Oppinions wanted- I found my Unicorn but.....

[jcsa4]

All right all, I have a wanted add out but felt that wont get the attention of the main forum. So here is my dilemma, I am in the market for a 2015-2016 S4 but I want the Sepang blue in a manual trans- my Unicorn. So I located a 2015 Sepang blue local but it is the automatic and it has 9K miles on it. Almost exactly what I want except the auto. I located a 2016 Sepang blue 3 hours away, its a 2016 with only 2K miles on it and it is the 6 speed manual. Here comes the picky part, it's exactly what I want except, wait for it........ I don't like the wheels and I don't like the dash inlays. The center console has carbon fiber and the dash and doors has looks like a wood with silver lines or something in it.

So the dilemma, buy the local S4 and live with the auto or buy the annual and live with the inlays and wheels for now? What is everyone's thoughts on the auto? I know I'm being picky, am I being too picky? Oh, price wise they are only a couple thousand different. No flaming here, just looking for opinions and thoughts. I do commute 140 miles a day not that it matters much.

[Dirt]

If I were in your shoes, I'd buy the manual and then new wheels/inlays. Those are easy to change.

.

[TappaNuKegga]

Definitely get the manual. For all we know the 2016 S4 might be the last S4 available in manual - it's now or never! I was initially on the fence about what trans to get, even in retrospect with me currently dealing with fixing a squeaky clutch pedal through warranty) I am 100% satisfied with my decision to get the manual.

Wheels can very easily be changed. In fact I have 3 sets of wheels and pass DE frequently, we can set up some kind of trade if you want. As for dash inlays, that's something I would live with for a few months while I locate some carbon inlays to buy from the classified forum. Replacing the door/dash inlays is a 30 min job if you buy a $4 trim tool kit. Center console inlay replacement is a b**** but apparently the console is already carbon somehow.

In my opinion, the transmission choice(and arguably sport differential choice) is the most important decision to make when buying a B8.5 S4. Most everything else on the car can be changed to suit your taste.

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[jcsa4]

Good point to both. I just looked again, the center console is the same wood inlay, I guess I can live with the that for a bit. The add says the top speed was also limited to 130MPH for some reason. If I buy this manual, I would be interested in working out a trade, I don't want the 18" wheels that are on it. I am also open to other vehicles, I wouldn't mind finding one already done up either. LOL.

[jcsa4]

It looks like because it was ordered with the 18" all season tires it is limited to 130 MPH. I haven't found out if the dealer can change that or not, or if I can use the VAG to change it. It looks like I can't use the VAG to change it because it is set in the ECU. I wonder if the dealer can reflash?

[shoe3k]

It looks like because it was ordered with the 18" all season tires it is limited to 130 MPH. I haven't found out if the dealer can change that or not, or if I can use the VAG to change it. It looks like I can't use the VAG to change it because it is set in the ECU. I wonder if the dealer can reflash?

Dealer limits the top speed because the all seasons are not rated for higher speeds. They won't reflash unless you get a different tire for safety concerns.

[DBFL]

It looks like because it was ordered with the 18" all season tires it is limited to 130 MPH. I haven't found out if the dealer can change that or not, or if I can use the VAG to change it. It looks like I can't use the VAG to change it because it is set in the ECU. I wonder if the dealer can reflash?

Or just tune it and you will have no speed limiter at all.

[RudyH]

I would get the manual, sell the inlays here online / swap. Not sure in Delaware if you guys get bad winters, but can always turn the not so nice wheels into winters and buy a nice set of summers...

[jcsa4]

Inlays I'm not really to concerned about I guess. The wheels and tires can be changed for sure. I think I'm getting lazy and just want one how I want it and not have to change it out. As much as I want to tune it and add a pulley etc... It is a daily for me and I don't want to void the warranty by having a TD01 show up. If the dealer can reflash it to remove the top speed limit and it will keep the warranty, then I would be fine with that. I know I say I will leave it stock, the lift in garage begs to differ. I have issues leaving things stock, don't we all tho?

I do like the 6 speed, I wonder what the difference in the MPG will be from 6 speed to the manual, real world not the BS estimated? Maybe I just need to pull the trigger and take a road trip and pick up the 6 speed and be done with it. They are so hard to find, and with only 2K miles to top it off.

[jcsa4]

Wheels can very easily be changed. In fact I have 3 sets of wheels and pass DE frequently, we can set up some kind of trade if you want.

If I pick this 16 up with the 18" wheels, I would be interested in a trade depending on what you have. I'll be talking to the dealer with the manual tomorrow to see what the deal is, so I should have a good idea in the next couple of days as to what I'm going to do.

[drdrew229]

I was in the same boat. Looked for one for 6 months. Finally found one 1200 miles away.
Don't settle on the color or manual. Everything else can be changed. For me, the sport diff, Nav and adaptive suspension were a must as well. I am happy with the shipping company I found to transport the car, PM me and I can send it to you.

