jimf15e

Took my S4 up to Audi Raleigh Thursday for its 35k service. Luckily I invested in Audi Care so didn't have to foot the bill (now) for the expensive DSG service as well. From what I hear the 35k service alone makes Audi Care worth it.

All in all not a bad service experience. On the plus side I was given a 2012 S4 Premium+ w/ DSG, Nav and Sports Diff as a loaner (I'll list some comparisons below). The loaner car was ready and waiting for me when I showed up and before I drove it off my car was already in the service bay. On the minus side was the DSG service. I made my appointment about 1 month in advance and specified that I'd need a 35k service with DSG fluid change. A few hours after I dropped the car off I got a call to tell me that everything but the DSG service was done because neither Raleigh dealer had the fluid in stock. That kind of irked me considering the amount of heads up I gave. Back to the plus side, I drove the loaner car home yesterday (I live an hour away). The dealer finished the service this morning and delivered my car out to me today, taking the loaner back with him. I guess I can't complain too much about that, right?

I noticed a few differences between my car and the 2012 loaner I had:
- I much prefer the Nappa leather on my car to the Alcantara on loaner. My car's seat leather breaths a lot better. Maybe TMI, but I had a bad case of swamp *** after driving around the loaner.

- I actually prefer the standard suspension calibration on the non-'full' ADS loaner. I have full ADS on mine - comfort is too soft, dynamic may be a too firm. If I were to do it all over again I'd definitely pass on full ADS.

- 2012s have HUGE rear headrests. Change in laws I suppose because my wife's 2012 X5 has the same issue compared to her previous 2008.

- The 2012 MMI **** has a better 'clicky' feel (may just be because it only has 400 miles vs. 35k)

- The 2012 MMI screen colors are a stranger tint of orange when on audio modes

- The non-B&O stereo isn't that bad, though I much prefer my B&O's clarity at higher volumes. I wouldn't be too upset if I was stuck with a base stereo

- Again, it may just be because of the aging process (the cars, not mine!) but the leather wheel and faux leather armrest in the 2012 loaner had a much better feel - more of a matte, rough finish.

- The side view mirror selector switch is a lot less fragile on the 2012. On my 2010 it's very cheap feeling when turning, and if I pull on it it comes off in my hand!

- My 2010 DSG shifter has an unlabeled detent aft of the 'D' position that sets the transmission in Dynamic, ie Sport mode. The shifter gate itself isn't labeled, but when you pull it aft the shift indicator on the dash changes to 'S'

- No, I didn't try out the loaners launch control but it has it, mine doesn't. 'Nuff said.

Lastly, here are some photos of some nice eye candy in the showroom - Java Green R8 V10 with carbon blades. Java Green is an exclusive color for the R8 and it looked SICK!

SFV A4

Nice write-up. I agree, the "regular" leather feels better to me too.

About that R8... I remember the first few leaks about it in car magazines stated Audi was making a super car for under $100k. So much for that.

seinsmeld13

No gas guzzler tax in Canada. Nice write up.

Kevin3

That R8 color is awesome - thanks for the pics.

ryan_qttro

I work at a dealer, and maybe the reason they didn't have DSG fluid in stock is because they haven't sold any yet. Atleast that's how my dealer is, there is a video on YouTube with the Green R8, look up The Grinch's R8

jimf15e

That's valid point, but my only issue is that I called in advance in hopes that all the parts/fluids would be ordered and be there. Not that big a deal considering I got the S4 loaner, but still.

I'll take a look at that youtube video. It's such a cool color!

bimmers2

I think 2012 is improved over 2010 build. I can feel better specially in transmission and interior assembly quality, comparing my 2800miles 2012/SportDiff and 37K-mile 2010 S4/ADS. A4 is improved almost in same ways too, comparing my 27K 2009 A4 with 2012 loaners. BUT, the huge rear head-rests bother me.

ryan_qttro

That's true too , they shouldve made sure they had all fluids in stock, I'm still on the look out for our first S4 35K, so I can make sure we have the fluid. We go over all the appt's coming in to make sure we have all Maintenance Parts ready