FAQ: Audi R8 Introduction and Road Map to R8Talk.com

[desperado]

R8Talk has grown. A few subjects come up over and over, but the answers can be a little hard to find unless you know what to search for. Let this thread be your introduction and road map to our community and to a few of the most commonly discussed subjects among the denizens of this Audi R8 "Virtual Garage" called R8Talk.

If you have suggestions for additions or changes to this FAQ, please post them in the FAQ Suggestion Box thread.

1. Getting Started
R8Talk etiquette and forum usage

• Welcome! We are justifiably proud of the quality of the conversation here on R8Talk, and we are glad you chose to join us. We look forward to your contributions! New Members of R8Talk are encouraged to please Introduce Yourself. We'd also like to hear why you chose your User Name! Finally, if you haven't already done so, please add your geographic location to your Profile. Here's Why You Should, and How to Do So. (Note, this is now mandatory for new member signups.)
• Forum Index: Most of you found us using search. To find ALL the available areas on R8Talk.com, please visit the Forum Index Page.
• Forum Conduct: Be polite. The active forum membership is dominated by R8 owners and those serious about owning an R8. The discussion stays civil and each member is expected to always be considerate of and value others' opinions, even when they differ from your own. We intend to keep it that way, so please respect our community. All posts should be made with the same respect for our members as if you were in the same room with us having a polite but spirited face-to-face conversation. And we are a little old fashioned here, so please save the off-color remarks for the Playboy forum! Please review the Announcements which include the Forum Rules (there are a few more rules here), and the Commercial Use Policy. Also read the Terms of Use.
• Search is your friend; use it often. The Search drop down menu is located right of center in the full-width menu bar at the top of every page. In that menu there is a native Search box and a Google Custom Search box. Each supports slightly different search syntax and returns slightly different results, so try them both. The Advanced Search works best when you know just what you are looking for.
• Set a Signature: Use the User Control Panel to edit your Signature so readers can immediately associate your online persona with the content of your posts. I also recommend setting notification for new Private Messages ON (it's on the Edit Options page) so other members can reach you privately when appropriate.
• Advanced Editor: Quick Reply is convenient, but I suggest you use the the Advanced Editor for all but a quick note. Click the "Go Advanced" button to access additional toolbars to help make your posts and signature more visually interesting. Learn a little BB Code and really look like a pro!
• Posting Photos: Use the Gallery to upload your photos to your own Member Gallery, then click the Insert Images button in the editor to place the photos into your post. The easiest way to do this is to copy the Direct Link code shown in the Gallery under your photo, and paste it into the Insert Images dialog box. When posting photos it helps to have two windows or tabs open - one with the post editor and another with the Gallery or other site containing your photos. And please be polite to those with slow connections when Inserting Images by only inserting Medium size photos, not extra large or full resolution images.
• The Garage: Link your photos to your car's description in the Garage to show off your ride.

2. Ordering an R8?
Here are a few threads to get you started with your research:

• Audi R8 Order Guides
• What did you choose for colours inside and out?
• Deposit...Specification...Delivery Dates
• What specification would you want Audi R8 Team to consider for immediate production
• Tracking the Progress of Your Ordered R8

3. R-tronic Automated Manual Transmission FAQ
There is a lot of discussion (and quite a bit of mis-understanding) in the press and many questions on R8Talk about the R-tronic transmission in the Audi R8. Here are a few facts about the manual and R-tronic transmission options to jump start your understanding. Use search to find the many, many threads on R8Talk which discuss all aspects of the R-tronic. This is a good thread to start with.

• The manual and the R-tronic are identical transmissions, they just have different actuating mechanisms.
• While there is no clutch pedal, the R-tronic is NOT an automatic transmission in the traditional sense. To be reasonably smooth it needs to be driven like a manual, with active driver involvement in throttle management. It takes drivers new to the R8 some time to get comfortable with this, just like it takes time to get comfortable with the coordination involved in driving a manual. By all accounts, going through this learning process is well worth your time!
• There have been some significant revisions to the shifting software in the last year or so, so the auto mode is now much improved over the cars available to the automotive press when the R8 was introduced. Even so, the full-auto mode is there when you need it but don't expect it to shift as smoothly as an Audi A8.
• The R-tronic is NOT a Tip-tronic transmission (paddle-shifted torque-converter automatic). The R-tronic is NOT a S-tronic (DSG, similar to Porsche's PDK) transmission (fully automated manual with two separate clutches running in an oil bath). Instead, it has a single clutch (with two dry plates) and is in all respects a conventional manual transmission, only it's equipped with electro-hydraulic shifting actuators and clutch actuator. This sounds like symantics, but the difference is important in understanding what to expect and not expect from the R-tronic.
• Both transmissions are equipped with the identical two-plate dry clutch, but the R-tronic includes a clutch position sensor (which can be read by the dealer as an approximate indication of clutch wear) while the manual does not.
• No, the manual is not difficult to shift with that big aluminum gate! While not the quickest manual shifter ever developed, most manual owners get quite a bit of satisfaction from the process of clicking through the gears. And it is one of the smoothest shifting transmissions you will experience. Occasional adjustment of the shift linkage by your dealer's service department can be necessary if the shifting becomes notchy or difficult. Often times a difficult shift into reverse is the first indicator that adjustment is required.
• There is no right or wrong transmission choice. Which one you choose for your R8 is purely personal preference.

4. Audi R8 Quirks
There are a few questions asked by most new owners.

• Front Tires Scrubbing at Full Lock: This is a normal consequence of the R8's version of the quattro all-wheel drive system. It is more pronounced at low temperatures. However, it doesn't hurt to verify that your power steering fluid is at the proper level. If the symptom occurs at other than full lock, ask your dealer to check the shock absorbers (dampers) and the rest of the suspension for proper function. [Suggested Search terms: Judder; Shudder; Scrub]
• "Add a Quart/Litre of Oil" message comes on frequently on a new car: It is normal for a new car to use quite a bit of oil until the engine is fully broken in. We advise carrying a litre of oil in the vehicle for topping up when the message appears, as the special VW/Audi spec oil is not always commonly available.
• Front brakes squealing loudly in city driving: This is not normal, but it is not unheard of either... [Suggested Search term: Brake Squeal; Brake Noise]
• Delivery Mileage: There are normally quite a few miles on the odometer at delivery, typically ranging from 40-140 miles. You can read why here.
• Control Buttons at base of shifter: It's not unusual to accidentally operate the control buttons at the base of the shifter if you hold your hand too low.

5. Upgrades, How-To & DIY Articles
Please visit our R8Talk Supporting Vendors FIRST for all your OEM and Aftermarket accessory needs!

• How to bed-in Audi Carbon Ceramic Brakes
• Disconnect Exhaust Valve so Always Open
• DIY Oil Change
• Jacking the R8 (There are a number of other useful threads on lifting the R8, use search to find them.)
• Using VAG-COM Diagnostics
• Installing a built-in radar detector
• Installing Carbon Fiber Mirror Housings & DIY: Installing Carbon Fiber Mirror Housings
• Changing the Side Blades
• Brake Cooling Scoops (Ducts)
• Accessing the Brake Fluid Reservoir
• TPMS Sensor Help (Tire Pressure Management System)
• Brake Bleeder Systems
• Measuring Exhaust Sound Level
• How to Retrofit Cruise Control
• V10 Clutch in a V8 Drivetrain
• Available Tires & OEMPlus Wheel Knowledgebase & A Couple of Useful (software) Tools for Wheel/Tire fitting
• Exhaust Forum The many Aftermarket Exhaust discussions have recently been brought together in one place.
• Brakes: Braided Brake Lines vs Brake Fluid vs Brake Pads There's lots of additional info and even some controversy - try Searching on Brake Disc, Brake Rotor, Tracking R8, etc.
• Installation of Recaro Pole Position Seats & Question about Sport Seats & Questions about racing seats
• PPI Roll Hoop & PPI Roll Hoop Install Issues

6. The Audi R8 ownership experience

• New Member Introductions
• The looks and stares...
• Looking for an owners manual?
• Audi R8 Screensaver

7. Buying Used?
Here are some suggested threads to get you started with your research:

• Why an R8?
• Is the R8 an old car now?
• Why I may still buy an R8...
• Discounts on R8 (includes some auction data)
  
  Model Year differences:
• Audi R8 Order Guides
• 2011 Model Year Options and Pricing
• 2009 Model Year changes
• What differences in the model years?
  
  Maintenance & Reliability:
• Search on "Clutch Life"

8. Commercial messages

• The R8Talk forum is a commercial venture owned by AutoGuide.com. Posting advertising for your products or business, including in your signature, requires prior permission from the site owners. See the Commercial Use Policy in the Announcements for more detail. If you are interested in Advertising on the forum pages, or in becoming a Supporting Vendor of R8Talk, please contact the site owners. (Your moderators are Audi R8 owners & enthusiasts who volunteer their time to help maintain this website, but we do not determine or administer the commercial aspects.)

If you have suggestions for additions or changes to this FAQ, please post them in the FAQ Suggestion Box thread.