RE: Audi S4 Avant: PH Fleet
Discussion
Muttered mumbles of disapproval from here , Mr Harris, I can tell you..
I read the Autocar road test on these when new and then immediately pulled the page out of the magazine to file it in my "Cars that you will like when they've got to 3-4 years old and thus are more affordable" drawer.
I've currently got a 10 year old Mercedes C-class 270CDI as my "warm estate" and this one was top of the list to replace it - until you started writing nice things about S4 Avants and pushed demand back up a bit. I'm not at all sure that my folly-fund will appreciate faster than you are likely boosting the market interest. Could you possibly write something more negative on your next report??
I read the Autocar road test on these when new and then immediately pulled the page out of the magazine to file it in my "Cars that you will like when they've got to 3-4 years old and thus are more affordable" drawer.
I've currently got a 10 year old Mercedes C-class 270CDI as my "warm estate" and this one was top of the list to replace it - until you started writing nice things about S4 Avants and pushed demand back up a bit. I'm not at all sure that my folly-fund will appreciate faster than you are likely boosting the market interest. Could you possibly write something more negative on your next report??
Well, I've been lurking around the forums for a couple of months now and just started posting. One thing I have noticed is that some of us PHers have a bizarre habit of splitting compound words, somewhere becomes some where, wherewithal becomes where with all, etc.
I thought I'd help redress this with a play on words here:
Ex Press Express.
I thought I'd help redress this with a play on words here:
Ex Press Express.
Clivey said:
That should be a lovely car but what a mess! Why would anyone buy a c£40k car then not bother with a boot liner when letting their dog in the back? 
Because they don't care? To me it smacks of a well-walleted owner who decided just to buy a top-spec A4 to lug the dog around.
Krikkit said:
Clivey said:
That should be a lovely car but what a mess! Why would anyone buy a c£40k car then not bother with a boot liner when letting their dog in the back?
Because they don't care? To me it smacks of a well-walleted owner who decided just to buy a top-spec A4 to lug the dog around.
Out of interest, over the past 4 Bearded Collies, I've tried every sort of 'make the car not get trashed' boot protector. Doesn't make a jot of difference... As soon as they shake the whole car gets pebble dashed. I just accept that the car will suffer and have another that the dog isn't allowed anywhere near!
...but I still need to overtake and enjoy driving, so the dog gets fast cars.
...but I still need to overtake and enjoy driving, so the dog gets fast cars.
I have just joined the forum, although I have been reading with interest for many years. I thought I would join in with this subject as I own a S4 B8 with the Revo software.
I had it done 10,000 miles ago and had no problems whatsoever. There has been no negative effect on fuel economy or any downsides which spring to mind.
I ended up with the car by accident, as I originally went out to view/test drive a B7 RS4 and although it was a very impressive car, it felt disappointingly slow, unless you ring its neck, at which point it came to life. I was looking for an everyday car with usable performance-under normal driving conditions, not something you have to drive round at 6000rpm everywhere! I saw the gleaming black S4 on the forecourt and started doing some research and discovered that Revo were almost ready to release there new software to the public, offering 410 bhp, but more importantly 540nm torque. After a test drive I bought the car as it felt far more user friendly and more modern than the RS4 but with more usable low down power, and in my opinion, a more rounded car. I will say, the RS4 did have better steering and handling, but for an everyday car, that didn't really matter to me as the S4 can hardly be described as poor..
To get to the re-map part - I finally had the car mapped and didn't immediately notice a difference when pulling away, but once I messed around with the 'drive select' putting the engine into dynamic and drove it hard, there was a huge difference, particularly above 4000 rpm where it pulls very hard indeed. For the record, I didn't get the car mapped to race around, I just felt the car was lacking a little in standard form.
I drive pretty gently most of the time, taking advantage of the extra torque, but now and again we all like to have some fun and the S4 definitely impresses. I am as open minded as the next man and appreciate all makes and models such as the M3 / C63 etc but for the money - as an all rounder - in all weather, I cant think of another car which is as rounded as the S4 for the money. With the extra bhp, you have a car with the same sort of performance as the M3/C63 for considerably less money.
So Chris, from my experience, you made a good choice. PS for those who want to see Revo's performance test figures, Google Audi S4 B8 Eurotuner, where they have published an article on the Revo software performance and development.
For anyone looking to buy the S4 - The sports diff and Drive Select are an absolute must. They transform the way the car behaves.
Sorry for the novel, I got carried away...
I had it done 10,000 miles ago and had no problems whatsoever. There has been no negative effect on fuel economy or any downsides which spring to mind.
