2013 S4 Flat Steering Wheel Installed

[nowclickthis]

Thanks to the quick turnaround from Europrice and Precision Motorworks, I had this delivered and installed in less than a week:



The wheel was delivered in perfect condition from Europrice, badge preinstalled. I thought perhaps the black piano trim would be a little over the top since the only patch of it in my car is around the MMI controls, but it looks fantastic. All the hardware was a direct fit with no wiring adapters needed. All the buttons work except for the i/Nav button, which was known. Precision Motorworks was able to get the wheel swapped in less than 30 minutes.

The new wheel honestly completely changes the feel of the car. It seems to be a smaller diameter than the pre-facelift flat bottom wheels, but is just as thick (if not thicker). It definitely is nearing BMW M-levels of chunkiness (one of the few things I miss from that marque). The feel in the hand is amazing. The smaller diameter makes the steering ever-so-slightly tighter/heavier, too. Even better, the new buttons/controls on the wheel are so much better than previous generations. I wasn't expecting much, but the rollers in particular have gone from useless (way too difficult to roll just one "click" from the original wheel, IMO) to enjoyable. They don't rattle around in their mounts and have a satisfying click when you press them. They're also raised forward a bit compared to the original wheel, making the buttons easier to press.

This is absolutely the steering wheel Audi should have shipped with the car originally. The old wheel feels so cheap and flimsy after a day with the new one installed.

With a buyer for my original wheel already lined up, the purchase price was offset nicely too. It's an expensive upgrade for sure, but so far this may actually be my favorite mod to the car after sway bars.

Now to do something about the awful gear shifter...

[Deep Sea S4]

Do you mind letting us know what the final cost was on it.

Looks fantastic!!!!

I see you have the white/silver stitching how does it match up?

[DATZ]

Looks perfect. How much did you get for your old steering wheel, if you don't mind?

[1FastS4.Com]

Could you give us the part number on the box for the steering wheel? BTW looks great!!

[nowclickthis]

Could you give us the part number on the box for the steering wheel?

I thought I still had the box but I guess I tossed it already! Sorry. :( I'm sure Alex at Europrice can help.

[nowclickthis]

PM'd you.

Stitching is fantastic **** identical to the original wheel. It's brighter since it's nice and new.

[Deep Sea S4]

PM'd you.

Stitching is fantastic **** identical to the original wheel. It's brighter since it's nice and new.

Thanks!!

[Deep Sea S4]

I'm kind of torn between the smooth leather or the smooth/air combo for our B8 S4. What are others thoughts?

Our S-line Q5 wheel is a smooth/air combo and I think I like the feel better, just not sure I like the look......

[tomh009]

I'm kind of torn between the smooth leather or the smooth/air combo for our B8 S4. What are others thoughts?

Our S-line Q5 wheel is a smooth/air combo and I think I like the feel better, just not sure I like the look......

I prefer both the look and the feel of the smooth ones. Here is mine, with aluminium trim like ibiski's:

[ibiski]

Looks much better than stock, but I prefer the older style with aluminum trim. Not saying it because I have it, it's just that plastic makes it look a bit cheap and because it's soft, it will be full of swirl marks and small scratches. I like the new button layout though. Here's mine I got from Alex, along with a new shift knob and pedals:

[nowclickthis]

I've had cars with both smooth, "air" leather, and combinations. The air leather always feels cheaper and ends up looking just as much like crap as the smooth leather does if you don't take care of it. Cleaning air leather stinks, even with excellent leather cleaner and hide food. Dirt always settles into the ridges and either dulls the wheel or makes it look frayed. There's not much advantage for aging in either configuration. The air leather absolutely has an edge for getting your hand to grip the wheel, while the smooth leather definitely slides through fingers. But for 99% of my driving, the smooth leather's advantages are huge to me.

I can say with confidence if you haven't seen the new style wheel in person it's very hard to judge how much higher quality it is compared to the old style ones. The leather and stitching are on par, but the piano black trim looks way better than the no-really-it-isn't-plastic aluminum trim on the old wheels. We'll see how it holds up. It doesn't creak if you press on it (say, near the badge) unlike the old wheels that do after some time in the sun.

Trim and leatherwork aside, the quality of the new controls is worth considering the new wheels alone IMO.

