2018 S5 Tips & Tricks

[IJB1959]

My new exhaust valve manual controller has just arrived.............

A job for tomorrow I think.

[IJB1959]

Frankstar123 said:

Slightly off topic, a dealer has been trying to sell me a RS5 Coupe once my S5 SB ends but back seats too small, they have confirmed today that RS5 SB is coming to UK, they had preview bumpf come in today. They reckon it should be available for my lease end date March 2019. Would anyone be tempted?

Setting number 6 is much smoother than setting number 7 on the TDI box.

An RS5 SB is tempting, but IMO having driven one (coupe) it is hardly any better than the S5 with the tuning box fitted, and for an extra 20+k?......no, I'll have the RS6.

[IJB1959]

Frankstar123 said:

IJB1959 said:

An RS5 SB is tempting, but IMO having driven one (coupe) it is hardly any better than the S5 with the tuning box fitted, and for an extra 20+k?......no, I'll have the RS6.

Yeah i've been thinking this too. I'm going to test drive the RS4 Avant soon, so lets see how that goes.

If your test driving a RS4 Avant, try the RS6 straight afterwards....oh boy what a difference, you'll deffo want the RS6 but at a cost of course.

[IJB1959]

mackie1 said:

Mine is due its first service soon and I asked Audi MK if there were any updates available re engine+drivetrain software that could be applied when it goes in. They say no but I'm sure I read that Audi stopped production briefly after mine was delivered to recalibrate the drivetrain software and improve drivability and reduce gearbox hesitancy.
It seems odd that this would not be then made available to earlier cars via main dealers.

Does anyone on here know more about this? I'm sure I read that someone had an ECU update to solve an issue but I can't remember the details.

As far as I recall, there was an ECU update to address the initial acceleration lag in D mode. I have also seen on another Audi forum that the update rectifies the reported gearbox 'jerkiness' through acceleration as well.

There definitely is one as some have reported a great improvement when applied during a regular service.

[IJB1959]

TomScrut said:

mackie1 said:

Mine is due its first service soon and I asked Audi MK if there were any updates available re engine+drivetrain software that could be applied when it goes in. They say no but I'm sure I read that Audi stopped production briefly after mine was delivered to recalibrate the drivetrain software and improve drivability and reduce gearbox hesitancy.
It seems odd that this would not be then made available to earlier cars via main dealers.

Does anyone on here know more about this? I'm sure I read that someone had an ECU update to solve an issue but I can't remember the details.

Production was stopped to rehomologate emissions, nothing to do with the gearbox as far as I am aware?

Yes there is also an ECU update to improve the sometimes 'jerky' gear changes. There are more details on the Audi specific forums. I'm just coming up to my first 10k oil change service so personally have little experience or info on these reported updates other than what I have read.

[IJB1959]

JonChalk said:

IJB1959 said:

Yes there is also an ECU update to improve the sometimes 'jerky' gear changes. There are more details on the Audi specific forums. I'm just coming up to my first 10k oil change service so personally have little experience or info on these reported updates other than what I have read.

Just under 10k & still 5k from either service according to the car - if you get it done at service, let us know if it makes a difference - might ask them to do it early, before a European tour in May.

Will let you know. Drove to Spain last year and averaged 38mpg in Eco mode doing steady 70-80 mph.

[IJB1959]

IJB1959 said:

JonChalk said:

IJB1959 said:

Yes there is also an ECU update to improve the sometimes 'jerky' gear changes. There are more details on the Audi specific forums. I'm just coming up to my first 10k oil change service so personally have little experience or info on these reported updates other than what I have read.

Just under 10k & still 5k from either service according to the car - if you get it done at service, let us know if it makes a difference - might ask them to do it early, before a European tour in May.

Will let you know. Drove to Spain last year and averaged 38mpg in Eco mode doing steady 70-80 mph.

Did they price match?

[IJB1959]

So, I'm twitching again! Thinking of adding these two to my list of recent upgrades.......

https://awe-tuning.co.uk/awe-tuning-airgate-carbon... & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTkdQHMwokc

https://www.performancebyie.com/ie-audi-b9-a4-fds-...

Before anyone says it, I will be purchasing the car. Any other comments welcome.

[IJB1959]

Fourmotion said:

FordMan1 said:

My Audi Pre Sense sporadically applies break regardless of speed or location. Anyone else had this? 8 times in 8 months but once on clear M8 doing 85 which was a tad scary.

Yes, I've probably had this 12 times in the year I've had it. Just the lightest dab/stab of the brakes, but always at speeds on or under 30mph.

