New Audi A5 Cabriolet Owner (soon). Just want some general advice/opinons. Cheers

[andyhud007]

Hi All,

I am a member of a couple of other Audi/VW forums and one member there advised I post this here as you lot are more specific to the A5. Many thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Andy


------


New to the forum here and wanted to say hi (I did in the new members area) and now in here as I wanted to get some opinions on the following.

Firstly, I've never bought a car brand new from a dealer, its just not something I would normally consider or ever had a need to do, but I think its something I'm going to do now. I've got a bit of money to spend and I've always wanted to own a Cabriolet and never had done.

I've always liked the A4 Cab's but was never in a position to buy one, now obviously there are the A5 Cab's and I've spent the last few months researching them, reading all there is about them and taking a few for a drive.

Basically I have the following specification outlined and wanted to get some honest thoughts on it. If you think its good, bad, stupid, silly, OTT.. you get the picture. I just want opinions from someone who doesnt work at an Audi Dealership!

Lastly, apologies for the all the questions that I'm going to list. This is all new to me and I just want to do what is right and best like all of us. So if you could help or have any pointers it would be much appreciated.

Ok, so this is what I have so far:

* Audi A5 Cabriolet
* 2.0 TFSI S-Line Edition
* Phantom Black - First question. Is it worth the £600 over Brilliant Black?
* Red Hood - Possibly. I cant decide if I'm honest.

* 19 x 8.5J 5 Segment spoke wheels (though I quite like the Y spoke ones. Can you get them on the S-Line Cab?) - Update: I spoke to Audi Customer Services yesterday and after the guy I spoke to finished reading off the brochure he went to speak to someone else. It transpires you can't have the Y Spoke alloys on the Audi A5 Cab S-Line Edition because of the lower ride height and "Damper Control". Does that make sense?

* Leather/Alcantara seats with white stitching. I'm not a fan of all leather seats, but I'm assuming the Alcantara is nicer than Leather/Cloth combination?

* Convienence Package - Auto Dim Rear View mirror, light and rain sensors, coming home/leaving home functions, auto windscreen wipers. Electric mirrors, heated, dimming and automatic folding I believe? Does this add on make the mirrors fold in when you lock the car?

* Deletion of Model and Engine Capactiy on rear

* Wind Blocker - Comes as standard, but is it any good?

* Head Level Heating - I'm not (and neither is the Audi dealer) sure you can get this on the S-Line seats? Can anyone confirm? I have since found pictures (on parkers.co.uk) of S-Line seats in an A5 Cab that have the head level heating option fitted so this I think confirms this.

* Tyre Pressure Monitor - Worth it?

* Interior Light Package - £100 add on so figured why not.

* Electric Front Seats - I think this comes with the Convienence Package? Or is the electric front seat support in the convienence package different to buying "Electric Front Seats" as a separate add-on?

* Heated Front Seats - Not sure if its worth it if I'm honest?

* Technology Package - HDD Sat Nav with MMI 3G - High, Audi Music Interface and Cruise Control. How good is the new MMI Sat Nav? Also, I hear you get 10Gb of disk space for MP3's. I have loads, so this is one of the reasons why I want this.

* DIS with colour display - comes as standard

* Audi Parking System Plus - not the camera version, but one that displays the graphics on the screen. More for my other half than me! - Update: Someone did say it was rubbish and the graphical screen isnt worth it over the standard parking sensors. The only plus is that its sensors around the whole of the car and not just the rear?

* Mobile Phone Prep - High. I'm confused about the Mobile phone High/Low options. Can anyone help what is best? - I'm REALLY confused about these options!

* Standard Audi Music System - Is it worth going for the B&O system instead?

* Xenon Lights and Day light running lights. - Standard on S-Line.

* 3 Spoke S-Line Steering Wheel - as standard. Is the 4-Spoke one better?

* Audi Hill Hold function - Its £45 and wondering if its worth it - Update: I've since found out (I think) that I cant have this as I want the 2.0 TFSI option and that has "Start/Stop" technology (which I think cuts the engine when your not moving) and you can't have the hill/hold option with that.

* Advanced Key Function - The walk up and open the door and the start/stop button. I'm not sure on this as I'm not sure how "secure" it is.. I mean surely someone nearby could jump in and drive off?


Its coming out at the dealer just shy of £40K and while I could 'afford' it. I dont want to spend extra if its not really worth the cash.

Many thanks in advance

Andy

[shmee150]

Hey Andy,

Welcome, indeed this is the place for A/S5 owners and owners to-be!

My first impression is red hood on black? Isn't that a bit errm well...

Many of your questions I would recommend having a search for because you'll find plenty of information in previous threads that may be helpful, but I'll have a stab at a few things.

Wind Deflector - yes fantastic, allows you to up the speed you can go with the roof down from circa 50mph to 70mph before feeling discomfort.

Tyre Pressure Monitor (TPM) - recommended, a mere £75 and nothing like the reassurance that if something doesn't feel right the car will know almost immediately rather than you driving on a damaged tyre and making it worse.

