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From YourSITE.com Technical Features It has only been two weeks since our introduction of this new-age pocket rocket project series and things are starting to move along. Future plans are being formed. More importantly, we’re actually making some progress with our first installation report.
For those who don’t know, OEM+ is the use of OEM factory parts to accentuate the look and performance of the car and personalize it while maintaining that “could-be-factory” look. These subtle changes in the grand scheme of things can make a big impact and draw that little bit of attention from folks who might otherwise look past the A3. The little things can end up being the most appreciated, though whether we stick heavily to the OEM+ theme remains to be seen. For now, it’s certainly an attractive direction in which to start the journey. So this is where it starts. I’ve always been a fan of the aluminum mirrors used on Audi’s S and RS cars to set them apart from their daily counterparts. Although this is not an S3, I knew the car needed some of that Audi “S” heritage to pay respect to their sporting nature. So the project had its first task to be completed - find the “my first mod.” With good access to the parts counter at Audi North Scottsdale, we first checked the US parts supply for a set of these great-looking mirrors. However, availability was limited and it appeared as if we’d be in for a wait, so we turned to a purveyor of European parts located across the pond – VAGParts.com. Surfing the VAGParts.com website, we found a wide range of parts, from stuff for B2 and B3 models to the newest Audis like our A3. Amongst the many interesting bits and pieces were polished mirrors listed for the S3. Inquiring with Martyn at VAGParts.com, we learned that the older S3 mirrors wouldn’t fit. The newer A3 (known as 8P inside Audi) uses the same mirrors as the B6 and B7 A4/S4 models. VAGParts had the mirrors in stock and an order was placed. Roughly a week later, the mirrors arrived, straight off the boat, plane or whatever other mode of transport moved it from the UK to sunny AZ.
There was one snag. When the mirrors arrived, we learned they were finished plastic, and not actual aluminum. Doing a little research, we learned that Audi made the mirrors of aluminum up until midway through the 2003 model year. After that point, a switch was made to plastic. Whether or not all Audis have been switched we do not know, but the mirrors we received were of the plastic variety. Still, the price from VAGParts was very good, so there’s no complaint here. Nick, a Certified Audi Technician at Audi North Scottsdale offered a hand at installation. With his talented hand, the process took all of ten minutes to install both mirrors with 100% OEM fitment. It’s an easy install though, and while it may not take you as little as ten minutes, a casual owner shouldn’t find much difficulty performing the install. The factory glass and motors were retained, which made the install even easier. The process required the removal of two screws from the base of the mirror, removal of the glass, and the undoing of a few tabs to pop off the housing. Nick had never done this before but looked at the recommended Audi instructions for the proper procedure. Everything came apart and fit back together very nicely, as was intended. Step 1: remove mirror, pull mirror out from outside. Pull on left of left mirror or right of right mirror. Unplug heater connector. Step 2: remove 2 screws at bottom of mirror, they hold on the black lower trim. Remove trim piece. Step 3: remove painted mirror housing towards front of car, bottom first, then upwards. Step 4: install new chrome mirror cover in reverse order. It will take a little fineness to get cover on, just use some patience. Step 5: reinstall mirror glass, not forgetting the heater wires. Press in middle of glass to clip on. Step 6: enjoy new mirrors J clean mirror glass and cover with Windex for the bling bling look. Project A3 DSG now looks a bit flashier with original OEM S4 mirrors and it accents the the interior door pulls and aluminum trim perfectly. For some, the investment for a purely cosmetic modification may not be worth it. It’s really up to what you want. Personally, we love the look.
Related Links Project A3 DSG Main Page VAGParts.com Audi North Scottsdale
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