A couple of questions about UK RS4 cars

[tailpipe]

It is extremely important for me to have a goood mobile phone plugged into the MMI of my RS4. ideally I'd like a bluetooth system that allows me to keep the phone in my pocket or recharge it in the centre arm-rest.

But, if you order an RS4 with mobile phone preparation in the centre arm rest, it seems that you cannot use the RS4's unique sports steering wheel with the car, i.e. you need an alternative steering wheel, which is a great pity. Is this correct? Can you believe that 3 separate dealers I spoke to couldn't provide a definite answer to this question!

After asking around a bit, my understanding is that if you want a mobile phone in the car with the standard (gorgeous) flat-bottomed wheel, then you have to have the dash board mounted unit, which is ugly and cumbersome.

Is there a completely different aftermarket system that's worth considering?

Another more general question is does anyone have reservations about the sports bucket seats? The Audi RS4 demonstrator I drove had been in the UK for less than two weeks, but the signs of wear on the side bolsters were already apparent. It seems that when people get out of the car, they scape their bottoms across the bolsters. (It is actually a bit of an effort to get out of them.)

What have other UK buyers gone for and what advice would you give? All comments will be gratefully received.

[freerider]

This is how the one I drove had it (car is from the Netherlands). Everything was downloaded from the phone into the MMI, but no bleutooth available. The owner wasn't too pleased with it, but wanted the steering wheel.

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2418/img0014medium0uo.jpg

[Fab]

Originally posted by tailpipe


But, if you order an RS4 with mobile phone preparation in the centre arm rest, it seems that you cannot use the RS4's unique sports steering wheel with the car, i.e. you need an alternative steering wheel, which is a great pity. Is this correct? Can you believe that 3 separate dealers I spoke to couldn't provide a definite answer to this question!

After asking around a bit, my understanding is that if you want a mobile phone in the car with the standard (gorgeous) flat-bottomed wheel, then you have to have the dash board mounted unit, which is ugly and cumbersome.

Is there a completely different aftermarket system that's worth considering?

Another more general question is does anyone have reservations about the sports bucket seats? The Audi RS4 demonstrator I drove had been in the UK for less than two weeks, but the signs of wear on the side bolsters were already apparent. It seems that when people get out of the car, they scape their bottoms across the bolsters. (It is actually a bit of an effort to get out of them.)

What have other UK buyers gone for and what advice would you give? All comments will be gratefully received.

For the phone it is totally correct. You can't have the nice bluetooth set on the armrest without getting the multifunction steering wheel. The only way to keep the RS steering wheel and have a factory hand free phone system is to get the ugly dash board unit.

I personnally took the decision not to get any phone system and keep the RS steering. I am not a specialist but yes you can find dozen of nice aftermarket bluetooth systems if really needed.

Last week end I met a RS4 guy and seat in the car. The bucket seats have very high sides and if you have a correct driving position (quite close to the steering wheel) it is very difficult to go in and out the car as the steering wheel blocks you quite a bit. Therefore I am not surprised about a potential quick deterioration of the side of the bucket seat (at least the driver one).

Cheers,

[tailpipe]

Thanks for this.

Does anyone know if it is possible to re-wire the arm rest option so that it works with the MMI system, i.e. enables you to download your phone book into the MMI system phone directory.

The arm rest is not the best design anyway - it gets in the way of the handbreak - but if it can't even work properly with a phone, then it really is useless.

[Nipper]

Tailpipe, I've been through the same deliberations regarding the GSM phone.

It is possible to get an Audi or BT Bluetooth phone kit retro fitted, but it costs about the same as the facotory fit. (there is a quy called Craigyb who frequents Tyresmoke.net & RS246.com, who comes hightly recommended - he can fit these kits and do RNS-E upgrades and various other audio installs), however this only provides the bluetooth connection. There is no cradle so you can't charge the phone, but it is fully compatible with the Sat Nav. Also the car is not pre-wired so there would need to be an external aeriel fitted which I didn't like (I want a factory fitted look).

In the end I decided to spec the dash mounted GSM phone, but I intend to remove the ugly dashboard cradle and simply replace the centre console trim. I won't be able to charge the phone, but I'm not to bothered with that. I'll just carry an in-car charger for emergencies.

As regards the seats I've specced the buckets 'cos I think they are awesome. The side bolsters I'm sure will be a problem but I'm convinced it'll be possible to master a special entry and exit technique to minimise wear!!!!

[tazsura]

Hi tailpipe,

I've got a bluetooth system in my A4 Cab. It's a standard Nokia bluetooth and is connected to the DVD Nav system. i.e its fully integrated and cuts in/out with the radio/CD/Nav. Its operated via a smart little Pad thats about an inch squared and just sticks to a surface rather than being screwed. I've got it placed on the side of the dash neatly hidden and it allows contorl of volume etc.

It might be worth just going to an ICE specialist or ringing up a shop to ask them about downloading the phonebook onto MMI.

Don't know if this helps.

As for the bolsters...thats defo gonna be a problem. I couldn't live with myself tho if i didnt spec those seats! I'm just going to have to show everyone how to get in and out the car properly!

Taz

[tailpipe]

It's reassuring to discover that other RS4 owners have encountered the same dilemma as me in speccing their cars and encouraging to see that great minds think alike when it comes to fixing potential problems. There's much food for thought in your replies. To be honest, I didn't expect anything less from this great forum. It really is a truly friendly and helpful place. Many thanks for your help.

[gazzab]

Tailpipe,

I have been thinking about the Bucket seats, the current M3 also has side bolsters, probably not as high as the RS4, my M3 is nearly 4 years old and the bolsters have worn very well, i.e. still in good nick.

So I wouldn't worry too much, I have also gone for the buckets.

Cheers Gazzab

[jasaretta]

Here is my position for what it's worth LOL

I NEED the steering wheel - so I will forgoe the phone option. My brother in law was never able to get bluetooth to work on his A6 so I wouldnt pin my hopes to it.

Bucket seats - a must.....I will develop a special entry exit and conditioning to make sure they wear ok.

jas

[gazzab]

So Jas are you a slim Jim!?

Gazzab

[Fab]

Originally posted by tailpipe
It's reassuring to discover that other RS4 owners have encountered the same dilemma as me in speccing their cars and encouraging to see that great minds think alike when it comes to fixing potential problems. There's much food for thought in your replies. To be honest, I didn't expect anything less from this great forum. It really is a truly friendly and helpful place. Many thanks for your help.

that's why I am daily on this forum. Definitely the best one :thumb: