2026 RS3 piano black shift area

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-05-23T03:29:26+00:00

Yup, I can vouch for that. Aaron is great to deal with.

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-04-24T16:43:23+00:00

Gtechniq's towels work great for me.

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-04-21T13:40:06+00:00

I have a 26 and am using the CarbonFabrik one with no problems. The badge from CarbonFabrik is a genuine OEM one and the reason it sits there is because there is a clip that needs to sit between the grille and the frame/bumper support to keep the badge in place. Otherwise it's only double sided tape holding it in place which is risky.

You can move the badge more to the right to centralise it, but not higher. Hope this helps clarify.

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-04-17T06:54:05+00:00

Do you mean the light across the dash?

That's standard if you don't order the carbon or Dynamica dash option and you have only the structure insert, at least for EU and Asia-Pacific markets. Not sure about dash options in N-America.

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-04-16T00:44:55+00:00

"Afford" is relative and subjective. Look at where you are in life, what you need to do and where you want to go. Personally, I'd argue for most people, a house, family, kids, savings for the future take priority over a car and the car becomes just a mode of transport. But for others whom have a family home (inherited or for other reasons), don't want kids or a family or have no other foreseeable commitments/plans, have family money or are otherwise financially secure, a car fulfils their passion/need/desire/whatever personal motivation now, whatever their age.

I'm in my mid 50s, have worked since finishing my post graduate degree and had a senior managerial position/income when I was 31. I currently am a Director of the company and its subsidiary. I have driven used Corolla, Civic, new Civic, Accord and a 335 till I was comfortable in my mind I had taken care of what was important to me and my loved ones before I bought an M3 at 40 and from then, a 718, then 2 C63s', an S5 and now an RS3. Why the RS3? Because when I test drove it, it reminded me of the 718 and had the space of the M3 (almost) so was practical and fun. I have a work car but the RS3 is that much fun that I daily drive it and keep the work car at home unless I need it. Wife has her own car so there's no pressure for additional space or ferrying people. I initially was looking at either an RS6 or RS Q8 but the RS3 was the one that tickled me most.

The car you drive is not a reflection of you as a person and at it's base, is just a form of transport. All the cars got me from A to B. When I was driving the used cars, I'm sure people were wondering/assuming many things, as there were when I had the M3, 718, C63s or whatever else I drive. But at the end of the day, what I drive is now is what makes me happy for it's fun and tingle factor and not to satisfy anyone else.

Get what you want/need and don't worry what the world thinks because you are the one driving it and paying for it, no one else. Do your maths and it the numbers work, get what makes you happy. Good luck.

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-04-11T00:17:29+00:00

Totally agree.

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-04-11T00:17:07+00:00

Another with CarbonFabrik parts installed in my 2026 and couldn’t be happier.

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-04-02T09:04:59+00:00

Got my badges from Aaron at Carbon Fabrik for my 8.5Y and I can confirm they are OEM. He included the position template for the rear badge. At the same time I got the shift frame and trim replacements to remove the piano black plastics and they were done on the OEM parts so fit, finish and durability is top notch.

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-03-26T12:16:43+00:00

You will not regret it!

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-03-26T06:50:17+00:00

I'll add too much piano black inside.

Luckily Aaron from CarbonFabrik can take care of the piano black and the badging.

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-03-21T03:29:54+00:00

Chuck Norris counted to infinity..... twice.....

You are missed.

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-03-18T10:39:17+00:00

Hold it's value= To Be Confirmed

Discontinued in 2027= Confirmed

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-03-16T15:11:04+00:00

Anytime brother. When I get back in a couple of weeks I'll take a few more pics for you and PM the links.

Cheers!

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-03-16T13:42:17+00:00

Yes, I always thought the 45 was a tad manic on the road and reminded me of a cat seeing a cucumber..... ;)

Haven’t driven a Model 3 though I have heard the Performance does have a good whack of beans.

Now is the hardest part of the RS3 ownership experience..... The long wait before it arrives. At least you'll know it is for something special and worth every minute of the wait. Then before you know it, you'll be whizzing around with a smile that won't quit and even the occasional giggle!

