2018 S5 Tips & Tricks

[IJB1959]

NickA555 said:

I also had it on mine when I was taking my lad to footy training on Tuesday evening. Once I got back in the car after training it was working fine so sounds like a stop/restart of the car should be enough for now...until Audi provide a solution!

Need to look out for this, if everyone elses does this then so should mine, but not noticed this as yet.

[IJB1959]

adyzaky said:

Any updates on the TDI chip? Keen to hear your thoughts

TDI Chip update so far........
I will for the benefit of anyone considering a TDI unit publish a comprehensive appraisal which will take a little time, but for now I have installed the chip which took about 10 minutes to complete. There are a few 'watch points', but I will cover these later. My thoughts so far are positive, quicker off the line and whereas I was getting an average of 21mpg, it has now gone up to 24mpg. For those of you who like more sound, yes it does sound a bit louder but not a great deal louder. There are a number of performance settings (1-7) all of which I need to test out, but so far all the above mentioned has been on number 4.





One thing I will mention as I'm sure someone will ask.......yes, did try number 7 (AKA ballistic mode) for a little bit, and yep foot down I had to hang on as it scrabbled for traction on a gritted country lane. I tried this on normal unleaded and it was 'pinking' a bit so switched back to number 4. A quick call to TDI and was told to use premium unleaded for this mode, not tried that yet but I'm sure they are right a this resolved someone else's same issue. 5 & 6 yet to try.

Edited by IJB1959 on Thursday 13th April 11:17

[IJB1959]

PorkInsider said:

Interesting stuff!

How many miles have you put on the car so far?

I've done just over 800 miles now. Seems to improve with the mileage. Will have more to report after Easter and a few extra miles in different modes and fuel types. Setting 7 has some great potential, but probably costly in using premium fuel. TDI Tuning have asked me and another chap who has an S5 with the TDI box fitted to have the boxes internal mapping 'tweaked' to our requirements FOC if we want, and provide feedback in doing so. Means a trip to TDI though. That's good service. I may ask for setting 7 to run on normal unleaded and see what they come up with, probably will be less than the current 408hp showing on their dyno though.

[IJB1959]

simonwhite2000 said:

Eagerly awaiting a full review....

From the sounds of it it's a worthy upgrade. What was the TDi stance on if this flags TD1?

Will answer two questions/comment at once. Fuel consumption is better on setting 4, above that we will have to see as no doubt most will hit the 7 and shut the hood. Checked the ECU with VAG-COM (old version but still shows TD1 and clears errors) as I wondered if the 'pinking' in setting 7 logged some errors, and also as I initially put a turbo boost 2 harness plug on the wrong way round and got an engine Start/Stop error logged which I had to clear. Glad to say, no errors other than the one I created by mistake, and when unplugged had no TD1 flag. So far so good.

[IJB1959]

Stupot123 said:

For the fuel use calculation you would need to do a brim to brim, but if your putting in more fuel to generate more power it's now using more fuel.

A tuning box isn't like a proper remap where it's smoothing out spikes in the power delivery or changing peramiters for fuel quality therefor making the engine produce more power by being more efficient.

A tuning box intercepts the signals from the ecu and ups them so that the car puts in more fuel/ups the boost, delete as appropriate, some do more than others. The onboard trip computer will not now be giving an accurate reading as the ecu doesn't know that the signal it's putting out has been tampered with so it's fuel calculation is now wrong.

Your quite right, I need to do a 'brim to brim' to test properly, and as mentioned all this takes time. I am just giving my early impressions at the moment from the information I have. I would also agree that a tuning box is second to a ECU re-map for the reasons you mention, but as the interested parties on here are lease owners, this is out of the question. With regard to fuel saving the jury is still out, but unless you know how exactly the fuel use is actually calculated with this new engine the inaccuracy comment is purely presumptuous.