Interior Light Package - agreed, nice little option.

Electric Front Seats - yes included in the Convenience package.

Heated Front Seats - remember leather seats get a lot colder in the winter than cloth, and they only take about a minute to warm up, I would recommend in a car of this style as also increases the period you can drive around topless (the hood not your shirt!) with extra heat in the car.

Tech Pack - the MMI 3G does indeed store up to 10GB of music ripped from your cds. The Tech pack also gives you an AMI (Audi Music Interface) into which you can connect and iPod or other USB device.

Mobile Phone Prep - I have the "basic" £255 phone system, which is simply that the car picks up your phone in your pocket when you get in, let's you dial and receive calls and shows you what's going on on the screen, being controlled by the MMI and wheel buttons. The upgraded options include a system that allows you to plug in the phone to charge and improve signal, and also to have a dedicated handset too I believe. But in normal circumstances I believe the 'cheap' option to be the best one.

Music System - the B&O speakers come highly recommended, they are very very very good. The normal Audi system isn't exactly bad, but the B&O is very good. It is obviously an expensive option but one many people wish they had.

Hill-Hold Assist - Definitely get it, it's £45 and stops the car ever rolling back or forwards without your foot being on the accelerator. If you depress the accelerator it will release. Basically to avoid confusion, just get it, you do want it.

Advanced Key - A lot more complicated than you think. With the key in your pocket, you walk up to the car and as you pull the handle you press the button to unlock on the car itself. The key must be within a very small radius of this so nobody can unlock any of the other doors, and then the engine will only start by the button if the key is within the car, so if somebody were to jump in, unless they have the key too they can't drive anywhere, although of course the passenger could have the key on them. I once dropped my dad off somewhere in his M3, he had the key on him, and pulling over to let him out he walked off and of course still had the key so I couldn't drive off! I know that's not Audi but it's the same system, and really is very "fun". It obviously costs £500 almost so it's not cheap, but is a feature that once you've had you don't want to be without, but is hard to imagine appreciating it beforehand.

So there's my thoughts at the moment! I hope that's sort of helpful. For general interest, dealer's tend to be doing 8-9% at least off the A5 variants at the moment so if you don't get that push harder. Brokers will offer you 10%.

Tim

[andyhud007]

Hi Tim, many thanks for your prompt reply. Much appreciated.

Yes, apologies for that, I will spend a bit of time doing some searching to see what else I can find out about but I do appreciate your comments.

Black with Red Hood - Maybe its just me then, but I thought I quite liked it! A few people on other forums have all said the same "Red hood on Black"? Even my other half thinks its a bit odd!

My concern is black body and black hood is well.. too black! But I've had a thing for White, so maybe white with a black hood!?!

Wind Deflector - Thanks for the info here. Makes sense, I'm going to the Audi garage this weekend so will check it out in person. Does it store in the boot when not in use?

Tyre Pressure Monitor - I think like the Interior light package, for £75 I may as well just add it. Like you say, added piece of mind.

Interior light package - Yep, I've always liked little things like this that make the car more welcoming so will go with this and its only £100 extra

B&O - Like you, most people have said the B&O system is very good, but I've never heard it myself over the standard, at least in an Audi. I'll be sure to check it out this weekend.

Hill Hold - I would love this, but I'm confused in the brochure as it implies I cant have it if I have the engine I want (2.0TFSI) as this has Start/Stop technology which means you cant have Hill Hold. I'm not 100% certain on this of course.

I Like the idea of advanced key. How many keys do you get? I think I'm right in saying that you get 2, and I could have one and so could my other half and that means when I get in, the seats will adjust/mirrors etc for me and when she gets in with her key the same applies to her? Does that sound about right?

Mobile Phone Prep - Yep, sounds about right. My concern is obvsiouly If I was to have the HIGH version I would need a phone that was compatible with one the cradles Audi will fit. Then in the future if I change phone, I'll need to change cradle at about £100 a pop!?!

Tech Pack - No brainer.. I'll take it.

Electric Seats (S-Line) - I want full electric seats so will check these out this weekend hopefully. I've just got a sneaking suspicion that one version doesnt provide electric height movement, but the other version does.

Convienence Package - I will definitely get this, as I want the auto dimming mirror and auto folding mirrors and auto-dimming mirrors. I take it these fold in and out on lock and unlock?

Weird question, but I heard something (when looking through an A5 Cab manual) that it mentioned a Digital Compass that shows up on the rearview mirror in the top right if you hold the centre button down on the mirror. Any ideas on this? Is this included with the tech pack?

Tim, once again, thanks for your assistance. Much appreciated

Noted about the dealer "give" of 8-9%.. I'll be going for a PCP and my current car (99' Audi A4) is applicable for car scrappage scheme...

Cheers

Andy

[GaryWilliams]

Hi Andy,

Firstly welcome.

Okay here’s my thoughts, I’m driving a S5 cab, but had a S5 coupe as a loaner for a few weeks whilst my car was stuck back together. (another story…) So I can compare my option, how important they were when I didn’t have them.

