That was one of my favourite cars of that era once I let go of the cossy dreams. I had to make do with an A3 1.8T -98 back in ~2000 but I had it remapped. That slow 1.8T 150HP engine really needed a remap to open it up. Never got around buying the S3 225. I jumped on the GTI train with the amazing MKV, then the MKVI ED35 and now I'm on the MKVII CS which I intend to keep (had it since new).
Mate I went from a 1.8T stage one A3 into a stage one S3 and at first I was disappointed with the first impressions didn't really feel any faster if anything slightly slower but the handling and grip from the S3 is outstanding once you have a feel for driving the S3
@@richiec9077 The K03’s kick hard and often make the K04’s with extra Quattro weight feel unimpressive. Same with 140 vs 170 TDI’s, the smaller turbo hits hard!
My friend bought one of these 6 years ago for £3000, it was in great condition too. We discovered it was running 280bhp with a decat, and was a quick little car, quite subtle, and still felt tight. It did go wrong, a lot, and my friend spent thousands trying to trace the source of the issues. Great car but they are getting old now, so expect problems.
I own a black S3 8l with the original wheels. I've had it 13 years with no major issues. I had a over boosting issue (max pressure exceeded) which turned out to be a split vacuum pipe.
I’ve always liked these; they a rare sight on here roads these days. I much prefer them in the 18’s opposed to the 17’s. An uncle had one back in 2003; a high spec one in silver with 18’s, nav etc. he never liked it though so it didn’t hang around long.
just got my mk5 gti back from a new head clutch flywheel starter motor and retuned. it runs like a new baby! it left my with a tear this evening hearing her spool up! 300hp is all she needs!
Interesting to see how these have tracked (£) in comparison to the MK4 R32 since launch. The R32 was made in less numbers I guess but always preferred the S3 personally, wide body makes it for me. Have seen lots being broken for parts over recent years which is a shame. Not really in the spirit of a modern classic but I like them with a VRT, best of both worlds. (there’s a great build thread on the VR6 section of Clubgti)
Very nice car! That dash and front (other than the seats) reminds me of my 52 plate Leon Cupra which I had for 15 years and it lasted really well. Looking forward to seeing you work your magic. Can't imagine the air conditioning is without issues!
I watched your road test of the green AMD S3 a few months ago and it got me thinking...It would be good company for my MK2 Golf GTI. It's a shame about the rust in the roof gutters though. I expect that is difficult to remedy if it isn't caught early enough. The MK1 S3 looks like a car that values are steadily rising if bought wisely....I best not ponder too long!
I had one of these… please please… remove the lower door blades on both sides… replace the screws! These corrode… and rust the bottom of both doors! I know they corrode else where arches/rear plinth/roof gutters… but it’s worth doing!
I’ve finally jumped on the mk5 gti 2005 axx running stage 2 280bhp with miltek full turbo back non res and. A ram air oversize intake I plan to upgrade the fmic fuel pump next as I’m considering a ko4 swap so would be great ground work. I’m also adding lots of s3 suspension arms and wishbones as their lighter with better geometry and bushings over stock.
Lovely old cars I owned one for 9 years & spent an absolute fortune on it. I ended up with nearly 400hp before I broke it for parts :( There was not a nut or bolt that me or my mechanic friend hadn’t turned. For the first 5 years every time it went up on a ramp I got a huge list! It was not until we fully rebuilt it that it became semi reliable. Would I do it again? Hell yes 👍🏽
I've got to say I've been enjoying your videos. I drive a cupra, so a cousin to the golfs you show, similar enough to draw info on part of the same platform. Channels a good watch on my breaks at work. Just thought I'd give a positive shout to you. S3 was the original goal car for me. Ended up in Seats due to my budgets. Not far off a Golf R or new S3 if I wanted but prefer the cupra stylings.
