S4 pet peeves
07-23-2010 | 12:03 AM
#1
Thread Starter
Audi Forum - Posts like an A5
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 315
From: Toronto
S4 pet peeves
I have to say that although I love my B7 S4, I do have a few pet peeves.
1) The handbrake.
When it's lifted, it lifts the armrest as well. And when you want to lower it, the armrest gets in the way. My 1992 BMW's armrest had a small/short cut in just above the handbrake to avoid this issue. How hard would it have been for Audi to do the same thing??
2) The folding side mirrors.
A Ford Mondeo I rented in Europe had auto folding side mirrors when the setting was left on. When you locked the car, they folded in. When you unlocked the car, they folded out. Again, so easy to implement rather than having to do it manually every time. Such a pain.
3) Media centre.
No auxiliary jack?
No bluetooth streaming (even though it has bluetooth for my cell)
400 file limit on the SD cards?
Can't merge the two SD cards into one? Have to select one or the other?
No fast scrolling when looking for a specific song?
I won't even bother whining about the lack of a DVD player (but it can read the navigation DVD).
4) Fog lights.
Can't turn on the fog lights in auto headlight mode? Have to switch on the on mode before being able to turn on the fog lights. How difficult would it have been to simply automatically turn on the headlights when activating the fog lights?
5) No sunglass case holder.
Again, my 2000 Nissan Maxima and the POS Ford Mondeo had this. The S4 doesn't. I have to put my sunglasses in the armrest which isn't always empty.
6) 6th gear.
The 6th gear ratio sucks. Over 3000 rpms at 120 km/h? You don't need serious power in 6th gear. You can downshift for that. (Not sure how the automatics fare with this one).
I know I'm nitpicking but some of these are soooo easy to implement that I find it a little bit of a joke that they aren't.
Maybe some of them were implemented in the B8s or whatever. I wouldn't know since I've never been inside one or driven one.
Anyone agree with these? Any pet peeves from other S4 drivers? I'm curious.
1) The handbrake.
When it's lifted, it lifts the armrest as well. And when you want to lower it, the armrest gets in the way. My 1992 BMW's armrest had a small/short cut in just above the handbrake to avoid this issue. How hard would it have been for Audi to do the same thing??
2) The folding side mirrors.
A Ford Mondeo I rented in Europe had auto folding side mirrors when the setting was left on. When you locked the car, they folded in. When you unlocked the car, they folded out. Again, so easy to implement rather than having to do it manually every time. Such a pain.
3) Media centre.
No auxiliary jack?
No bluetooth streaming (even though it has bluetooth for my cell)
400 file limit on the SD cards?
Can't merge the two SD cards into one? Have to select one or the other?
No fast scrolling when looking for a specific song?
I won't even bother whining about the lack of a DVD player (but it can read the navigation DVD).
4) Fog lights.
Can't turn on the fog lights in auto headlight mode? Have to switch on the on mode before being able to turn on the fog lights. How difficult would it have been to simply automatically turn on the headlights when activating the fog lights?
5) No sunglass case holder.
Again, my 2000 Nissan Maxima and the POS Ford Mondeo had this. The S4 doesn't. I have to put my sunglasses in the armrest which isn't always empty.
6) 6th gear.
The 6th gear ratio sucks. Over 3000 rpms at 120 km/h? You don't need serious power in 6th gear. You can downshift for that. (Not sure how the automatics fare with this one).
I know I'm nitpicking but some of these are soooo easy to implement that I find it a little bit of a joke that they aren't.
Maybe some of them were implemented in the B8s or whatever. I wouldn't know since I've never been inside one or driven one.
Anyone agree with these? Any pet peeves from other S4 drivers? I'm curious.
07-23-2010 | 09:18 AM
#3
Audi Forum - Posts like a Q7
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 711
From: Central Canada
Re: S4 pet peeves
Definitely agreed with #6 as it was one of the very first things I noticed. I was suprised to see the elevated RPM's aka wasted fuel simply when cruising the highway.
#4 is also noteworthy bit of annoyance.
#4 is also noteworthy bit of annoyance.
07-24-2010 | 12:17 AM
#4
Audi Forum - Posts like an S6
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,155
From: Oakville
Re: S4 pet peeves
agree on many. notes below in bold
I have to say that although I love my B7 S4, I do have a few pet peeves.
1) The handbrake.
When it's lifted, it lifts the armrest as well. And when you want to lower it, the armrest gets in the way. My 1992 BMW's armrest had a small/short cut in just above the handbrake to avoid this issue. How hard would it have been for Audi to do the same thing??
yup, worst design ever, especially for habitual hand-brakers like me (everytime I park).
2) The folding side mirrors.
