.

I miss the driving feel a lot, but all though it is a different driving experience, I don't feel like it is loss. The RS3 is a great drive. It is very quick, which makes up for the lack of steering feel and corning coming from the 1M. I do miss a manual transmission too. I could care less about how much faster a duel clutch tranny is. It is stupid 90% of the time and can't ready my mind unless I am hammering it. It is a different experience than the 1M, and I am sure than the M2.

There are a few quarks, like rear door handles not activating the keyless entry, the sh*t key fob and no manual transmission option. Given these 3 complaints, I have no regrets about my decision to go with the RS3.

[cjmoy]

I currently have both an M235i and the RS3. I have also previously owned an A4 and 335. Both cars have their positives and negatives, but I still think Audi makes a better overall daily driver (mainly due to the interior and overall comfort) than BMW.

[iliveoncaffiene]

I currently have both an M235i and the RS3. I have also previously owned an A4 and 335. Both cars have their positives and negatives, but I still think Audi makes a better overall daily driver (mainly due to the interior and overall comfort) than BMW.

BMW also hasn't made any meaningful updates to their interior in a long time.
I know the Big 3 luxury german companies don't change much in model updates, but it seems like BMW changes the least.

[cjmoy]

BMW also hasn't made any meaningful updates to their interior in a long time.
I know the Big 3 luxury german companies don't change much in model updates, but it seems like BMW changes the least.

Exactly. I still have amber/orange interior lighting and the instant MPG gauge from at least the 70s/80s.

[DFDIII]

I am.

Have a long history with both BMW and Audi. I lease so in the past 10 years or so have had 2 different E90s, a B8 S4, an SQ5, and most recently, a 2015 M3. I currently own 2 E92s, a 328 xDrive and 335i. The lease on the M3 was ending, so I traded it in on the 335i. I placed my order for the 2018 RS 3 and it's on the boat as we speak with an estimated arrival date at the port of Houston on 09/27. I'm looking forward to it!

The M3 was my first ever M car and I absolutely adored it - but not enough to buy it at lease-end. I don't track, only commuting and street driving, and I put 50K miles on the M3 in 34 months. It was a 6 speed so I'm slightly concerned that I'll miss the MT. But the biggest drawback of the M3 (very early F80 build-built in July 2014) was LACK of traction. I tried both summer and all-season Michelins and unless the tires were almost brand-new Super Sports I was almost constantly experiencing traction control intervention, even in M Dynamic mode. That S55 engine is a lot of motor for the F80 chassis, something BMW clearly corrected and improved in later editions, most notably with the competition package, but I am a car geek and like to move on to the newest, bestist thing. So, in March of this year I got an email from Motor Trend that contained the First Drive event in Oman, and after reading that, I decided to set my sights on the RS 3.

I wouldn't say that I am a fan boy of either brand - I love them both. Both of my E92s, of course, have the fantastic hydraulic steering, and they are both a blast to drive. Yes, their interiors might be a bit Spartan and dated, but the driving experience in these older BMWs is still today quite nice. I have no intention of letting either of them go any time soon.

I'm expecting that the RS 3 will feel quite a bit faster than my departed M3, primarily because the M3 was a manual. I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel later this month or early October. But, I still do love my Bimmers!

[F80Dreamer]

I am.

Have a long history with both BMW and Audi. I lease so in the past 10 years or so have had 2 different E90s, a B8 S4, an SQ5, and most recently, a 2015 M3. I currently own 2 E92s, a 328 xDrive and 335i. The lease on the M3 was ending, so I traded it in on the 335i. I placed my order for the 2018 RS 3 and it's on the boat as we speak with an estimated arrival date at the port of Houston on 09/27. I'm looking forward to it!

