PaulW

I was looking at the little tab in the back of your picture (all the way in the back, that's where I thought they went).....but I will save yours and check out the wheel for the next D3 I see.....

pw

Jim Wilke

You're reading it right. Not sure why you can't get the paddle shifters with the leather wheel but Audi offers it this way, as Walter Cronkite said, "And that's the way it is."

I like the feel of the wheel and I won't miss a heated wheel since I haven't had one in a long time. My '98 A-6 had a heated wheel but it quit almost immediately and took months to get a replacement. When it also failed quickly, Audi gave up and so did I. My '00 A-8 SWB didn't have the option and my understanding is that it was late '00 or '01 before they started offering them again. We'll see how cold wood does compared to cold leather in a few months.

Plano-4.2

Perhaps ask Santa for some driving gloves.

moonraker

Looking at the UK Audi website, it appears the paddle shifters are available on either steering wheel. This combo appears to be an Audi of America decision. Wouldn't most people who want paddle shifters also want the grip of a leather steering wheel? The wood wheel would appeal more to luxury vs sportiness buyer.

SAaudiA8

They options offered on the 05 were worth it to me. The puddle/handle lights are really sharp and the keyless go is great. The paddles are nice but don't use them that much. We bought the new color Akoya silver which is very sharp and I have not seen any other brand with a color like it.