Firstly colour, personal choice here I’m PB and I think it look pretty good, think the BB would look deeper if you keep onto of the cleaning schedule. You’ll find split opinions on this one.

The wheel/tyre choice again is personal, but bigger looks better in my opinion. When I ordered mine the 20” wheels were not an option because of Audi Drive Select – however now you can order them so I don’t think there’s an issue with damper control and wheel size.

Convenience Package – in short folding mirrors on locking - yes, configurable through the MMI (so they don’t have to fold)

Wind blocker – not bad – takes up some boot space if you have the spare wheel. It’s a bit manual, but it does it job.

As I’ve S seats, head level heating wasn’t an option. I’ll leave that to those with know.

TMPS – I always go for it after I destroyed a couple of tyres due to slow punctures – If I’d been good and checked the pressures regularly then I’d have been okay, but it’s a relatively cheap, peace-of-mind option.

Heated seats – I’d say yes – always. Not sure why it’s an option on a convertible. But then again, I am one of those plums that drives with the hood down when it’s a little crisp outside.

Parking, love the full package with the camera – but it’s more of a gadget thing really. I didn’t feel like my arms were tied behind my back when I have the loaner.

Mobile phone prep’; I’ve got high and the quality is much better, less drain on the battery so a winner too, if the phone dies, pop the SIM out and pump it straight into the car. Low is okay though – How much do you use a phone whilst driving?

Love the B&O & AMI – but I’ve got no comparison to the standard set-up. Love my music so it was an easy choice for me.

Audi Hill Hold – not sure it’s an option for you, but if it is, and you drive through a lot of stop start traffic then it’s a must. Haven’t got it on my car because I didn’t read the blurb, and thought how much use is hill hold in a auto anyway! However had it on the coupe and it’s really auto parking brake – very convenient in traffic.

Advanced key, it’s cool – not 100% necessary – don’t worry about people jumping in and driving off. The range is reasonably limited, and the key needs to be inside the car to start the car (must remember not to put key in jacket, and leave jacket in car though – although you do get a warning tone, and you can’t lock the car with the key in it) At the moment it also allows you to open/close the roof manually, however it won’t be long before the crack via VCDS comes out that will allow anyone to do that.

Hope that’s some help, other will have different opinions – but that’s life.

Cheers,

Gary

[hashluck]

Coupe Owner here but I will give it a go (this is of course only people's opinions so what you think is the final arbiter. Also, you will find the Audi dealers less knowledgable than you on a lot of this stuff so double check what they say AND what they eventually order for you!)

* Audi A5 Cabriolet
* 2.0 TFSI S-Line Edition

quattro with S-Tronic or fwd manual?

* Phantom Black - First question. Is it worth the £600 over Brilliant Black?

Probably but such a personal thing

* Red Hood - Possibly. I cant decide if I'm honest.

NO imo. Will look odd and kill resale

* 19 x 8.5J 5 Segment spoke wheels (though I quite like the Y spoke ones. Can you get them on the S-Line Cab?) - Update: I spoke to Audi Customer Services yesterday and after the guy I spoke to finished reading off the brochure he went to speak to someone else. It transpires you can't have the Y Spoke alloys on the Audi A5 Cab S-Line Edition because of the lower ride height and "Damper Control". Does that make sense?

Not a lot makes sense when it comes to Audi S-Line suspension options but certainly the Cab brochure says no to Y Spokes on S-Line. Damper Control is not standard so that statement makes no sense.

* Leather/Alcantara seats with white stitching. I'm not a fan of all leather seats, but I'm assuming the Alcantara is nicer than Leather/Cloth combination?

Divided opinion here. Certainly the Alcantara option with silver stitching lifts the S-Line interior according to those who have it. There is no leather/cloth option for S-Line

* Convienence Package - Auto Dim Rear View mirror, light and rain sensors, coming home/leaving home functions, auto windscreen wipers. Electric mirrors, heated, dimming and automatic folding I believe? Does this add on make the mirrors fold in when you lock the car?

Not sure now but older Audis you had to switch the folding mirrors yourself. I would question the value of this package. Unless you need the memory function the electric seats can be a pain. Also a lot of what they list (light and rain sensors, coming home/leaving home functions, auto windscreen wipers. Electric mirrors, heated) is standard. Think about what you really need and price them up on their own and see what makes most sense financially.

* Deletion of Model and Engine Capactiy on rear

* Wind Blocker - Comes as standard, but is it any good?

* Head Level Heating - I'm not (and neither is the Audi dealer) sure you can get this on the S-Line seats? Can anyone confirm? I have since found pictures (on parkers.co.uk) of S-Line seats in an A5 Cab that have the head level heating option fitted so this I think confirms this.

Yes, possible with Sports Seats

* Tyre Pressure Monitor - Worth it?

Yes, not great but worth it

* Interior Light Package - £100 add on so figured why not.