A Ford Mondeo I rented in Europe had auto folding side mirrors when the setting was left on. When you locked the car, they folded in. When you unlocked the car, they folded out. Again, so easy to implement rather than having to do it manually every time. Such a pain.
the only reason they're so popular in Europe is that the streets and parking spaces are narrow as hell. No real need for them here. Mercedes does it on N.A. cars. Not Audi though since it's so unnecessary. I think something that mechanically closes like that all the time is just prone to fail. If not needed, why stress the motors?
3) Media centre.
No auxiliary jack?
No bluetooth streaming (even though it has bluetooth for my cell)
400 file limit on the SD cards?
Can't merge the two SD cards into one? Have to select one or the other?
No fast scrolling when looking for a specific song?
I won't even bother whining about the lack of a DVD player (but it can read the navigation DVD).
500 file/folder limit on the cards.
p.s. don't forget that system was designed in 2005. there's an updated version for $2000 that has a bunch more nice features.
4) Fog lights.
Can't turn on the fog lights in auto headlight mode? Have to switch on the on mode before being able to turn on the fog lights. How difficult would it have been to simply automatically turn on the headlights when activating the fog lights?
agreed...I had a B6 before this and the fogs were actually the DRLs. I liked that. I think there's a mod where you can make it work though. Not sure.
5) No sunglass case holder.
Again, my 2000 Nissan Maxima and the POS Ford Mondeo had this. The S4 doesn't. I have to put my sunglasses in the armrest which isn't always empty.
there's a rubber lined compartment behind your heels under your seat. There you go, problem solved
6) 6th gear.
The 6th gear ratio sucks. Over 3000 rpms at 120 km/h? You don't need serious power in 6th gear. You can downshift for that. (Not sure how the automatics fare with this one).
the automatics are much better in 6th on the highway. At about 2500rpm at 80mph vs. our 3200rpm. It's an odd choice to have such a bad 6th gear. I never use mine unless I'm rolling around lazily, so no need for the torque range to be on tap.
JHM has created a mod using a diesel 6th gear and it lowers your 80mph cruising rpms to 2300 or so. Dramatically changes fuel usage for highway rollers. Cost is about $2000 dollars, and thus it only makes sense when you're rebuilding your tranny already (labour is expensive).
I know I'm nitpicking but some of these are soooo easy to implement that I find it a little bit of a joke that they aren't.
Maybe some of them were implemented in the B8s or whatever. I wouldn't know since I've never been inside one or driven one.
Anyone agree with these? Any pet peeves from other S4 drivers? I'm curious.
1) The handbrake.
When it's lifted, it lifts the armrest as well. And when you want to lower it, the armrest gets in the way. My 1992 BMW's armrest had a small/short cut in just above the handbrake to avoid this issue. How hard would it have been for Audi to do the same thing??
yup, worst design ever, especially for habitual hand-brakers like me (everytime I park).
2) The folding side mirrors.
A Ford Mondeo I rented in Europe had auto folding side mirrors when the setting was left on. When you locked the car, they folded in. When you unlocked the car, they folded out. Again, so easy to implement rather than having to do it manually every time. Such a pain.
the only reason they're so popular in Europe is that the streets and parking spaces are narrow as hell. No real need for them here. Mercedes does it on N.A. cars. Not Audi though since it's so unnecessary. I think something that mechanically closes like that all the time is just prone to fail. If not needed, why stress the motors?
3) Media centre.
No auxiliary jack?
No bluetooth streaming (even though it has bluetooth for my cell)
400 file limit on the SD cards?
Can't merge the two SD cards into one? Have to select one or the other?
No fast scrolling when looking for a specific song?
I won't even bother whining about the lack of a DVD player (but it can read the navigation DVD).
500 file/folder limit on the cards.
p.s. don't forget that system was designed in 2005. there's an updated version for $2000 that has a bunch more nice features.
4) Fog lights.
Can't turn on the fog lights in auto headlight mode? Have to switch on the on mode before being able to turn on the fog lights. How difficult would it have been to simply automatically turn on the headlights when activating the fog lights?
agreed...I had a B6 before this and the fogs were actually the DRLs. I liked that. I think there's a mod where you can make it work though. Not sure.
5) No sunglass case holder.
Again, my 2000 Nissan Maxima and the POS Ford Mondeo had this. The S4 doesn't. I have to put my sunglasses in the armrest which isn't always empty.
there's a rubber lined compartment behind your heels under your seat. There you go, problem solved
6) 6th gear.
The 6th gear ratio sucks. Over 3000 rpms at 120 km/h? You don't need serious power in 6th gear. You can downshift for that. (Not sure how the automatics fare with this one).
the automatics are much better in 6th on the highway. At about 2500rpm at 80mph vs. our 3200rpm. It's an odd choice to have such a bad 6th gear. I never use mine unless I'm rolling around lazily, so no need for the torque range to be on tap.
