SQ5 or Q5 Stage1 & 2 tunes over/under 3yr issues???

[gasparm]

All,

I'll start out first saying I'm more then aware of people asking about pros/cons of tunes. But I think my ask is a little different. I'm looking for some detailed information on people who have done tunes. (Not why you shouldn't or the risk of doing it on a new car i.e. warranty void, etc.)

I'm more curious if anyone has been running a Stage 1 & 2 tune for at least 3yrs. Love it if the comments are APR based, but open to others.

If you have; can you share some things that have happened negative and positive. Everything like: had to replace engine because the tune caused something major, had to replace specific parts because of the tune (pins, pistons, etc.) to having to change spark plugs more than the standard change times.

If under 3 years I'd like to hear about the negatives more so.

[SQive]

I've had the APR stage 2 tune for less than a year, but I can already say it sucks!
I've been pulled over three times, once for racing an unmarked car. . .maybe it's me.

[gasparm]

I've had the APR stage 2 tune for less than a year, but I can already say it sucks!
I've been pulled over three times, once for racing an unmarked car. . .maybe it's me.

Not what I was looking for, but definitely worth the post. lol

[Silverarrow240]

I've had the APR stage 2 tune for less than a year, but I can already say it sucks!
I've been pulled over three times, once for racing an unmarked car. . .maybe it's me.

Did you win?

[BlackSVT]

Did you win?

Lol! Exactly what I was thinking

[SQive]

I was a two car-lengths ahead when he turned on the pretty lights.
I'm a jackrabbit starter, so there was no doubt he was racing me. . .maybe that's why he let me off.

[tmoe]

I've had an APR tune on my Q5 3.0 almost 3 years now, I only had the Q 2 months with 932 miles on it when the first APR tune went on, 3 years now and about 20,000 miles later - its all good.

I was lucky enough to test the pre-release software back in May 2013, I worked with Sean and everything went very smoothly. I did some data logging for them, which turned out fine and I've been enjoying it ever since. Stage 2 came out shortly there after, they worked with Scottisha to get that ready for production, once that was released I scheduled the pulley and ecu tune asap. I think they've released 2 updates since the original release and the latest is by far the best, better everywhere. I did have an issue which was fixed and it didn't effect all Q5/SQ5's where if I disabled auto upshift and you were in manual mode the trans would shutdown once you hit around 6900-7000 rpm or higher. It was an rpm/torque parameter in the tiptronics which was exceeding some value and it would fail safe shutdown.

Like all audi 3.0 engines, fuel quality and IAT's make a difference with performance where I get timing pull and the bypass valve will open but I still run p3 measured 0-60 times without LC (loading the TC) just driving away from a stop of 4.5-4.7 seconds. I do regret that APR never released a fuel map switch but for now I can live with that. It would be better if someone would release a variable e85 tune that would sense the amount of e85/93 octane blend and adjust performance, one can always dream. Another issue which isn't really the ECU is the tiptronics, as delivered in the Q series, is a little "lazy" slow and short shifting compared to a DSG or manual but what the hell it's an SUV; maybe someone will make a TCU tune with the B9 S4 being delivered with the tiptronics.

Unexpected benefit, I get better gas mileage on the highway. Under 70 mph normally around 28-29 mpg over 70 27-28 with the ac on. By far one of the best upgrades I ever had.

Would I do it again; DEFINITELY; not even a second hesitation!

[gasparm]

I've had an APR tune on my Q5 3.0 almost 3 years now, I only had the Q 2 months with 932 miles on it when the first APR tune went on, 3 years now and about 20,000 miles later - its all good.

I was lucky enough to test the pre-release software back in May 2013, I worked with Sean and everything went very smoothly. I did some data logging for them, which turned out fine and I've been enjoying it ever since. Stage 2 came out shortly there after, they worked with Scottisha to get that ready for production, once that was released I scheduled the pulley and ecu tune asap. I think they've released 2 updates since the original release and the latest is by far the best, better everywhere. I did have an issue which was fixed and it didn't effect all Q5/SQ5's where if I disabled auto upshift and you were in manual mode the trans would shutdown once you hit around 6900-7000 rpm or higher. It was an rpm/torque parameter in the tiptronics which was exceeding some value and it would fail safe shutdown.

