Advice on going from B8 to B8.5 (by way of SQ5)

[BillyG]

Hey guys,

I recently traded in my 2010 B8 for a 2015 SQ5. As nice as the SQ is, I miss my B8 6MT terribly. Life is too short to not enjoy every second of driving, so I'm considering grabbing a lightly used or even ordering a new B8.5, and letting the wife have the SQ (which she loves).

I know that there are a handful of people here who have gone from a B8 to B8.5. I'm hoping to pick your brains and get any advice that you have.


Some concerns are:

The change from hydraulic to electronic steering (is the driver assist package with dynamic steering a must?)

I recall reading here that the B8.5s aftermarket ECU tunes aren't as successful as in B8s. I was stage 2 APR and loved that. Will I be less satisfied tuning a B8.5?


Any other thoughts will be appreciated,
Thanks!

[booost]

I think you may be better off tuning a B8.5 due to the E85 compatibility and higher gains you can get when using it.

Edit: whoops posted in the wrong forum..

[Brozee]

I think you may be better off tuning a B8.5 due to the E85 compatibility and higher gains you can get when using it.


Sent from my iPhone 6 using Tapatalk

B8.5 is only E85 compatible with the A5's engine variant. He had an S4 with the 3.0T which is not E85 compatible with just a tune. Big mistake getting the SQ5 to replace the S4! Nice car, but re-purchase an S4 or S5 now that you have a grocery getter and get back to enjoying life!

As for the dynamic steering, that simply isn't needed especially if you put on coilovers, have those features are gone, add exhaust - another feature gone, simply VCDS (vag-com) the steering like I did.

[KarimS3]

The change from hydraulic to electronic steering (is the driver assist package with dynamic steering a must?)



Yes. I got a chance to drive a '14 S4 with dynamic steering and imo it is more important than sport diff. The steering ratio is so short that it completely changes the character of the car.

[EMAXX]

With the new 2015, you also have to go Prestige Package to get the full dynamic steering. With just the Prem +, it doesn't actually change the steering ratio.

[blueberryjones]

MY2014+ have a different ecu code than previous years which caused some initial problems (low hp/tq numbers, etc). Fortunately GIAC with their v2 tune and Revo (also maybe Unitronic but not sure), appear to have addressed the issue and the MY2014s+ are now putting down similar (or better) numbers and 1/4 times as the B8s. APR has been silent throughout the whole ordeal so best advice would be to avoid them until they update their tune accordingly.

[KarimS3]

With the new 2015, you also have to go Prestige Package to get the full dynamic steering. With just the Prem +, it doesn't actually change the steering ratio.

That's correct, drive select in non 'dynamic steering' cars only changes the steering weight.

[Dr GP]

I have gone from a 2010 to a 2014 and back to a 2011. As far as the steering is concerned, I have not noticed a SIGNIFICANT difference in steering. As I recall, the 2013 models were the first with the electronic steering. Many complained about it and Audi did come up with a TSB to fix it. I suggest you drive a 2015 with sport dif. Play with the steering settings. I would be surprised if you had issues since you can customise the setting in the "individual" setting.

[OnEaNgRyBuNnY]

With the new 2015, you also have to go Prestige Package to get the full dynamic steering. With just the Prem +, it doesn't actually change the steering ratio.

So you're saying the VAG tweak only changes the boost to the power steering?


MY2014+ have a different ecu code than previous years which caused some initial problems (low hp/tq numbers, etc). Fortunately GIAC with their v2 tune and Revo (also maybe Unitronic but not sure), appear to have addressed the issue and the MY2014s+ are now putting down similar (or better) numbers and 1/4 times as the B8s. APR has been silent throughout the whole ordeal so best advice would be to avoid them until they update their tune accordingly.

Are you talking specifically about the '14+ or any facelifted B8.5? Is there a reason to go with the 2014+ over the rest of the B8.5s? I'm in a similar boat as the OP in that I've tested all the competition I'd be willing to consider and I've pretty much made up my mind on the S4. It seems to personify the driving experience more than any of the rest and yet is relatively just as nice. Like what BMW's non-M lineup used to be. Now its just a matter of deciding what I need, what I want, and finding the CPO S4 that matches.

[SteveYem]

I have gone from a 2010 to a 2014 and back to a 2011. As far as the steering is concerned, I have not noticed a SIGNIFICANT difference in steering. As I recall, the 2013 models were the first with the electronic steering. Many complained about it and Audi did come up with a TSB to fix it. I suggest you drive a 2015 with sport dif. Play with the steering settings. I would be surprised if you had issues since you can customise the setting in the "individual" setting.

My MY2015 has a steering issue for sure. There is a weird 'detent' feeling near top dead center. The steering wheel doesnt want to stay there and sort of slips from side to side from top dead center. My alignment is OK (camber is a bit out of spec on the negative side due to being lowered), but left and right toe are right in the middle of OEM spec range, so I am confident it's not an alignment issue causing the weird steering feel. It's clear to me that the steering assist doesn't quite know what to do with the wheel in that position. I'll be demanding my dealer to address it next month at my 5k oil change service.