JHM has created a mod using a diesel 6th gear and it lowers your 80mph cruising rpms to 2300 or so. Dramatically changes fuel usage for highway rollers. Cost is about $2000 dollars, and thus it only makes sense when you're rebuilding your tranny already (labour is expensive).
I know I'm nitpicking but some of these are soooo easy to implement that I find it a little bit of a joke that they aren't.
Maybe some of them were implemented in the B8s or whatever. I wouldn't know since I've never been inside one or driven one.
Anyone agree with these? Any pet peeves from other S4 drivers? I'm curious.
Last edited by sakimano; 07-24-2010 at 12:20 AM.
07-24-2010 | 05:51 AM
#5
Audi Forum - Posts like an HORCH
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,719
From: Burlington, Ontario
Re: S4 pet peeves
Thats funny how the parking brake is an issue with some and yet with others like me not even a consideration or on the radar of issues. It just goes to show you that no matter what there are going to be issues with any vehicle depending on the person. Despite these issues wouldn't be a deciding factor in getting the car.
Would still like to have a taller 6th gear!
Would still like to have a taller 6th gear!
07-26-2010 | 10:54 AM
#6
Thread Starter
Audi Forum - Posts like an A5
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 315
From: Toronto
Re: S4 pet peeves
Thats funny how the parking brake is an issue with some and yet with others like me not even a consideration or on the radar of issues. It just goes to show you that no matter what there are going to be issues with any vehicle depending on the person. Despite these issues wouldn't be a deciding factor in getting the car.
Would still like to have a taller 6th gear!
Would still like to have a taller 6th gear!
Do you have the armrest up vertically or something?
sakimano: Mine only goes up to 400 files on both cards. I double checked. I'm at the latest firmware version as well. Weird...
I also fold my side view mirrors all the time. With all the cyclists and other morons on the road. I live and park downtown and although it's not as tight as Europe, I still prefer folding them in.
And thanks for pointing out the small "drawer" under the seat. Not perfect but useful for when my top armrest compartment is full. Didn't even know it was there
07-26-2010 | 12:01 PM
#7
Audi Forum - Posts like an HORCH
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,719
From: Burlington, Ontario
Re: S4 pet peeves
mikeh: You use the parking brake every time you park and it doesn't bother you??
Do you have the armrest up vertically or something?
sakimano: Mine only goes up to 400 files on both cards. I double checked. I'm at the latest firmware version as well. Weird...
I also fold my side view mirrors all the time. With all the cyclists and other morons on the road. I live and park downtown and although it's not as tight as Europe, I still prefer folding them in.
And thanks for pointing out the small "drawer" under the seat. Not perfect but useful for when my top armrest compartment is full. Didn't even know it was there
Do you have the armrest up vertically or something?
sakimano: Mine only goes up to 400 files on both cards. I double checked. I'm at the latest firmware version as well. Weird...
I also fold my side view mirrors all the time. With all the cyclists and other morons on the road. I live and park downtown and although it's not as tight as Europe, I still prefer folding them in.
And thanks for pointing out the small "drawer" under the seat. Not perfect but useful for when my top armrest compartment is full. Didn't even know it was there
You didn't know about the small drawer..........they are under both front seats. There is also a slot under the steering wheel where I keep my wallet.
I still say that AUDI should have had a taller sixth gear. Drove to Niagara Falls today and my passenger commented on the high revs.
07-26-2010 | 12:26 PM
#8
Thread Starter
Audi Forum - Posts like an A5
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 315
From: Toronto
Re: S4 pet peeves
You didn't know about the small drawer..........they are under both front seats. There is also a slot under the steering wheel where I keep my wallet.
I still say that AUDI should have had a taller sixth gear. Drove to Niagara Falls today and my passenger commented on the high revs.
I still say that AUDI should have had a taller sixth gear. Drove to Niagara Falls today and my passenger commented on the high revs.
07-26-2010 | 12:44 PM
#9
Audi Forum - Posts like an HORCH
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,719
From: Burlington, Ontario
Re: S4 pet peeves
Yeah, however, the number of times I've seen people push other cars while trying to parallel park downtown, I'd rather not leave my car in gear with no brakes on. If my car is going to be pushed 6+ inches (which I've seen on automatics), I prefer all that weight to go on my brakes, not my gears (and I've seen license plate bolts on my bumpers so I know people have pushed mine as well).
I did not know about the steering wheel slot either. Now I have to go check that one out haha.
I did not know about the steering wheel slot either. Now I have to go check that one out haha.
07-26-2010 | 01:53 PM
#10
Audi Forum - Posts like an A4
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 196
From: Roland, Manitoba
Re: S4 pet peeves
Advanced Security- Trunk Monkey armed with twin .50 cal Gatling guns!!!
mwuahh!!