Yes

* Electric Front Seats - I think this comes with the Convienence Package? Or is the electric front seat support in the convienence package different to buying "Electric Front Seats" as a separate add-on?

Same and not worth having imho. Difference in Convenience Pack is Memory Function

* Heated Front Seats - Not sure if its worth it if I'm honest?

YES

* Technology Package - HDD Sat Nav with MMI 3G - High, Audi Music Interface and Cruise Control. How good is the new MMI Sat Nav? Also, I hear you get 10Gb of disk space for MP3's. I have loads, so this is one of the reasons why I want this.

YES

* DIS with colour display - comes as standard

Yes std

* Audi Parking System Plus - not the camera version, but one that displays the graphics on the screen. More for my other half than me! - Update: Someone did say it was rubbish and the graphical screen isnt worth it over the standard parking sensors. The only plus is that its sensors around the whole of the car and not just the rear?

Well worth it as front of car can be difficult to judge. Pays for itself first time you don't hit something!

* Mobile Phone Prep - High. I'm confused about the Mobile phone High/Low options. Can anyone help what is best? - I'm REALLY confused about these options!

The cheapest Bluetooth only system is fine for most people

* Standard Audi Music System - Is it worth going for the B&O system instead?

B&O recommended

* Xenon Lights and Day light running lights. - Standard on S-Line.

* 3 Spoke S-Line Steering Wheel - as standard. Is the 4-Spoke one better?

4-Spoke only available with Lane Assist and no

* Audi Hill Hold function - Its £45 and wondering if its worth it - Update: I've since found out (I think) that I cant have this as I want the 2.0 TFSI option and that has "Start/Stop" technology (which I think cuts the engine when your not moving) and you can't have the hill/hold option with that.

You cannot have it

* Advanced Key Function - The walk up and open the door and the start/stop button. I'm not sure on this as I'm not sure how "secure" it is.. I mean surely someone nearby could jump in and drive off?

Not for me, seems unreliable but those who have it love it

[shmee150]

This is why I love this forum, you get amazingly helpful replies from this many people.

Welcome, and enjoy the knowledge share that goes on here!

Tim

[hashluck]

Originally Posted by shmee150

This is why I love this forum, you get amazingly helpful replies from this many people.

Welcome, and enjoy the knowledge share that goes on here!

Tim

We just love spending other peoples' money!

[shmee150]

Originally Posted by hashluck

We just love spending other peoples' money!

Well maybe that's a little bit of it...

[hashluck]

Actually to be fair to ourselves we do try and save them money as well

[shmee150]

Originally Posted by hashluck

Actually to be fair to ourselves we do try and save them money as well

But hey, most importantly, make sure everyone comes out with the perfect car for them!

It amuses me that I get involved and still don't even have an A/S5, shows I have spent way too much time reading. I've only driven one once, and sat in one 3 times!

Can someone make time pass a little quicker please?

Andyhud007, how long are they telling you for delivery at the moment? I guess as the weather gets warmer the queue will get longer. The Q5s and Q7s are on 9 months + at the moment from my dealer (Audi West London), I *think* the A5s are still about the 3-4 month mark.

Tim

[loc]

Originally Posted by andyhud007

Hi All,
* Mobile Phone Prep - High. I'm confused about the Mobile phone High/Low options. Can anyone help what is best? - I'm REALLY confused about these options!

Audi Bluetooth Low vs. Bluetooth High and related topics explained A4 B8/A5/A6/A8/Q5/Q7
http://a6retrofit.tripod.com/article...explained.html

[andyhud007]

Hi guys

Once again, many thanks for all the replies, its really appreciated and I've taken on board everything that you have all said. Its great to get some opinions.

Looks like my choice on wheels is the 5Segment 19" wheels, which I'm not fussed about, they were my original choice anyhow.

Colour - Now looking at Ibis white and black hood. When I was younger I had a Honda Integra Type R and loved it in white, now the missus is turning to the white now too.. but I think black still looks a bit more 'meaner'. I just think black and black hood is quite... er.. BLACK!

head level heating - yes, and now seen pictures on S-Line seats so I know we are good to go

Audi Hill Hold - as I'm having 2.0TFSI then its a no no as you say. Oh well.

I do want Electric memory function seats as different people will be driving it.

I have a brochure thats v1.0 and seen the one online is v2.0 and noticed the Light and Rain sensor package which comes as standard on the Sline. It isnt in my v1.0 brochure and thus makes the convienence package more appealing. Now I've seen its standard, all the difference is is Electric memory function seats (which I want) and electric folding mirrors. Seems like a lot of money for those 2 options as the price hasnt changed in the v1.0 brochure and the v2.0 brochure! As you say, may look to get these options separately as it could be cheaper!

B&O package.. i will go this route I think, I'll only regret it otherwise

Audi advance park plus (not camera version) - will go with this

advanced key - sitting on the fence still with this one. but saying towards it at the moment. Will check it out Sunday when I go to dealer


Dealer has said to me if I order now (this weekend most likely) then delivery due end of May 2010.

