I Hate The Lag!

[Lateral_G]

So I picked up a 2016 S6 about a month ago and the car is just solid. I am genuinely happy with the vehicle. But coming from an E90 M3, I gotta say there's one things that I just can't stand - the lag when you first step on the pedal. It happens from a stop, from a roll, just about any time. After stepping on the gas...wait...one...two....three...GO! And holy crap going like hell! Fun sometimes, dangerous other times. I know with turbos there will always be inherent turbo lag, but I didn't expect it to be so bad. What mods can I do to reduce the lag? What about the TCU, how much is the programming affecting it? I've gotta do something, it's ruining an otherwise sublime driving experience.

[apexi]

Are you talking RS7?? There is no lag, especially when you step on it from a stop all you feel is instant G's


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[bobamoo]

You don't mention what model/engine you have, but in general, pop not in sport mode. Lag goes away. Or, get one of these https://www.sprintboostersales.com Had one installed on my car, it really works. I keep it in street mode, really works.

[Lateral_G]

Sorry, it's an S6. Would LOVE an RS7, perhaps an upgrade in the future.

[LINDW4LL]

Seems to me that your complaint probably lies more with the electronic throttle response rather than actual turbo lag, although yes; the turbocharged engine cannot quite match the excellent (and instant) response of the M3 engine.

[Rusty G.]

I think it also depends on which mode you are using. I find throttle response excellent when using sport mode in my S6.

[RAF_S7]

I came from a 3.0T A7 where there is no lag from the superchargers, so I get what you mean.

You just adjust your driving style to compensate, and after a few weeks of driving you probably wont even notice the lag....

[jsmonet]

I haven't really noticed any lag. It could be faster

[wwhan]

I haven't really noticed any lag. It could be faster

Compared to stage 2 B8 S4, the S6 feels like throttle lag off the line., but I have not tried the S6 in sport mode. I need to do that this Saturday.

[gimpgutter]

So I picked up a 2016 S6 about a month ago and the car is just solid. I am genuinely happy with the vehicle. But coming from an E90 M3, I gotta say there's one things that I just can't stand - the lag when you first step on the pedal. It happens from a stop, from a roll, just about any time. After stepping on the gas...wait...one...two....three...GO! And holy crap going like hell! Fun sometimes, dangerous other times. I know with turbos there will always be inherent turbo lag, but I didn't expect it to be so bad. What mods can I do to reduce the lag? What about the TCU, how much is the programming affecting it? I've gotta do something, it's ruining an otherwise sublime driving experience.

I have the exact same experience as you. It's sometimes embarrassing and physically uncomfortable with passengers in the car. A TCU update supposedly fixes the issue, but good luck getting the dealer to do it. Mine keeps telling me that they won't upgrade unless there is an issue and the car throws a code. My car is at the dealer for a thermostat replacement, so I have one again asked them to do it. They owe me, considering the car has been in the shop twice since I bought it CPO 3 months ago.

I'll let you know if it resolves the issue. Several other forum members claim it does. Like some said, Sport mode can help, but the car is a little less comfortable to drive.

[zcd2.7t]

...Mine keeps telling me that they won't upgrade unless there is an issue and the car throws a code...I'll let you know if it resolves the issue. Several other forum members claim it does.

These 2 updates indeed resolved the issue on my 2013:

http://http://www.audiworld.com/forums/s6-c7-platform-discussion-199/definitive-definitive-word-throttle-lag-issue-2867009/page5/#post24795519

[VVG]

So I picked up a 2016 S6 about a month ago and the car is just solid. I am genuinely happy with the vehicle. But coming from an E90 M3, I gotta say there's one things that I just can't stand - the lag when you first step on the pedal. It happens from a stop, from a roll, just about any time. After stepping on the gas...wait...one...two....three...GO! And holy crap going like hell! Fun sometimes, dangerous other times. I know with turbos there will always be inherent turbo lag, but I didn't expect it to be so bad. What mods can I do to reduce the lag? What about the TCU, how much is the programming affecting it? I've gotta do something, it's ruining an otherwise sublime driving experience.

I used to own an e92 M3. Remember that the engine in that car has won numerous awards. You will find very few cars that can match that type of subjective feel and response under $200k. That being said, getting a TCU tune will do wonders for this. The throttle response in drive is slightly sharper, and much sharper in sport. The ECU tune, also builds torque much more quickly and eliminates this lag sensation. Finally, I believe the stock air filter has a lot to do with this also. It is restrictive to begin with and then has this "sock" over it which makes it positively asthmatic. If you can't get air into your engine quickly, of course you are going to have throttle response issues.

So, in a nutshell, you can improve this feeling significantly with a new air filter, ECU/TCU tune. The ECU tune will also make your car mind-bendingly fast.

When I owned my M3, I always said it wasn't a good modding platform. It was so good and complete out of the box, that improving on it was hard and very expensive. The S6/7 is a phenomenal modding platform, on the other hand. By that I mean that relatively inexpensive and easily reversible changes can have a profound and transformational effect on the car with no downside.

