With the `2001` facelift, the `S3 8L` became the version many buyers chase first: fresher presentation, more resolved setup and output raised to `225 hp`. Against a compact BMW 3 Series from the same period, it stays less demonstrative but very convincing as an all-wheel-drive compact GT. Today this phase is often the most desirable one, but also one of the most frequently modified.
The heart of the matter is the `1.8T` `BAM`, still paired with a `6-speed` manual gearbox and `Haldex`-type all-wheel drive. More urgent than the pre-facelift, this version needs an even stricter reading of the turbo, ignition system, timing-belt history, cooling system and driveline. A good `S3 8L facelift` can be very appealing, but it will not forgive vague tuning or cost-cutting maintenance.