When a Cars been painted What I look for is fish eyes in the paint or unusual orange peel texture, we found a 21 plate BMW M 340i that had gotten a full repaint for some reason, ended up a grade 5
Yes Kostas, I am so glad Ross Tech made this software, had it for nearly 20 years now. Saved me so much cost and hassle. Dealers wanted £70 for diagnostic and more to fix fault, if you had VCDS you could diagnose AND FIX it for less than £70 often. Big respect to Uwe!
Was excited to see you pick one of these up, always liked the flared arch stance on the 8L S3. Interested to hear your opinion on how the 8P S3 compares.
Thanks JB. Had a brief drive of the green one Audi UK own in 2020 and liked it a lot but hope to get to know this one more. If an 8P comes along I will do a comparison video but 8L's wide arches give it a massive advantage in specialness ;)
Genuinely gave me all manor of flash backs and ptsd hearing the word N75 valve again. I’ve owned way to many 20vt cars 😂 that looks like a stunning example Andrew 👍🏼
I’ve got one of these in silver 53 plate had it nearly 10 years now it was a bit of a pig when I bought it 59 thousand miles full history 7000 pound and it’s just done 100 thousand I’ve had bilstein b8 shocks super sprint exhaust tt pedals badger 5 v2 intake pipe forge silicone hoses forge 008 diverter valve pipercross panel filter 2liter coil conversion kit and more and it still brings a smile to my face everyday but recently found out you can’t get replacement wings now none in England or Germany according to tps so it’s either find some on eBay or it’s carbon fibre time from ILR or muecke fibreglass from offset autohaus will probably keep her for a couple more years then find me a nice 8v rs3 in nardo or white I’m not keen on the inside of the new ones but I do like the look of the outside . Thanks for the videos keep it up merry Christmas to you and everyone
Is an Audi S3 really a Modern Classic? To me a modern classic is something like a Mitsubishi Evo ,Subaru Impreza ,Nissan GTR,Escort Cosworth. Take the badges off one of these S3's and most wouldn't even know what they are looking at as it just looks like a run of the mill A3. Yet take the badges off the cars i just mentioned and most would still recognise them by their iconic looks.
Its in beautiful condition for its age ,definitely a modern classic. Got the koni sport dampers and springs on my 2001 mk4 golf gti, it's also running 300bhp. Owned for 18years definitely my pride and joy.
i had a nice mk1 s3 condition wise but always had boost issue and split hoses replaced so much and still never resolved 1.8t 20v imo not the best engines, body wise though the car was mint and i sold it cheap really which i regret even if it didnt always boost correctly, think it was my wastegate actuater
Nice car!, got one myself but currently off the road, 1st and 2nd gear selector broken (same issue as Edd China sorted on Audi TT/Wheeler Dealers a few yrs ago) Just need to get round to fixing it, this may inspire me! Interesting to see if you get all the usual issues I've had over the yrs with it.
I really like this honest opinion of a modern classic. Lots of helpful informed tips on known issues with the car instead of a rose tinted viewpoint. I look forward to seeing more of this type of content!
Love the original S3 Andrew. I had two - Y reg 210 and an 02 225. No problems and 60,000 happy miles done! Never mapped though so that could be a first when you come to sell!…
Great result, Andrew! Glad you managed to source a nice one after S3 MTM twisted your arm 😉Think I need to check the N75 valve on my Mk5 GTI as the boost really isn’t what it should be…
Really enjoy these videos, keep up the good work! I have a 2004 Leon Cupra R with the BAM engine - such a peach of an engine and the emap opens it up beautifully. The LCR definitely is a cheaper alternative and (in my humble opinion) a better looking car.
I remember AMD in Bicester ... I was there in 2004 getting my silver Golf V5 re mapped and a Miltek put on ... I was delighted with the 15 extra BHP it gave me ... are they even still around ?
One more thing I’m sure those engines max out at 280-285bhp without changing the turbo and it still has the factory air box I wouldn’t think it’s making more than 265bhp
Aren't those K03s not known for cracking around the wastegate flapper? Causing a loss of boost eventually? My K03 on the s4 b5 cracked like crazy, even went as far outside of the housing.
