Flat bottomed girls

[Seinsmeld13]

Well it would appear they have made two changes of which we all agree were a shortcut on our 2010 - 2012 cars. Finally the steering wheel and shifter are fitting for this car. My GTI wheel and shifter put the current car to shame.

http://youtu.be/60GJ2w_Mxf8

[ibiski]

Question is, will we see it in North America?

[geektoad]

Actually, I don't agree. The shifter in my car is just fine. In fact the new shifter looks a lot like it...
http://geektoad.org/s4/console_s.jpg

If your shifter doesn't look like that already, it just means you got the wrong transmission in your car. [:D] (i kid, i kid!)

On a serious note, I can't wait for that wheel to become available so I can retrofit it!

[dawei213]

I don't particularly care about the flat bottom part of the steering wheel, but I love the rest of it.

[Wah]

I don't particularly care about the flat bottom part of the steering wheel

You would if you had one...

[AofC_RR]

I'm not a fan of flat bottomed wheels. Just feels awkward when i'm driving.

[helix139]

I seriously doubt we get the flat bottomed wheel. The pictures showing it all have the smaller EU style airbag. We have the larger ones because of US regs requiring airbags be designed for an unseatbelted occupant, deploying with more force. whereas the EU requires them be designed for occupants wearing a seatbelt. I haven't seen a flat bottom wheel for our style airbags

[Dasquade]

Apperently somebody on motortalk.de already did the shiftstick mod.
http://data.motor-talk.de/data/galleries/0/127/2039/42950293/dsc01734-kopie-1485849054439005902.JPG
http://data.motor-talk.de/data/galleries/0/127/2039/42950293/dsc01731-kopie-9013460462210697405.JPG
Partnumber for the one with white stitching: 8K1 713 139 L
Apperently already availible on ebay...

I have to say i kinda link it. But i already upgraded to the RS6 shift stick...

[Okan509]

I'm not a fan of flat bottomed wheels. Just feels awkward when i'm driving.

what?! you are crazy.

[DLAB]

I really don't see what the big deal is with these flat bottom steering wheels. The look totally cheesy in my opinion. To each his own, I suppose.

[NWS4Guy]

Still like the new S8 shifter best.

[tomh009]

I really don't see what the big deal is with these flat bottom steering wheels. The look totally cheesy in my opinion. To each his own, I suppose.

For me, it's not the flat bottom, it's the thick contoured steering wheel. (And with all smooth leather, I think it looks factory, and not particularly cheesy.)

[ahcow]

^+1

I care for thicker steering wheel, don't care so much for the flat bottom. Useful in a small car like the TT, but the S4 has plenty of room for me...

[geektoad]

^+1

I care for thicker steering wheel, don't care so much for the flat bottom. Useful in a small car like the TT, but the S4 has plenty of room for me...

There's truth in them thar hills!

[FatalBert]

I seriously doubt we get the flat bottomed wheel. The pictures showing it all have the smaller EU style airbag. We have the larger ones because of US regs requiring airbags be designed for an unseatbelted occupant, deploying with more force. whereas the EU requires them be designed for occupants wearing a seatbelt. I haven't seen a flat bottom wheel for our style airbags

Well that explains it. TBH I dont like the look of the round airbag/horn. Ours is bigger but to me looks more like a shield and the shape of the grille bezel which I prefer. Flat bottom would be nice though...

[redrocker55]

I would love a flat bottom wheel. To me they are a bit more sporty and typically come with great contours in the wheel for hands/fingers and from what I've experienced the leather is a bit nicer on the flat bottomed wheels than what we have currently on our cars.

[Kandiru]

My baby she looks like this after the R8 RS4 implants:

http://pages.suddenlink.net/bobpaule/IMG_3073.JPG

Sorry about the overlit scene, used my wife's pocket cam.

Geektoad U keep 'em distracted drivers in line bro. 3 pedals or go
to the nursing home:)

[Okan509]

proper ^

[PSYC0TIC ONE]

My baby she looks like this after the R8 RS4 implants:

http://pages.suddenlink.net/bobpaule/IMG_3073.JPG

Sorry about the overlit scene, used my wife's pocket cam.

