Focus ST Gurus.

[couzens]

Evening chaps,

Quick question on the St-3 spec...

I'm looking for an st-3 estate, I test drove one and it had Bluetooth on the steering wheel as an external switch on the steering wheel, like the cruise control.

The other ones I've looked at have had it built into the actual steering wheel.

Are the cars without it on an external switch missing something the cars with it do?

[Ron240]

Bluetooth is not on the steering wheel....maybe you are looking at the voice control button which was on right hand side of steering wheel on pre facelift models. The steering wheel buttons changed on 2015 model onwards which removed the voice control from right hand side and also removed the lever for cancel/resume for cruise control on left hand side.
Bluetooth is built into the audio system.
I've had 2 ST3's in a row both pre and post facelift, but I know nothing of any external switch you mention.

Edited by Ron240 on Sunday 3rd September 21:41

[couzens]

Its pre face-lift, the buttons for the Bluetooth where identical to the cruise control. Just on the opposite side. I've seen some with this and some without?

[Ron240]

I still think what you are looking at is the voice control lever which looks the same as cruise control but on the opposite side.
This whole thing was removed on 2015 model onwards and integrated into buttons on the steering wheel.
Bluetooth is standard and is built into the Sony DAB unit on pre facelift ST3

Edited by Ron240 on Monday 4th September 15:31

[Hub]

Cruise control isn't standard so where a car doesn't have it the phone/stereo controls might be on the other side of the wheel?

[couzens]

Yes, it was voice control, had a look at one yesterday with it. Was it an optional extra? I'm looking for one pre 2015 as they fit with my budget and prefer the looks as opposed to the face lift. However a bit thin on the ground in the spec I'm looking for!

If anyone knows anyone or thinking of selling, point me their way!

[Ron240]

couzens said:

Yes, it was voice control, had a look at one yesterday with it. Was it an optional extra?
I'm looking for one pre 2015 as they fit with my budget and prefer the looks as opposed to the face lift.

Bluetooth and voice control is standard on all models of ST3, but as stated cruise control was optional on pre facelift cars.

You prefer the looks of the pre facelift....really?
Wow....that's the first time I have ever heard that.
The facelift Mk.3 is a significant improvement in front end and interior, but the rear maybe not so much.
It also rides noticeably better with the suspension tweaks, and does not suffer from "wheel hop" like the pre facelift was prone to under certain conditions.

Edited by Ron240 on Tuesday 5th September 19:27

[Hub]

Ron240 said:

You prefer the looks of the pre facelift....really?
Wow....that's the first time I have ever heard that.

I prefer pre facelift too. Facelift front end looks good dead straight on compared to pre, but any other angle isn't better.

[Ron240]

Hub said:

I prefer pre facelift too. Facelift front end looks good dead straight on compared to pre, but any other angle isn't better.

The interior is a much nicer place to be in the facelift.
Ok just goes to prove how different we all are....but I strongly suspect if you had the choice of being given a pre facelift or a facelift ST you would not hesitate to choose the latter.

I am not biased because I do not own an ST anymore.

[Greendubber]

The shut line in the bonnet of the pre facelift is enough to keep me out of one, it's shocking.

[couzens]

Finally found a fully specced car and bought it. Only issue is the passenger scuff plate on the door sill isn't illuminating, which doesn't really bother me, but I'll sort if it's an easy fix?

[Ron240]

Failing illuminated sill plates on the ST3 was a relatively common problem on the pre facelift Mk.3, but was covered under the original manufacturer warranty. Some dealers tried to say it was classed as trim so not covered beyond first year, but it is actually electrical so covered for full 3 years.
This will probably not help you however as your car is likely to be out of warranty, but if you have bought from a dealer press them to have it repaired.
I don't believe it is a cheap fix.

[couzens]

Cheers for that, just had the trim up and all connections are intact and don't look damaged. Looks like a new scuff plate needed.