C7 A6 TDI

[mrsbtdi]

Congrats! Glad to have another TDI member on here! The torque and mileage on these things is addictive!

Engine code is CPNB for the US TDI. I'd personally skip APR, and go Malone Tuning instead for TDIs. They are well-known and well-established for diesels. They are also very responsive to inquiries, and can walk you through things, what you'll need for various tunes/stages, etc, depending on what you are looking to get out of it.

I am still waiting to get out of warranty to get tuned, I plan to do DPF-delete and Stage 2. Malone provides a couple options--you can go to a Malone dealer (you'll need to find on your website) or purchase/rent the Flashzilla device from them, and do the flashing/tuning at home.

If you DO get your ECU flashed, look into getting your TCU flashed as well, to provide better shifting and performance from the transmission.

If you want to do a diesel particulate filter (DPF) delete, there are a couple companies. Rawtek is located in the USA and their kit (says Q5 TDI but will work on the A6) looks pretty good and has the option of the high-flow DPF if you need it for emissions. There's also Buzzken (I believe are Canadian). Darkside is a known company in the UK that does diesel performance work, including turbo upgrades.

There are kits for the rest of the exhaust, but I'd start with the DPF delete to see if that changes the sound any, then specifically change a few other things on the exhaust.

For an intercooler upgrade, Wagner Tuning makes a great intercooler that is a direct fit, although many folks go with the Euro biturbo TDI intercooler.

Mods pertaining to the rest of the car are pretty much common with any C7 A6 (or S6), so any coilovers, sway bars, wheels, tires, etc, can be done. Lowering the car a bit and throwing on S-Line (or S) body parts is common. RS 6 grille is also a common upgrade. Headlights would be a thing in my book if I had yours, but it's up to you.

Note: I believe the TDI has smaller brakes all around than the A6 3.0T, so if you're looking to upgrade stopping performance, the 3.0T brakes would be a good, direct swap option.

- - - Updated - - -



It's on the block somewhere, but no worries, I got you in my post above. CPNB is the code.

Thankful to have found someone else TDI; I was really feeling defeated when I was looking through different forums and pages for someone who had one! All the information you’ve given me will DEFINITELY be helpful. My husband will do most of the smaller, at home jobs for me so I will be able to let him read everything & he can help decipher the things I may or may not know yet. He’s been a big car guy since he was a kid, so now that we both have what we want (he’s got an ST) I am wanting to define mine to be mine. I can’t thank you enough for all the help, seriously! I’ll keep posting as I make it through some of the upgrades. Step 1 will be tinting those damn windows lol.

[Audibot]

https://www.malonetuning.com/

I had linked it in my post, to the exact engine page she should be looking at

Thankful to have found someone else TDI; I was really feeling defeated when I was looking through different forums and pages for someone who had one! All the information you’ve given me will DEFINITELY be helpful. My husband will do most of the smaller, at home jobs for me so I will be able to let him read everything & he can help decipher the things I may or may not know yet. He’s been a big car guy since he was a kid, so now that we both have what we want (he’s got an ST) I am wanting to define mine to be mine. I can’t thank you enough for all the help, seriously! I’ll keep posting as I make it through some of the upgrades. Step 1 will be tinting those damn windows lol.

You're welcome! tdiclub.com also has a lot of good info, but they are mostly VW (2.0 and 1.9).

Glad to hear you have your personal mechanic! The DPF delete is definitely something that can be done at home. Testimonials from folks with little wrenching experience did the work in several hours.

Tinting is a must! Go ceramic--you can't go wrong there. Idk what legal is in Ohio, but I did 30% all around and 50% on the windshield, and even on 90+ degree days, it cools down relatively quickly.

One other thing: Try to get good diesel. By me, it's hard to get a good quality diesel supply that's not overpriced. Most just say "40 Cetane Minimum", which isn't helpful at all. With less than good diesel, it runs louder, rougher, and I get less fuel economy. There are also a couple additives (such as Power Kleen or Stanadyne) that boost lubricity and cetane a bit. Lastly, if you're concerned about getting diesel smell on your hands from the pump, some folks just buy cheap latex gloves. Keep in the trunk, use one to fill up, and get rid of it right after filling up.