I love mine when it works. Just gone over 216k and seem to be fixing alot of things on it now but dont want to get rid as it does give me a smile when i drive it
u must feel pretty good right now i would love for that to happen to me . i buy a car its slow then find a wire i need to fix and then the car is fast would love that experience to happen to me. such an easy fix.
Lovely looking cars, and this one looks to be in good nick! Reminds me I have a set of those genuine mirrors lying around in the loft that I need to get rid of!
It depends how long it's been running like that, low boost and too much fuel due to not warming up means the exhaust gas will have been dirty and the turbo won't have got hot enough to burn it off. I'd first replace the thermostat, change the oil, get it warm and give it an Italian tune up i.e. drive it hard right through the rev range, that should do the trick! Otherwise it's turbo off but I think that's unlikely.
i love mine, but iv had to spend alot on it to get it right as the previous owner dont some bad damage. but, it is a great car, and solid now iv done most of the work. puts a smile on my face everytime i drive it hahaa ;)
Watch the TT restoration on my channel Andrew we covered many BAM common issues I’d start by replacing all the vac lines and pcv hoses immediately as you very well know they perish you just look at them funny and they break!
Another brilliant video! And, subject. I come here for all things VW and Audi (and the odd treat exotic - think Porsche) and I’m never, ever disappointed! Terrific commentary, subject and for me….the free education and nous! Many thanks!!
Well spotted! Brought it in to work ot wash as got stuck on bridleway that was clay mud, couldn't even roll the bike along as mud just jammed the wheels so had to lift it and it was up hill too! Bit of abuse of a classic but I just love riding it, had it restored last year. I am the original owner.
That was one of my favourite cars of that era once I let go of the cossy dreams. I had to make do with an A3 1.8T -98 back in ~2000 but I had it remapped. That slow 1.8T 150HP engine really needed a remap to open it up. Never got around buying the S3 225. I jumped on the GTI train with the amazing MKV, then the MKVI ED35 and now I'm on the MKVII CS which I intend to keep (had it since new).
Mate I went from a 1.8T stage one A3 into a stage one S3 and at first I was disappointed with the first impressions didn't really feel any faster if anything slightly slower but the handling and grip from the S3 is outstanding once you have a feel for driving the S3
@@richiec9077 The K03’s kick hard and often make the K04’s with extra Quattro weight feel unimpressive.
Same with 140 vs 170 TDI’s, the smaller turbo hits hard!
My friend bought one of these 6 years ago for £3000, it was in great condition too.
We discovered it was running 280bhp with a decat, and was a quick little car, quite subtle, and still felt tight.
It did go wrong, a lot, and my friend spent thousands trying to trace the source of the issues.
Great car but they are getting old now, so expect problems.
I own a black S3 8l with the original wheels. I've had it 13 years with no major issues. I had a over boosting issue (max pressure exceeded) which turned out to be a split vacuum pipe.
I think there's a wrap you can get to accompany a new silicone-hose, which should last a long time....
I’ve always liked these; they a rare sight on here roads these days.
I much prefer them in the 18’s opposed to the 17’s. An uncle had one back in 2003; a high spec one in silver with 18’s, nav etc. he never liked it though so it didn’t hang around long.
just got my mk5 gti back from a new head clutch flywheel starter motor and retuned. it runs like a new baby! it left my with a tear this evening hearing her spool up! 300hp is all she needs!
A mate had the roof done on his S3 and I had to get my 25 Anniversary golf done. Fortunately 10 years ago it was a warranty job.
Interesting to see how these have tracked (£) in comparison to the MK4 R32 since launch. The R32 was made in less numbers I guess but always preferred the S3 personally, wide body makes it for me.
Have seen lots being broken for parts over recent years which is a shame.
Not really in the spirit of a modern classic but I like them with a VRT, best of both worlds. (there’s a great build thread on the VR6 section of Clubgti)
Very nice car! That dash and front (other than the seats) reminds me of my 52 plate Leon Cupra which I had for 15 years and it lasted really well. Looking forward to seeing you work your magic. Can't imagine the air conditioning is without issues!
