I am new to looking into RS4s. I am debating purchasing a 996tt to replace my M3, but thought I'd take a look at the Rs4's before making a final decision.

What happened to the sport/racing seats I saw in all the pictures?

Why are some steering wheels different in different pictures?

Anyone have any good interior shots of what it actually looks like?

Thanks.

Best,
Kyle

 

Kyle, I am by no means an expert but the answer to your first 2 questions is easily answered. The metal flat bottom steering wheel and sport seats are in the european model. Search autotrader.com or cars.com for some interior shots of the NA version.

 

here's a link to a ton of pics

http://www.penneck.com/rs4gallery/default.aspx

 

Just curious, anyone know why the NA version didn't get the engine start/stop button? without it I'm assuming we don't have "comfort access"?

 

not sure about the start button, but i was talking to my service advisor today and he told me the reason why the rs4 doesn't have the D steering wheel is because audi did not want to destroy another rs4 by crash testing it. he also said that it's possible that the 2008's may have the steering wheel and the euro seats... if this is true, i'm kinda bummed that i didn't wait for the 2008's in oct...

 

I've read the only change for '08 is the option of the "Titanium Package" which effectively just blacks out the grill, window surrounds, and adds titanium-colored wheels.

I posted a bunch of pics of my car recently - I included some interior pics.

You can get the Euro seats - I need to see some (and fit in them) first before I spend the $$. The seats currently in it are VERY comfortable, even if they don't look as cool.

 

Spoken to one of the largest Audi dealers in Germany. They work directly with Audi and Quattro Gmbh.

His impression is that if you're tracking your car more than 2-3 times a year the euro recaros are possibly worthwhile. For anything remotely similar to a daily driver, he recommends regular "comfort" recaros every time.

 

We don't get the start button, but we get cupholders. (how american huh?) The cupholders (2 of them) go right where the start button is. It's not a HUGE loss because while start buttons are cool it just adds an extra step because the car does not auto-detect the key. You still have to insert the key and turn it all the way and THEN press start.

The euro wheel is nice, however you do loose some bluetooth and stereo control functionality by switching to it. The euro seats are sweet though, I understand that when hitting the S button the euro seat side bolsters move in closer to give more support.

 

Hey i am selling a fully modded s4 which is def. faster than my old e46 m3. Check this out --- steal for the price right now
http://www.audib7.com/cars.html

for sale here
http://audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=143950

 

You might want to remove your post so you don't get banned... (100 post minimum to sell stuff)

 

there's also an option to add red seats and interior trim for 2008. i've seen a pic somewhere... i'll post if i can find it.

 

I think that is all they are advertising as an option, but I believe you can technically do ANYTHING you want via a audi exclusive interior for '08. I already know of one guy on AudiWorld who is doing a completely custom exterior and interior color for a '08 model.

 

Does this include having racing seats and the Gallardo steering wheel? I called the local dealer, but the sales guy I spoke with didn't even know if they had an RS4 at the place. So I didn't even bother asking any further questions.

 

The wheel and seats you have to find yourself, Those items were not crash tested for U.S. use so I'd imagine a dealer won't/can't sell them. You can source them from other plces though.

 

Here's some answers for you:

The Euro wheel was not imported because it would have required crash-testing a lot more cars to have the wheel approved by the U.S. DOT. Audi didn't want to spend the time or $$ since it seems the B7 RS4's days may be limited here in the U.S. according to some rumors flying around. The B7 body style is on it's way out, and Audi historicaly ends production runs of it's RS cars after 2 years or 3 max. If they waited, they also would have had to introduce the RS4 to our market too close to when they were hyping up the R8 and upcoming S5 models. However, retrofitting the steering wheel is easy. I have it installed in my B6 S4 which required some modification of the airbag wiring to accept a dual-stage bag, but in the newer B7 cars, it's plug and play. After you install it, use your VAG-COM to get all the functions of the wheel to work too.

As for the seats, it's not an issue of crash testing.....but you can blame Recaro for that entirely. Recaro would not fit those seats with side impact airbag, and Audi simply refused to sell the car without them because of the effect it could have on their overall safety rating. Audi also is in contract with Recaro so that those seats cannot be sold by Recaro through their dealers. So if you want them, you gotta either get them from Audi or from a wrecked European car.

As for the start button. It sucks anyway. It's not a true start button like you're thinking. In order to use it, you still have to insert the key, turn it forward, and do everything short of start the car.....then stop, push the button and it will start. It's NOT a smart key like you'd get in an A8.