[mrsbtdi]

I had linked it in my post, to the exact engine page she should be looking at




You're welcome! tdiclub.com also has a lot of good info, but they are mostly VW (2.0 and 1.9).

Glad to hear you have your personal mechanic! The DPF delete is definitely something that can be done at home. Testimonials from folks with little wrenching experience did the work in several hours.

Tinting is a must! Go ceramic--you can't go wrong there. Idk what legal is in Ohio, but I did 30% all around and 50% on the windshield, and even on 90+ degree days, it cools down relatively quickly.

One other thing: Try to get good diesel. By me, it's hard to get a good quality diesel supply that's not overpriced. Most just say "40 Cetane Minimum", which isn't helpful at all. With less than good diesel, it runs louder, rougher, and I get less fuel economy. There are also a couple additives (such as Power Kleen or Stanadyne) that boost lubricity and cetane a bit. Lastly, if you're concerned about getting diesel smell on your hands from the pump, some folks just buy cheap latex gloves. Keep in the trunk, use one to fill up, and get rid of it right after filling up.

I still have to check out the legality for tinting in Ohio; windshield is a no-go for Ohio from my understanding, but the rest should be fairly simple to browse online. Found a shop local that ya pretty decent work, so I plan to reach out to them for everything. & I have only had to fill up once since getting the car on Saturday, and still above half tank. I might have to do some research for quality diesel stations in and around the area so I know where to go. Diesel on my hands has never bothered me; hubs and I have spent the last 6 for me, 9 for him, years in the military. Fueling trucks, helicopters, etc. I’ve always enjoyed the smell and have some cleaning wipes in the trunk just in case I make a mess like a kid lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[mrsbtdi]

I had linked it in my post, to the exact engine page she should be looking at




You're welcome! tdiclub.com also has a lot of good info, but they are mostly VW (2.0 and 1.9).

Glad to hear you have your personal mechanic! The DPF delete is definitely something that can be done at home. Testimonials from folks with little wrenching experience did the work in several hours.

Tinting is a must! Go ceramic--you can't go wrong there. Idk what legal is in Ohio, but I did 30% all around and 50% on the windshield, and even on 90+ degree days, it cools down relatively quickly.

One other thing: Try to get good diesel. By me, it's hard to get a good quality diesel supply that's not overpriced. Most just say "40 Cetane Minimum", which isn't helpful at all. With less than good diesel, it runs louder, rougher, and I get less fuel economy. There are also a couple additives (such as Power Kleen or Stanadyne) that boost lubricity and cetane a bit. Lastly, if you're concerned about getting diesel smell on your hands from the pump, some folks just buy cheap latex gloves. Keep in the trunk, use one to fill up, and get rid of it right after filling up.

One other question for ya; for this emissions recall/warranty, what risks do I run tuning wise? I don’t foresee me running this thing into the ground (still gotta be a smart parent) but, I don’t want something to happen and run the risk of losing that coverage. I want to personalize the vehicle enough to be fun and kinda skippy, but don’t want to totally screw myself lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[Audibot]

I still have to check out the legality for tinting in Ohio; windshield is a no-go for Ohio from my understanding, but the rest should be fairly simple to browse online. Found a shop local that ya pretty decent work, so I plan to reach out to them for everything. & I have only had to fill up once since getting the car on Saturday, and still above half tank. I might have to do some research for quality diesel stations in and around the area so I know where to go. Diesel on my hands has never bothered me; hubs and I have spent the last 6 for me, 9 for him, years in the military. Fueling trucks, helicopters, etc. I’ve always enjoyed the smell and have some cleaning wipes in the trunk just in case I make a mess like a kid lol.

Windshield tint is illegal in nearly every state (including MD). That part was completely under the table. Considering it's the largest window, it only makes sense to me to reject the most heat out of it. I don't really notice reduction of visibility either.