I ended up with the car by accident, as I originally went out to view/test drive a B7 RS4 and although it was a very impressive car, it felt disappointingly slow, unless you ring its neck, at which point it came to life. I was looking for an everyday car with usable performance-under normal driving conditions, not something you have to drive round at 6000rpm everywhere! I saw the gleaming black S4 on the forecourt and started doing some research and discovered that Revo were almost ready to release there new software to the public, offering 410 bhp, but more importantly 540nm torque. After a test drive I bought the car as it felt far more user friendly and more modern than the RS4 but with more usable low down power, and in my opinion, a more rounded car. I will say, the RS4 did have better steering and handling, but for an everyday car, that didn't really matter to me as the S4 can hardly be described as poor..
To get to the re-map part - I finally had the car mapped and didn't immediately notice a difference when pulling away, but once I messed around with the 'drive select' putting the engine into dynamic and drove it hard, there was a huge difference, particularly above 4000 rpm where it pulls very hard indeed. For the record, I didn't get the car mapped to race around, I just felt the car was lacking a little in standard form.
I drive pretty gently most of the time, taking advantage of the extra torque, but now and again we all like to have some fun and the S4 definitely impresses. I am as open minded as the next man and appreciate all makes and models such as the M3 / C63 etc but for the money - as an all rounder - in all weather, I cant think of another car which is as rounded as the S4 for the money. With the extra bhp, you have a car with the same sort of performance as the M3/C63 for considerably less money.
So Chris, from my experience, you made a good choice. PS for those who want to see Revo's performance test figures, Google Audi S4 B8 Eurotuner, where they have published an article on the Revo software performance and development.
For anyone looking to buy the S4 - The sports diff and Drive Select are an absolute must. They transform the way the car behaves.
Sorry for the novel, I got carried away...
http://www.eurotuner.com/featuredvehicles/eurp_111...
Interesting stuff. I must admit I have taken a second look at the REVO offering since this discussion started. MRC tuned my B5 S4 and having watched their development with the B8 (inlcuding the MRC B8 better the REVO/Stasis B8 S4 on the strip at GTI International last year), I felt I was destined to go that way. Probably still am but I have my eyes open to alternatives.
One thing about the REVO offering that appeals to me is the ability to switch back to a stock map. I haven't confirmed if this is a true stock map or a REVO equivalent of stock, but this is useful. When my car visits the dealer, I would rather it drove like a standard car and and any measuring blocks logged reported like a standard car etc.
The REVO vbox 0-60 and 1/4 miles times are good even taking into account the 0-60 (opposed to 0-62) timing and the fact that a standard car can easilly better the Audi UK 0-62mph figures (measured with Racelogic kit). The top speed at Brunters I thought low, but perhaps not over the same distance as I am imagining.
I am after useable performance not peak numbers, but still I am not convinced +62 bhp and +35ftlb is good for a remap on the 3.0TFSI.
I want a switchable MRC map, but that does not exist.
Interesting stuff. I must admit I have taken a second look at the REVO offering since this discussion started. MRC tuned my B5 S4 and having watched their development with the B8 (inlcuding the MRC B8 better the REVO/Stasis B8 S4 on the strip at GTI International last year), I felt I was destined to go that way. Probably still am but I have my eyes open to alternatives.
One thing about the REVO offering that appeals to me is the ability to switch back to a stock map. I haven't confirmed if this is a true stock map or a REVO equivalent of stock, but this is useful. When my car visits the dealer, I would rather it drove like a standard car and and any measuring blocks logged reported like a standard car etc.
The REVO vbox 0-60 and 1/4 miles times are good even taking into account the 0-60 (opposed to 0-62) timing and the fact that a standard car can easilly better the Audi UK 0-62mph figures (measured with Racelogic kit). The top speed at Brunters I thought low, but perhaps not over the same distance as I am imagining.
I am after useable performance not peak numbers, but still I am not convinced +62 bhp and +35ftlb is good for a remap on the 3.0TFSI.
I want a switchable MRC map, but that does not exist.
At the time I had my car mapped, the only company's that were doing it were Revo or MTM with the latter producing slightly more power.
I was attracted to Revo because it was switchable and a relatively modest upgrade as I wanted to maintain reliability, and my car was still under warranty at the time, hence the option to revert back to stock appealed to me. I was told that when reverting back to stock, it is the factory setting and not their version, but don't quote me on that.
I have no doubt that there is more power available if power figures are the priority, but for me, I just wanted to improve the standard car, as ultimately, its my everyday car which I use for business. There is stage 2 options available with pulley upgrades etc, if that's your thing.
Please note: if you do go for the Revo/Stasis option, they do charge extra for the SPS Box. Also, this is a factory option in the US with Stasis which give them credibility.
