2018 S5 Tips & Tricks

[IJB1959]

simonwhite2000 said:

How are people getting on with the tuning boxes?

I still intend to buy once i sort insurance.

Does the tdi box just push more fuel into the engine or does it control boost etc?

Still using mine and working fine, sort of got used to the extra power and acceleration now, where at first is was quite a novelty.

The box essentially controls RMP & twin scroll boost.

[IJB1959]

simonwhite2000 said:

Thanks mate. I notice the DTUK box is now up for sale 50 quid less and 0% finance giving similar power etc. Downside is have to fit it yourself.
Assume the DTUK works in just the same way and is likely pretty much the same thing.

I would imagine so, but have not seen it TBH. I can only report on the TDI box (the devil you know & all that) and it works very well. You also have the option to 'tweak' the mapping to your taste, and re-program it for another car.

[IJB1959]

Fourmotion said:

I've looked around at VCDS but I'll admit I'm a little stumped.

Is the software free, but you need to buy the cable? Is the software inclusive of diagnostics and the ability to make changes, or does that require another piece of software?

VCDS is 'sort of ' free but you need the appropriate cable and subscription. Costs £500..00+

[IJB1959]

Fourmotion said:

Thanks both. Looks like Carista is diagnostic only for the B9 platform.

But that cable with software does everything I need, so will likely go for it. Just need to source an old laptop to use...

At the moment I only have the VCDS B8 software & cable, but will have to update this at some point as there are some interesting tweaks that can be done. He is something interesting I stumbled upon from another Audi site (if you don't have the lane assist option), and as the S5 has pre-sense:

Coding for turning on Audi Active Lane Assist (all cars with pre sense)

Here is the coding and adaptations that I used to activate Audi Active Lane Assist, I am not making any promises or assuming responsibility, code at your own risk, But it worked perfectly for me. I do get a few faults but I think it is due to me trying to activate Traffic Sign Recognition. UPDATE: Unchecking the option for STA in A5 coding (Byte 16->Bit 5) and you will no longer get the congestion assist fault code.

You will get a few bings from your car about Pre Sense Malfunction, these will all go away once you are done. This will activate the self steering, steering wheel vibration, and lane crossing warning. Do all the coding then do adaptations.

If using OBDEleven use all the directions only on the left half of the "|" symbol, if using VCDS use all the directions on the right side of the "|".

UPDATE:
Security codes:
A5- 20103

ALL Coding:

A5 - Frt Sens. Drv. Assist
HC>Active | Byte 16>Bit 7
EFP>Active | Byte 12>Bit 3

17 - Dash Board EDIT:
Lane Assistant>Active | Byte 4>Bit 6
Lane Change Assistant>Active | Byte 5>Bit 3 - This should only be on if you have Audi Side Assist (blind spot monitor).

09 - Central Electrics
Heading Control Config>heading_control | Byte 35>Bit 0

44 - Steering Assistance
Heading Control Assistant>Active | Byte 2>Bit 7


ALL ADAPTATIONS:

5F - Information Electronics

Car_Function_Adaptations_Gen2>menu_display_Lane_De parture_Warning = Set Value to “Activated”

Car_Function_Adaptations_Gen2>menu_display_Lane_De parture_Warning_over_threshold_high = Set Value to “Activated”

Car_Function_List_BAP_Gen2>LDW_HCA_0x19> Set Value to “Activated”

Car_Function_List_BAP_Gen2-LDW_HCA_0x19_msg_bus> Set Value to “Terminal 15”

A5 - Frt Sens. Drv. Assist

BAP Personalization = Set Value to “Not Activated”

Personalization of lane dept. warning Cl. 15 on = Set value to “Last Setting”

System mode, lane depart. warn, = Set Value to “Selection via menu”

Switch-on condition, lane depart. warn. = Set value to “On” (I had to toggle this as this is the final step that I believe mimics pressing the button to actually activate it. You know it was successful when the Lane markings show up in the VC)

You can tweak the vibration intensity, warning time, and steering effort in these A5 adaptations:

UPDATE

Directional stabilization assist driver inact deactiv threshold (3 options)

Directional stab. assist.: intensity: steering wheel vibration (3 options)

Directional stab. assist.: intensity: power steering support (3 options)

Another thing I want to do is enable the lock/unlock beeps using VCDS.