Geektoad U keep 'em distracted drivers in line bro. 3 pedals or go
to the nursing home:)

that looks good, can you send any details on what you needed to do for the pedals? I should be picking my baby up end of this month, I agree with the 3 pedals. Tried the tip on my B6 S4, hated it.

[ibiski]

The steering wheel upgrade makes the car look significantly better than stock, but it's the thickness of it that makes a real difference when driving. Whoever said it looks cheesy, never held it in his hands.

http://i.imgur.com/ivL0u.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/7I0F5.jpg

[Seinsmeld13]

^+1

I care for thicker steering wheel, don't care so much for the flat bottom. Useful in a small car like the TT, but the S4 has plenty of room for me...



I'm not a big guy. Where I have my seat set I generally move the wheel up before I get out as I drive with the wheel at its lowest position. I can get out. Much easier to get in and out of my GTI. Not a problem moving it I'm not lazy, however it would be nice just to slide out without moving the wheel like I do in my GTI. I love my GTI wheel and shifter and prefer those to the inferior ones in my S4. Having said that I'm not about to spend hundreds to replace the wheel or shifter. That money is better spent in my opinion on other mods. However, those who make the change more power to them. Can't wait for white s$&t to start falling.....

[tomh009]

Compared to many other mods, it's not cheap, for sure. But if I look at it from the perspective of the factory options I was considering - Drive Select, B&O or Audi Exclusive colour - it's right in the same range. And personally I'd rather have the steering wheel.

[Nighthawk]

Apperently somebody on motortalk.de already did the shiftstick mod.
http://data.motor-talk.de/data/galleries/0/127/2039/42950293/dsc01734-kopie-1485849054439005902.JPG
http://data.motor-talk.de/data/galleries/0/127/2039/42950293/dsc01731-kopie-9013460462210697405.JPG
Partnumber for the one with white stitching: 8K1 713 139 L
Apperently already availible on ebay...

I have to say i kinda link it. But i already upgraded to the RS6 shift stick...

They also changed out some buttons... those silver ones are not stock - at least on mine...

[LeadToRome]

Holy gigantic pic, Batman!

[wwhan]

I'm not a big guy. Where I have my seat set I generally move the wheel up before I get out as
I drive with the wheel at its lowest position. I can get out. Much easier to get in and out of my GTI. Not a problem moving
it I'm not lazy, however it would be nice just to slide out without moving the wheel like I do in my GTI. I love my GTI wheel
and shifter and prefer those to the inferior ones in my S4. .....

Do you have your seat seat set to the lowest height?

I have my steering wheel set at almost the bottom adjustment, but high enough to see the digital speedo
under the upper rim. I never move my steering wheel to get out/in. My seat is set to the lowest height.

[Seinsmeld13]

Do you have your seat seat set to the lowest height?

I have my steering wheel set at almost the bottom adjustment, but high enough to see the digital speedo
under the upper rim. I never move my steering wheel to get out/in. My seat is set to the lowest height.

I did have the seat raised. I have since lowered it, much easier to get in n out now. Anyway....

[Dasquade]

Someone on motortalk.de jsut installed his facelift flat wheel...
So apperently it is possible (haven't fully read the topic over there, but only the NAV button doesn't work on the wheel, airbag should be ok).
Not sure if it will fit pre MY2009 models, as there was a difference in steerhubs after that periode afaik (RS6 wheels didn't fit...afaik).
http://data.motor-talk.de/data/galleries/0/22/7900/42948541/foto-3-7152499265734706403.JPG
*Time for Alex to get bussy [;)]

[tomh009]

Very nice! Still needs a new airbag, though, so I'm not sure that it will be a huge cost savings over an RS6 or TT-RS steering wheel.

[autoluxe]

LOVE the gloss black MMI surround

[Kandiru]

that looks good, can you send any details on what you needed to do for the pedals? I should be picking my baby up end of this month, I agree with the 3 pedals. Tried the tip on my B6 S4, hated it.

Audipartsnationwide is Rector Audi's parts dept online, get the pedal covers cheapo there.