[ibiski]

I've had cars with both smooth, "air" leather, and combinations. The air leather always feels cheaper and ends up looking just as much like crap as the smooth leather does if you don't take care of it. Cleaning air leather stinks, even with excellent leather cleaner and hide food. Dirt always settles into the ridges and either dulls the wheel or makes it look frayed. There's not much advantage for aging in either configuration. The air leather absolutely has an edge for getting your hand to grip the wheel, while the smooth leather definitely slides through fingers. But for 99% of my driving, the smooth leather's advantages are huge to me.

I can say with confidence if you haven't seen the new style wheel in person it's very hard to judge how much higher quality it is compared to the old style ones. The leather and stitching are on par, but the piano black trim looks way better than the no-really-it-isn't-plastic aluminum trim on the old wheels. We'll see how it holds up. It doesn't creak if you press on it (say, near the badge) unlike the old wheels that do after some time in the sun.

Trim and leatherwork aside, the quality of the new controls is worth considering the new wheels alone IMO.

Different folks, different strokes I guess, but I really don't see how air leather is hard to clean. The perforations are so tiny, it's hard to imagine them getting clogged with dirt unless you don't follow proper hygiene procedures. I've also had the air leather wheel on my previous ride with 30K and it looked fantastic, no signs of wear you're describing. I also fail to see how it feels "cheaper", since it's more unique than smooth leather found on the vast majority of the cars that have leather, plus it feels a bit softer to touch than the smooth part of my wheel. As for the trim, I honestly hope it holds up well, but speaking from my experience (had full PB trim in my previous ride), it will accumulate a lot of scratches in no time, and being glossy black, it has an exceptional tendency to show off any smudges and dust. Literally, worst trim I've had. So far, after over 10K miles, the aluminum trim on my wheel looks like the day I got it. I do have to agree on the controls. Haven't played with them, but they do look nicer. Either way, it's leaps and bounds better than the thin stock wheel, and worth every penny.

[nowclickthis]

Keeping the air leather clean has little to do with hygiene unless you've got some personal problems. If you live anywhere even remotely dusty (e.g. the West) and ever drive with the windows open, it only takes a few thousand miles max before the air leather looks like crap. The Midwest probably suffers less from the dust. Dark leather helps, but the grime is still there.

Can't say for sure about the piano black holding up on the steering wheel, but at least in my car it still looks excellent around the MMI controls. My buddy with an RS4 and PB trim has had no issues with scratching at all. Use microfiber for cleaning and keep grubby hands off it and it holds up fine.

[Seinsmeld13]

Looks fantastic. This is one of my gripes about this car which I am reminded about each week when I drive my former ride, my wife's 07 GTI. The GTI is equipped with the proper flat bottommed steering wheel and far superior shifter. The aluminum trim in the GTI is far superior as well. Anyway.....

[Okan509]

Awesome, If you painted the MMI surround gloss black I think it would really help tie in that black trim on the wheel. happy modding

[S4Tokyo]

Awesome, If you painted the MMI surround gloss black I think it would really help tie in that black trim on the wheel. happy modding

Wait until RS4 Avant is launched, then hopefully can get hands on Piano Black Trim you refer :-)

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11202154.../highphotos#37

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11202154.../highphotos#38

[Vi112]

Really, is there any advantage in a flat-bottomed steering wheel?

I wonder because I have just ordered 2013 S4 with "usual" wheel and still have an option to get a flat-bottomed one (here this option costs around $250).
I decided to usual wheel because I just cannot imagine how to work with this flat part during active handling exercises.
Do this flat-bottomed thing differs in other parameters (thickness, etc) comparing to standard S4 wheel? Maybe it makes sense to order flat-bottomed anyway and then exchange with somebody and make some money? :)

[nowclickthis]

Really, is there any advantage in a flat-bottomed steering wheel?

