APR Exhaust System for the Audi SQ5

[Arin@APR]

As to why they don’t want to acknowledge the many of us who have them and most likely are willing to buy is beyond me?

Full acknowledged above.

[cmil527]

How do you like the sound? Thinking of doing midpipes only until they figure out how I can keep my sport tips.

Yeah pondering this myself for some more sound, I have the ECS resonator delete/x-pipe and the mid pipe set up should mount right up.

[GID]

GID, team said you called in and got this resolved. Can you confirm?

Resolved for the most part but not completely. It's no longer resting on the cross brace but it is still resting on a small part of the heat shield. That's not a huge deal because it shouldn't transfer any unwanted noise but still not ideal.

Sound at idle and cold start is great. I haven't driven it since resolving the issues. Prior to resolving, there was some rattle but that was obviously because of the cross brace. I'm not able to drive it now but I'll take it for a ride and check back in.

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

[GoCougs1234]

Still waiting on APR to provide a solution for those of us with the factory sport exhaust tips. As to why they don’t want to acknowledge the many of us who have them and most likely are willing to buy is beyond me?

Only a tiny % of B9.5 SQ5s have the Sport Exhaust tips and the current APR system is drop-in for both the B9 and B9.5 w/out Sport Exhaust tips. The ROI for a separate axle back for a tiny % of the market is very small. Corporations aren't charities - they go where the ROI is.

[GID]

Only a tiny % of B9.5 SQ5s have the Sport Exhaust tips and the current APR system is drop-in for both the B9 and B9.5 w/out Sport Exhaust tips. The ROI for a separate axle back for a tiny % of the market is very small. Corporations aren't charities - they go where the ROI is.

Took the words from my mouth. I thought about posting this several times but decided to not stir the pot.

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

[SQ5-4RiNGS]

I think you can still do what stock Audi dealer do. Just saw off the tips and clamping the newer tips on

Angles of tips coming out of the muffler on the APR exhaust look at the wrong angle

[SQ5-4RiNGS]

Full acknowledged above.

If I didn’t live in Florida I’d have you scan mine.

[SQ5-4RiNGS]

Only a tiny % of B9.5 SQ5s have the Sport Exhaust tips and the current APR system is drop-in for both the B9 and B9.5 w/out Sport Exhaust tips. The ROI for a separate axle back for a tiny % of the market is very small. Corporations aren't charities - they go where the ROI is.

I don’t know about that, every b9.5 SQ5 I see here in Florida has sport exhaust tips imho. Also most dealerships order them that way here in the Tampa region as I have asked when I visited the three big ones in the last 8 months. Example the dealership I went to yesterday every SQ5 on the lot had sport exhaust tips

[cmil527]

I believe the guys are simply pointing out the lack of an exhaust option for sport exhaust equipped B9.5's or B9.5's in general with fake exhaust tips which are easily cut out. I mean how many $2k or more systems can we have offered with turndowns?

[B6_Dolphin]

Resolved for the most part but not completely. It's no longer resting on the cross brace but it is still resting on a small part of the heat shield. That's not a huge deal because it shouldn't transfer any unwanted noise but still not ideal.

Sound at idle and cold start is great. I haven't driven it since resolving the issues. Prior to resolving, there was some rattle but that was obviously because of the cross brace. I'm not able to drive it now but I'll take it for a ride and check back in.

So the issue with the fit against the heat shield - it looks like when APR was fitting their big, singular mid-pipe that connects to the muffler assembly, they didn't account for the SQ5s & SQ5 Sportbacks that have the optional Sport Package with the Air Suspension, as the single mid-pipe is contacting the heat shield for the Air Compressor.

Their instructions clearly show a B9 SQ5 w/o an Air Compressor:


To add insult to injury, the band clamp with its increased diameter is "right there" where the big pipe runs out of real estate... Ooof! With the stock system, it's two smaller diameter pipes that obviously route around the Air Compressor heat shield with a bend in both pipes.

It would better if APR modified that pipe to put a bend/kink or relief in that area to prevent contact, when the exhaust system inevitably moves around on the rubber mounts as intended.

Waiting to hear how they resolve this. It will effect alot more B9 SQ5 & SQ5 Sportback owners, because the Sport Package w/Air Suspension is a popular option.

[cmil527]

So the issue with the fit against the heat shield - it looks like when APR was fitting their big, singular mid-pipe that connects to the muffler assembly, they didn't account for the SQ5s & SQ5 Sportbacks that have the optional Sport Package with the Air Suspension, as the single mid-pipe is contacting the heat shield for the Air Compressor. (Their instructions clearly show a B9 SQ5 w/o an Air Compressor.) To add insult to injury, the band clamp with its increased diameter is "right there" where the big pipe runs out of real estate... Ooof! With the stock system, it's two smaller diameter pipes that obviously route around the Air Compressor heat shield with a bend in both pipes.

It would better if APR modified that pipe to put a bend/kink or relief in that area to prevent contact, when the exhaust system inevitably moves around on the rubber mounts as intended.