Other than steering, I am happy with my trade from B8 to B8.5.

[blueberryjones]

Are you talking specifically about the '14+ or any facelifted B8.5? Is there a reason to go with the 2014+ over the rest of the B8.5s? I'm in a similar boat as the OP in that I've tested all the competition I'd be willing to consider and I've pretty much made up my mind on the S4. It seems to personify the driving experience more than any of the rest and yet is relatively just as nice. Like what BMW's non-M lineup used to be. Now its just a matter of deciding what I need, what I want, and finding the CPO S4 that matches.

As far as what as been reported by GIAC, the MY2013 has the same ecu code as the B8's, as thus have not experienced the same issues as the MY2014s+. It is all anecdotal evidence, but there have been a couple of guys on here with stg II MY2014s+ claiming to pull a bit harder than compared to other stgII B8.5/B8's. But again I'd imagine they are pretty much the same across the board.

[chaos2984]

I love my B8.5 I have a P+ I have the sports diff and i have the electronic steering. I don't notice any issues with mine. I love the steering and the sports diff. They feel great together. Yes the true dynamic steering would be nice but i don't think is really needed. I think that type of steering will be more pronounced on a track than on the streets. I think if you go with a P+ with a sports diff you will be happy.

[Dr GP]

I love my B8.5 I have a P+ I have the sports diff and i have the electronic steering. I don't notice any issues with mine. I love the steering and the sports diff. They feel great together. Yes the true dynamic steering would be nice but i don't think is really needed. I think that type of steering will be more pronounced on a track than on the streets. I think if you go with a P+ with a sports diff you will be happy.

You do realize there is no difference between the steering in a Prem+ and a Prestige. And you can option out a prem + to match a Prestige almost exactly. Only option not available on a Prem+ is adaptive headlights which are standard on a Prestige. Just saying.

[Thumper3]

You do realize there is no difference between the steering in a Prem+ and a Prestige. And you can option out a prem + to match a Prestige almost exactly. Only option not available on a Prem+ is adaptive headlights which are standard on a Prestige. Just saying.

On the 2015 Dynamic Steering is ONLY available on the Prestige and ONLY in the package with adaptive cruise, ect.


I have no real complaints about my steering, I don't see the point complaining about elec steering anymore than bitching about having fuel injection instead of a carb. Technology is advancement.

However, interesting to note, the steering feel and response in my 328 Wagon (which does have the Dynamic Steering) is tighter than the S4. Crazy. It's not a major difference, but it's there.

[BillyG]

Thanks for all of the opinions! I was able to drive a 2014 CPO P+ tonight, with sports diff and active suspension dampening (no driver assist package) and to be honest, I was absolutely fine with the steering. I had only had by previous S4 on the track once, so the drive assist package isn't that important to me.

In my opinion, Audi took everything that I loved about my B8, then added more cool tech to the car, and I like the B8.5 even better than the B8. Now I just need to decide my next course of action: pursue this 2014, order a 2015 to my exact specs, or do nothing. Haha, just kidding, of course I'm not going to do nothing :) I can't wait to get this figured out and be back behind the wheel of an S4!!!

[chaos2984]

Well depending on how long you stay in cars or like to keep them. The B9 should be out in a few years. And if you like upgrading I would get the 2014 so gives you more money and your not loosing or breaking even driving off the lot in a new S4.

[BillyG]

Well depending on how long you stay in cars or like to keep them. The B9 should be out in a few years. And if you like upgrading I would get the 2014 so gives you more money and your not loosing or breaking even driving off the lot in a new S4.

That is a good point, thanks. I'm on the fence. I have the ACNA 6% off MSRP, and there is a $1K loyalty incentive, $1500 if I finance with Audi. With those discounts it's hard to not go new. Plus the 2014 I drove had a light, but distinct cigarette smell :(

[blueberryjones]

That is a good point, thanks. I'm on the fence. I have the ACNA 6% off MSRP, and there is a $1K loyalty incentive, $1500 if I finance with Audi. With those discounts it's hard to not go new. Plus the 2014 I drove had a light, but distinct cigarette smell :(

Honestly you can get an absolutely screaming deal on a 2015 right now (as I did). With the B9 incoming and the new A3/S3, dealers are pretty ready and willing get rid of S4's they already have on the lot. With your location in Wisconsin you have the advantage of not only being able to cross shop the audi dealers in Wisconsin, but more importantly, the Audi dealers in Chicago (who are some of the largest volume audi dealerships). It sounds like you have no real rush to get into an S4, so with a couple of weeks of patience and negotiation, I'm sure you can get a very, very good deal on a 2015.