Silicone spray the inside, put on cow-vet rubber gloves and get dirty in footwell with seat
rolled way back. Toughest was clutch, i ended up putting it in warm water for 10 mins then
silicone greased and she popped in.

[[email protected]]

Someone on motortalk.de jsut installed his facelift flat wheel...
So apperently it is possible (haven't fully read the topic over there, but only the NAV button doesn't work on the wheel, airbag should be ok).
Not sure if it will fit pre MY2009 models, as there was a difference in steerhubs after that periode afaik (RS6 wheels didn't fit...afaik).
http://data.motor-talk.de/data/galleries/0/22/7900/42948541/foto-3-7152499265734706403.JPG
*Time for Alex to get bussy [;)]

Already got a new style flat-bottom steering wheel coming to work with[cool]

Hopefully here in a week or so and should have a car to do testing with in two weeks.

The piano black instrument trims are already available as well, much better than the flex metallic!

Cheers,

[helix139]

Already got a new style flat-bottom steering wheel coming to work with[cool]

Hopefully here in a week or so and should have a car to do testing with in two weeks.

The piano black instrument trims are already available as well, much better than the flex metallic!

Cheers,

Will the piano black instrument trim pieces fit? Or at least do they fit on the non-facelift S5/A5? If so, it would be reasonable that the new S4 version from will fit our S4s

[[email protected]]

The A5, S5 instrument trims will not fit the A4, S4 models, but when the facelift A4, S4 comes out it will have piano black trims that will fit. Those parts have yet to hit though.

The A5, S5 instruments trims will fit the pre-facelift cars and looks like it's confirmed the newer style flat-bottom steering wheels do fit the pre-facelift models, at least there is one claim that it is. I should know more in two weeks or so.

Cheers,

[ibiski]

Piano Black is the worst finish possible. Don't get me wrong. I don't dislike the look, but the finish can't be beat when it comes to attracting dust and smudges, and showing off even the smallest abrasions. I've had it on my B7 and it was just horrible, plus it looks cheap compared to CF.

[[email protected]]

The piano black finish can be hard to take care of, but IMO it's so much better than the flex metallic trim around the instruments.

[helix139]

What's pricing on the S5 piano black trim pieces? I imagine the S4 pieces will be similarly priced.

[[email protected]]

I suspect the A4, S4 trims will be the same price. The left hand trim is part of the left hand vent so that is included as well.

S5 Post-Facelift Piano Black Instrument Trims (w/ vent) - $677.28 set (Retail - $829.66)

Cheers,

[NPuter]

So you are saying the post facelift A/S4 gloss black instrument surround will fit? (Even though it has a different design around the gauges?) If so, sign me up [:)]

[[email protected]]

Nick- Does look like instrument cluster has changed somewhat, but the MMI trim and driver's vent look very similar post and pre-facelift:

Pre-Facelift:
http://www.cartype.com/pics/5975/full/audi_s4_in1_10.jpg

Post-Facelift:
http://www.eurocarnews.com/media/pictorials/1678/8720.jpg

It looks to me as if the trims are the same shape, but time will tell when more information comes out.

Cheers,

[tomh009]

Flat-bottom girl installed! (No install photos, sorry, my favourite VW dealership tech did the work for me.) It's an all-smooth R8 V10 steering wheel from Alexander (thanks!). The fit was great, the only thing that stumped us was that the adapter harness had two spade connectors and the new steering wheel three; we got it right on the second try.

http://i.imgur.com/imyBd.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/M7fed.jpg

The facelift steering wheel is flat bottom, but is as thin as the current S4 wheel, and has no thumb grips to speak of. And I like the (faux) aluminium trim on the R8 wheel, which nicely matches the (faux) aluminium on the instrument trim. With the steering wheel installed, I'm now very happy I stuck with the standard aluminium trim. And the wheel's materials match the stock shifter, too.

Very, very happy indeed! [:D]

[ekpyr]

Tom, how much all in?

[tomh009]

Tom, how much all in?
The full package from EuroPrice is about $2000 (for 6MT, I think an extra $100 with paddles). I found an airbag at a good price so I saved a few hundred dollars from that by buying the package without the airbag. Basically you need an R8 or (more likely) TT Mk2 airbag; the A8 one is round but apparently does not fit.

