Coming from an Audi S3...

[Whitexed30]

I want something reliable and nice, but puts a big grin on my face when I get shifting on a twisty road. I knew they might be a bit calm as standard but I want a platform I can go big power on at some point.

Is the steering really that bad? Is there any way to improve it like suspension/ polybushing/ lighter wheels etc...


Cheers for the responses 

Get a edition 30 or a r32 steering is so much better and they are much more fun to drive.. Bmw 130i is a good shout if you can handle the looks

[Whitexed30]

Hi Guys,

Seemed silly posting this in the new members section as I joined some time ago after leaving a deposit on a silver ED30 with a garage in Sunderland, which I then pulled out of as there was some issues with the car.  Ultimately went for an S3 instead.

I'm now looking to scratch the ED30 itch after selling my 2007 S3, whilst a great car, just ultimately felt a little soulless and boring.

Recent car history...
Civic Type-R EP3
MK5 Golf R32
2005 Impreza STI
Astra VXR Nurburgring Edition
2006 Impreza STI
2007 Audi S3

A few questions I have as a prospective ED30 owner...

The MK5 steering wheel is looking a little dated, I'm aware of the guides to swap out with a MK6 wheel, but is there anyone in the North-East area who would do this as a paid service? Does the MFSW/DSG all work afterwards?

I've never owned an auto but am very tempted with DSG, has anyone done the same and have regrets?

Finally - did the ED30 ever have leather seats or are all the legacy tartan look?

I'm located in Hartlepool if there's any friendly yokels in the Teeside area :)

I have all of the cars you have had mate and I thought the same about the s3. The edition 30 is a much better drive :) less grip but better steering and overall handling and faster on the move.

Thanks pal, that's extremely reassuring 

It's also reassuring you're just as mental as I am for working through the A-Z of performance motors  The one regret I have is not having an E46 M3 amongst them. I discounted the Ford ST3 out of badge snobbery alone, despite the nice sounding 2.5 lump.

Wasted all my money on cars and modding them Like a idiot lol I could of owned my own house by now but was fun. I always wanted a m3 and have drove a few but there just not practical as a everyday car and the problems but me off. I had a st montune 290 was a beast but had gearbox issues and I had to sell it juicy tho. The s3 was one of the most disappointing cars I have owned, edition 30 beats it in every way and is much better on fuel. I had a bmw 335i last and I would not advise anyone to get one, I had so many issues with the thing...

Jesus, so glad you mentioned the 335i as that was down as a potential. The cracked liner issue put me off the Focus too.

Worst car for me, the VXR. In the space of 4 weeks; £650 gearbox rebuild and £260 cracked manifold/turbo replacement. Both issues common on the VXR, I was lucky enough to be hit with both.

I have had 2 vxrs and both had gearbox issues haha they are fast but sh*te....I bought a 335i from a bmw dealer before xmas and had so many issues and had to get my money back. The n54 engine is not reliable in my opinion.

[dansmith180]

I want something reliable and nice, but puts a big grin on my face when I get shifting on a twisty road. I knew they might be a bit calm as standard but I want a platform I can go big power on at some point.

Is the steering really that bad? Is there any way to improve it like suspension/ polybushing/ lighter wheels etc...


Cheers for the responses 

Get a edition 30 or a r32 steering is so much better and they are much more fun to drive.. Bmw 130i is a good shout if you can handle the looks

R32's sound great but are a bit boring, and I have an eternal burning hatred for the 1 series and any BMW with an X on it.

Maybe a nice ED30 is the way to go, I really fancied the 4WD though since mine had been sh*t to drive since November.

I need to have a good test drive or borrow one for a weekend ideally.

[cuprajake]

That's why I went to an a4 Quattro.

The cupra was great but in winter pointless.

[LMc]

I've had most of the cars mentioned in the thread including a few more and now have just bought a stage 2 edition. The e46 M3 is a great allrounder but issues seem to becoming more prominent with them as most are close to 100k miles now and are expensive to fix I've had 2 and the second was a nightmare ( cracked piston and headgasket failure )
The mk2 focus RS is a good car but a bit in your face and draws attention and I did regret paying 20k for one as you start noticing a lot of cheap parts on them that you might miss after a test drive. The engine is a peach though but a stage 1 eddy is less than half the price and a much better car IMHO.

Get a dsg edition and you won't look back.

[Jussa]

What was missing from the S3 then? I'm looking at buying one....

The steering is life less on them and the under steer really bad

There seems to be a lot of negativity towards the S3.  I can honestly say it's the best car I've driven by a country mile.  I do agree that it needs some money spent on it if standard, but once the money is spent it truly makes the car a different beast.  The best mod to help the understeer are front and rear ARB's - they transform the car.  Then even lowering springs or coilovers make a big difference to how she handles.  I've just bought the Competition Haldex controller and can't wait for it to arrive - apparently one of the best handling mods   

[dansmith180]

@Jussa that's what I was thinking, as standard its a very nice car but maybe a tad boring looks and drive wise but with a few outside tweeks they look awesome and with even just a map, exhaust and intake it should come to life.
.