At the end of the day, its personal choice and what your looking to achieve as Revo / MRC and the like all have pretty good reputations.
I was attracted to Revo because it was switchable and a relatively modest upgrade as I wanted to maintain reliability, and my car was still under warranty at the time, hence the option to revert back to stock appealed to me. I was told that when reverting back to stock, it is the factory setting and not their version, but don't quote me on that.
I have no doubt that there is more power available if power figures are the priority, but for me, I just wanted to improve the standard car, as ultimately, its my everyday car which I use for business. There is stage 2 options available with pulley upgrades etc, if that's your thing.
Please note: if you do go for the Revo/Stasis option, they do charge extra for the SPS Box. Also, this is a factory option in the US with Stasis which give them credibility.
At the end of the day, its personal choice and what your looking to achieve as Revo / MRC and the like all have pretty good reputations.
kmack said:
At the time I had my car mapped, the only company's that were doing it were Revo or MTM with the latter producing slightly more power.
I was attracted to Revo because it was switchable and a relatively modest upgrade as I wanted to maintain reliability, and my car was still under warranty at the time, hence the option to revert back to stock appealed to me. I was told that when reverting back to stock, it is the factory setting and not their version, but don't quote me on that.
I have no doubt that there is more power available if power figures are the priority, but for me, I just wanted to improve the standard car, as ultimately, its my everyday car which I use for business. There is stage 2 options available with pulley upgrades etc, if that's your thing.
Please note: if you do go for the Revo/Stasis option, they do charge extra for the SPS Box. Also, this is a factory option in the US with Stasis which give them credibility.
At the end of the day, its personal choice and what your looking to achieve as Revo / MRC and the like all have pretty good reputations.
I didn't realise the SPS was extra, it is already a very expensive remap. Did you have the SPS? If you did and you reverted the car to stock for dealer visits, was anything ever said or did you have any warranty claims in that period?I was attracted to Revo because it was switchable and a relatively modest upgrade as I wanted to maintain reliability, and my car was still under warranty at the time, hence the option to revert back to stock appealed to me. I was told that when reverting back to stock, it is the factory setting and not their version, but don't quote me on that.
I have no doubt that there is more power available if power figures are the priority, but for me, I just wanted to improve the standard car, as ultimately, its my everyday car which I use for business. There is stage 2 options available with pulley upgrades etc, if that's your thing.
Please note: if you do go for the Revo/Stasis option, they do charge extra for the SPS Box. Also, this is a factory option in the US with Stasis which give them credibility.
At the end of the day, its personal choice and what your looking to achieve as Revo / MRC and the like all have pretty good reputations.
I trust MRC to deliver as good (and safe) a power increase possible for my pounds, but I would much rather a switchable option and REVO are offering that.
GrahamC230K said:
I didn't realise the SPS was extra, it is already a very expensive remap. Did you have the SPS? If you did and you reverted the car to stock for dealer visits, was anything ever said or did you have any warranty claims in that period?
I trust MRC to deliver as good (and safe) a power increase possible for my pounds, but I would much rather a switchable option and REVO are offering that.
I didn't have the SPS box already, so had to buy that at a cost of £120 (they give me a discount)so I reverted it back to normal when it went to the dealer.I trust MRC to deliver as good (and safe) a power increase possible for my pounds, but I would much rather a switchable option and REVO are offering that.
Interestingly, I did have a warranty issue where my car developed a intermittent misfire, which was nothing to do with the re-map. They had to look into it in detail, including the ECU which did make me a little nervous at the time. It turns out it was just a failed spark plug,so Audi replaced all x6, so nothing serious. They never spotted the mapping, even though they linked my car up to the Audi diagnostic computer - direct to Germany for diagnosis.
When I got the car back, I simply re-installed the map via the SPS box with no problems.
I have to say, I was a little surprised at the cost of the Revo software at the time, which I think-from memory was officially £1200 plus £150 for the SPS box. I got the lot for £1120.00 after negotiation. MTM were charging £1500 at the time and that wasn't switchable.
Hope that helps!
kmack said:
GrahamC230K said:
I didn't realise the SPS was extra, it is already a very expensive remap. Did you have the SPS? If you did and you reverted the car to stock for dealer visits, was anything ever said or did you have any warranty claims in that period?
I trust MRC to deliver as good (and safe) a power increase possible for my pounds, but I would much rather a switchable option and REVO are offering that.
I didn't have the SPS box already, so had to buy that at a cost of £120 (they give me a discount)so I reverted it back to normal when it went to the dealer.I trust MRC to deliver as good (and safe) a power increase possible for my pounds, but I would much rather a switchable option and REVO are offering that.