Edited by IJB1959 on Wednesday 17th May 10:54

[IJB1959]

silentbrown said:

You can spend that much, but they now have cheaper entry-level versions from £225. Can be used to read any number of vehicles, but mods are restricted to three or ten different VINs.

The audi-sport forum has a list of members who have VCDS and are happy to use it on other members cars. Worth a look..

It's a minefield to be wary of. There is a lot of cheap crap (normally Chinese) out there that does not work properly, if at all. Mess it up and you can literally brick your car. As the saying goes, you pay ur money you take your choice.
Like silentbrown suggests.....try and get someone who knows what they are doing if you can using the correct software and cable.

If you really want to go for it here is a trustworthy VCDS seller with two buying options: https://www.gendan.co.uk/vcds-hex-usb-can.php?gcli...

Go for option 1 unless you intend to share it a lot.

Edited by IJB1959 on Wednesday 17th May 13:26

[IJB1959]

xjay1337 said:

That's not really true. I have non genuine VCDS software and have done for about 5 years and it's never bricked anyone cars and I've coded & scanned 100s of cars.
The only thing it lacks is updated libraries for MY2013 onwards stuff. But most of my work is on the A5 platform of car (Golf Mk5, Audi A3, Seat Leon/Altea etc) so not a problem.

It works perfectly with the B8 platform of Audi vehicle as well.

Rosstech have changed it up recently and now offer 3, 10 or unlimited VIN activation products as I guess they are wanting to monetise it more.
Your best bet would be a second hand genuine HEX+CAN cable as they will be subject to life time updates although I believe updates are either soon to be stopped or have recently been stopped as they move onto the new HEXNET stuff.

I think you misunderstood me. I was saying that there is a lot of crap out there to be wary of if you do not know what to purchase (for 1st timers) that's all. I am not suggesting that non genuine VCDS does not work fine as long as you know what you are buying. I have heard of cheap HEX cables being sold and damaging the ECU beyond repair. I was directing Fourmotion to a genuine VCDS seller as I know there are no issues with them and is a safe bet.

Edited by IJB1959 on Wednesday 17th May 14:45

[IJB1959]

Fourmotion said:

I appreciate the discussion chaps, thank you for the help. I have an Octavia too, so the genuine cable at £225 seems the best option. Makes it half price if you use it on two cars right...

Now to research the coding capabilities !

The VCV23 @£225.00 is the latest version for S5 B9 (with the F5 chassis) will operate up to 3 VIN's. Will work on your Octavia too!

Coding lists for the S5 B9 are hard to find at the moment as it is so new, but there are lots for the B8.5 at the moment. I would suspect the published B8.5 common coding lists are very similar, but DOUBLE check first (to be sure) before applying any changes.

Edited by IJB1959 on Thursday 18th May 12:59

[IJB1959]

dufflecoat said:

Hello All,

Due to an enourmous mixup I have ended up with two sets of Roof Bars for my S5 Sportback, so I have a set for sale. Brand New Audi items with receipt, never fitted and comes with manual and box etc. I paid £250 for them from my local dealer, and they are available online here for £226 delivered. http://www.audipartsdirect.co.uk/product/Audi_A5_S...

I would like £200 plus delivery or can be collected from Sheffield. Any interest before I ebay them?

I have a friend with a Coupe who may be interested (I think they still fit, but will double check). Before I ask, are they Aero ones, or are they the wind noisy square ones?

[IJB1959]

dufflecoat said:

Open to offers email me

How did you end up with two??

[IJB1959]

Mrjww88 said:

So I have found the first video of a Milltek Exhaust. Its for the S4 but practically the same car. Once its released for the S5 I will be biying. I personally think it sounds great.

https://youtu.be/RHpc3muhNDc

Yes, does sound really good. I wonder if the S4 system is the same as S5 but with some extra adjustment allowed for?...maybe worth asking. Cost wise I would guess about £1200.00. What do you recon?