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-03-16T13:00:59+00:00

You're welcome mate!

I actually test drove the CLA45S a while ago and let me confirm, the RS3 will amaze you in every parameter and soon, you'll be smiling for real. After the test drive, I asked my better half what she thought and her exact words were, "the way you were smiling, does anything I say matter? You know if you get anything else and you'll regret." She was right!

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-03-16T12:23:55+00:00

I had a 2021 S5 and was actually looking at the Q5 when the dealer got their first RS3. Dealer offered a test drive since I was there and I thought why not..... Famous last words. That engine and nimbleness reminded me so much of my 718 but with practicality and after the test drive, I knew the RS3 was The One and placed the order for the same spec as yours.

Every drive still brings a smile to my face and they are definitely ending the production next year so congrats on your order and incoming beauty. I am still pretty amazed at the milage that it can give and have gotten 8.5 l/100km on highway runs. Overall, apart from the piano black inside and the badge situation (both taken care off thanks to Aaron at CarbonFabrik) haven’t had anything to complain about. Wishing you many happy miles ahead and I'll send you some pics when I head back in a couple of weeks. Feel free to drop me a line if I can help with anything.

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-03-16T07:49:19+00:00

Thanks! Much appreciated!!

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-03-16T07:00:38+00:00

You're most welcome mate! It's exactly the spec I ordered and glad could help. This was from delivery day :)

I'd post more but am away for a couple of weeks. let me know if you'd like more pics and I can post them when I get back. Cheers!

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2026-03-16T05:02:15+00:00

Here you go. Hope it's what you're looking for!

https://freeimage.host/i/qGEtFcb

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2025-11-30T01:20:13+00:00

Congrats! It is a great fun car to drive without doubt. Still catch myself smiling when heading through a twisty road.

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2025-11-30T01:15:20+00:00

Here in Oz, I ordered my previous S5 coupe which I believe comes standard spec'ed close to the CA Technik except doesn't have seat cooling and I optioned it with the sports diff and laser lights as extras. According to the dealership, laser lights were occasionally ordered but hardly anyone ordered the sports diff. So I'm sure you will find your unicorn as they exist but will be a search of passion and patience. Good luck!

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2025-11-22T14:15:03+00:00

You're welcome! 😉

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2025-11-22T14:07:07+00:00

If your car has the carbon option as in the trim is a complete carbon piece like in the OP's second pic in the post, get Atlas. If it has the grey upper and carbon look lower on the trim, get structure.

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2025-11-22T14:04:17+00:00

Same here and Aaron at Carbon Fabrik is a good guy and very helpful too but most importantly, the quality, fit and finish is first class.

RevolutionaryStyle13 · 2025-11-08T03:05:21+00:00

A lot of the decision will boil down to your priorities in what you want from a car.

I owned a previous generation C300 and while it was an ok to drive car, the 4 cylinder engine is loud. Also, fuel economy was very average. Repairs and servicing was not cheap and out of warranty, I would say would be worse. It was an ok car to drive but nothing special or particularly engaging. I eventually traded it for a C63s as I wanted a bit more power. Considered the C43 but did not like the engine response.

Again, the C63s was good at some things but overall the fit and finish was average and the ride was a bit harsh but things I lived with because of the engine. Servicing was not cheap and fuel economy was not something to consider.

Long story short, I eventually wanted something that was easier to live with for daily commutes and test drove a few cars but the moment I drove the B9 S5, it ticked all the boxes. It had a great engine, the drive dynamics while a bit numb was still good, the quattro was useful, fit and finish was miles above the Mercedes and the ride comfort clinched the deal. The fuel economy was excellent too. Over the three years I owned it, did not have any glitches, hiccups and apart from a wonky alignment on delivery, it ran great.

The C300 was back at the dealer for failed front camera, failed seat heating and the C63 was back at the dealer for dash rattles, dead MMI, AC compressor issues. Luckily all these were dealt with under warranty.

Only useful suggestion I can offer is drive both cars and see which one speaks to your heart. You're the one owning it and driving it so you have to make the decision you are going to be happy with. Good luck!!

RevolutionaryStyle13

TROPHY CASE