Waiting to hear how they resolve this. It will effect alot more B9 SQ5 & SQ5 Sportback owners, because the Sport Package w/Air Suspension is a popular option.

Yikes..

[GoCougs1234]

I think you can still do what stock Audi dealer do. Just saw off the tips and clamping the newer tips on

Unless you have experience, recommend not recommending it - could be an expensive lesson.

It will not work. See the image ITT whereby a user has the APR axle back stacked on top of the factory axle back.

The Sport Exhaust tips are designed to clamp to the stubby exits of the stock muffler and the APR muffler exits are at complete different angles/orientation (and the Sport Exhaust tips' piping is much too stiff to bend in any meaningful manner).

[GoCougs1234]

Took the words from my mouth. I thought about posting this several times but decided to not stir the pot.

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

Welp, I couldn't resist! Not trying to offend. I'm a big APR fan and thankful they continue to invest in the B9/9.5 platform (though I'm still waiting for the SQ5 PEX intake!) and understand investment has its limits. Ginning up the design, documentation, marketing and tooling for this stuff is expensive and time consuming.

My hunch is APR offers the mid pipes and axle back separately was precisely because of the Sport Exhaust tips. The Sport Exhaust tips increase sound so much that in combination with removing the resonators and an aftermarket muffler, the sound may very well be too loud for some if not most. APR mid pipes + stock axle back + Sport Exhaust tips I'm betting is both a good option for consumers and a good ROI for APR.

[petahs]

So the issue with the fit against the heat shield - it looks like when APR was fitting their big, singular mid-pipe that connects to the muffler assembly, they didn't account for the SQ5s & SQ5 Sportbacks that have the optional Sport Package with the Air Suspension, as the single mid-pipe is contacting the heat shield for the Air Compressor.

Their instructions clearly show a B9 SQ5 w/o an Air Compressor:

To add insult to injury, the band clamp with its increased diameter is "right there" where the big pipe runs out of real estate... Ooof! With the stock system, it's two smaller diameter pipes that obviously route around the Air Compressor heat shield with a bend in both pipes.

It would better if APR modified that pipe to put a bend/kink or relief in that area to prevent contact, when the exhaust system inevitably moves around on the rubber mounts as intended.

Waiting to hear how they resolve this. It will effect alot more B9 SQ5 & SQ5 Sportback owners, because the Sport Package w/Air Suspension is a popular option.

Thanks for the update I was considering this with the yearly bonus.

[B6_Dolphin]

Thanks for the update I was considering this with the yearly bonus.

I placed a call with APR Customer Service this morning and initiated a return request for the Cat-back System I just received yesterday. We discussed the reason why, which concerns fitment issues with the single mid-pipe/clamp contacting the heat shield on the B9 SQ5s which have Air Suspension. It's unfortunate the pipe join (& the massive clamp) for the mid-pipe to the muffler section is right at the point of the air compressor shield corner. Bummer.

My plan is to still install the front mid-pipes from APR along with the IE Pro-core Cat. Should make for some nice sound, even with the OEM muffler section.

[cmil527]

I placed a call with APR Customer Service this morning and initiated a return request for the Cat-back System I just received yesterday. We discussed the reason why, which concerns fitment issues with the single mid-pipe/clamp contacting the heat shield on the B9 SQ5s which have Air Suspension. It's unfortunate the pipe join (& the massive clamp) for the mid-pipe to the muffler section is right at the point of the air compressor shield corner. Bummer.

My plan is to still install the front mid-pipes from APR along with the IE Pro-core Cat. Should make for some nice sound, even with the OEM muffler section.

sucks but I agree I would return it as well.

[GID]

I realize I provided feedback that's causing people to be discouraged about this system. That being said, I'm still working though the issues and because of the modularity, there are micro adjustments that can be made. I haven't had the time to mess with it as much as I'd like after work, dealing with a 5 year old, and being sick. I'm not saying there will be no fitment issues, I just think everyone is jumping the gun a little.

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

[Arin@APR]

I just spoke with our engineering team, and we’ve identified the issue. Vehicles equipped with the optional S sport package, which includes the adaptive air suspension, also come with a compressor and heat shield. Unfortunately, that’s what’s interfering with GID’s installation.

We’re updating the website to reflect this limitation—apologies for the inconvenience.

Please don’t hesitate to call our team at 334-502-5181 and we’ll issue a full refund.

I realize this isn’t an ideal solution, and I don’t have a car on hand to confirm, but it looks like there may be a bit of space behind the heat shield. If anyone with the system wants to take a look and see if it can be gently repositioned to allow clearance, we’d love to hear what you find. But regardless, give us a call—we’ll take care of the refund.

[SQ5-4RiNGS]

I believe the guys are simply pointing out the lack of an exhaust option for sport exhaust equipped B9.5's or B9.5's in general with fake exhaust tips which are easily cut out. I mean how many $2k or more systems can we have offered with turndowns?

This right here!