[chaos2984]

I dunno If you want an S4 as a daily if your driving that many miles a day. I guess if you have a lot of excess money then sure. But putting 30K avg on that car its going to eat you up in maintenance. If your not going to tune it at all get the manual. But if you will tune it get the DSG. You WILL have to replace the clutch fairly soon with a tuned MT vs the DSG. And Audi will not change the speed governor. You have to get a tune to do that. I would get the one with 2K miles. Its brand new. And will be as close as new as you can get without it being new

The difference in MPG will probably be about 2mpg if your driving mostly hwy miles.

[DannyDeez]

I'd say go 6 speed. You've heard this before but the wheels and inlays are easy to change. You can even wrap the inlays yourself if you hate them that much.

[Ms.S4]

If it's that dark/black wood with the silver lines, that's very desirable. If you don't want it I'm sure you could swap with someone.

Don't compromise on something as important as transmission.

[jcsa4]

I'm deff leaning towards the manual. Doesn't seem that anyone has had issues the DSG? The top speed limit on the Manual car will suck I cant confirm nor deny hitting over that daily in my A4 on the way to work lol. I'm not too worried about maintenance, I can do mostly everything including replacing the clutch when needed. Aside from that, regular oil changes brakes etc.. that's all normal crap. It seems that the engine is solid and not many issues or required maintenance that I can't do my self.

[drdrew229]

I'm in king of Prussia pa during the week if you want to check mine out.

[jcsa4]

If it's that dark/black wood with the silver lines, that's very desirable. If you don't want it I'm sure you could swap with someone.

Don't compromise on something as important as transmission.

Yes, it is the one with the dark wood and silver lines. Well that makes things easier for sure if someone would want to trade out. Who knows, maybe it will grow on me. Thanks for the input.

[BillyG]

Don't compromise on the 6MT! These will only become more rare. Like everyone else mentioned, everything else can be changed to your liking.

[Thurston]

love the 6mt. was just driving today for the first time in a month after driving a family members rc350 around for a couple weeks and this just utter bliss of total authority came over me and I thought my god, thank you. i'm a pretty archaic person tho.

[GT-R & S4]

Or you could buy my '15 S4 Prestige Sepang Blue Pearl Effect but with the Nogaro Blue interior, Prestige edition, Black Optics package, auto with an AWE Stage II engine/DSG tune, resonated DP's, Touring exhaust, and intakes. Makes a great daily drive, but is very, very quick.

[jcsa4]

Or you could buy my '15 S4 Prestige Sepang Blue Pearl Effect but with the Nogaro Blue interior, Prestige edition, Black Optics package, auto with an AWE Stage II engine/DSG tune, resonated DP's, Touring exhaust, and intakes. Makes a great daily drive, but is very, very quick.

PM me, I Might be interested.

[Eggrollz4u]

Fellow Delawarean here just saying hi and good luck on your search. I'm siding with the majority here. Buy the car with the tranny that you prefer, swap out the interior and wheels afterwards. Yes, I know the 18s suck... I have them lol. They'll make for a good winter set though.


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[jygesq]

You did not say is either or both cars had sport differential ? That should be factored in. The 2016 MT would be very rare and resale could be higher. If you want a 6pd get it. I originally wanted a MT car, but after driving a demo a few times, I decided on DSG. I HAVE NOT REGRETTED my decision.Top speed of 130 mph is a red herring, who goes that fast in the US? . Being able to go 155, is even more foolish. I think you answered your own question by saying " buying auto and living with it" . It is a huge purchase, do not live with it get what you enjoy.

[neubs]

Save the 18s for off-season. I actually love the wood/aluminum inlay (and have it in my car).

[Dr GP]

If I were in your shoes, I'd buy the manual and then new wheels/inlays. Those are easy to change.

.

DING! You will never forgive yourself if you buy a DSG and get bored with it in a few weeks.(It would only take me a few hrs). The wood inlays were a $1100 option. Easily changed and easily resold. same for the wheels. Anything other than you want is a compromise. Why compromise when you can get what you want with just a little extra effort? No brainer for me!

[jcsa4]

Thanks everyone for the input, I appreciate it. I'm calling he dealer tomorrow morning to see if the 6 speed is still available, if it is I will be buying that one. Both have the sport diff so I'm good there. Fingers crossed they have it still, if they do I will have it this weekend. If it's gone, I guess I keep looking.

[Dr GP]

Thanks everyone for the input, I appreciate it. I'm calling he dealer tomorrow morning to see if the 6 speed is still available, if it is I will be buying that one. Both have the sport diff so I'm good there. Fingers crossed they have it still, if they do I will have it this weekend. If it's gone, I guess I keep looking.

Good luck, I hope it works out for you. I would not be able to sleep tonight.

[jokingjimmy]

Yah manual all the way. Stop being lazy lol. Good luck!

[carlosvjr92]

If you want the manual then get the manual. Wheels can be changed easily. You'll regret choosing the auto in the end of you truly want a manual. When I was getting mine I wanted manual but there was none on the lot and instead of waiting until I found one I just took the auto. Needless to say, I'm still kicking myself over it. Manual will probably be a little less I'm assuming so I would spend the difference on the wheels you want

[jygesq]

Thanks everyone for the input, I appreciate it. I'm calling he dealer tomorrow morning to see if the 6 speed is still available, if it is I will be buying that one. Both have the sport diff so I'm good there. Fingers crossed they have it still, if they do I will have it this weekend. If it's gone, I guess I keep looking.

so what happened?

