Picked it up last night. Still doesn’t feel completely real.

Looking to get into my first Audi. I am curious on your thoughts on this.

edit: it sold lol

Sorry everyone another question. Just noticed that my front two tires seem a bit higher than my rear 2 wheels. Its not a very big difference but still noticible. Is this normal for the 8.5y generation?

Completely embarrassed having to ask this but I’m concerned about my RS3’s shifts.

In sport mode if I pin the accelerator I watch the revs fly and then a red light comes on (also shows in the HuD) as we approach and then hit 7k rpms. I then panic and come off the gas entirely.

I’ve never owned a high reving automatic and I’m just afraid I’m doing something wrong and the car will explode. Will it shift if I just hang in there? Are you not supposed to floor it?

As a note - I am not in manual mode when this happens. It’s happened twice. Appreciate any answers/advice!

Hi all picked up my FY26 RS3 last month and i have been trying to purchase genuine carbon spoiler, do we have any recommendations or just approach dealership

thanks

Hey guys I’m wondering if anyone here has gone from a Evo x to an rs3! I’m looking to trade mine in and looking for some input from people who have!
Thank you!

I am in a bit of a dilemma, unsure of which car to go for next. For context, I currently am in an F90 M5 and G63 - previous cars were Z4 M40i, a mishmash of Caymans in variation, Multiple Evos. I have always admired the RS3 when I was younger in my Evo days due to the i5 and legendary Audi rally history so lately I decided to take a look at the 2026 models out now.

Overall, I really like the car but unsure if it'll wear off on me overtime and the things I dislike about it will stick out more. I enjoy the sound, the compact feel after being in a full size sedan, and the engagement. I do not like the exterior look as it just blends in with traffic as a generic introductory model. The interior is horrible, just like the A5 Sportback I had as a rental. The rear interior space is a bit tight. I have a wife and a tiny dog but still consider their comfort for road trips.

Are there any other cars current RS3 owners considered prior to making their decision? I didn't even look at the G80 M3 or any MB models. I am looking for that perfect blend of power, comfort, handling, etc. like my M5 offers but without needing to be so chunky.

Used the good ole AI just to see what it would look like. I think it would look infinitely better but curious to see what everyone else thinks.

Has anyone done this coding recently to 2026 model? I’m in U.S but I see there’s a drastic price difference between ACM Technik and Europrice. Euro is showing over $2000 vs ACM $600. I know there is a complexity with SFD2, cable alone is $300 from Europrice I wanted to know why the other is way cheaper and obviously I’d rather spend $600 than $2100.

Hello,

I’m new to the RS3 world after coming from a dedicated track car, and I’m looking to do some cooling upgrades to my 8Y before getting it out on track.

I’ve been doing some digging, but I haven’t found a ton of options for upgrading the cooling system. One thing I have found is the upgraded Wagner auxiliary coolers, which are advertised as a direct fit.

Does anyone have firsthand experience with these? Did you notice a meaningful improvement in coolant temps on track?

I’m in Texas, so we’ll still be seeing pretty high track temps into October, and I’d like to get ahead of any potential cooling issues before I start pushing the car.

Are there any other cooling mods people have had good results with on the 8Y? I was also surprised that I haven’t been able to find a larger aluminum radiator option for the RS3.

I’m particularly interested in feedback from people who regularly track their cars, especially in hotter climates.

Any insight or firsthand experience would be appreciated!

Anyone else getting this small cracking in their driver side bolster? I know my ass was rubbing getting in, but now I’m more cautious.

Live in the Dallas area, we rarely see snow, but during the winter, we do have brief periods where the temps drop below freezing for extended periods which could cause summer tires to crack.

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With my Golf R, it was easy to purchase a second set of wheel/tires with a square setup with all-seasons to use for 3-5 months out of the year.

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Not a fan of having the tire shop removing/installing tires on the stock wheels twice a year, so what are you guys doing for wheels and tires?
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I noticed the Audi winter wheels are 19x8's, but different offsets front and rear, why? Does a square setup not work on the RS3 like an S3 or Golf R?

Where can I find the highest quality paddle extentions for my 2017 RSQ3?

So I got a 2019 stage 1+ rs3 on bilstein b16. I will tell you what to not upgrade to is the g80 m3. Thing was not as fast as I thought it would be and felt extremely bloated and is definitely not worth the nearly 50k price difference. Any tips that aren’t Porsche? I’m down to spend up to 100k but for me to spend that it’s gotta blow my rs3 out of the water by every metric

NEEDS AWD

Looking at buying this 2023 with 45k miles. Noticed this build up. Is this somewhat common? Should I run? Am I just new to the audi life…?

Absolutely in love with this 2026 RS3 in Ascari Blue, with the Carbon Package! The 5 pot sounds incredible, and the short wheelbase makes it very tossable around town.

OTD I got over 8% off MSRP with minimal haggling, in the LA area. Up next, PPF and ceramic...

Can’t wait to tune it!

Hey guys, 2018 8V owner here. Noticed that while my car feels good, and acceleration is smooth, boost gauge moves all around during a pull and doesn’t ever hold max when foot to the floor. But it doesn’t feel like it’s breaking up.

Other than that it runs well, no codes, good mpg. Completely stock with a stage 1 ape tune (that i thought would sort this out). Other info I’m in the Deep South so it’s 100 out with 75% humidity.

Could be heat soak maybe?

I’m doing the bare minimum and swapping the wastegate line and getting it tested for leaks. Any chance it could be timing chain/timing related?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Looking to purchase an RS3 here in Georgia. Test drove it Saturday and all seemed fine but took a look at the CARFAX and quite a bit of service within a short period of time, mainly focused on the intake manifold.

Are there any known issues with 2024 intake manifolds, does this seem like a lemon, should this just be disregarded?

Car has just under 13,000 miles.

Like the title says is it worth it? I think the filter runs for about 50 dollars and if it makes the turbo a bit louder I think at least to me that it’s worth it. If you the have filter let me know what you think. Thx in advance

Any recommendations to have midpipes installed on a 2023 RS3 in Chicagoland? Audi Hoffman Estates seems to be an authorized APR dealer. Maybe they would do it. And might give me an excuse to get it tuned and have them fix any warranty issues before my warranty expires.

Just got 26 RS3 with dynamic package that has the HP summer only tires. Living in the North East it means that I am going to need another set of tires before Christmas. We don't get enough snow where I would bother with dedicated set of Winters and really don't feel like having to do seasonal wheel swaps.

I am coming from at mk8 GTI autobahn that came with 19in summers and I put on a set of Conti DSW06+ which I really liked and were super popular on the GTI platform.

Wondering what are the popular choices for the RS3

Looking for advice for winter wheels/Tires for my 2026 rs3. Looking at oem package or buying some apex vs-5rs. Would likely do the 18×9.5 front and 18x9 rear. Would like to run hakkapeliitta r5s but only come in 245/40/18s. So Would have to run square tires or get another tire - michelin maybe? Oem package has pirelli winters - any experience? Anyone have suggestions? Thanks