I watched your road test of the green AMD S3 a few months ago and it got me thinking...It would be good company for my MK2 Golf GTI.
It's a shame about the rust in the roof gutters though. I expect that is difficult to remedy if it isn't caught early enough.
The MK1 S3 looks like a car that values are steadily rising if bought wisely....I best not ponder too long!
I had one of these… please please… remove the lower door blades on both sides… replace the screws! These corrode… and rust the bottom of both doors! I know they corrode else where arches/rear plinth/roof gutters… but it’s worth doing!
I know what you mean and yes I will do that, thanks for heads up!
I’ve finally jumped on the mk5 gti 2005 axx running stage 2 280bhp with miltek full turbo back non res and. A ram air oversize intake I plan to upgrade the fmic fuel pump next as I’m considering a ko4 swap so would be great ground work. I’m also adding lots of s3 suspension arms and wishbones as their lighter with better geometry and bushings over stock.
Lovely old cars
I owned one for 9 years & spent an absolute fortune on it.
I ended up with nearly 400hp before I broke it for parts :(
There was not a nut or bolt that me or my mechanic friend hadn’t turned.
For the first 5 years every time it went up on a ramp I got a huge list!
It was not until we fully rebuilt it that it became semi reliable.
Would I do it again?
Hell yes 👍🏽
What colour?
I'm in the process of rebuilding mine now. Been a nightmare reliability wise up to how haha
I've got to say I've been enjoying your videos. I drive a cupra, so a cousin to the golfs you show, similar enough to draw info on part of the same platform.
Channels a good watch on my breaks at work. Just thought I'd give a positive shout to you.
S3 was the original goal car for me. Ended up in Seats due to my budgets. Not far off a Golf R or new S3 if I wanted but prefer the cupra stylings.
When a Cars been painted
What I look for is fish eyes in the paint or unusual orange peel texture, we found a 21 plate BMW M 340i that had gotten a full repaint for some reason, ended up a grade 5
Those bam engines are a cracking motor for their age ... a work colleague had an immaculate mk1 leon cupra with one a few years ago
Good old vag com logging on a 20vt ! It brings back memories !
I think this S3 was only a 5V, but I know what you mean...classic times👌....
5v on the engine cover means 5v per cylinder so you are both right!
Yes Kostas, I am so glad Ross Tech made this software, had it for nearly 20 years now. Saved me so much cost and hassle. Dealers wanted £70 for diagnostic and more to fix fault, if you had VCDS you could diagnose AND FIX it for less than £70 often.
Big respect to Uwe!
Recently bought my dream audi! B5 S4 Avant in cactus green! Absolutely love it.
Was excited to see you pick one of these up, always liked the flared arch stance on the 8L S3. Interested to hear your opinion on how the 8P S3 compares.
Thanks JB. Had a brief drive of the green one Audi UK own in 2020 and liked it a lot but hope to get to know this one more. If an 8P comes along I will do a comparison video but 8L's wide arches give it a massive advantage in specialness ;)
8P two door is ugly compared with a 8L in my opinion
Genuinely gave me all manor of flash backs and ptsd hearing the word N75 valve again. I’ve owned way to many 20vt cars 😂 that looks like a stunning example Andrew 👍🏼
I’ve got one of these in silver 53 plate had it nearly 10 years now it was a bit of a pig when I bought it 59 thousand miles full history 7000 pound and it’s just done 100 thousand I’ve had bilstein b8 shocks super sprint exhaust tt pedals badger 5 v2 intake pipe forge silicone hoses forge 008 diverter valve pipercross panel filter 2liter coil conversion kit and more and it still brings a smile to my face everyday but recently found out you can’t get replacement wings now none in England or Germany according to tps so it’s either find some on eBay or it’s carbon fibre time from ILR or muecke fibreglass from offset autohaus will probably keep her for a couple more years then find me a nice 8v rs3 in nardo or white I’m not keen on the inside of the new ones but I do like the look of the outside . Thanks for the videos keep it up merry Christmas to you and everyone
Have you thought about having the wings restored by a classic car restorer - meaning new metal not filler btw!
