Audi RS3 2 / 8V

The Audi RS3 II is one of the most stylish hot hatches on the secondary market. This model, when used intelligently, should not create many problems. However, some faults will be very expensive to fix, as most of the parts of this car are missing in other models of the Volkswagen group. The second-generation Audi PC3 is very similar to the predecessor of the 8PA. However, this is a rather unusual car. First of all, because of the engine! Audi has installed a five-cylinder unit here, which, thanks to the active exhaust, sounds like an old Audi from Rally Group B. There is also a four-wheel drive in the RS3. It is called Quattro, but it is actually Haldex. The manufacturer did not dare to go for another platform, different from the usual 8V with a transverse engine. As a result, engineers had to struggle with the handling of the car. But they did it well. The RS3 II is completely neutral and can only show insufficient rotary ability when pressed hard on the gas pedal. It is noteworthy that as standard, the car has wider front tires: 255/30 R19 - in the front and 235/35 R19 - in the rear. The second generation Audi RS3 (8VA) was produced from 2015 to 2020. It was offered in the body of the Sportback (trunk: 335-1175 liters), and since 2017 in the body of the sedan (trunk: 315 liters). Nice touches and references to old Audis are the inscription Quattro on the grid under the bumper and Audi Sport on the discs. But the most important thing is under the hood.

EA855

Until 2017, the RS3 was powered by a 2.5 liter (EA855) engine with a cast-iron block. Its roots are traced back to the old 2.5, known as the American Bora. Technical features of the EA855 - the timing system chain, direct fuel injection and, of course, turbocharging.

This engine can only be found in the Sportback version and only before the facelift. The EA855 has a power of 367 hp and a maximum torque of 465 Nm. According to the manufacturer, the Audi RS3 with this unit can accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.3 seconds.

EA855 evo

After restyling, the Audi RS3 received a modernized power unit EA855 evo. It became lighter and stronger, and at the same time retained its working volume. The main difference is the aluminum block, a smaller crankshaft diameter, other pistons, rods and an oil pallet. All this reduced the weight of the engine by 26 kg. However, due to the new systems, the car itself after facelift became lighter by 10 kg. Since September 2018, RS3 has even recovered a bit. Of course, this is the 5-door version.

2.5 EA855 evo develops 400 hp and 480 Nm of maximum torque. In the newer RS3 III, the same engine delivers slightly higher torque and meets a higher environmental standard.

Compared to the pre-restyling version, acceleration to 100 km / h is shorter by 0.2 seconds. Regardless of the engine type, the top speed of Audi is limited to 250 km/h. After removal of the electronic limiter, it is 280 km/h.

Reliability

It is noteworthy that, despite the chip tuning, complaints to the engine does not arise. Of course, stock versions are preferred, in which the oil has often changed. However, there are no serious problems with the EA855 with increasing power, and regular engines can withstand more than 500 horsepower. However, with the S-Tronic robotic transmission with dual clutch and Haldex clutch, things are somewhat different.

On the Internet you can find isolated cases of engine overheating and damage to the cylinder head. It is necessary to control the cooling system, since sometimes it is found that the coolant disappears somewhere (for example, an expansion tank can flow - 3-4 thousand rubles), which threatens overheating.

Cost of purchase and maintenance

The Audi RS3 is an expensive car in every sense. Today, for a car ask from 3 500 000 to 5 500 000 rubles. That's a lot. As it turns out, keeping a car is also very expensive. High costs will be required for insurance and expensive maintenance. In addition, owners usually invest in improvements and tuning, which, as you guessed, is also not cheap. Fortunately, RS3 cars don’t break down too often. But if they break, the prices for spare parts can be stunning, and there are relatively few substitutes. For example, if you need to update carbon-ceramic brake discs (they were available as an option), then for a set of 4 wheels you will have to pay about 500 000 rubles. Another example is that for the original generator will ask for almost 150 000 rubles, analogues 10 times cheaper – from 15 000 rubles. The original starter will cost 32 000 rubles, and analogues are available from the mark of 12 000 rubles. Water cooling pump – 39,000 rubles and 8-14 thousand rubles, respectively. The hood - 24 000 rubles for an analogue, headlight - 54 000 rubles for the original or from 10 000 rubles for a substitute. A set of conventional front brake discs and pads - from 40 000 rubles. The Audi RS3 not only has a completely unique body, but also a lot of technical solutions designed exclusively for this car. For example, the muffler, which while similar to the Audi S3’s (it has a 2.0 TFSI engine), has active flaps controlled by electric motors that are not found in the weaker model. So these are not interchangeable parts.

Characteristic problems and malfunctions

The good news is that the Audi RS3 has no major issues. Yes, there are small things, for example, with electronics, but compared to newer models of the VW Group (say, Golf 8) they can be considered insignificant (for example, sometimes the MMI screen stops retracting).

Among the mechanical breakdowns, it is worth noting the jamming of the exhaust valves. Some people think it is enough to clean them with a spray. However, there are cases when the motors of the valves had to be changed (30 000 rubles).

In addition, individual owners had to update the front shock absorbers with electronic control (150,000 rubles per rack) and the valve ventilation crankcase gases (13 000 rubles for a repair kit). However, the failures in this model are not numerous.

Reliability

• However, there are no serious problems with the EA855 with increasing power, and regular engines can withstand more than 500 horsepower.
• It is necessary to control the cooling system, since sometimes it is found that the coolant disappears somewhere (for example, an expansion tank can flow - 3-4 thousand rubles), which threatens overheating.

Characteristic problems and malfunctions

• The good news is that the Audi RS3 has no major issues.
• In addition, individual owners had to update the front shock absorbers with electronic control (150,000 rubles per rack) and the valve ventilation crankcase gases (13 000 rubles for a repair kit).
• However, the failures in this model are not numerous.

If you dream of a fast car that can be used both on the track and on a long trip, then the Audi RS3 can be a good choice. However, before you buy this car, it is worth spending more time looking for a good copy, as possible repairs will be very expensive!

• Reliability: However, there are no major problems with the EA855 with increasing power, and regular engines can withstand more than 500 horsepower.
• Cost of purchase and maintenance: The Audi RS3 is an expensive car in every sense.
• The good news is that the Audi RS3 has no major problems.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.