Brakes are mentioned pretty frequently if you search the archives. They were my biggest complaint about the car. You can improve them considerably with;

Carbotech bobcat or Akebono ceramic pads
Tyrolsport solid front bushings
a good bleeding

they aren't Porsche quality, but this will give you a more solid pedal with less travel.

 

Just read through this thread and I can't believe that the stock ride height has not been mentioned. The front gap is 3" and the rear is 2.5." I could live with 2" front and 1.5" rear, wish there was a spring/shock or coilover set that would bring me close to this height. Most sets will bring me to a little over 1.5" front and about 3/4" rear after settling.

I am going to have to pull the trigger soon, being "El Gapo" is stupid[sm=icon_beat.gif], well back to sailing the three seas

 

no need to hold it. just press and release, and then the radio comes on after 2 sec.

 

RE: the rear ride height and narrow track.

The car is front wheel drive, both the above help keep the car neutral, tho also make it look somewhat odd.The more changes you make to the rear to render the car with a more "aggressive" rear stance, the more you will potentiate understeer.

With a fwd car always think balance and compromise against the classic big wheel, high offset, low pro rear tire (classic rwd set up).

 

Gator - Check out Neuspeed (neuspeed.com) for a shifter kit. I don't have one yet - but it's on the list!

 

Olivier - I agree about the idle sounding like a deisel. It drives me nuts. I haven't asked the dealer if there's anything that can be done as I just thought it was a product of the engine design. I'm thinking of adding a Jake brake and Playboy mudflaps to complete the theme.

 

I believe I will speak in everyone's name when I say, DO NOT! Personally, the worst is when I start the engine, is it the FSI technology that does that? I am not certain. It is annoying; I am almost ashamed to start whe. other people are present… Almost.

 

You have to remember that this car was built on diesel technology. That's something that I love about this car. The 12,000psi fuel pump with the injector sitting right in the head. Very nice!!! BTW, that's also why you have gobs of torque sitting at your toe, ready to go. Don't anyone tell me that they don't love that feature!

Cheers!

 

I agree, brakes is my only complaint. I have changed to Carbotech Bobcat back and AX7 front. They do help stopping tremendously, but they are also very loud. Might have to swap them out, the wife is not too happy about the sound effects and the stares from pedestrians.

My 2nd complaint is the armrest on the handbrake design just like most owners.

 

I have Bobcats on the front of one car, and Akebonos on the front of the other. Neither makes significant noise. Rears make noise while backing, but that seems to be an A3 thing.