2018 S5 Tips & Tricks

[IJB1959]

simonwhite2000 said:

Those with tuning boxes who are you insured with?

A-Plan, I have multiple policies with them though, power boat, motorhome, van, and 2 other cars.

[simonwhite2000]

IJB1959 said:

simonwhite2000 said:

Those with tuning boxes who are you insured with?

A-Plan, I have multiple policies with them though, power boat, motorhome, van, and 2 other cars.

Gave them a call but they won't insure me with my Liverpool postcode. Had a crack on the phone with the fella though. He wasn't having it when I said I live in a posh area of Liverpool.

[18ME]

IJB1959 said:

simonwhite2000 said:

Those with tuning boxes who are you insured with?

A-Plan, I have multiple policies with them though, power boat, motorhome, van, and 2 other cars.

POWER BOAT?

Where do you live but more importantly where is our invite? 😉

[18ME]

18ME said:

IJB1959 said:

simonwhite2000 said:

Those with tuning boxes who are you insured with?

A-Plan, I have multiple policies with them though, power boat, motorhome, van, and 2 other cars.

POWER BOAT?

Where do you live but more importantly where is our invite? ??

We have a very nice JCW with a pro exhaust and I'll let you play with the Bluetooth switch if you let us loos in the power boat👍

[IJB1959]

18ME said:

18ME said:

IJB1959 said:

simonwhite2000 said:

Those with tuning boxes who are you insured with?

A-Plan, I have multiple policies with them though, power boat, motorhome, van, and 2 other cars.

POWER BOAT?

Where do you live but more importantly where is our invite? ??

We have a very nice JCW with a pro exhaust and I'll let you play with the Bluetooth switch if you let us loos in the power boat??

Sadly it doesn't come out often due to crap English weather. If you have a wet suit and can water ski, your welcome to try it out!

[simonwhite2000]

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?

[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.

[Darren-b]

Does anyone know if the drive select option impacts damping? I swear I notice a difference in ride firmness when I choose various options. I didn't spec any extras apart from VC.

Thanks

[simonwhite2000]

IJB1959 said:

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.

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.

[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.

[Fourmotion]

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?

[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+

[silentbrown]

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?

The software's certainly not free, but it's usually bundled with the cable. Here's the entry-level package from an official distributor.

https://www.gendan.co.uk/product_VCV23.html

VCDS is developed by a US company here : http://www.ross-tech.com/index.html

There are other cheap tools like Carista that allow you to make selected tweaks via ODB from a smartphone with a OBD2 to Bluetooth adapter. http://www.caristaapp.com/

[Fourmotion]

silentbrown said:

The software's certainly not free, but it's usually bundled with the cable. Here's the entry-level package from an official distributor.

https://www.gendan.co.uk/product_VCV23.html

VCDS is developed by a US company here : http://www.ross-tech.com/index.html

There are other cheap tools like Carista that allow you to make selected tweaks via ODB from a smartphone with a OBD2 to Bluetooth adapter. http://www.caristaapp.com/

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...

[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

[silentbrown]

IJB1959 said:

Costs £500..00+

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..

[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

[xjay1337]

IJB1959 said:

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.

Edited by IJB1959 on Wednesday 17th May 13:19

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.

[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

[Fourmotion]

IJB1959 said:

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

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 !