requires a lot of work...

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/89294/img_5219.jpg">

More to follow.

SMA8L

You know what, if it doesn't come from the factory, I'll pass. I'd be worried about rattles, squeeks, etc.

i am super confident in Prestige Imports. Wait until the finished solution.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/89294/img_9503.jpg">

SMA8L

Removal of the instrument cluster, NAV screen, etc. make it look like your whole car is torn apart. The reality is that, while I am sure it is pain in the ass to do the install, the car should be as good as new (and aesthetically better) when done.

especially on an R8...I always have this feeling its not going to be the same factory fit and finish and some new creaky noise might start appearing

to do the RNS-E install. Inst cluster, dash, radio, etc. all removed to get access. These cars are so well built, you should have no issues with anything once all back together. Cant wait to see final pics!

You are only asking for problems doing an upgrade like that. Not worth the potential problems and cost. Doesn't look that much better anyway.

Engine bay is nice, I may do that.

You can't push the price of this car up too much with stuff like this.

This is the best use of CF on the car, the interior is just gorgeous when its done. It's difficult but everything fits perfectly and I have had not one single issue, rattle noise, nothing.

feels lacking or something is missing to me without that sweep around the dash. It is the one design move that was integral to the designer's vision. I've had my RS6 in a million pieces and somehow it goes back together without any more rattles than it started with.

on a car like this you take your chances. especially in the long run when squeaks and rattles really show. some people plan to keep it less than a year AND have money to burn on the install costs (i do not think many of this car's buyers are worried about increasing resale value). but it may pain them to know that all of these parts are accessories you can get through your dealer- many people do not know this yet but they have been for about two weeks, though some require a commission number be tied to their order. further, there are some exciting CF options coming to the table soon, including a new CF weave for the sideblade and interior bits. which may make some people regret their hastiness. when the V10 comes out there will be even more....

i am getting the CF blades only. just because i love them. i chose not to spend 3500 extra on a leather dash. seemed ridiculous. or maybe i just don't have money to burn. i did get the alcantara headliner because the interior does need more texture. and besides- alcantara is coooool.

i'll be nervous enough with the blade mod. the other stuff i decided against- i've been waiting so long for this car and it is so close to perfection that i would not be able to sleep at night if i did something to it that made it any less so. i'll be happy with my little blades.

post lots of pictures =-)

I totally agree with the blades. I did get the full leather package and like it. I agree it's a waste, but I just hate vinyl.

The car is very nice, but there is no way I'm going to jack up the price a ton with new blades, interior and engine bay. In six months, there goes your premium on resale, your basis is now too high. Used buyers will not pay more, and a trade in will will be the same, CF or not.

There is NO way I'd take apart my dash. Cars are never the same after that, I don't care what anyone says. Plus, you end up with scratches and marks from carelessness.

Do they have any experience with this?

Did you have the software update done?

enjoy your car.

SMA8L

They have delivered 7 R8's (note correct use of shift key).

This is the first R8 upgrade.

To my understanding they are one of only eight Audi Certified ASF Repair Centers in the US. They clearly have the skill.

SMA8L

the car will be finished next week.

SMA8L

i was stating a personal opinion. if you are happy with your decisions why take offense at anything?

you don't act much like the CEO of a company with audi as a client. or is it the thin air of denver that is getting to you?

----and yes. i did read your unedited original response to my post. this edited one seems much more civilized.

We used to do them here, but send the cars out to our local dealer now for the interior parts...

He shares something that clearly has value to him waaaay beyond boring future value issues (it's a $120k+ car folks, not an IPO) and people feel the need to make the judgement posts. "I'd never do that" "Not worth the money" "Poor decision" blah blah blah. Why bother? Clap the guy on the back for having the nuts and disposable income to do the project, or just keep it to yourself. What on earth is accomplished with the Debbie Downer crap? I can't blame the guy for being irked at the responses. He didn't ask for opinions or judgements, he was just sharing some pictures with what he apparently mistook for an enthusiast crowd.

I mean come on, "basis" when referring to a car?

well. you can live in a world where everyone is pink and rosy and happy and no one states their opinion or uses the word "black" or "white" or "cheap" or "rich" or "ugly" or "homosexual" and no one ever states anything remotely offensive for fear of offending someone or you can live in the real world.

it is precisely because of the world you wish to create in this forum that there are so few posts from new members. i've been here a long time... and i used to get offended all the time till i realized one can't take things so literally or personally. part of being a noob is not realizing that.

i post all kinds of breaking info and don't get offended when nary a thanks is to be had. should that piss me off then? i get a bunch of people on this forum (lurkers) who do not post but email me personally to ask things about the R8 and audi in general, etc... should that bother me?

i think some people just need to grow up already.

AW has a reputation of being fairly harsh place. Simple questions often receive the response of 'RTFM' or 'STFA'. People post mods they are obviously proud of and get ridiculed.

If it almost as easy to answer a question rather than type STFA, then just answer the question. If somebody posts something I do not like, I usually don't say too much. Maybe I am trying to make a happy place here or maybe I just try to be respectful. I am <u>not</u> saying you are disrespectful or unhelpful - you are quite the opposite. I just that see what Gorobei is talking about.

Now, I love it here. It is far from a happy idyllic place though.

Hey man, no offense meant. I did not mean to rain on your parade. Good for you. You are more adventuresome and trusting than me, that's all I meant. It looks great, and I'd have ordered it from the factory if I could have. I hope you invite me down from Ft Collins to see your car.

I'm thinking of having Prestige do my software update, as it sounds like they have more experience than my dealer who has only delivered two cars.

Here is a pic of my R8 and GT3RS.

Best wishes.<ul><li><a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/showthread.php?t=406835">http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/showthread.php?t=406835</a</li></ul>

I'm not all that worried about resale value. I got flamed early on by people who only speculate about the ownershi of an R8. I am happy to see that others are getting theirs now. Congrats to all of you. Ok, back to driving.

Prestige is really solid. You'll be in good hands.

SMA8L

..YOU are happy with the result, and the dealer leaves no evidence of the work being done (such as a scratched panel).

Congrats on your R8!

First off - to the nay sayers: It's my car, I'll do what I please with it, so get off your high horses.

I've come here to ask someone that's done the same work that I'm getting ready to do for some advise, not to listen to a bunch of people biatch at me for what I plan to do.

Sorry for the attitude, but I was greeted with the same God-complexed responses when I came on this board five years ago w/my RS6 and some questions about it. I'm sorry I'm not "in the club" on this site - or not...

That said, SMA8L, I just ordered the interior kit for my R8 and Richard at OEMPL.US sent me this direction.

He said that you've done this conversion and that you'd taken pix of the work.

Do you happen to still have any of those pix and what sort of guidelines and info can you share with me in my journey of getting the C/F parts installed?

It's my understanding that most of the parts are held in with torx head screws. Correct? What about those sneaky push pins or clips? Any that I need to be aware of? Any that want or tend to snap or break off during removal and install?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your time.