[Ensoniq]

A three count is ridiculous but a slight lag is normal and beneficial. No need to prematurely wear out drive train component by regular instant torque

Get an APR tune to unlock the two pedal feature so you can use the brake boost technique

Even with the tune and the brake boost I prefer the very slight delay where you start to move before the slam back in the seat effect kicks in.

[Dguth]

Can you remove the sock around the filter or is it all built together?


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[gk1]

Can you remove the sock around the filter or is it all built together?


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It can be removed.
Questions are:
Why is it there to begin with?
Does it help with snow/rain or debris impact protection?
Will removing it make any difference whatsoever?

Here is mine when I changed at 15k...admittedly pretty dirty, but I don't know if removing the sock would benefit anything.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ght=air+filter

[fatboydelights]

Good info in this thread. Thank you all. I'm going to see if my dealer will do the updates.

[Lateral_G]

So I tried Sport mode all day today it definitely makes a difference. I might try an intake soon too. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond. If anyone has any other ideas, I'd love to hear them!

[Rusty G.]

So I tried Sport mode all day today it definitely makes a difference. I might try an intake soon too. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond. If anyone has any other ideas, I'd love to hear them!

I find that sport mode keeps the revs up higher and the car's response is very quick. You could even individualize your car so it's more suited to your driving style.

[MadAboutCars]

Manual mode is even better. I find the throttle response near instant in manual mode, especially with the Unitronic tune.

[Rusty G.]

Manual mode is even better. I find the throttle response near instant in manual mode, especially with the Unitronic tune.

Manual mode is fun because you are in the gear you want to be in. . .I'm not sure i can shift in manual mode as fast as the car does.

[RAF_S7]

The problem with sports mode is, you will want to stay in it all the time.

I find it a little too agressive for driving around town.

[VVG]

Manual mode is fun because you are in the gear you want to be in. . .I'm not sure i can shift in manual mode as fast as the car does.

Yes you can. That is one of the huge benefits of a dual clutch gearbox and why it has converted many hard core manual transmission people, myself included. Once you blip the paddle, the transmission will shift just as quickly as the car doing it on its own.

[Ensoniq]

Yes you can. That is one of the huge benefits of a dual clutch gearbox and why it has converted many hard core manual transmission people, myself included. Once you blip the paddle, the transmission will shift just as quickly as the car doing it on its own.

You're much better at manual shifting than I am then. I agree with Rusty

When not accelarating to limit, manual is great to keep the revs up

When drag racing, I don't see how anyone is faster than the ZF in automatic. I've got to shift at 5200 to avoid banging off the rev limiter. In first and second this comes on too quick to time.

[Island Maser]

In D in comfort mode there is pretty big lag. Too much if you ask me. I am going to complain about it during my 5000 mile service and we will see what they say.
It is all the electronic throttle tip in and not the car. Going to S or M eliminates the issue. The 1/2 shift comes up fast in M mode. Good news is if you are slow
the car will make the shift for you anyway. I am manual guy and I think with this car I would just stick it in S at the track and forget about it.

[Ensoniq]

In D in comfort mode there is pretty big lag. Too much if you ask me. I am going to complain about it during my 5000 mile service and we will see what they say.
It is all the electronic throttle tip in and not the car. Going to S or M eliminates the issue. The 1/2 shift comes up fast in M mode. Good news is if you are slow
the car will make the shift for you anyway. I am manual guy and I think with this car I would just stick it in S at the track and forget about it.

The only time I'm in "d" is when I've just started the car and haven't shifted to "S" yet

I think "d" stands for "dog". The turbos don't light until around 3000 rpm and d shifts below this for a lot of the throttle range

Life's short, drive hard. ;)

[VVG]

You're much better at manual shifting than I am then. I agree with Rusty

When not accelarating to limit, manual is great to keep the revs up

When drag racing, I don't see how anyone is faster than the ZF in automatic. I've got to shift at 5200 to avoid banging off the rev limiter. In first and second this comes on too quick to time.

Different cars, different transmissions. I have an S6 (ECU/TCU tune) with a dual clutch gearbox. The RS7 ZF is a conventional automatic, albeit a good one.

[wwhan]

I finally made the jump from the stage 2 ECU S4 to the S6. The S6 has a softer edge (nowhere near as brutal), but gently builds power.

The S6 is definitely more peppy in S or dynamic mode. One can drive in auto mode, then pop the shifter momentarily backward to get into S mode. There is a lot more engine braking in dymanic mode, noticeable in parking lots.

The S6 Sport exhaust has a faint rumble, in the car, even in Auto mode or comfort mode & even after turning off the fake interior engine sound to 0%

Vagom.....VCDS > Installed 2 tab > A9 Structurally Borne Sound > > Adaptation > Default volume = 100% > set new value for % to desired value

[Bassler]

The only time I'm in "d" is when I've just started the car and haven't shifted to "S" yet

I think "d" stands for "dog". The turbos don't light until around 3000 rpm and d shifts below this for a lot of the throttle range

Life's short, drive hard. ;)

[GTS21]

My RS7 lagged a lot too, coming from an S65 AMG, it was very noticeable. An APR stage 1 tune and sprintbooster attached to the throttle solved 75% of the issue for me.