Like all audi 3.0 engines, fuel quality and IAT's make a difference with performance where I get timing pull and the bypass valve will open but I still run p3 measured 0-60 times without LC (loading the TC) just driving away from a stop of 4.5-4.7 seconds. I do regret that APR never released a fuel map switch but for now I can live with that. It would be better if someone would release a variable e85 tune that would sense the amount of e85/93 octane blend and adjust performance, one can always dream. Another issue which isn't really the ECU is the tiptronics, as delivered in the Q series, is a little "lazy" slow and short shifting compared to a DSG or manual but what the hell it's an SUV; maybe someone will make a TCU tune with the B9 S4 being delivered with the tiptronics.

Unexpected benefit, I get better gas mileage on the highway. Under 70 mph normally around 28-29 mpg over 70 27-28 with the ac on. By far one of the best upgrades I ever had.

Would I do it again; DEFINITELY; not even a second hesitation!

Exactly the feedback I was looking for. Hopefully a few other will post their experience like yours. I started this thread, because this Thur I'm getting mine done.

[rusq5]

3.0T is a pretty stout platform. Same goes for the ZF. You should poke around in the S4/S5 forums. Lots of people are running the tune with no issues. LOTS.

I'm waiting for the 034 tune personally, otherwise I'd have done the GIAC stage 2 yesterday.

[gasparm]

3.0T is a pretty stout platform. Same goes for the ZF. You should poke around in the S4/S5 forums. Lots of people are running the tune with no issues. LOTS.

I'm waiting for the 034 dual pulley tune personally, otherwise I'd have done the GIAC stage 2 yesterday.

rusq5, appreciate the feedback. I'll jump over there and troll for a while.

[JonS4]

Just watching the last few kms of warranty tick down on the Q5 3.0T before it gets tuned. We're sticking with the 91 Stage 1 tune on the Q5, partly because it's the missus' daily driver and she doesn't want to seek out Chevron 94 and partly a compromise to longevity, we intend this to be a 10 year + vehicle. It's our road trip hauler so I'm looking forward to the tune.

On the S4, I went for it soon as it was broken in. So about 5 years now. It's just better in all ways, especially with the latest Stage 2 update. Zero issues.

[tmoe]

Exactly the feedback I was looking for. Hopefully a few other will post their experience like yours. I started this thread, because this Thur I'm getting mine done.

Not sure if you have a Q5 or an SQ5, the transformation in the Q5 3.0 is nothing short of ridiculous, the stock SQ5 is already pretty strong from the factory but stage 2 will still offer a nice bump in performance. If you're going to tune, you have to get an exhaust, not for extra performance but the 3.0 has a really nice exhaust note at WOT!

[gasparm]

Not sure if you have a Q5 or an SQ5, the transformation in the Q5 3.0 is nothing short of ridiculous, the stock SQ5 is already pretty strong from the factory but stage 2 will still offer a nice bump in performance. If you're going to tune, you have to get an exhaust, not for extra performance but the 3.0 has a really nice exhaust note at WOT!

I have a '16 SQ5. Already have Roc-Euro intake and AWE non-res full package exhaust.

[tmoe]

I have a '16 SQ5. Already have Roc-Euro intake and AWE non-res full package exhaust.

Nice, great starting point.

[Silverarrow240]

I was a two car-lengths ahead when he turned on the pretty lights.
I'm a jackrabbit starter, so there was no doubt he was racing me. . .maybe that's why he let me off.

What kind of cop car was it? I'm pretty good at spotting those guys... The new lowered tahoes are my favorite.

[SQive]

What kind of cop car was it? I'm pretty good at spotting those guys... The new lowered tahoes are my favorite.