[S4Drew]

Get the manual. I really wanted a Sepang/Sprint/Nogaro manual, but like you say, its a unicorn. I settled when i found a very low mileage, babied manual in Ice Silver. The color has grown on me, but it's def not Sepang! And the first thing I did when I got it was tint the windows, change out the grille to black optics grille, and got rid of the hideous 18" flowers for 19" Titanium rotors. Wheels and inlays are easy to change. Hope they had it when you called today!

[administerturbo]

If it's that dark/black wood with the silver lines, that's very desirable. If you don't want it I'm sure you could swap with someone.

Don't compromise on something as important as transmission.

Yup. High end option. I bet it will grow on you. In a way, it's a better fit than carbon.

[vaa4]

Get the manual and don't worry much about the wood trim.
Mine came with aluminum wood inlays, which I wasn't planning to get, and I love it. Very classy. Much better than the aluminum trim.

[jcsa4]

And the verdict is...... They still had it, I say had because I bought the manual one. I put a deposit on it and will be picking it up Saturday morning. The wife and I are going to make it a day trip, it's 3hrs away. So, interesting thing. I was talking to a buddy that works at Audi, he told me that the car really isn't limited to 130 MPH, they just put that on the sticker. I'll test that out next week lol. I'm going to see the car in person before I decide to change out the wheels right away, we will see. Thanks all for the input and the kick in the ass to make the right decision. Come on Saturday...

[whiped]

And the verdict is...... They still had it, I say had because I bought the manual one. I put a deposit on it and will be picking it up Saturday morning. The wife and I are going to make it a day trip, it's 3hrs away. So, interesting thing. I was talking to a buddy that works at Audi, he told me that the car really isn't limited to 130 MPH, they just put that on the sticker. I'll test that out next week lol. I'm going to see the car in person before I decide to change out the wheels right away, we will see. Thanks all for the input and the kick in the ass to make the right decision. Come on Saturday...

Stock I believe the governor will limit you at 155 MPH.

I had mine up to 187 on Sunday...

Could have probably ticked up a few more MPH but, I was running out of space.

Be careful though, once you are up over 130 or so the road quality because very important.

[jcsa4]

Stock I believe the governor will limit you at 155 MPH.

I had mine up to 187 on Sunday...

Could have probably ticked up a few more MPH but, I was running out of space.

Be careful though, once you are up over 130 or so the road quality because very important.

Yes, it is 155 mph, they claim because of the all season tires that the car is limited to 130 mph. I'll test that theory next week. I have a couple good stretches of road that are wide open, I hit 130 135 almost everyday going into work.

[whiped]

Yes, it is 155 mph, they claim because of the all season tires that the car is limited to 130 mph. I'll test that theory next week. I have a couple good stretches of road that are wide open, I hit 130 135 almost everyday going into work.

Damn you're nuts!

Getting caught going over 100 in OR is a mandatory suspension of your license

Therefore only rarely can I misbehave...

[DBFL]

And the verdict is...... They still had it, I say had because I bought the manual one. I put a deposit on it and will be picking it up Saturday morning. The wife and I are going to make it a day trip, it's 3hrs away. So, interesting thing. I was talking to a buddy that works at Audi, he told me that the car really isn't limited to 130 MPH, they just put that on the sticker. I'll test that out next week lol. I'm going to see the car in person before I decide to change out the wheels right away, we will see. Thanks all for the input and the kick in the ass to make the right decision. Come on Saturday...

Congratulations. You will be very happy. Post some pics when you pick it up.

[jygesq]

Yes, it is 155 mph, they claim because of the all season tires that the car is limited to 130 mph. I'll test that theory next week. I have a couple good stretches of road that are wide open, I hit 130 135 almost everyday going into work.

Call Audi and have them email you a copy of the window sticker, if the car came originally with all seasons the sticker will show max speed lowered to 130. Do not try to exceed 130 mph to prove it, especially with family in car. In CT going over 85 is wreck less driving and you will be arrested on the spot.not sure about states you are driving through. But wibdow sticker will prove what max speed is. All you need is the VIN.

[ZGskibum]

I dunno If you want an S4 as a daily if your driving that many miles a day. I guess if you have a lot of excess money then sure. But putting 30K avg on that car its going to eat you up in maintenance. If your not going to tune it at all get the manual. But if you will tune it get the DSG. You WILL have to replace the clutch fairly soon with a tuned MT vs the DSG. And Audi will not change the speed governor. You have to get a tune to do that. I would get the one with 2K miles. Its brand new. And will be as close as new as you can get without it being new
The difference in MPG will probably be about 2mpg if your driving mostly hwy miles.

False. Just don't abuse your clutch and you'll be fine. Also, is the sped governor really that big an issue? If you're not going to track, or even tune, your car, how much time are you really going to spend going 130+?