SQ5 APR TUNE Version 2.0 worth it?

[1FASTSQ5]

I only show it for 93 octane and here in California we only have 91. Also at $1,300.00 it can be pretty pricey especially if you have to have it removed for warranty reasons. Has anyone had any issues with warranty and having an APR tune?

I am mainly asking for a buddy of mine who just bought a new SQ5 (not a forum member yet) and he has these questions.

Thanks,
Joey

[colby7]

If the warranty thing bothers him, he should either pass or get used to it. It really isn't a big deal. How many people post issues with the tune on here? One or two? It's solid. As for the 93 octane graph on APR's website, they were just being lazy. They have 91, 93, and 104 maps for the SQ5.

[SQive]

If you go into the dealer with a re-flashed ECU, you will be flagged with a TD1, warranty voided on engine and drivetrain. With APR, you can flash back to stock for any necessary dealer visits. Depending on the installer, they may be free, or they may charge you a small fee. That's a factor in deciding on a tuner. If that is an issue, one might consider a piggy-back tune, such as the Chipwerks piggy-back. There is a thread in this forum about it. If you can find the right tuner, you can easily go APR stage 1 with free flash-backs for less than $800.

[q5 dave]

HP differences between 91/93 octane will be minimal.

also FYI- doesn't matter if you flash back to stock/remove your chipwerke device. Audi will know a car is tuned if they dig into it.

[sleepyheadn20]

I've been thinking about getting the APR stage 2 tune too, but I have Audicare so was worried about bringing it in for service. I messaged Eurocode, they recommended to remove everything (pulley, intake, and reflash) before service...and at $100ish/hr for labor each time..they recommended Stage 1 instead.

Anyways, I was wondering does the TD1 really mean? The warranty expires after 4 yrs (when it really matters), during that time how many ppl need warranty work? I am new to Audi, but I hope for a car that cost 2x as my old Jeep, it would be reliable until 120k like that.

Also, the dealer would still do the service even if the car the TD1? Other option would to have my car service at an indy shop after my Audicare is over. I see that there are lot of popular Audi/vw shops out there, so is having service done a dealer really that better? (the dealer did messed up my 5k oil change..discussed in an older post).

[LINDW4LL]

OP, worth can only be determined by the purchaser but it's a significant power gain for relatively little money. Definitely worth it in my eyes, and to most others.

Anyways, I was wondering does the TD1 really mean? The warranty expires after 4 yrs (when it really matters), during that time how many ppl need warranty work? I am new to Audi, but I hope for a car that cost 2x as my old Jeep, it would be reliable until 120k like that.

TD1 is just a flag on your car's file that tells Audi it's been modified (in this case, a modified ECU). It will cause Audi to closely review/approve any powertrain-related warranty claims. For example, if your engine were to blow, Audi would likely use the modified ECU/tune to deny the claim. But honestly, this powertrain is so reliable that TD1 is no big deal in my eyes. There are no real weaknesses or common failures at all.

The dealer will service a TD1 car, but I'd definitely recommend a good indy shop over the dealer when you're paying out of pocket!

Lastly, stage 2 guys leave the pulley installed and simply re-flash to stock when going in for warranty work. The aftermarket pulley is visually indiscernible from the stock unit.

[sszyma]

Just flash it. I flashed at 700 miles or so. Could care less about the warranty implications on the engine itself. Even though I am only at stage 1 it makes a noticeable difference in drivability. In Chicago we have a few Audi dealers that even offer the flash. Not that it makes it any better as it can still be flagged but, they look the other way for some issues.