[BillyG]

Honestly you can get an absolutely screaming deal on a 2015 right now (as I did). With the B9 incoming and the new A3/S3, dealers are pretty ready and willing get rid of S4's they already have on the lot. With your location in Wisconsin you have the advantage of not only being able to cross shop the audi dealers in Wisconsin, but more importantly, the Audi dealers in Chicago (who are some of the largest volume audi dealerships). It sounds like you have no real rush to get into an S4, so with a couple of weeks of patience and negotiation, I'm sure you can get a very, very good deal on a 2015.

I assumed this also, but ran into a huge snag: after checking every Chicago and Milwaukee Audi dealer's inventory, I only came a cross a couple of 6MTs, and the ones I found were bare bones (no B&O, no sports diff). It blows my mind how manuals are disappearing.

[EBS4]

Audis hydraulic steering wasn't good so the EPS isn't a huge step down. Dynamic steering is a very personal choice. I prefer my steering to have a fixed ratio. The dynamic steering system actually goes to a fixed ratio when in dynamic mode. Some say it's a huge difference. Personally I was not impressed at all. Most of the motoring press has not been impressed by these systems either. At this point they are just half baked.

EBS4

[Dr GP]

Honestly you can get an absolutely screaming deal on a 2015 right now (as I did). With the B9 incoming and the new A3/S3, dealers are pretty ready and willing get rid of S4's they already have on the lot. With your location in Wisconsin you have the advantage of not only being able to cross shop the audi dealers in Wisconsin, but more importantly, the Audi dealers in Chicago (who are some of the largest volume audi dealerships). It sounds like you have no real rush to get into an S4, so with a couple of weeks of patience and negotiation, I'm sure you can get a very, very good deal on a 2015.

I'm not sure if you would be thinking the B9 is coming next yr. If past practices prevail, IF the B9 S4 comes out , it will only be available in Europe or the first yr of production. NA will get only the B9 A4 with the S4 following a year later. But who really knows. Rumor has it that there will not be a B9 with MT.

[BillyG]

I'm not sure if you would be thinking the B9 is coming next yr. If past practices prevail, IF the B9 S4 comes out , it will only be available in Europe or the first yr of production. NA will get only the B9 A4 with the S4 following a year later. But who really knows. Rumor has it that there will not be a B9 with MT.

I have to say that it is exactly all of these rumors and speculation that assisted me in deciding to jump into a 2015, and not wait for the B9. I want a 6MT, I don't necessarily want a bigger car, nor do I want an electric motor driving one set of wheels. Maybe the B9 will be amazing, but as Dr GP said, we won't see it until 2016-2017 at the earliest.

I did just get back from ordering a new 2015 Premium Plus: daytona gray, black alcantara, 6MT, tech package, B&O, sports diff, carbon atlas inlays, 19" peelers. Got my 6% ACNA discount, $1500 loyalty incentive. Now I wait. Then next few months are going to crawl by. At least I can start to get my mods in order.

[emnahum]

I have to say that it is exactly all of these rumors and speculation that assisted me in deciding to jump into a 2015, and not wait for the B9. I want a 6MT, I don't necessarily want a bigger car, nor do I want an electric motor driving one set of wheels. Maybe the B9 will be amazing, but as Dr GP said, we won't see it until 2016-2017 at the earliest.

I did just get back from ordering a new 2015 Premium Plus: daytona gray, black alcantara, 6MT, tech package, B&O, sports diff, carbon atlas inlays, 19" peelers. Got my 6% ACNA discount, $1500 loyalty incentive. Now I wait. Then next few months are going to crawl by. At least I can start to get my mods in order.

Congrats on the order. The wait is hard, but it is nice to get it exactly the way you want.

[BillyG]

Congrats on the order. The wait is hard, but it is nice to get it exactly the way you want.

Ha, no kidding! The first thing that hit my mind today when I woke up was my order and how much longer I have to wait.

[OnEaNgRyBuNnY]

Ha, no kidding! The first thing that hit my mind today when I woke up was my order and how much longer I have to wait.

How long's the wait for you?

[Auditude2.0T]

Buy my Stage 2 Estoril 6MT B8.5

[BillyG]

How long's the wait for you?

They said 2-3 months.

[BillyG]

Buy my Stage 2 Estoril 6MT B8.5

Sorry, I'm already committed to new. Besides, your B8.5 is too fast for me ;)

[BillyG]

How long's the wait for you?

I found out yesterday that my build date is week 13, and that I should see it in May. Sweet!

[laakness]

I found out yesterday that my build date is week 13, and that I should see it in May. Sweet!

Nice work, our garages will look similar with the S4/SQ5 combo!

[BillyG]

Nice work, our garages will look similar with the S4/SQ5 combo!

Ha, that's great! Where are you in WI? I'm in Sun Prairie.

[laakness]

Ha, that's great! Where are you in WI? I'm in Sun Prairie.

Appleton