Dealer - Crawley Audi

Getting there!

Thanks again

Andy

[shmee150]

Originally Posted by andyhud007

Colour - Now looking at Ibis white and black hood. When I was younger I had a Honda Integra Type R and loved it in white, now the missus is turning to the white now too.. but I think black still looks a bit more 'meaner'. I just think black and black hood is quite... er.. BLACK!

White on the A/S5 looks absolutely wonderful. My current car is a white BMW, and the colour is always appreciated - it felt pretty brave getting a white car 2 years ago, but they are properly in fashion now and certainly looks good. The black hood also on the white car gives a little offset and makes it look even better in my opinion.

Originally Posted by andyhud007

has said to me if I order now (this weekend most likely) then delivery due end of May 2010.

Dealer - Crawley Audi

That is seriously awesome, that'll be about a week or two after mine, and I placed my order back in December! They must have one on order they can change the spec on or something.

Everything else I agree with too!

Tim

[andyhud007]

Originally Posted by hashluck

Coupe Owner here but I will give it a go (this is of course only people's opinions so what you think is the final arbiter. Also, you will find the Audi dealers less knowledgable than you on a lot of this stuff so double check what they say AND what they eventually order for you!)

Hash, sorry, missed this:

- Agree, I'm terrible for ripping everything to pieces to get to the nitty gritty. After all, If I'm going to spend 40K on a car, its got to be 100% spot on.

* Audi A5 Cabriolet
* 2.0 TFSI S-Line Edition
quattro with S-Tronic or fwd manual?

- 2.0 TFSI Fwd Manual. I'm a manual car driver kinda guy.

"Not a lot makes sense when it comes to Audi S-Line suspension options but certainly the Cab brochure says no to Y Spokes on S-Line. Damper Control is not standard so that statement makes no sense."

- That was exactly what I was thinking! However, Audi Customer Services confirmed I cant order them from factory, so going with 5 Segment Ones instead.


Seats - Divided opinion here. Certainly the Alcantara option with silver stitching lifts the S-Line interior according to those who have it.

- Exactly my thought, give it a bit of lift.. but then I dont want the Alcantara looking like cloth, then like pants.

Not sure now but older Audis you had to switch the folding mirrors yourself. I would question the value of this package. Unless you need the memory function the electric seats can be a pain. Also a lot of what they list (light and rain sensors, coming home/leaving home functions, auto windscreen wipers. Electric mirrors, heated) is standard. Think about what you really need and price them up on their own and see what makes most sense financially.

- As I said, I found a new version of the brochure on line v2.0 to the one I have in my hand (v1.0) and it includes the light and sensor package.. which makes this package a LOT of money for memory seats and folding mirrors!?!

Audi Parking System Plus - Well worth it as front of car can be difficult to judge. Pays for itself first time you don't hit something!

- This is my thought, but someone said the Plus version and graphical interface on the screen (not the Camera version) wasnt that great. Personally I was going for this more for my other half more than me. Especially as it senses the whole car and not just the rear. Is that right?

- B&O - I'm going this route after everyone has rated it.


Audi Hill Hold function - You cannot have it

- I figured this out.. Pity.

Cheers!

Andy

[andyhud007]

Originally Posted by shmee150

White on the A/S5 looks absolutely wonderful. My current car is a white BMW, and the colour is always appreciated - it felt pretty brave getting a white car 2 years ago, but they are properly in fashion now and certainly looks good. The black hood also on the white car gives a little offset and makes it look even better in my opinion.



That is seriously awesome, that'll be about a week or two after mine, and I placed my order back in December! They must have one on order they can change the spec on or something.

Everything else I agree with too!

Tim

Tim - Yeah, he showed me the production schedule for orders placed in early March and it showed the A5 as delivery late May, early June as the latest.

What is the deal when you order, do you get "Tracking" like a delivery of a parcel so you know where it is etc?

As for the white and black hood.. I might go this route now... I think black car and black hood and black inside is just too much...

Cheers for everything else!

Andy

[shmee150]

Originally Posted by andyhud007

What is the deal when you order, do you get "Tracking" like a delivery of a parcel so you know where it is etc?

Unfortunately not. The order process is very manual so you will be pestering your salesman regularly, well you do if you are me anyway. Otherwise they'll just let you know the Production Week number, then when it's going to arrive at the dealership, and lastly your delivery date. Apart from that you hear depressingly little.

Tim

[andyhud007]

Originally Posted by shmee150

Unfortunately not. The order process is very manual so you will be pestering your salesman regularly, well you do if you are me anyway. Otherwise they'll just let you know the Production Week number, then when it's going to arrive at the dealership, and lastly your delivery date. Apart from that you hear depressingly little.

Tim

Oh dear... well, I guess I'll be like you pestering them everyday once I order it!

As Hash said, you end up knowing more than the Audi dealer and my concern is lets say I order a car and I have the spec written down and in my head as to what it will be. What if the car arrives and something isnt what I ordered, or what I thought it was because the Audi dealer was incorrect. (for example). Where do we stand with this?