The M3 was my first ever M car and I absolutely adored it - but not enough to buy it at lease-end. I don't track, only commuting and street driving, and I put 50K miles on the M3 in 34 months. It was a 6 speed so I'm slightly concerned that I'll miss the MT. But the biggest drawback of the M3 (very early F80 build-built in July 2014) was LACK of traction. I tried both summer and all-season Michelins and unless the tires were almost brand-new Super Sports I was almost constantly experiencing traction control intervention, even in M Dynamic mode. That S55 engine is a lot of motor for the F80 chassis, something BMW clearly corrected and improved in later editions, most notably with the competition package, but I am a car geek and like to move on to the newest, bestist thing. So, in March of this year I got an email from Motor Trend that contained the First Drive event in Oman, and after reading that, I decided to set my sights on the RS 3.

I wouldn't say that I am a fan boy of either brand - I love them both. Both of my E92s, of course, have the fantastic hydraulic steering, and they are both a blast to drive. Yes, their interiors might be a bit Spartan and dated, but the driving experience in these older BMWs is still today quite nice. I have no intention of letting either of them go any time soon.

I'm expecting that the RS 3 will feel quite a bit faster than my departed M3, primarily because the M3 was a manual. I'm looking forward to getting behind the wheel later this month or early October. But, I still do love my Bimmers!

Very helpful perspective, thanks for sharing! I used to own an E92 M3 and still think about that car to this day...driving dynamics, that V8 roar, what a great car. I moved from that to the F80 M3 (with the comp package) and it was a better car in every way but for some reason I didn't love it. A bit too sterile for me, so I have been on the lookout for a change. I don't expect the RS3 to be perfect, but everything I am seeing/reading is making me pretty excited to give it a go.

[DFDIII]

Very helpful perspective, thanks for sharing! I used to own an E92 M3 and still think about that car to this day...driving dynamics, that V8 roar, what a great car. I moved from that to the F80 M3 (with the comp package) and it was a better car in every way but for some reason I didn't love it. A bit too sterile for me, so I have been on the lookout for a change. I don't expect the RS3 to be perfect, but everything I am seeing/reading is making me pretty excited to give it a go.

Ahh, so you HAD an E92 and an F80, so you know what I'm talking about regarding hydraulic versus electric power steering! It's a damn shame that auto manufacturers have resorted to EPS in order to save a miniscule percentile MPG on modern-day cars....

Speaking of roar, I did the exhaust flap mod on my F80 by pulling the fuses and Good Lord was that car loud! Especially startup. I'm excited to hear the exhaust on the RS 3 - I got the sport exhaust. I am thinking it's exhaust tone will be substantially better!

[F80Dreamer]

Thanks for all the responses so far everyone, very helpful and insightful! Once I get the car in a few weeks (scheduled pick up is late Nov) I will be sure to post up my thoughts after driving it a bit.

[CreoSTi]

I've owned a few of each (E36 M3/4, 2001 S4, 2011 S4, 2014 S6, and now a 2016 M3). All of the cars were different in their respective ways, so it's difficult to compare brand vs. brand in general. However, after driving the F80 M3 for a couple years now, I too lament the lack of traction. Some drivers like that visceral feeling, but it's tiresome in daily driving (i.e. starting quickly from a stop light). This was my first RWD car in nearly 20 years, and it made me long for AWD driving dynamics again (at least for daily driving).

I'm most likely going to end up in an RS3 or S4 next year, as my F80 M3 lease is ending.

There are a few quarks, like rear door handles not activating the keyless entry, the sh*t key fob and no manual transmission option. Given these 3 complaints, I have no regrets about my decision to go with the RS3.

If it makes you feel any better, my 2016 F80 M3 does not have keyless entry on the rear door handles either (and it drives me bonkers coming from an S6 that did).

[Dr Bill]

I was also looking at M2.

One "con" was that the manual has auto rev match. It's hard to find a manual that doesn't have it these days. The only way to turn it off was to turn all traction control off.

