warcity

iTrader: (1)

I've never heard of anyone being able to swapping it out. It controls pretty much the entire car. My recommendation is if you do go for a 2010/11 S4 get the Navi, go for one that's fully loaded. You'll use and enjoy all the features.

Zaider

Thanks for all the info. I think you're right and I should just go for one with Nav (and upgraded sound system).

I am still wondering if the Sport Differential makes that much of a difference in daily driving. Any input on that?

warcity

iTrader: (1)

With Sports Diff you get the "semi" drive select option as well which allows you to control steering sensitivity and throttle (you can't control the suspension with this option).

It makes a difference in handling for sure specially on ice and snow. I highly highly recommend it.

Zaider

Interesting. What is the sport diff exactly? Is it basically switching the rear diff from an Open to an LSD?

Given that pictures/descriptions on autotrader are generally not that accurate, is there any way to tell from the interior shots if the car is equipped with the sport diff?

warcity

iTrader: (1)

Allows power to be distributed between the rear wheels so around the corners max power goes to the outer wheel.

Inside of the car right below the CD tray you'll have 3 buttons (comfort, Audi, Dynamic, Individual)

Google Image Result for http://www.iamaudi.com/img/Drive-select-auto.jpg

13S4

Hey Zaider,

First of all you definitely need the sports differential. It is the best feature on the S4's. It literally accelerates your outer wheels faster than your inner wheels when you are cornering. It brings the *** end of the car through corners and totally compensates for the front weight bias of the car. Look here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYCr36DVOVY

With the Sports Diff you can change the settings of the following.

Throttle Response - Dynamic(Aggressive), Auto (Normal), and Comfort
Steering Feel - Dynamic, Auto, Comfort
Sports Differential - Dynamic, Auto, Comfort

On S-Tronic models you can change the transmission shifting speed (Dynamic, Auto, Comfort).

If you get the full "Drive select" package this does the same things as above, but also includes adaptive suspension. It also adds Dynamic steering which will change the steering ratio between the modes. Many feel is it as waste if you plan on changing you suspension at all. If you plan on keeping it stock I would recommend this option. Sport differential was a $1500 option, full drive select was $4000.

Another advantage of getting the Navigation is it allows you to set an "Individual" mode where you can customize your options above. For example:

Steering - Dynamic, Sports Differential - Dynamic, Throttle Response - Comfort.

With the navigation you also get a different screen between your Tach and Speedo. It is full color and looks pretty cool. Non navigation models have an older looking orange numbered display.

warcity

iTrader: (1)

Right on Luc.

That part about Navi allowing you to set individuals mode, you can actually do that via vag-com on no Navi models as well.

The DIS screen I totally forgot Luc is right with the navi you get it in color.

Zaider

Thanks for all the information! That youtube link really helped explain it.

Well, looks like im going to be waiting until something with the sport diff and nav comes up for sale as those look like two must-have options for me.

As for suspension, I think im fine without Drive Select for now. If I can avoid the mod-bug with this car, then i'll still be happy and if I can't, it'll be getting air suspension anyway. My current car has coilovers and is low and I am tired of the ride. I want something nice, (comparatively) soft and wife-approved (she says we can't take the Subaru on road trips).

Anything else I should be looking into? Other options that I might want to make sure the car has?

warcity

iTrader: (1)

S4 comes with sport suspension which rides nice and low anyways.

Make sure you get the b&o sound system as well.

13S4

+1. The B&O system is really incredible if you are playing music from a high quality file.

This car is so easy to mod that it will be difficult to avoid the bug. I had no plans on doing much either, but after researching forums for countless hours I ended up Tinting, lowering, Clear bra, hardwired radar, sway bars + end links, new wheels, short shifter, intake, new tires, floor mats, fog lights . All I have planned now is Alu Kreuz from Euro code tuning, AWE or Miltek Exhaust, and I'll be tuning it once I get past 20,000km. I only drive 5km a day on average so I will probably not do much more until I move back to Calgary.

I probably won't be around Calgary for a while, but when i'm back I'll let you try mine with the Eurocode products I have installed. The mod bug may bite you.

Warcity - What are you planing on buying next?