Audis4.0331

Hey guys. When I was talking to the Audi specialist he mentioned that I shouldn't downshift with my paddle shifters. He said it won't lube the clutches and they will wear down and break. I'm not sure if this is true, or if anyone has experienced that problem. But just up shifting seems a little bit funny to me...

togatown

First I have ever heard of that, sounds crazy and defeats the purpose of paddle shifting. It is very awkward to downshift manually in a hurry when you need to by using the stick instead. Besides, I can't even understand what the difference between the two would be. Is he saying not to downshift quickly????

superswiss

Audi specialist? I think that's the fancy word for dumb sales person nowadays. I haven't heard this one before from an Audi sales person, but what a piece of baloney. The S-tronic is a wet clutch dual clutch transmission. The clutches are bathed in oil. Did he actually try to convince you you shouldn't downshift at all or just not with the paddles? The latter would be even more head scratching. The S-tronic does perfect rev matches on a downshift. Clutches wear when they slip, which happens when somebody doesn't do a good rev match on a downshift in a manual transmission, but in case of the S-tronic, the computer can't be anymore perfect. BTW, downshifting and engine braking is a very good thing during the break-in period. It helps seat the piston rings properly.

Audis4.0331

Huh, good to know! Yes he said not to downshift at all. But I've been doing it anyway. Seems dumb to be constantly up shifting... Not to familiar with S-tronic systems, However i can't imagine there being unlimited up shifting gears... Eventually you run out of gears no?

superswiss

Yeah, this is probably the dumbest thing I've ever heard from a sales person. If you don't downshift, then the transmission computer will eventually downshift as you slow down or give it the beans and trigger the kick down. There's no difference between the driver downshifting via paddles and/or shifter or the computer downshifting to avoid stalling the engine or because the driver demanded maximum acceleration.

I don't even know what was going through his head when he said this to you. Makes zero sense.

Audis4.0331

though this may not be on topic, you're one of the few I've been able to have a conversation with on here. Do you happen to know of anywhere i could buy an aftermarket carbon fiber trim kit? im not looking to spend upwards of 2 grand at the dealership.

superswiss

No, sorry, that's not something I've ever shopped for.

Audis4.0331

What about wheels. Sorry for asking so much lol. but i love the avant garde m590's. my friend told me their wheels aren't so good. and i should go with another brand. just figured id get as many opinions as i can.

DrGP

Another prime example of Sales Associates not being knowledgeable about the cars they sell. Usually the worst source of reliable info. As far as wheels go. many like those offered by Velocity Motoring and Hartmann wheels. They are not expensive and of relatively good quality. IMHO, the good thing about not running expensive wheels is if and when you damage one, it won't cost you an arm and leg to replace them.

togatown

Every once in a while, one will come up for sale in one of the forums. A few weeks ago, there was an OCarbon set for sale by owner for about $ 600-800.

For Sale: oCarbon Carbon Fiber Instrument and MMI surrounds.

Lots of folks say buyer beware of dealing with OCarbon directly. Check out AZ and search it.