I also test drove a 991 C2s at Porsche Experience Center, and it had the same damn stupid auto rev match in it's manual. It is highly annoying and actually made me hesitate and "forget" how to drive stick for a second. It felt so damn weird that it made the experience of driving stick terrible. I hated it and it made the manual an actual Con instead of a Pro.

With Porsche, if you do not select the "Sport Plus" ("Sport" in some cars) button, the rev-match feature is disabled & you can drive the car yourself. I imagine the Experience Center keeps it on as they likely get a bunch of inexperienced drivers without the proper skill set to drive a manual transmission car properly. Not sure on the M2. Never owned a BMW with more than 2 wheels.

[Morbo]

With Porsche, if you do not select the "Sport Plus" ("Sport" in some cars) button, the rev-match feature is disabled & you can drive the car yourself. I imagine the Experience Center keeps it on as they likely get a bunch of inexperienced drivers without the proper skill set to drive a manual transmission car properly. Not sure on the M2. Never owned a BMW with more than 2 wheels.

Yes, the instructor told me it can be turned off in the 991, but I told him I was really there to drive the GT4 so we ditched the 991 after about 5 min. He made sure to turn it off as soon as I sat down in the GT4 buckets

I never got to test drive a M2, but reading Bimmerforum, the guys said you have to fully turn off DSC/traction control to get the rev match to stop on the M2 manual. So engineers basically are telling you the only time to turn it off is if you're on a track, because in real world use, there's no reason to turn off DSC all the way.

[dcb]

If it makes you feel any better, my 2016 F80 M3 does not have keyless entry on the rear door handles either (and it drives me bonkers coming from an S6 that did).

Well, that makes me feel better about not buying an M3! That is pretty nuts.

I just wrote it off as an "entry level" (for North America) thing.

[shivaswrath]

When my RS3 comes in towards end of this year, it will be my first Audi of any kind. Have had multiple BMW's in the past including some great M cars. Anyone on here make the switch from BMW to Audi, and overall pretty happy with the switch? I know both brands are great in their own way, just curious to hear real world experiences. Thx

yes!!!



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[Soopaman15]

I go back and forth, but favor Audi. Owned 2011 X5 Msport, traded it in for 2015 SQ5. 2013 328i, traded it in for RS3.

All were great cars but the X5 had far too many issues.

[Nanofun]

I switched from a 2011 BMW 1M. That was my first M car and my second BMW. The big reasons I rules out an M3 was the price. The main reason I rules out an M2 was the interior felt a little cheap, no AWD for the Canadian winters and it was not a 4 door.

I miss the driving feel a lot, but all though it is a different driving experience, I don't feel like it is loss. The RS3 is a great drive. It is very quick, which makes up for the lack of steering feel and corning coming from the 1M. I do miss a manual transmission too. I could care less about how much faster a duel clutch tranny is. It is stupid 90% of the time and can't ready my mind unless I am hammering it. It is a different experience than the 1M, and I am sure than the M2.

There are a few quarks, like rear door handles not activating the keyless entry, the sh*t key fob and no manual transmission option. Given these 3 complaints, I have no regrets about my decision to go with the RS3.

I have seen a couple of comments about the key fobs, but nothing specific... not wanting bashing, but would like to understand the issues folks are experiencing. I pick mine up next week and will take any pointers or info...


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[meticulist]

My main compliant is that I saw the sleek and fitting TTRS fob, and it's not that! There's a key on it, but no place to even insert a key on this car (maybe the glovebox? I can't remember), and it looks dated in that sense.

[lalalaprise]

My main compliant is that I saw the sleek and fitting TTRS fob, and it's not that! There's a key on it, but no place to even insert a key on this car (maybe the glovebox? I can't remember), and it looks dated in that sense.

VW GTI has a nicer key... 2017 A4 base has the new Audi key. The key doesn't bother me as much as others here but it still looks heavily dated for such a badass car

[ENV²]

I was also looking at M2.