@@andybarber225 I have thought about it but it would probably be just as expensive as finding a decent one off eBay plus I drive it daily for work
This was my first 1 year old Audi S3 diamond black facelift after my MK4 R32 . Followed by Audi S3s and now MK
8 GTI.
Is an Audi S3 really a Modern Classic?
To me a modern classic is something like a Mitsubishi Evo ,Subaru Impreza ,Nissan GTR,Escort Cosworth. Take the badges off one of these S3's and most wouldn't even know what they are looking at as it just looks like a run of the mill A3. Yet take the badges off the cars i just mentioned and most would still recognise them by their iconic looks.
Its in beautiful condition for its age ,definitely a modern classic. Got the koni sport dampers and springs on my 2001 mk4 golf gti, it's also running 300bhp. Owned for 18years definitely my pride and joy.
Lol
i had a nice mk1 s3 condition wise but always had boost issue and split hoses replaced so much and still never resolved 1.8t 20v imo not the best engines, body wise though the car was mint and i sold it cheap really which i regret even if it didnt always boost correctly, think it was my wastegate actuater
Nice car!, got one myself but currently off the road, 1st and 2nd gear selector broken (same issue as Edd China sorted on Audi TT/Wheeler Dealers a few yrs ago) Just need to get round to fixing it, this may inspire me! Interesting to see if you get all the usual issues I've had over the yrs with it.
I really like this honest opinion of a modern classic. Lots of helpful informed tips on known issues with the car instead of a rose tinted viewpoint. I look forward to seeing more of this type of content!
Love the original S3 Andrew. I had two - Y reg 210 and an 02 225. No problems and 60,000 happy miles done! Never mapped though so that could be a first when you come to sell!…
Ooh and the OEM RS4 wheels standard option from 02 are an absolute MUST IMO !
Great result, Andrew! Glad you managed to source a nice one after S3 MTM twisted your arm 😉Think I need to check the N75 valve on my Mk5 GTI as the boost really isn’t what it should be…
UMMMM ive built a fair few of these engines and will say 300 on a Ko4 is a wee bit on the optimistic side my old friend !!!!!!
Yea should be around 260bhp for a stage one
the way it "flew" up to 40mph, and stayed there, "AMAZING" 😉😉😉😉😉😉
Really enjoy these videos, keep up the good work! I have a 2004 Leon Cupra R with the BAM engine - such a peach of an engine and the emap opens it up beautifully. The LCR definitely is a cheaper alternative and (in my humble opinion) a better looking car.
I agree I've also got a MK1 Cupra R. SEAT got it bang on, fantastic cars.
I remember AMD in Bicester ... I was there in 2004 getting my silver Golf V5 re mapped and a Miltek put on ... I was delighted with the 15 extra BHP it gave me ... are they even still around ?
Yes me too wasn’t it Mike Devine & Chris Everett … maybe that was when they were at Odington
One more thing I’m sure those engines max out at 280-285bhp without changing the turbo and it still has the factory air box I wouldn’t think it’s making more than 265bhp
Aren't those K03s not known for cracking around the wastegate flapper? Causing a loss of boost eventually? My K03 on the s4 b5 cracked like crazy, even went as far outside of the housing.
These have a K04...
I love mine when it works. Just gone over 216k and seem to be fixing alot of things on it now but dont want to get rid as it does give me a smile when i drive it
9:07
I like how you have tape over the webcam.
So am not the only paranoid person then mind you, I have tape on my iPhone too! Hehe
Great video and looks like a nice example. I'm on my fourth 8L S3 and it's my daily driver, look after them, which is cheap enough and they are great!
Please can you do a video for checking for boost leaks as this is quite common problem on the 8L platform
I've just started looking for a S3, love to hear of a low mileage cars available.
I feel like my s3 has these problems. Will definately look into these
Still a good looking car for its age
I had to make do with the 1.8T at the time but it gave me a lot of enjoyment.