It was an Impala or some sort of Chevy.
Probably stopped me because he was loosing.

[Silverarrow240]

It was an Impala or some sort of Chevy.
Probably stopped me because he was loosing.

Drinkin' that Haterade.

[jomama229]

What kind of cop car was it? I'm pretty good at spotting those guys... The new lowered tahoes are my favorite.

hope so! those MD state troopers are all business! got pulled over by one 2 decades ago. the guy walked out onto the left lane of 95 and pointed at me to pull over.

[gasparm]

In 18hrs I'll have me APR stage1 & 2 done.
😜

[gasparm]

Tune and Pulley upgrade done. Noticeable improvement. Although I found something interesting. When Eurotech Motorsports did the tune they said in '15 yr models and early they could actually load several profiles (4 i think they said), but when they ran the update for my '16 it only allowed for one profile, I obviously picked 93 as that is what I put in the car daily anyway.

Just curious if anyone else with a '15 did an APR tune and was able to get more then 1 profile uploaded into the car.

Stay thirsty my friends!

[jomama229]

Just curious if anyone else with a '15 did an APR tune and was able to get more then 1 profile uploaded into the car.

not sure i've heard of anyone having multiple tunes loaded on their Q5 of any year, altho i suppose it could conceivably be saved somewhere on the ECU. at the end of the day, you'd get zero benefits from doing so since there's no way to switch between the programs without going back to your APR dealer as APR does not offer at home switching.

[gasparm]

not sure i've heard of anyone having multiple tunes loaded on their Q5 of any year, altho i suppose it could conceivably be saved somewhere on the ECU. at the end of the day, you'd get zero benefits from doing so since there's no way to switch between the programs without going back to your APR dealer as APR does not offer at home switching.

I think you have been mis-informed then. There is an entire guide on APRs site on how to do it. And the guy yesterday who has a '15 SQ5 was able to get it done.

Here is the document right on APRs site. It's actually a HUGE benefit. You can load a 91, 93, 100 & Valet Mode profile and change between them without going back to get a different profile every-time you want to go say between 93 to 100.
http://www.goapr.com/support/dpp_emcs_instructions.pdf (I believe the '14, '15 & '16 model SQ5s are "Type A" in the document)

[Chris@EPL]

EPL does offer at home flashing and have stage 1, stage 2, dual pulley and E85 tunes for the Q5 and SQ5.

[jomama229]

I think you have been mis-informed then. There is an entire guide on APRs site on how to do it. And the guy yesterday who has a '15 SQ5 was able to get it done.

one of us is misinformed, and it could be me. i'd be surprised if program switching is avialable for the Q5 but not for the S4.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ight=switching

the program switching that you're talking about is available on other platforms, but to my knowledge, it's not available for any of the 3.0T cars.

[jomama229]

EPL does offer at home flashing and have stage 1, stage 2, dual pulley and E85 tunes for the Q5 and SQ5.

stop tempting me! =) ok, i give in. could you please PM me price for stage 1 with 91, e85 and whatever tune would work with 91 mixed with e85? is it at all possible to have a tune that's dynamic enough to recognize the ethanol content in the tank and adjust accordingly? and iirc, you said hpfp is not necessary to run stage 1 pure e85?

[Chris@EPL]

HPFP is only needed with stage 2 and E85

and PM sent

[tmoe]

Tune and Pulley upgrade done. Noticeable improvement. Although I found something interesting. When Eurotech Motorsports did the tune they said in '15 yr models and early they could actually load several profiles (4 i think they said), but when they ran the update for my '16 it only allowed for one profile, I obviously picked 93 as that is what I put in the car daily anyway.

Just curious if anyone else with a '15 did an APR tune and was able to get more then 1 profile uploaded into the car.

Stay thirsty my friends!

APR has never had multiple programs for any of the simos 8.51 ecu's, that would include the 15 sq5.