Their ordering process (at least at Crawley Audi) seems so basic. Its copying and pasting the text from the online brochure into a basic excel spreadsheet and adding up the totals. I cant believe they dont have some sort of proper ordering system where the prices are all upto date etc. It worries me!

Andy

[shmee150]

Originally Posted by andyhud007

Oh dear... well, I guess I'll be like you pestering them everyday once I order it!

As Hash said, you end up knowing more than the Audi dealer and my concern is lets say I order a car and I have the spec written down and in my head as to what it will be. What if the car arrives and something isnt what I ordered, or what I thought it was because the Audi dealer was incorrect. (for example). Where do we stand with this?

Their ordering process (at least at Crawley Audi) seems so basic. Its copying and pasting the text from the online brochure into a basic excel spreadsheet and adding up the totals. I cant believe they dont have some sort of proper ordering system where the prices are all upto date etc. It worries me!

Andy

Mine was hand written...
At Audi's newest flagship branch (opened Oct 09)...
The largest single manufacturer showroom in Britain...
Good effort by them hey!

As to the other question, I'm not really sure, technically you can reject the car as it's not to specification, you'll know from the forum if anything isn't permitted on your configuration (someone will notice), but cars rarely turn up other than as ordered.

Tim

[hashluck]

"but cars rarely turn up other than as ordered."

Don't bet on it Tim, all too common. Really double check everythig!

A couple of points Andy raised

There is a picture of Leather/Alcantara in the latest brochure. I like it as do others who have it but ask if you can see it in the flesh.

Yes Parking Plus gives you front sensors and the graphics are fine (but you do not really need them).

White should look great and give a nice contrast (and work well with silver stitching on Alcantara), or consider the Monza Silver as it is an S-Line only colour?

Sadly if you must have the memory option it is the rip-off Convenience Package only.

[andyhud007]

Originally Posted by hashluck

"but cars rarely turn up other than as ordered."

Don't bet on it Tim, all too common. Really double check everythig!

A couple of points Andy raised

There is a picture of Leather/Alcantara in the latest brochure. I like it as do others who have it but ask if you can see it in the flesh.

Yes Parking Plus gives you front sensors and the graphics are fine (but you do not really need them).

White should look great and give a nice contrast (and work well with silver stitching on Alcantara), or consider the Monza Silver as it is an S-Line only colour?

Sadly if you must have the memory option it is the rip-off Convenience Package only.

Tim / Hash

Thanks for your comments once more, watching this thread a lot.

Yes, the picture on P17 of the Online brochure shows the Leather/Alcantara in the S-Line and I do like it and it gives the white stitching just to give a little "lift" to the interior. I have asked my dealer when I come on Sunday I want to see it in the flesh before I decide.

Thanks for the notes on the Parking Plus. Will try to check it out.

Not really a fan of Silver cars really. I just see too many (a lot mercs) in Silver and it puts me off. I'm thinking I'm going to go Ibis White body and Black hood.

I do want the memory function of the seats and apparently if you have the advanced key it will work with that too so know who is in the seat based on the key and set the seats accordingly. Sound feasible? (Guess I'll have to have the convenience package then).

As for double checking everything, this is why I'm going on Sunday morning to the dealer. I'm literally going to check everything on my list and see things in action (for example, I havent even seen the Sat Nav in the MMI in action yet), test the uploading of music to the 10GB of space, test phone stuff, all the other options, flick all the switches etc etc.. I'm not preparared to miss a thing.

This is great stuff though guys and I really appreciate your input. I'm going to print this thread out and take it with me too...

Many thanks

Andy

[Cosmicblue]

Welcome to the forum.

Which bit of the UK do you live in? I have a Cab with the Alcantara/silver stitching interior - and it is gorgeous.

I live in the Midlands but spend quite a bit of time in the M40 corridor between here and High Wycombe....maybe we could meet up...?

[andyhud007]

Originally Posted by Cosmicblue

Welcome to the forum.

Which bit of the UK do you live in? I have a Cab with the Alcantara/silver stitching interior - and it is gorgeous.

I live in the Midlands but spend quite a bit of time in the M40 corridor between here and High Wycombe....maybe we could meet up...?

High there mate... Unfortunately I love down near Gatwick so a fair drive away!

If there is any chance you can take some pictures of your seats though it would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

Andy

[Hobbes]

I think those are the longest 5 posts to start a thread in internet history.

[ChristopherPovey]

Hi Andy,

You can see my car's spec below...

My thoughts:

Originally Posted by andyhud007

Ok, so this is what I have so far:

* Audi A5 Cabriolet
* 2.0 TFSI S-Line Edition
* Phantom Black - First question. Is it worth the £600 over Brilliant Black?
* Red Hood - Possibly. I cant decide if I'm honest.

Hmm, not sure about the red hood either... Black would be better. Remember you have to got to sell it on at some point in the future!