It invokes a bit of panic at that speed, can't imagine what it does at 85mph!

I had this once on a motorway when a pigeon flew about 6 feet in front of the car. Rather have it than not though.

[IJB1959]

mackie1 said:

TomScrut said:

Yes I don't think that's why production was stopped though?

The release said drivability improvements (i.e. higher idle in D with more torque converter drag but quicker takeup) which lead to a slightly higher overall CO2 emmisions rating. That's my understanding anyway.

The car was serviced last Friday and they were unable to find an applicable update for my car but my complaint has been reported back to Audi.

There deffo is a software update for the known lag in D drive. Friend had it done. Makes it a bit better, but not a lot. All it does appear to do is raise the idle speed like S does and uses more fuel as a result. The Audi mechanic told him it was just a 'cheap' fix update to silence hundreds of complaints, whereas a proper fix is a mechanical one costing £100's.

I have yet to have the 'update', so cannot comment on personal experience.

[IJB1959]

mackie1 said:

Interesting, I was not offered any such thing but I don't get the impression I was being fobbed off. Maybe they've decided not to offer it anymore?

Probably right. I always drive is S mode unless on long roads or motorways, so I'm not that bothered as I do not do that many miles to worry about the extra fuel cost in doing so. TBH, this issue is a poor show for a 50k performance car regardless.

[IJB1959]

TomScrut said:

IJB1959 said:

mackie1 said:

TomScrut said:

Yes I don't think that's why production was stopped though?

The release said drivability improvements (i.e. higher idle in D with more torque converter drag but quicker takeup) which lead to a slightly higher overall CO2 emmisions rating. That's my understanding anyway.

The car was serviced last Friday and they were unable to find an applicable update for my car but my complaint has been reported back to Audi.

There deffo is a software update for the known lag in D drive. Friend had it done. Makes it a bit better, but not a lot. All it does appear to do is raise the idle speed like S does and uses more fuel as a result. The Audi mechanic told him it was just a 'cheap' fix update to silence hundreds of complaints, whereas a proper fix is a mechanical one costing £100's.

I have yet to have the 'update', so cannot comment on personal experience.

Thing is, surely this must be an issue on all the other cars that use this gearbox? If the engine speed is the thing that makes it better, then surely its an issue with the torque converter (i.e. not software) which means it should be the case on other Audis, VWs, BMWs etc. rather than specific to S4 & S5?

Yes, it is an issue with all B9 models and reported on the Audi forums. The problem is mechanical and not just a software 'cheat' to increase idle speed.

[IJB1959]

simonwhite2000 said:

Exhaust pics

NICE!......they do look good with a glossy rear carbon diffuser as well (like the RS) so getting mine changed next week.

[IJB1959]

Another small change.

Carbon Fibre wrapped my rear diffuser to change it from the boring grey colour. Doing the two black 'plastic' side skirts next.

[IJB1959]

simonwhite2000 said:

IJB1959 said:

Another small change.

Carbon Fibre wrapped my rear diffuser to change it from the boring grey colour. Doing the two black 'plastic' side skirts next.

Looks really good! Not sure if it would look good with Daytona Grey though.

They do lots of other colour shades of carbon fibre too.

[IJB1959]

TomScrut said:

simonwhite2000 said:

So my car is 12 months old and at 9500 miles but no sign of a service indicator yet.
Did your cars flash up a warning or indicator? If so what mileage?

I am thinking of getting the service done asap anyway - what kind of price have you all paid?

I replied on the other thread re the miles forgot to put how much! I got a oil and inspection quote from Audi dealers at 15000 miles and 1 year and they ranged from £475 (Harrogate) to £256 ish (Hull). So it's worth shopping about.

I avoid the main stealers. Had an oil change done at a local Audi approved service centre & they updated the service record electronically for £120.00 all in. IMO they did a better job as well by checking ALL fluid levels, tyre pressures, & checked for any error codes, and even cleaned the car really well too . Also, I left the tuning box connected....no problem at all. The manager even said he would code anything (that works) for £40 if I gave him a list of tweaks I wanted!!….so obviously now working on my wish list.

[IJB1959]

Martinto8 said:

Would this be Unit 18 by any chance?

Correct!....great guys!

[IJB1959]

JonChalk said:

silentbrown said:

JonChalk said:

Following weekend to that; 4 new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S's = £679, less £100 cash back deal from Michelin = £579.

Is it really wearing rears as fast as fronts, or are you just changing so everything matches?

About a mm better off - want all 4 changed before the wet / cold weather really sets in. Lots of accelerating off roundabouts in MK!

You live in MK???...….I'm in NP.