[IJB1959]

dufflecoat said:

Roofbars now on eBay. Will do a deal for ph to avoid fees/postage etc.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/142388938987

Unfortunately, my mate wanted the Aero ones to reduce drag & wind noise....seems a bit odd when you are putting 3 bikes on top and driving 1500 miles, but there you go. Perhaps he will be leaving them on whilst away on holiday? Good luck selling anyway.

[IJB1959]

Mrjww88 said:

I had a look and starting point is around £1800, not cheap.

The exhaust doesn't sound overly shouty and maintains that sweet noise which i guess is what you are paying for. Enhancing what is already there. I find the Armytrix and IPE exhausts to be rather chavvy, in my opinion however i'm sure would be much louder and more costly.

Wow, £1800.00 is a pricey mod. I wonder what the race version sounds like.

[IJB1959]

TomScrut said:

Has anyone grown to like the steering on their S5? Everything I have driven since has felt like its heavier for the sake of being heavier not because it offered any more feel or connection to the road. In fairness they were both SUVs though.

I have never disliked it from the outset TBH. So many people moan about the 'disconnect' from the road, but for me I prefer it. The only thing I have a problem with is the start-stop system being on by default....I HATE IT!! as soon as I find the coding I will reverse it to off by default.

[IJB1959]

TomScrut said:

Just the lumbar area

Yes, it's nothing to get excited about though.

[IJB1959]

dufflecoat said:

Morning.

Dont hold out much hope for my ebay auction as car is so new. Probably going to wedge them in cellar for a year until more cars on road and there is a market. If anyone wants them for £150 let me know.

Will Audi not take them back with a re-stocking charge?

[IJB1959]

Just looked into the fitting brackets online for the Thule ones I have. They fit B8, B8.5 & B9, so I would then assume that the Audi ones have the same fitment (two pegs under the door rubber)? if that is the case then you have a lot more advertising scope.

[IJB1959]

dufflecoat said:

Interesting, Yes pegs under rubber do you have a link? The Audi part code says A5 Sportback only.

Audi delivered the first set broken, they sent a new set and told me to "bin first set" as written off. I spent £50 on new locks/keys to fix them so am keeping those and selling the new replacements.

https://roofracks.co.uk/Thule-Fit-Guide/_-/?make=Audi&model=A5&type=5-door-Sportback&modelYear=2009-plus&id=18
Check out the fitting instructions .PDF

[IJB1959]

dufflecoat said:

Thanks, seems to be same but I would have to try them on an older car.

Yes, they look exactly the same 'peg' fitting, but best double check. You don't want any bad eBay feedback.

[IJB1959]

Electronicpants said:

I was reading another thread on another forum about an exhaust valve mod, not something I'm going to do myself, but it has left me a little confused as to exactly when the exhaust is in "full bore noisy as" mode.

I thought if you had the exhaust in Dynamic, either by going into Dynamic on the drive select or by setting the exhaust to dynamic in individual mode, then it was "all guns blazing".

But, it appears it's not.

When you go into dynamic via drive select, it also puts the car into "sport" (S on the gear numbers) this has you holding gears longer, and you get the full noise with pops etc, but if you nudge the gear leaver back it goes back to drive (D on the gear numbers), so your still in dynamic, but not in S mode....with me so far. So this is like when your in individual mode with the gears changing up normally, but with a louder exhaust, but not "full tonk"!

So it seems like the only way to have the exhaust in "ride of the Valkyries mode" is to be in sport and dynamic exhaust mode (dynamic exhaust via, "auto", "dynamic" or "individual" drive mode).

The thread... http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/s5-exhaust-va...

Anyone else noticed this?

I don't want to seem smug, but this was always the case for me from day one. You can use S in any other mode as well.

[IJB1959]

TomScrut said:

I agree with most of this other than I find the tyre noise (Hankooks) way better than I got on the Golf. Just how quiet it is in general apart from engine is great in comparison.

I agree with Tom, having driven one with Continentals, Hankooks are much quieter. Mine came with Hankooks, but there is still far better out there IMO.