Lovely Jubbly, for its age and mileage it looks very tidy, a few jobs tidying it up and it's a good one.
u must feel pretty good right now i would love for that to happen to me . i buy a car its slow then find a wire i need to fix and then the car is fast would love that experience to happen to me. such an easy fix.
Lovely looking cars, and this one looks to be in good nick! Reminds me I have a set of those genuine mirrors lying around in the loft that I need to get rid of!
Might the turbo have a lot of carbon within it, causing turbo issues? Can you clean it, with it in situ?
It depends how long it's been running like that, low boost and too much fuel due to not warming up means the exhaust gas will have been dirty and the turbo won't have got hot enough to burn it off. I'd first replace the thermostat, change the oil, get it warm and give it an Italian tune up i.e. drive it hard right through the rev range, that should do the trick! Otherwise it's turbo off but I think that's unlikely.
i love mine, but iv had to spend alot on it to get it right as the previous owner dont some bad damage. but, it is a great car, and solid now iv done most of the work. puts a smile on my face everytime i drive it hahaa ;)
Andrew Please let me loose on the s3 😎 I wanna make that paint new again!
8L S3 content! 😻. I’m on my third one running 320bhp. 👍
Nice one Joe!!
2:40 Nice Alan Partridge reference 👌
🙌🏻
What would you prefer the mk1 s3 or a Leon cupra r 225.? I’ve liked the Leon since they came out in 2004. Good looking car.
Cupra R is cool especially as it’s front wheel drive and got 225 HP but s3 has wide arches so that makes it even cooler
Interesting stuff....you sure know your VAG products Andrew.👍
The seats are clean. That’s definitely the correct mileage. It’s a clean car in general
I ran one of these for a while - loved it!
Watch the TT restoration on my channel Andrew we covered many BAM common issues I’d start by replacing all the vac lines and pcv hoses immediately as you very well know they perish you just look at them funny and they break!
Is the bumper on the GTS a different colour to the body?
A great video Andy, this my second favourite car from that time from VW/Audi, the mk4 R32 being first.
Stage 1 should be around 250-260bhp
Another brilliant video! And, subject. I come here for all things VW and Audi (and the odd treat exotic - think Porsche) and I’m never, ever disappointed! Terrific commentary, subject and for me….the free education and nous! Many thanks!!
Hi Andrew,really interesting S3 video. Would love to see more with perhaps a service feature etc .
Love this type of content fault finding and fixing ..
Love my Ming blue S3 8l. The best expensive mistake I have ever made.
Jus came across this channel after watching the porsche video. Keep up the great content
Thanks, will do!
A nice car with potential - a modern classic? Wonder if you're going to sell that or keep it!
My favourite Audi, no doubt.
I miss my imola yellow 8L S3 facelift. Biggest mistake selling it
A proper mtb in the background.. klein Attitude Comp!
Well spotted! Brought it in to work ot wash as got stuck on bridleway that was clay mud, couldn't even roll the bike along as mud just jammed the wheels so had to lift it and it was up hill too! Bit of abuse of a classic but I just love riding it, had it restored last year. I am the original owner.
@@volkswizard original owner, brilliant. Keep it maintained and it will last you a lifetime. Quality bike, quality car!
Loved watching this, and can’t wait to see more content on it 👍🏻 fancy helping me sort mine out too 😂
Great car! Really enjoyed this video love the diagnostics !
Great car Andrew - love these 🤘
hello can i contact with you about cooperation
Good video with great content look forward to seeing more update on this car.
Hi Andrew I know this is a bit cheeky but how much would you charge to change a water pump for a skoda Octavia vrs on a 16plate .
Big mistake swappimg the wheels 🤨
It was done in 2003 so times and tastes were different then
@@volkswizard very true , at least you can still pick up a set of originals.
great content ,i enjoyed it...
I was looking at these before I started the mk1tt project which has the same engine
Whoop
I'd like to see a 90s seat car on the channel because they are very forgotten
Class 👍
Thanks Dave👍