u/ANITIX87

I recently had a total electrical failure on my new car (see my post history). The dealer diagnosed it as a loose positive battery terminal but denied a warranty claim because they said I had aftermarket wiring on the battery. I have not touched anything related to the battery, and it seems like some people have these wires but others don't. They look like they've been duct-taped on. It's the three skinny wires indicated by the arrows.

Please let me know if your car has these wires installed. If it does, it might be helpful to know the build date. I'm trying to figure out what it is and whether Audi installs it in Germany or if my selling dealer installed it. Could it be a tracker/monitor? Something for the sports exhaust?

On a road trip. Car just hit 650 miles. Drove through a big rain storm. Now the dash keeps turning off and resetting while driving (happened 5 times in an hour), followed by a dozen warning and a check engine light.

The car starts and seems to drive normally today, other than the warnings (the car says none of the safety systems or lights work and shows "Drive System Active, please turn off ignition" which makes no sense), but yesterday right after the issue it wouldn't respond to the key fob, wouldn't start, and wouldn't lock/unlock from the inside. The only thing that worked was the DRL light dance when locking/unlocking. Keyless entry does not work. Battery voltage tested fine, though I could not test under load.

The car has 308 error codes when scanned with OBD11.

Will call local dealers tomorrow, but who knows if they'll get a fix by Wednesday when I'm driving home. Hopefully they can make it so it's safe to drive home.

UPDATE: SOLD SOLD SOLD!!!

I am selling my OEM hard top, originally Silverstone silver, wrapped in black by a previous owner. All hardware is included.

PRICE: $5,900 for PICKUP ONLY on Long Island.

Rear window is tinted, not sure the percentage. Includes a bespoke stand and cover from North American Car Covers.

I cannot guarantee the condition of the Silverstone paint, but the exterior vinyl looks great. A bit of wear on the interior lining in the usual spots. This top fit my car perfectly with no rattles or clunks.

I've had the car for a week after picking it up from the PPF and ceramic detailer. I've done about 250 miles so here are my initial thoughts:

1. The interior is extremely quiet and insulated. This is mostly a good thing, but I'll be shopping for midpipes sooner than I thought.

2. The stereo sounds good. Lots of complaints online about clicking but I didn't hear any so far. Hopefully this remains the case.

3. Steering is very light compared to my previous car, but surprisingly direct and responsive. Not a complaint, just needs getting used to.

4. Infotainment is well-designed and it's amazing how far tech has come in 7 years since my last car. I would kill for an Android Auto shortcut instead of having to go back to the home screen and then open it whenever I use a car menu or something.

5. I can't believe the parking cameras don't turn on by default when the park assist is activated. The diagram is useless compared to the great camera system. Having to take my eyes off the maneuver I'm making to activate the cameras is infuriating.

6. The rear view mirror is too low (or the front windshield is too small). Blocks my view on right turns

7. Braking: it does rev match but I think it releases the brakes slightly to do it when going down to 2nd or 1st gear? You feel a reduction in braking when down shifting and once it's in gear the brakes grab again.

8. Wireless charger seems useless. Quite slow and the phone was so hot. I turned it off.

9. I hate how high it changes down a gear in RS mode when you're in manual. If I'm coming to a stop, I don't want to change from 3rd to 2nd at 1700rpm. If I'm in manual, give me full control on deceleration unless I'm approaching idle speed.

10. The diff is very cool and I'm learning how to drive the car more each time. I'm coming from a RWD sedan, but have owned high power FWD cars in the past, and the RS3 doesn't handle like either. On a highway ramp, I give it power and it turns in so hard. But if I then lift off to maintain speed, I get a boat load of understeer that I have to correct for. Will any of the RS Mode settings affect this?

11. Engine sound. It's glorious. And I love the turbo whistle on boost. Can't wait until I can push it and get more noise.

12. I'm so glad I went with Kyalami over Kemora. The color stands out so much. Very happy.

13. The interior packaging is really impressive. The RS3 is 5 inches shorter than my old car but my wife can comfortably ride in front of the rear-facing seat in the passenger side (she couldn't do that in my old car).

14. The piano black, in general, doesn't offend me but, my God, the headlight panel can be fucking blinding if the sun is behind you to the left.

Had my RS3 delivered with the shipping wrap on it. Drove it about 15 miles to a detailer for PPF and ceramic. Can't wait to get her back.

@tots_speed on Instagram for photos of the RS3 and my S2000.