I wonder because I have just ordered 2013 S4 with "usual" wheel and still have an option to get a flat-bottomed one (here this option costs around $250).
I decided to usual wheel because I just cannot imagine how to work with this flat part during active handling exercises.
Do this flat-bottomed thing differs in other parameters (thickness, etc) comparing to standard S4 wheel? Maybe it makes sense to order flat-bottomed anyway and then exchange with somebody and make some money? :)

All S4/S-line 2013 steering wheels, round or flat, appear to be thicker than the pre-facelift round wheels. I can't speak specifically for your market, but that seems to be the case worldwide. In my case, I was much more interested in the thicker wheel (and smaller diameter) than the flat bottom alone. But I figured for the price, I might as well try flat. Based on looks alone it was worth it. In reality it's even more awesome than I thought. I like keeping the wheel as low as possible, and the flat bottom really makes it easier to get in and out of the car with. If you're tiny, it may not matter...

In terms of "active handling" I was admittedly slightly disoriented the first day. If anything, just turning around in parking lots took a little to get used to. I ended up grabbing the entire back of the steering wheel if I grab the flat part. I completely adjusted in a day though and even in the curves it's not noticeable to me anymore. For a mere $250, I'd seriously consider the option since you guys actually get it from the factory.

[Alex@Europrice]

Looks excellent and thank you for the kind words!

There are a fair number of options to go flat-bottom now and everyone will have their preferences. The smooth leather matches what Audi does from the factory with the S4/S5 models, however oddly the "air leather" seems a bit more sport oriented in my opinion. It's really up to personal preference, on top of leather choices we now have pre and post-facelift wheels to choose from.

Speaking of which, more of these are coming here in about 2-3 weeks:

S4 Post-Facelift Flat-Bottom Multi-Function Steering Wheel (Smooth Leather, Silver Stitching, w/ Aluminum Paddles)
S4 Post-Facelift Flat-Bottom Multi-Function Steering Wheel (Smooth Leather, Silver Stitching, w/o Paddles)

S-Line Post-Facelift Flat-Bottom Multi-Function Steering Wheel (Partial Air Leather, Black Stitching, w/o Paddles)

Still have an S-Line with paddles too in stock here if anyone is interested. Will be posting up on offerings coming in shortly.

Thanks again for your order and looks great!

[evanstonjohn]

Looks excellent and thank you for the kind words!

There are a fair number of options to go flat-bottom now and everyone will have their preferences. The smooth leather matches what Audi does from the factory with the S4/S5 models, however oddly the "air leather" seems a bit more sport oriented in my opinion. It's really up to personal preference, on top of leather choices we now have pre and post-facelift wheels to choose from.

Speaking of which, more of these are coming here in about 2-3 weeks:

S4 Post-Facelift Flat-Bottom Multi-Function Steering Wheel (Smooth Leather, Silver Stitching, w/ Aluminum Paddles)
S4 Post-Facelift Flat-Bottom Multi-Function Steering Wheel (Smooth Leather, Silver Stitching, w/o Paddles)

S-Line Post-Facelift Flat-Bottom Multi-Function Steering Wheel (Partial Air Leather, Black Stitching, w/o Paddles)

Still have an S-Line with paddles too in stock here if anyone is interested. Will be posting up on offerings coming in shortly.

Thanks again for your order and looks great!

I love the wheels but just can't justify spending that much money for a steering wheel, well maybe I'll get it for my birthday:( Especially when it is a $250 option in Russia

[RavinJetta]

That looks great. On another note how did you change the text on the MMI to blue instead of orange?

[FourRingRider]

I'd buy it since I like the design but I think I'll pass since the Nav button won't work...

[Alex@Europrice]

I'd buy it since I like the design but I think I'll pass since the Nav button won't work...

The navigation function is still there like it is now, tap the right roller wheel. The difference is the 2013 cars have a mute function on that right roller wheel which replaces the navigation function, so they put a separate nav button in.

Just wanted people to be aware, the functions you have now are all there on these steering wheels. I have heard of an A5 owner that got the iNav button to work, not sure about the mute. Looking into what might be needed for this as well.

Cheers,

[ibiski]

The diameter of the flat bottomed wheel is identical to OEM, it's just thicker and more contoured, which makes all the difference.

[nowclickthis]

That is not the case for the 2013 flat wheel. It is about 2-3mm smaller in diameter. I wish I'd gotten a photo to compare them.

[ibiski]

That is not the case for the 2013 flat wheel. It is about 2-3mm smaller in diameter. I wish I'd gotten a photo to compare them.

If it's visible on a photo, it's more than 2-3mm. 2mm=0.07in.