One "con" was that the manual has auto rev match. It's hard to find a manual that doesn't have it these days. The only way to turn it off was to turn all traction control off.

I also test drove a 991 C2s at Porsche Experience Center, and it had the same damn stupid auto rev match in it's manual. It is highly annoying and actually made me hesitate and "forget" how to drive stick for a second. It felt so damn weird that it made the experience of driving stick terrible. I hated it and it made the manual an actual Con instead of a Pro.

I usually shut off traction when I drive anywway. I would purchase an RS3 just because I love Audi over modern BMW.

[DetailersDomain]

happy to be back in an Audi.

Sold the 11 M3 --> 15 M3 --> and then an M2 , love the M2 so much that I kept it along side the RS3, honestly having both is the best of both worlds.

Love the M2 over both M3's, but it would be tough to let go of the M2 to just keep the RS3. Glad I can swing having both at the moment.

[shivaswrath]

happy to be back in an Audi.

Sold the 11 M3 --> 15 M3 --> and then an M2 , love the M2 so much that I kept it along side the RS3, honestly having both is the best of both worlds.

Love the M2 over both M3's, but it would be tough to let go of the M2 to just keep the RS3. Glad I can swing having both at the moment.

Envious! Post pics of the M2 and RS3 Phil!

[DetailersDomain]

I'll try to get the cars in one place ;)

a shot of the m2 at bimmerfest

[rmarchigiani]

That picture of the M2....delicious. I wish the RS3 had more aggressive lines similar to the M2/M3.

Also....I gotta ask. Maybe I'm the only one who cares, but it bothers me to no end about Audi. Why can't Audi put some descent rear brakes on their cars! They put these nice looking ceramic brakes/calipers on the front, but these cheap crappy looking rear calipers. It's so disappointing.

Anyone else coming from BMW to Audi bothered by that?


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[J_3_f_f]

That picture of the M2....delicious. I wish the RS3 had more aggressive lines similar to the M2/M3.

Also....I gotta ask. Maybe I'm the only one who cares, but it bothers me to no end about Audi. Why can't Audi put some descent rear brakes on their cars! They put these nice looking ceramic brakes/calipers on the front, but these cheap crappy looking rear calipers. It's so disappointing.

Anyone else coming from BMW to Audi bothered by that?


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Not me. LOL. I had 15 M3 and had LCI M2 ordered before switching to RS3.


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[turillo]

I switched from a 2011 BMW 1M. That was my first M car and my second BMW. The big reasons I rules out an M3 was the price. The main reason I rules out an M2 was the interior felt a little cheap, no AWD for the Canadian winters and it was not a 4 door.

I miss the driving feel a lot, but all though it is a different driving experience, I don't feel like it is loss. The RS3 is a great drive. It is very quick, which makes up for the lack of steering feel and corning coming from the 1M. I do miss a manual transmission too. I could care less about how much faster a duel clutch tranny is. It is stupid 90% of the time and can't ready my mind unless I am hammering it. It is a different experience than the 1M, and I am sure than the M2.

There are a few quarks, like rear door handles not activating the keyless entry, the sh*t key fob and no manual transmission option. Given these 3 complaints, I have no regrets about my decision to go with the RS3.

I may be wrong, but cant you change the key less entry options from the MMI menu?

[Jadar]

I have had 5 BMW’s and enjoyed them all and I still love the brand and feel. I enjoy the Bimmerpost community as well.
Currently in an F30 335i and next year I plan on scooping up an RS3. I’ve always like Audi’s but have never owned one. I enjoyed swapping my best friend for his B8 S4 for a week at a time but that car lacked a lot of feel for me it was horribly numb. Loved the look overall for sure.

Once I found out about the RS3 coming to the USA I knew I had to try an Audi, especially how dynamic it’s suppose to be.
So far everything I’m reading and hearing the 2.5L sound I’m very excited. The tune-ability is a huge plus for me as well as awd traction.