[IJB1959]

simonwhite2000 said:

Chatted with TDi on live chat about TD1 code, this was the response;


Kevin Cottis says:
Hello Simon. My name is Kevin Cottis how can I help you?
Simon says:
Hi Kevin, just got a 2017 Audi S5 coupe and am looking at your tuning box for 649
Simon says:
what is the situation with it flagging a TD1 code when at the dealer
Kevin Cottis says:
These boxes are plug & play, we would recommned that prior to any warranty work at the dealer the box is removed as it leaves on imprint on the ECU.
Simon says:
so even if i remove it before it goes to the dealer, they will see something on the ECU
Kevin Cottis says:
No once removed they cannot see any trace on the ECU. This is big advantage over a re-map which is a permanent change of the ECU settings
Simon says:
Yeah, I had a Golf R before and went for a JB1 instead of a REVO map for this reason
Simon says:
ok, well someone on the Audi S5 forum just got one and fitted it today so im waiting on his feedback and then if he gives it a good write up ill buy one
Kevin Cottis says:
Ok Simon, make a note of my name and we look forward to hearing from you

As I mentioned, when I unplugged it and checked there was no ECU trace.

[IJB1959]

PorkInsider said:

So is it completely untraceable then, or would there still be data recorded somewhere which shows higher boost levels (for example) than a standard map would allow?

Nope, nothing. No trace at all. Thinking of getting one for your M4??

[IJB1959]

silentbrown said:

"No trace" as long as...
a: you don't go posting all over the internet about what you've done,
b: you remember to remove it whenever it goes for service/repairs
c: you tell your OH to remove it if they ever need to call Audi Roadside Assistance... (usually in the dark, when it's raining and they've just had a manicure..)
d: Audi don't use anything more sophisticated than VAG-COM to inspect ECU logs.

If I owned the car myself I'd definitely take a punt on one, but the potential for major financial pain from the leasing co would make it a step too far.

Everyone to their own opinion on these. I have used them before on lease cars with no issues at servicing, warranty repairs, and when returned, so for me I am confident that it is worth the money. You may reconsider when my results and others are published though.

[IJB1959]

A funny thing discussing these tuning boxes. I remember the last one I had and posted it on an MB forum like this, and it was always tried to be debunked one way or another. Later on the same people had secretly bought one and praised it on other MB forums I saw. Don't understand it, but anyway this forum appears to be more objective so more info to follow shortly......

[IJB1959]

Mrjww88 said:

Great write up on the TDI Tubing box. Has anyone thought about doing any exhaust mods yet?

Also on a side note. I noticed the tuning box on TDI Tuning for the s5 is around £670 but for an rs3 its £380. How does that one work out?

Edited by Mrjww88 on Friday 14th April 17:35

Edited by Mrjww88 on Friday 14th April 17:35

TDI box for S5 is dual channel, RS3 is single channel. S5 TDI Tuning box should retail at £649.00.

[IJB1959]

Here is a copy of an interesting email I received from TDI tuning..........

Hi Ian

I’m going to Audi this weekend to pick up my Wife’s new S1 , we have been told by the sales team that it requires running on super unleaded all of the time to reach the quoted power from Audi. They have advised if we run normal unleaded the power from Audi will be nothing like the quoted figure. Having worked for Huddersfield Audi for 6 years previous to this job it was noted to all S and RS owners to get the maximum out of the car only super unleaded should be used. I will read the handbook once I have it and see what it states in there.

Have a good Easter weekend and I look forward to updating you on my experience of the S1 with our tuning kit fitted.


Kind Regards,

Stuart Hill - Manager
TDI Tuning Ltd
Unit 2
Kestrel Court Block C
Kestrel Road
Trafford Park
Manchester
M17 1SF
United Kingdom

Edited by IJB1959 on Saturday 15th April 12:40

[IJB1959]

Ved said:

Highly tuned turbo charged cars should be on the best fuel. All my performance cars have drank 99RON and that goes as much for GTFours, Subaru's and it'll be the case for my S4 when it arrives. I doubt 95 will hurt a modern engine but it won't run at full power for sure. Maybe a rolling road day with identical cars would be an interesting test.

Yep, makes sense doesn't it. To run an S4/S5 as the manufacturer intended then you must account for the 99RON extra fuel cost in doing so before buying one. I just filled up on 99 fuel and it ain't cheap! Tried running on standard fuel and it does reduce performance. With regard to the TDI chip I'm testing, anything less than 99 doesn't work as it should.

Edited by IJB1959 on Saturday 15th April 18:48

[IJB1959]

dufflecoat said:

Running mine in Tesco 99 exclusively. Will let you know how I go.

Would be interesting to know what MPG you get with 99 against regular. If the engine runs better/more efficient on 99, then it should cover the extra cost at least and maybe more. Could be one reason why some are getting poor MPG??

[IJB1959]

Now having run the TDI tuning box over the Easter weekend, here's what I have found......