[Kandiru]

Like above poster showed, he R8 V10 wheel and airbag straight from dealer parts dept DYI install beats
anything else IMHO:

[svander]

+1 for air leather

[Alex@Europrice]

Just measured:

Pre-Facelift Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel
Diameter - 376mm
Thickness Range - 39 to 39.5mm

Post-Facelift Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel
Diameter - 366mm
Thickness Range - 40 to 41mm

So the post-facelift is about 1cm (10mm) less is overall diameter than the pre-facelift. If measured from center of the grip to center of grip versus overall diameter the post-facelift would be even a bit less in diameter than the pre-facelift because it's just a bit thicker as well. Nothing massive, but the post-facelift is about 1mm thicker overall and on the lower portion just below the spokes out the right and left it bulges out a bit where as the pre-facelift does not.

Hopefully this clears up anything. I wanted to snap a photo of the steering wheels face to face to show the difference in diameter but it's really hard to shoot and show the difference.

The differences are not massive, but having handled both plenty the post-facelift is a bit smoother in terms of the transitions at the thumb pockets and has a slightly beefier portion down below the spokes, nice for anyone who drives with their hands down lower on the wheel.

Both setups are nice, really a personal preference again as to the style that looks or feels best.

Cheers,

[nowclickthis]

Yeah, I guess I was thinking the thickness was 2-3mm, so I was close. I actually didn't think the diameter change was that great, but it certainly explains why the wheel feels so great. Do you know if the round post-facelift wheels have similar dimensions?

[Alex@Europrice]

I haven't had a round wheel other than the Audizine A6 C6 unit here and I didn't measure it. It appeared to be about the same size as standard wheels.



Nice steering wheel as well and I think the post-facelift owners in the US/NA who get the round wheel will be happier than the pre-facelift guys. An added bonus is the post-facelift owners have the option to upgrade to the flat-bottom wheel without needing an airbag, only post-facelift owners though.

Cheers,

[mr_coo168]

Does anyone knows if the 2013 shift knob fits the 2011 models? How much do the 2013 steering wheels cost?

thanks

[Alex@Europrice]

Yes, the shift knob from the post-facelift models does fit. The S4 shift knob is round like the S-Tronic knob and requires a heat and twist of the shift rod. The S-Line does not.

Here is some recent pricing and available steering wheels:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...=1#post7563510

Cheers,

[nowclickthis]

The S4 shift knob is round like the S-Tronic knob and requires a heat and twist of the shift rod. The S-Line does not.

Have pics of both?

Also, for the S4 round knob, can it be retrofitted with the entire new shift assembly to avoid the heat/twist installation method? If I wanted to return the car to its original shifter, I wouldn't be able to without somehow undoing the mod to accept the original shifter again.

[Alex@Europrice]

S-Line (no modification needed):



S4 Facelift (heat and twist needed):



If you wanted to avoid having to heat and twist the S-Line would be a better choice.

Cheers,

[KarimS3]

Alex,

How much for the S-line knob?

[Alex@Europrice]

A4 Post-Facelift Shift Knob and Boot (Smooth Leather, Black, White, Brown, Grey Stitching) - $234.00 each (Retail - $270.00)

A4 S-Line Post-Facelift Shift Knob and Boot (Air Leather, Black or Titanium Stitching) - $234.00 each (Retail - $270.00)

Cheers,

[mr_coo168]

A4 Post-Facelift Shift Knob and Boot (Smooth Leather, Black, White, Brown, Grey Stitching) - $234.00 each (Retail - $270.00)

A4 S-Line Post-Facelift Shift Knob and Boot (Air Leather, Black or Titanium Stitching) - $234.00 each (Retail - $270.00)

Cheers,

what about the 2013 s4 shift knob how much?

thanks

[Alex@Europrice]

what about the 2013 s4 shift knob how much?

thanks

S4 Post-Facelift Shift Knob and Boot (Smooth Leather, Titanium, Red, Brown Stitching) - $234.00 each (Retail - $270.00) - Requires Heat and Twist

Cheers,

[mr_coo168]

S4 Post-Facelift Shift Knob and Boot (Smooth Leather, Titanium, Red, Brown Stitching) - $234.00 each (Retail - $270.00) - Requires Heat and Twist

Cheers,

Really tempting! Only if i had the skills to install it lol, labor will probably cost more than the parts.