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View Full Version : B7 A4/S4 Shifter Question



Phoenix-IT
10-22-2005, 10:20 PM
Hey folks, I'm new here...

I'm in the market for a new car over the next year or so. I've always liked sporty cars and seem to be moving towards the more refined models because I seem to prefer a well balanced package vs just horsepower. I had a Mustang GT, moved to an Acura RSX-S and I like it more becuase, even though it's not as fast, it's more fun because the brakes, handling, build quality are all better than the stang.

I recently took an interest in the new BMW 3-Series, and on a friend's recommondation, the A4/S4. I've tried them all... The 325 was good, but felt like it was struggling a little getting on the expressway. The 330 was wonderful, but it's expensive for what it is. The A4 2.0TQ was also wonderful, if a little small... But I can live with that. The S4 was exeptional in every respect except the gas mileage, which is deplorable for a manual trans.

I don't know which I'll choose yet, but the 2.0T is looking very good... especially if aftermarket software is added. The extra pull of the S4 was nice, but that didn't interest me nearly as much as the better brakes and good shift feel.

My RSX has the finest manual shifter I've ever driven. The gates are well defined, the stops are positive and the throw is very short. The S4 seemed to come closest to this.

So here's the question, is there a way to get the A4's shifter as nice as the S4? I know brakes can be upgraded, so that's no big deal.

Thanks...

nine1twoinc
10-22-2005, 10:46 PM
you can always get the short shifter. Got the Neuspeed one on my B7 A4, and I am very happy with it

Phoenix-IT
10-25-2005, 06:12 AM
Originally posted by nine1twoinc
you can always get the short shifter. Got the Neuspeed one on my B7 A4, and I am very happy with it

Do they effect more than the throw? What I noticed about the S4 shifter was that not only are the throws shorter, but the gates had better definition and the stops were more solid. Did your short shifter improve those things as well?

Thanks...

nine1twoinc
10-25-2005, 09:21 AM
yeah, a world of difference, you can ask more people that got the SS for their experience too

obviouse
10-25-2005, 03:36 PM
When the short shifter is tuned right, the shifts are tight, gates are well defined, and the stops are solid.

Phoenix-IT
10-26-2005, 06:35 PM
Originally posted by obviouse
When the short shifter is tuned right, the shifts are tight, gates are well defined, and the stops are solid.

Thanks... I'm thinking about leasing a B7 S-Line and dropping a shifter and ECU software in it.

Then in 2008, if the new S4 is worth it, I'll trade up to that. (The current one uses too much gas.) If not, I'll pay the baloon on the 2.0T and keep it.

:)