[Deckdout2]

Subscribed.

[richib86]

A8 airbag will only fit the B7 RS4 flat bottom steering wheel

[[email protected]]

For those looking at the facelift flat-bottom wheels I will have a few coming in within 2 weeks or so.

S4/5 Facelift Multi-Function Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel (Smooth Leather, Double White Stitching, w/ Aluminum Paddles)

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

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

Plus I will have access to needed airbags to do the other options out there as well, S-Line with silver stitching, S4/5 with grey, red or maroon brown stitching!

If anyone is interested in these packages don't hesitate to PM or email: [email protected]

Cheers!

[tomh009]

Maybe (?) those will be cheaper ... but essentially they will be the same as the current S4 steering wheels, just with flat bottom. If you just want flat bottom, these will be good option, but if you want a thicker wheel with more strongly contoured thumb grips, the R8 and TT-RS wheels will still be the way to go.

[[email protected]]

The facelift steering wheels are just as thick as the R8, RS6 and TTRS wheels. They are also a hair smaller in diameter, which I know people are interested in. They have very similar shape and contour, the area for your thumbs isn't as cut down or aggressively shaped as the R8, RS6, TTRS line. Other than that very similar and was actually quite nice to fit into an S5, feels as good as the original flat-bottoms.

I can do a comparison photos of an RS3 versus S-Line facelift tomorrow side by side if people want.

http://www.europrice.us/Steering/rs3steeringwheela.jpg
http://www.europrice.us/Steering/pfslinesteeringwheelpdla.jpg

The nice thing is that when the facelift A5, S5, RS5, A4, S4 hit here in North America anyone that has a 3 spoke round wheel can get into one of these flat-bottoms without needing a new airbag, will cut costs down nicely.

Cheers,

[Stereodude]

Unfortunately neither the facelift 2013 A4 Allroad or the facelift 2013 S4 Audi unveiled at the NAIAS in Detroit had flat bottom wheels in them [:(]

[[email protected]]

Yes, but what is nice is that with the 3 spoke steering wheel equipped models you just need a steering wheel, not a complete set with airbag. Far less costly!

[Stereodude]

You've got a PM.

[[email protected]]

You've got a PM back.

Now just as a clarification, only POST-FACELIFT A4, A5, S4, S5 models that come with 3 spoke round steering wheels for 2013 will be able to use their stock airbag and retrofit a post-facelift flat-bottom steering wheel. (2012 for some of the rest of the world on the facelift)

The pre-facelift models cannot reuse their airbag in any flat-bottom option, not pre or post-facelift.

If you have a pre-facelift model with a flat-bottom you cannot use the round airbag in the original flat-bottom steering wheels with the post-facelift flat-bottom wheels.

I have received a bunch of emails asking if pre-facelift airbags of any type will fit these new post-facelift flat-bottom wheels. The unfortunate answer is no across the board.

The fortunate answer is for 2013 buyers only, which is a bit off I'd suspect.

Cheers,

[Stereodude]

You've got a PM back.

Now just as a clarification, only POST-FACELIFT A4, A5, S4, S5 models that come with 3 spoke round steering wheels for 2013 will be able to use their stock airbag and retrofit a post-facelift flat-bottom steering wheel. (2012 for some of the rest of the world on the facelift)Thanks for the information. I plan to be a 2013 "facelift" S4 buyer.

[tomh009]

If you have a pre-facelift model with a flat-bottom you cannot use the round airbag in the original flat-bottom steering wheels with the post-facelift flat-bottom wheels.

I have received a bunch of emails asking if pre-facelift airbags of any type will fit these new post-facelift flat-bottom wheels. The unfortunate answer is no across the board.

The fortunate answer is for 2013 buyers only, which is a bit off I'd suspect.

On the flip side, them, the 2013 (facelift) owners cannot use their stock airbags with the TT-RS, RS6 or R8 steering wheels, right? Less expensive steering wheel upgrade, but not quite as many choices ...