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* 19 x 8.5J 5 Segment spoke wheels (though I quite like the Y spoke ones. Can you get them on the S-Line Cab?) - Update: I spoke to Audi Customer Services yesterday and after the guy I spoke to finished reading off the brochure he went to speak to someone else. It transpires you can't have the Y Spoke alloys on the Audi A5 Cab S-Line Edition because of the lower ride height and "Damper Control". Does that make sense?

This is correct. I wanted the Y wheels too, however the 18" S-line look the business, so I am not bothered now that I could not have them.

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* Leather/Alcantara seats with white stitching. I'm not a fan of all leather seats, but I'm assuming the Alcantara is nicer than Leather/Cloth combination?

Got full leather in mine. I base this on the fact that if you happen to get caught out in a rain shower. Full leather is easier to towel down. (I always keep a clean hand towel in the boot).

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* Convienence Package - Auto Dim Rear View mirror, light and rain sensors, coming home/leaving home functions, auto windscreen wipers. Electric mirrors, heated, dimming and automatic folding I believe? Does this add on make the mirrors fold in when you lock the car?

Ok. Bare in mind that light and rain sensors, coming home/leaving home functions, auto windscreen wipers and heated door mirrors, are standard on the S-line. So is the price worth the other bits?

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* Deletion of Model and Engine Capactiy on rear

I did not bother deleting it on mine, but some do...

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* Wind Blocker - Comes as standard, but is it any good?

It does the job, and is a better design than the A4 Cab one I had.

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* Head Level Heating - I'm not (and neither is the Audi dealer) sure you can get this on the S-Line seats? Can anyone confirm? I have since found pictures (on parkers.co.uk) of S-Line seats in an A5 Cab that have the head level heating option fitted so this I think confirms this.

The brochure seems to imply that it is an option on the S-line as long as you add Sport Seats or the Comfort Package.

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* Tyre Pressure Monitor - Worth it?

Depends how often you check your tyre pressures! Personally I did not add it as it add complacency. I check the pressures and general condition of all my tyres once a week (every 2 weeks at most).

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* Interior Light Package - £100 add on so figured why not.

A must in my opinion.

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* Electric Front Seats - I think this comes with the Convienence Package? Or is the electric front seat support in the convienence package different to buying "Electric Front Seats" as a separate add-on?

If you and A.N.Other are regularly driving your car then go for it. If it just you then I would not bother. I am the only drive on mine. Hence I did not bother.

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* Heated Front Seats - Not sure if its worth it if I'm honest?

Some people will definite yes for full leather seats. Not sure on Leather/Alcantara though. Cannot see the point.

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* Technology Package - HDD Sat Nav with MMI 3G - High, Audi Music Interface and Cruise Control. How good is the new MMI Sat Nav? Also, I hear you get 10Gb of disk space for MP3's. I have loads, so this is one of the reasons why I want this.

I did not bother, because I had no need of Sat Nav. Though I own a MP3 player it is not an iPod. I stuck the Symphony radio and DAB in mine instead.

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* DIS with colour display - comes as standard

It does, well on the S-line version anyway.

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* Standard Audi Music System - Is it worth going for the B&O system instead?

Hell yes for B&O. Specially on the Cab as you can actually hear the radio/media with the roof down at speed! With the Tech Pack you get more control over the B&O amp as well.

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* Xenon Lights and Day light running lights. - Standard on S-Line.

Correct. As are LED DRLS front and back.

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* 3 Spoke S-Line Steering Wheel - as standard. Is the 4-Spoke one better?

You cannot have the 4 spoke one unless you add Audi Lane Assist...

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* Audi Hill Hold function - Its £45 and wondering if its worth it - Update: I've since found out (I think) that I cant have this as I want the 2.0 TFSI option and that has "Start/Stop" technology (which I think cuts the engine when your not moving) and you can't have the hill/hold option with that.

Correct. It is not compatible with 2.0 TFSI petrol engine. I actually still think it is a waste of money, on a manual gear car anyway. How much effort does it take to flick the parking brake button anyway?

Originally Posted by andyhud007

* Advanced Key Function - The walk up and open the door and the start/stop button. I'm not sure on this as I'm not sure how "secure" it is.. I mean surely someone nearby could jump in and drive off?

You have to be next to the car to open it. The engine will only start if the key is in the car. Also on the cab, the roof can be remotely operated with the key fob if you add it.

How this helps...

[Mulski]

blimey, I feel like I just read The Hobbit and it was only started at 08:28 this morning; not enough people doing any work around here - LoL.

Welcome Andy and great to see another one joining the cab fold. I'm not going to list out my thoughts other than to say - the latest post is a good spec.

IMHO, aesthetically speaking, the Black with Red roof combo is just not doing it for me and agree I think you'd have some real challenges come resell time. White and black works but if I could have, I would have had the 'Sepang Blue' that Tim's got. But more than happy with my silver until I see Tim's in the flesh sometime (*#x&*!!!) - the car that is!