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[Jadar]

That picture of the M2....delicious. I wish the RS3 had more aggressive lines similar to the M2/M3.

Also....I gotta ask. Maybe I'm the only one who cares, but it bothers me to no end about Audi. Why can't Audi put some descent rear brakes on their cars! They put these nice looking ceramic brakes/calipers on the front, but these cheap crappy looking rear calipers. It's so disappointing.

Anyone else coming from BMW to Audi bothered by that?


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Yes, I thought about it when I saw the debut. It didn’t put me off that I won’t get the car which I will, but it pisses me of that even my non M car 335i M sport (current car) has nice looking brembo calipers in all 4 corners and that Audi couldn’t do it on a RS model.


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[shivaswrath]

I have had 5 BMW’s and enjoyed them all and I still love the brand and feel. I enjoy the Bimmerpost community as well.
Currently in an F30 335i and next year I plan on scooping up an RS3. I’ve always like Audi’s but have never owned one. I enjoyed swapping my best friend for his B8 S4 for a week at a time but that car lacked a lot of feel for me it was horribly numb. Loved the look overall for sure.

Once I found out about the RS3 coming to the USA I knew I had to try an Audi, especially how dynamic it’s suppose to be.
So far everything I’m reading and hearing the 2.5L sound I’m very excited. The tune-ability is a huge plus for me as well as awd traction.




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Dude place the order yet???

[sleeperwagon]

Still have 3 M cars, son drives an X3 and wife a Q7. I LOVE Audi over BMW for many reasons that are just stupid.... 1) I live in Ohio with kids so the AWD 4 door was a no brainer (got rid of a StageII A6 for the RS3 and could not have made a better decision in all my car years. M2 was a thought but its just the best looking of about 20 other 6 cyl turbo cars bmw sells. 2) I LOVE the under the radar vibe Audi's give and the 5 cyl motor wow..... 4) did I mention the 5 cyl motor?
You will have no regrets but in Texas I would have to say the M3 might have won me over if not for the heavy feeling. I might have to contradict myself based on that.

Only thing I don't like after a month of driving the RS3, I still hate the sunroof, wish we had a carbon fiber roof option . Rest of my pains can be handled with cash and mods

[Jadar]

Dude place the order yet???

No not yet, building a house. It’s my priority this year :). Order any mods? Do you miss the 335i at all? I prob already know the answer to that lol.


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[shivaswrath]

No not yet, building a house. It’s my priority this year :). Order any mods? Do you miss the 335i at all? I prob already know the answer to that lol.


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Dude...I don't have to worry about tuning it, or anything. Power in tap and ZOOM! Notissing it at all...sort of miss the fish tailing and losing traction at every light, but then when I realize I'm putting power down I'm like "this is bueno".

No mods bro stock is too fast already!

After 4 years maybe cams and a tune. Exhaust sounds beautiful out of the box...wails like a V-10 lambo!

[Jadar]

Dude...I don't have to worry about tuning it, or anything. Power in tap and ZOOM! Notissing it at all...sort of miss the fish tailing and losing traction at every light, but then when I realize I'm putting power down I'm like "this is bueno".

No mods bro stock is too fast already!

After 4 years maybe cams and a tune. Exhaust sounds beautiful out of the box...wails like a V-10 lambo!

Nice I’m glad you’re happy, after the mess with the 335i and Tuning disaster you deserve it man. So what cams are available as far as tune goes? Not sure I heard of any.

Once I pick one up I’ll just do a stage 1 ecu flash and be happy having a low 11 second car :).

This car has so much win in it.


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[Nanofun]

I like the rev matching system, however I don't exactly like the attention it gets from sounding like a jerk revving up around town.. Especially on the RS3 in Sport Mode where it sounds like i'm challenging everyone as i'm slowing down to a stop light.

It might be childish, but I love that part. No challenging, just enjoying what this car was designed to be...smile inducing.


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