[Chris@EPL]

An EPL stage 1 ECU and TCU tune will take care of that lag as well,

[nickrs7]

apr tune

[hubris]

The S6 Sport exhaust has a faint rumble, in the car, even in Auto mode or comfort mode & even after turning off the fake interior engine sound to 0%

Vagom.....VCDS > Installed 2 tab > A9 Structurally Borne Sound > > Adaptation > Default volume = 100% > set new value for % to desired value

What? I have never heard of this before, is this legitimate? I have also heard in the past that S/RS cars, at least in 2014, did NOT pipe in artificial engine noise... ?

[yas]

What? I have never heard of this before, is this legitimate? I have also heard in the past that S/RS cars, at least in 2014, did NOT pipe in artificial engine noise... ?

IIRC, it's different than the SoundAktor in the B8s. Audi resonates some of the engine noise through the frame/pillars, not through the speakers.

[wwhan]

What? I have never heard of this before, is this legitimate? I have also heard in the past that S/RS cars, at least in 2014, did NOT pipe in artificial engine noise... ?

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post10007943

"This is from the 4.0TT study guide. Also the parts show up in the S6 ETKA."

[RAF_S7]

Mmmm, lm not convinced this is an accurate interpretation of what's going on with the 4.0TT cars.

First off, yes there is an active sound component in the S/RS 6&7 models - if you look at your roof you should be able to see the microphones that analyse the interior noise. My understanding is that in the S & RS models (it's only on the V8 cars) this system is used to cancel out any extra engine noise and vibration generated when the 4.0 switches from 8 cylinders to 4 cylinder mode as part of the fuel savings program. I believe this is generated via the speaker system and this "structure bourne sound actuator" that's being referred to.

The system is not intended to generate "fake - better sounding" piped in engine noise. It's intended to make the cabin more comfortable for the driver and passenger. The Audi approach is no different to a number of high end manufacturers who tune cabin noise/drone out using electronics.

Don't forget that there are a number of different C7/7.5 models in production.

In Europe we have the 3.0 BiTDI (twin turbo diesel) model. That car also has an active sound system, but in this case it does generate/pipe in "pseudo" engine noise (internally as well as externally) to make the engine exhaust note sound much more "pleasing" - it does play sound files that make the engine note sound more sporty - and that note is adjusted via drive select on the MMI. This is the SoundAktor being referred to.

[wwhan]

Mmmm, lm not convinced this is an accurate interpretation of what's going on with the 4.0TT cars.

First off, yes there is an active sound component in the S/RS 6&7 models - if you look at your roof you should be able to see the microphones that analyse the interior noise. My understanding is that in the S & RS models (it's only on the V8 cars) this system is used to cancel out any extra engine noise and vibration generated when the 4.0 switches from 8 cylinders to 4 cylinder mode as part of the fuel savings program. I believe this is generated via the speaker system and this "structure bourne sound actuator" that's being referred to.

The system is not intended to generate "fake - better sounding" piped in engine noise. It's intended to make the cabin more comfortable for the driver and passenger. The Audi approach is no different to a number of high end manufacturers who tune cabin noise/drone out using electronics.

Don't forget that there are a number of different C7/7.5 models in production.

In Europe we have the 3.0 BiTDI (twin turbo diesel) model. That car also has an active sound system, but in this case it does generate/pipe in "pseudo" engine noise (internally as well as externally) to make the engine exhaust note sound much more "pleasing" - it does play sound files that make the engine note sound more sporty - and that note is adjusted via drive select on the MMI. This is the SoundAktor being referred to.

The above note & image is from the 4.0TT study guide, section Engine Management MED 17.1.1, Sound Actuator System: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...lf%20study.pdf

The Automatic Noise control, and Exhaust valve flaps are also discussed in this document.

The VAGCOM found the right A9 Structurally Borne Sound control module using this set of steps (and the volume was set to 100%, when I entered the module)

"Vagom.....VCDS > Installed 2 tab > A9 Structurally Borne Sound > > Adaptation > Default volume = 100% > set new value for % to desired value"

and I was able to set it to effectively volume = 0 (it actually set the entry to 12345), but then it said volume = 0

[RAF_S7]

The above note & image is from the 4.0TT study guide, section Engine Management MED 17.1.1, Sound Actuator System: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...lf%20study.pdf

The Automatic Noise control, and Exhaust valve flaps are also discussed in this document.

The VAGCOM found the right A9 Structurally Borne Sound control module using this set of steps (and the volume was set to 100%, when I entered the module)

"Vagom.....VCDS > Installed 2 tab > A9 Structurally Borne Sound > > Adaptation > Default volume = 100% > set new value for % to desired value"

and I was able to set it to effectively volume = 0 (it actually set the entry to 12345), but then it said volume = 0

Interesting read, thanks for sharing.