Thank for your service too!

One other question for ya; for this emissions recall/warranty, what risks do I run tuning wise? I don’t foresee me running this thing into the ground (still gotta be a smart parent) but, I don’t want something to happen and run the risk of losing that coverage. I want to personalize the vehicle enough to be fun and kinda skippy, but don’t want to totally screw myself lol.

That is always the risk with tuning/modifying cars. If you have to bring in the car for any kind of warranty work and they scan the ECU, it would come up as flashed (even if you went back to stock) and they will flag you TD1 and reject warranty claims for the engine, transmission, and exhaust, most likely. But things like control arms, axles, etc, would still be warrantied.

I forget the name of it, but there is a piggyback or add-on box available that plugs into the harness somewhere in the engine bay and acts like a tuned ECU. On the plus side, for anything warranty-related, you can remove it (go back to stock), drive it in, and won't get flagged. On the minus side, it isn't as custom as some software and you can't pick/choose your options, or go more/less aggressive on it.

One thing to look into is an Extended Warranty as well. That way if you are past the original warranty and it's something the dealership won't warranty b/c you are flagged, you can go to an indy shop you trust and they can likely work with the warranty company to take care of you.

[mrsbtdi]

Windshield tint is illegal in nearly every state (including MD). That part was completely under the table. Considering it's the largest window, it only makes sense to me to reject the most heat out of it. I don't really notice reduction of visibility either.

Thank for your service too!





That is always the risk with tuning/modifying cars. If you have to bring in the car for any kind of warranty work and they scan the ECU, it would come up as flashed (even if you went back to stock) and they will flag you TD1 and reject warranty claims for the engine, transmission, and exhaust, most likely. But things like control arms, axles, etc, would still be warrantied.

I forget the name of it, but there is a piggyback or add-on box available that plugs into the harness somewhere in the engine bay and acts like a tuned ECU. On the plus side, for anything warranty-related, you can remove it (go back to stock), drive it in, and won't get flagged. On the minus side, it isn't as custom as some software and you can't pick/choose your options, or go more/less aggressive on it.

One thing to look into is an Extended Warranty as well. That way if you are past the original warranty and it's something the dealership won't warranty b/c you are flagged, you can go to an indy shop you trust and they can likely work with the warranty company to take care of you.

I was looking at the RaceChip as a piggyback but, it seemed a little “too good to be true” kinda thing. So, that’s why I started looking more into the mod side. But, after finding the emissions warranty in my glove box, I second guessed the mod side because of something really does get dumb with this thing, I want that 4yr/48k or 10yr/120k (whichever applies at this rate). After I make it outta that though, or once I pay the car off, maybe I will explore more mod side. I really just want the exhaust done. I love the sound of some of these damn cars and just love the concept of making it sound rowdy.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[delmd92]

My local dealer was mod friendly until the scandal and now they tell me they have no choice. The tune comes up first item when they plug in the computer. Didn't want to risk it. Have had a Chipwerke plug in tuner box in the wife's Q5 for awhile and while the mechanics see it front and center, it doesn't register on the scan and so they ignore it. Will have mine to install this weekend. Probably not the same as a Malone tune, but does noticeably improve the vehicle. After the warranty? Probably will get Malone and deletes to really maximize this car. I tinted to WI legal and did ceramic. I like the look and it seems a bit cooler.

[Audibot]

My local dealer was mod friendly until the scandal and now they tell me they have no choice. The tune comes up first item when they plug in the computer. Didn't want to risk it. Have had a Chipwerke plug in tuner box in the wife's Q5 for awhile and while the mechanics see it front and center, it doesn't register on the scan and so they ignore it. Will have mine to install this weekend. Probably not the same as a Malone tune, but does noticeably improve the vehicle. After the warranty? Probably will get Malone and deletes to really maximize this car. I tinted to WI legal and did ceramic. I like the look and it seems a bit cooler.

Ironically, my Service Advisor asked me when I'm gonna get it tuned. Her S4 is tuned, and the dealership has been mod friendly as far as long as I've been there