[gasparm]

APR has never had multiple programs for any of the simos 8.51 ecu's, that would include the 15 sq5.

Understood. So EMCS is available, just not on the SQ5 models currently (Guess the Tech at Eurotech was truly mis-informed. ;-)). Do you know if it will ever happen or is there something that restricts it from ever happening?

[jomama229]

Understood. So EMCS is available, just not on the SQ5 models currently (Guess the Tech at Eurotech was truly mis-informed. ;-)). Do you know if it will ever happen or is there something that restricts it from ever happening?

look at the thread in the S4 folder that i linked above. APR has been saying they're close for god knows how many months now. lots of folks have gone with EPL because of this (and several other factors). it's definitely possible, but just not possible with APR at the moment.

[gasparm]

look at the thread in the S4 folder that i linked above. APR has been saying they're close for god knows how many months now. lots of folks have gone with EPL because of this (and several other factors). it's definitely possible, but just not possible with APR at the moment.

Geez I need to read a little better. That article was so perfect. So I'll patiently wait with the hundreds of others for EMCS to come to our platform. So really no limitations, just laziness on APRs side to get it done already.
Thanks for reminding to RTFM.

[jomama229]

lots and lots of good info over in the S4 folder. basically, whatever can be done to the S4 can more or less be done to the SQ5/Q5 3.0T once the different box codes/revisions are cracked. the one main difference is that the non-6spd S4s come with DCTs, where as we have the zf transmission.

[riceboy22]

stop tempting me! =) ok, i give in. could you please PM me price for stage 1 with 91, e85 and whatever tune would work with 91 mixed with e85? is it at all possible to have a tune that's dynamic enough to recognize the ethanol content in the tank and adjust accordingly? and iirc, you said hpfp is not necessary to run stage 1 pure e85?

I know they've said there are other EPL-tuned Q5s running around, but you would be the first I'm aware of off the forums. Why not go big and go dual pulley since they offer it LOL?!

I'm also glad to see EPL on this part of the forum now!

[jomama229]

I know they've said there are other EPL-tuned Q5s running around, but you would be the first I'm aware of off the forums. Why not go big and go dual pulley since they offer it LOL?!

I'm also glad to see EPL on this part of the forum now!

ha, if i had an sq5, a jump to stage 2 would make more sense. but i would like to have a taste of the gateway drug first before going to the hardcore stuff! stage 1, esp if running full e85, is prob way more than i need!

[Chris@EPL]

I know they've said there are other EPL-tuned Q5s running around, but you would be the first I'm aware of off the forums. Why not go big and go dual pulley since they offer it LOL?!

I'm also glad to see EPL on this part of the forum now!

We have a guy on AZ with a Q5 (colby7) running EPL dual pulley and E85 and he is loving it.

[riceboy22]

We have a guy on AZ with a Q5 (colby7) running EPL dual pulley and E85 and he is loving it.

Ah ok good to know. He must be a recent convert as I thought a couple weeks ago he posted about his APR tune. I may convert one day as well if APR doesn't get it together with program switching and a dual pulley tune!

[hurricanes28]

Tune and Pulley upgrade done. Noticeable improvement. Although I found something interesting. When Eurotech Motorsports did the tune they said in '15 yr models and early they could actually load several profiles (4 i think they said), but when they ran the update for my '16 it only allowed for one profile, I obviously picked 93 as that is what I put in the car daily anyway.

Just curious if anyone else with a '15 did an APR tune and was able to get more then 1 profile uploaded into the car.

Stay thirsty my friends!

I have 4 profiles and asked for the fifth profile to be loaded cause I wanted it for the 2.0t q5 2015

[Chris@EPL]

Ah ok good to know. He must be a recent convert as I thought a couple weeks ago he posted about his APR tune. I may convert one day as well if APR doesn't get it together with program switching and a dual pulley tune!

LMK we can do the dual pulley tune or come up and do some full on custom dyno tuning for a little more that the stage 2 and dual pulley tune price.