Everyone drives different, therefore I can only give you my personal opinion and findings regarding any fuel savings. Short of spending a fortune on fuel and racking up the miles for each setting, I have worked out a set route driving in the same manner and running on 99RON fuel on each setting.

Cost
Expensive at £649.00, but moderate driving on the default setting 4, I recon it should pay for itself in time. If you want a removable performance upgrade that does the job it is worth every penny. The S5 is a fast car, but can go a LOT faster and sound a LOT better for £649.00.

Fuel
The box will only run properly using 99RON fuel especially on any setting after 4. On setting 4 I worked out that I had saved roughly 10% in fuel, setting 5 is about 7%, setting 6 5% & 7 about the same as without. Push it hard in any of these though and your on a minus for sure.

Performance.
The box certainly makes a noticeable difference to acceleration on setting 4 (default 399bhp) with a enhanced exhaust note. Up the settings and there is a notable difference to sound and performance. Setting 6 is best IMHO with a 0-62 IRO 4.0 seconds (rough timing), with smooth and very strong acceleration and great sound with some pops and bangs included! Had a race on setting 6 with a 2017 RS3 (20mph rolling start) on an empty stretch of dual carriageway and he could not overtake, even fading back in the distance a little at about 100mph. Setting 7 is a bit too twitchy for my liking so best left on no 6. I have to say that you are getting near RS performance in mode 6, and it is an absolute blast believe me....you'll love it!!

Things to Note
Only use 99RON fuel as mentioned otherwise it will not run correctly.
When plugging in harness make sure plug labels face the same way (PM me for photos).
Engine diagram of RPM plug is not very clear, so PM me for better photo.

Conclusion
Wow....get one.

Insurance
Stays the same for me anyway,but best check first before you buy one.

I'm in no doubt that someone will pull this to pieces with all sorts of 'expert' opinion etc etc.........well I don't give a sh*t to be honest, just get one and find out for yourself to see what I'm talking about.

Just to add also, unplugged it after doing about 200 miles and checked the ECU with VCDS. Nothing, no trace at all, and no errors logged.

Edited by IJB1959 on Tuesday 18th April 17:03

[IJB1959]

silentbrown said:

Would be good to check that via brim-to-brim figures, rather than the trip computer...

I'm not 100% sure how the S5 measures consumption, but it's often calculated by the ECU according to the injector timing and fuel pressures. Tuning boxes fool the ECU into thinking the pressure is lower than it actually is, so there's more fuel going into the engine than the ECU realises.

Fuel levels were always checked with a measured amount of fuel put in for a known journey that returned less mpg on standard. Not 100 % accurate but a good indication. 'Brim to brim' x 7 was out of the question.

[IJB1959]

simonwhite2000 said:

A great write up - thank you for letting us all know how its going.
Small part of me was hoping you would not be all that impressed thus saving me 649 quid. On the flip side it sounds like the performance is a noticeable step up!

Yep, know what you mean. But it is quite impressive, more than I expected TBH.

[IJB1959]

jabadwy said:

Not sure what you mean single vs dual channel....he said S5 uses SENT - digital and Golf has analogue sensors or something to that affect

As I I understand it, there are two processors rather than one which provides a faster tuning response.

[IJB1959]

18ME said:

So you're pleased with it then

I think it would be a great idea to have your car as the demo for the tdi chip so that we can all try your car out before we buy one

Is the sound louder on all drive select settings or just dynamic or only when you put your foot down and is it that noticeable in a good way?

When asking the insurance company what do you say it is and what questions do they ask? I've only had one car in the past that I've told the insurance company as it had a remap, exhaust and racing cats but others that had just the exhaust done I've not bothered.

Happy to give anyone a go if you are around Milton Keynes. The exhaust note is louder when accelerating with some 'pop's & bangs' in mode 6 & 7 and when in dynamic or auto mode and sounds great. Otherwise it's much the same but with a 'throatier' tone to it. I informed the insurance company that I had installed a plug in tuning device, and gave them the item details via email. They just noted this on the policy after speaking to the underwriters.

[IJB1959]

adyzaky said:

Do the tunning boxes start to work less and less over time or is that just hogwash?

I think that's a myth.

[IJB1959]

Philvrs said:

Smoked rear lights, not usually a thing i like, but i like them here.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...

Hmmmm, not sure. Would need to see it in the flesh.