Not sure about the "you can't have the Y Spoke alloys on the Audi A5 Cab S-Line Edition because of the lower ride height and "Damper Control", not heard this one before, but i have heard that a lot of pople are suffereing from 'peeling' with the 'Y''s so maybe best to avoid them anyway.

Have a good weekend at the dealer - Sunday seems a prime day weather wise for topless fun so hope you get what you want from them.

BTW, you can download the A5 Cab MMI and Car manual from here to keep you going through those long dark nights whilst waiting for the car to arrive: http://www.kieronmullan.com/a5-cab-manual-gb/

Cheers

[ChristopherPovey]

I see you have switch to white with a black roof. Better! However, and I am going to be controversial here. I personally think that white and the "lighter" paint colours do not show off the angular lines of the body as well as the darker colours. I test drove a white A5 cab and the "lines" were lost. Darker colours or strong colours (Sepang Blue for example) work better IMO.

Mine is Quartz Grey. It is darker than silver, but not too dark as look dirty after two seconds on the road!

See here for photos of my A5 as detailed below...

[shmee150]

Originally Posted by Mulski

But more than happy with my silver until I see Tim's in the flesh sometime (*#x&*!!!)

Let me know if you are ever in London! Or maybe we'll have a meet up somewhere sometime...

[Mulski]

Originally Posted by shmee150

Let me know if you are ever in London! Or maybe we'll have a meet up somewhere sometime...

Cheers Tim; in centre of London pretty much evey week at our Head Office, which isn't too far from your neck of the woods. Will let you know after you get the car, although I'll be on hols the day you get your car, so will be a week or so later.

Cheers

[andyhud007]

Hi Guys!

Blimey, that is a lot of replies, and thanks to everyone for all your input, its really really appreciated.

Ok, so I have an update.... I basically had a colleague at work know about my interest in a new audi and put me in touch with a dealer near him (and I) that may be able to help. He gave me a call and I laid my cards on the table about my finance scenario, current car, ideas, confusion in the brochure versions, the online configurator differences and what I was looking for.

I sent him over my spec that I created a day or so ago and then as I was at home today, I went over to see him to discuss further as well as tinker with the options I was interested in in some other vehicles at the dealership.

Firstly. The convienence pack. Yep, version 1 of the brochure doesnt list the light and rain sensor package, but version 2.0 (online) does. It also shows this pack as standard on SE, SLine and the S editions, but the convienence package was still the same price. He rung up the Audi Product Team to try and find out what was going on. He agreed it was odd, but the guys at the Audi centre on the phone said they werent sure (suprise!) and said maybe the saving made were taken into account in other areas of the car to make the savings. Either way, I still wasnt clear.

Onto the wheels. I'm not sure if it was just me, but the online configurator today has removed the 5 Segment spoke wheels as an option for the S-Line edition 2.0 TFSI manual car. I'm not sure if its my computer, or deliberate (perhaps one of you wouldnt mind checking also), but it was like I was stuck to just the default wheel choice. However, at the dealer, it was still listed on his system as an option (Code: PV6).

Anyway, another thing to note. Audi UK issues an email to all dealers saying that their allowance of the government car scrappage scheme ended yesterday! My current car (Audi A4 T Reg 1999 1.8TSport) was eligible for the scheme! Bugger!!!

So, at the dealers, we came up with a new spec and Paul the salesman there was a decent guy and I felt a lot less pressured than at the other dealer I had been dealing with before.

We spec'd up and he offered me a £2,048 discount on the car initially to cover the scrappage scheme, and a part ex (£400) on my car towards the new car also.

I pushed and pushed and pushed for a better deal and in the end we got him down to giving me an 8.6% discount, along with a discounted GAP insurance, and £3500 off the car in total... so yeah, go figure.. I ordered!

So here it is. The spec I've gone for.. I hope it doesnt disappoint as I took all your comments with me and made sure I followed them when needed!

• Audi A5 Cabriolet 2010 Model - S-Line Edition
• 2.0 TFSI Petrol, 6 Speed Manual
• "19 x9J 5 Segment Spoke Alloys and Tyres
• Body Colour - Ibis White
• Hood Colour - Black
• Milano Full Leather Interior
• Advanced Key Option
• Audi Parking System Plus
• B&O Sound System
• Bluetooth Phone Interface - Standard
• Convenience Pack with Electric front seats with memory function and Electric folding, heating and auto-dimming mirrors
• Head Level Heating
• Heated Front Seats
• High Beam Assist
• Light and Rain Sensor Package (part of S-Line package) inc Auto dimming rear view mirror.
• Interior Light Pack
• Technology Pack with Sat Nav, MMI 3G and Cruise Control (not Adaptive Cruise Control)
• Tyre Pressure Monitor
• Deletion of Model and Engine from Rear

So there you have it. I've ordered with a scheduled delivery of Late May 2010.

I paid a £1000 deposit today to get the car ordered and having it on a PCP agreement.

Many thanks to all of you for your input, and fingers crossed I made the right choices!

Andy

[shmee150]

Fantastic, nice one. I can't believe how lucky you are to have that short a wait!