Interestingly, I did have a warranty issue where my car developed a intermittent misfire, which was nothing to do with the re-map. They had to look into it in detail, including the ECU which did make me a little nervous at the time. It turns out it was just a failed spark plug,so Audi replaced all x6, so nothing serious. They never spotted the mapping, even though they linked my car up to the Audi diagnostic computer - direct to Germany for diagnosis.
When I got the car back, I simply re-installed the map via the SPS box with no problems.
I have to say, I was a little surprised at the cost of the Revo software at the time, which I think-from memory was officially £1200 plus £150 for the SPS box. I got the lot for £1120.00 after negotiation. MTM were charging £1500 at the time and that wasn't switchable.
Hope that helps!
Here's the link: http://www.goapr.co.uk/products/ecu_upgrade_30tfsi...
The ultimate stealth approach to switching maps via your cruise control stalk....really nice OE and unique.
They really are at the forefront of VAG tuning....they are based at VW Racing Milton Keynes as well as their huge US base and have outlets worldwide. They also partner VW in Germany supporting many race teams.
I run Revo on my B7 Audi which isn't switcheable but is very good and I can't fault it but I have run APR products on my previous VAG cars including their monster Stage 3 kit on my MKIV and MK5 Golf's and Stage 2 on my Edition 30.
Like MRC they really know their stuff and supplymost VAG tuners worldwide with their specifically redesigned fuel pumps which are considered best in the industry.
They appear to have some nice upgrades for the B8 S4 which may wet people's appetites!!
I'm looking to go down this road rather than E92 M3 due to the tuning for track and everyday appeal of the car. I'd use this company again due to their engineering excellence and reputation in the industry.
Edited by Msportman on Tuesday 2nd April 00:57
GrahamC230K said:
Love the APR method of switching, but the figures I have seen are very poor. The results I saw for a car with the APR map and pulley were a good margin worse that a decent stage 1 remap. On a reputable independent dyno too.
That's unusual for them.Their tuning is pretty consistant.....I don't believe in dyno lottery TBH.
I've tuned a few cars in my time and some tuning companies approach is using more boost to achieve optimum figures where APR tend to use more timing in their tuning approach matched to boost.
My stage 3 APR Golfs were consistantly over published / quoted figures and their driveability was superb as commented by VW Racing who were partnered with Revo.
Revo tuners are ex APR BTW when there was a split some years ago when Revo was formed.
APR's stage 3 in the Golf R is mindblowing as demonstrated at Combe last October.
Back to the S4 I'm interested to know whether it surpasses a RS4 ?
I want something for track and road use and I'm leaning towards a S4 with some upgrades.
Msportman said:
That's unusual for them.
Their tuning is pretty consistant.....I don't believe in dyno lottery TBH.
I've tuned a few cars in my time and some tuning companies approach is using more boost to achieve optimum figures where APR tend to use more timing in their tuning approach matched to boost.
My stage 3 APR Golfs were consistantly over published / quoted figures and their driveability was superb as commented by VW Racing who were partnered with Revo.
Revo tuners are ex APR BTW when there was a split some years ago when Revo was formed.
APR's stage 3 in the Golf R is mindblowing as demonstrated at Combe last October.
Back to the S4 I'm interested to know whether it surpasses a RS4 ?
I want something for track and road use and I'm leaning towards a S4 with some upgrades.
In response to your question whether the S4 surpasses the RS4, its a tricky one. I have driven both and they are both great cars in their own way.Their tuning is pretty consistant.....I don't believe in dyno lottery TBH.
I've tuned a few cars in my time and some tuning companies approach is using more boost to achieve optimum figures where APR tend to use more timing in their tuning approach matched to boost.
My stage 3 APR Golfs were consistantly over published / quoted figures and their driveability was superb as commented by VW Racing who were partnered with Revo.
Revo tuners are ex APR BTW when there was a split some years ago when Revo was formed.
APR's stage 3 in the Golf R is mindblowing as demonstrated at Combe last October.
Back to the S4 I'm interested to know whether it surpasses a RS4 ?
I want something for track and road use and I'm leaning towards a S4 with some upgrades.
The standard RS4 is probably a better car for track use, than a standard S4, however a modified S4 with re-map, brakes etc is probably a better all rounder. The truth is, most people spend more time on the road than track and I doubt you will be disapointed with the S4, particularly with the 'sports diff'
I can tell you that my S4 is quicker ( in a straight line ) than the RS4 which is as much down to the torque as anything else, but the RS4 in standard form was slightly sharper to drive although thats nothing that cant be sorted out with a few minor modifications.
The upside with the S4 is the more modern design / comfort / running costs etc.
You could buy one of each!
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