[SQ5-4RiNGS]

I just spoke with our engineering team, and we’ve identified the issue. Vehicles equipped with the optional S sport package, which includes the adaptive air suspension, also come with a compressor and heat shield. Unfortunately, that’s what’s interfering with GID’s installation.

We’re updating the website to reflect this limitation—apologies for the inconvenience.

Please don’t hesitate to call our team at 334-502-5181 and we’ll issue a full refund.

I realize this isn’t an ideal solution, and I don’t have a car on hand to confirm, but it looks like there may be a bit of space behind the heat shield. If anyone with the system wants to take a look and see if it can be gently repositioned to allow clearance, we’d love to hear what you find. But regardless, give us a call—we’ll take care of the refund.

Wait, so now if I want to buy the exhaust and because I own a prestige model with the sport diff and the air suspension I can’t now order this due to a limitation. Do you know anybody in the Tampa, FL region that can scan my car?I’d be more than happy to have them scan it and they can send you the files to help you make an exhaust that will fit the vehicle properly. I have $2000 burning a hole in my pocket ready for an exhaust!

[B6_Dolphin]

I can’t now order this due to a limitation.

The limitation simply states the current P/N APR Exhaust will be space-constrained due to the close proximity of the Muffler Inlet Tube & Clamp to the Air Compressor Heat Shield (on those SQ5s w/Air Suspension). It doesn't mean you can't order it... APR will gladly take your money, just realize in its present form, you'll potentially have the exhaust clamp bumping against the heat shield while driving.

As for modifying the existing piping, anything is possible with enough $ thrown at it. You could have a local muffler shop cut back on the length of the APR muffler inlet pipe, to move the pipe end further rearward AND fabricate a replica of the APR mid-pipe with a longer length exit to make up the difference. In addition, a relief notch where the mid-pipe intersects the heat shield corner would provide some insurance against contact with the heat shield. The point of the exercise is to move where pipes form a butt joint farther rearward so that when it is clamped, it no longer occurs at the corner of the heat shield.

[SQ5-4RiNGS]

The limitation simply states the current P/N APR Exhaust will be space-constrained due to the close proximity of the Muffler Inlet Tube & Clamp to the Air Compressor Heat Shield (on those SQ5s w/Air Suspension). It doesn't mean you can't order it... APR will gladly take your money, just realize in its present form, you'll potentially have the exhaust clamp bumping against the heat shield while driving.

As for modifying the existing piping, anything is possible with enough $ thrown at it. You could have a local muffler shop cut back on the length of the APR muffler inlet pipe, to move the pipe end further rearward AND fabricate a replica of the APR mid-pipe with a longer length exit to make up the difference. In addition, a relief notch where the mid-pipe intersects the heat shield corner would provide some insurance against contact with the heat shield. The point of the exercise is to move where pipes form a butt joint farther rearward so that when it is clamped, it no longer occurs at the corner of the heat shield.

I get that! Good luck with fitment.

[Txlifter]

Could it be welded up and then mounted? Seems that most of the difficulty is from the clamp and its increased diameter.

[GID]

Update for those interested:

I've messed around with the small pipe. Slid it forward, backwards, and tried to twist it as much as I could. Ultimately, it still touches the heat shield. I managed to relieve the pressure so it's just touching it.

As for sound, it's great. A deep growl instead of obnoxiously loud. The sound matches the car. I didn't purchase it with any hopes for performance gains but I'm pleasantly surprised. It seems that the turbo spools so much easier and louder. It could be in my head but it sure feels snappier. The turbo definitely likes the lower back pressure.

Sent from my Pixel 9 Pro using Tapatalk

[NBPDC505]

I just spoke with our engineering team, and we’ve identified the issue. Vehicles equipped with the optional S sport package, which includes the adaptive air suspension, also come with a compressor and heat shield. Unfortunately, that’s what’s interfering with GID’s installation.

We’re updating the website to reflect this limitation—apologies for the inconvenience.

Please don’t hesitate to call our team at 334-502-5181 and we’ll issue a full refund.

I realize this isn’t an ideal solution, and I don’t have a car on hand to confirm, but it looks like there may be a bit of space behind the heat shield. If anyone with the system wants to take a look and see if it can be gently repositioned to allow clearance, we’d love to hear what you find. But regardless, give us a call—we’ll take care of the refund.

I've got both the S Sport package and sport tips. Let me know if APR would like to scan the vehicle and I can bring it by if scheduled with enough advance.

[Arin@APR]

Can you fill this out?

http://goapr.io/beta/

I'll have the guys keep an eye out for it.

[jlaudio]

Can you fill this out?

http://goapr.io/beta/

I'll have the guys keep an eye out for it.

Sure. Not providing a VIN but stated elsewhere that the sport tips were from the factory.

[Hostile]

Sure. Not providing a VIN but stated elsewhere that the sport tips were from the factory.

Technically they are “from the port”. They are a port/dealer installed accessory.

[Arin@APR]

Not providing a VIN

Not a problem. We just need a way to know what you have (YMM) and a way to contact you.

[NBPDC505]

Can you fill this out?

http://goapr.io/beta/

I'll have the guys keep an eye out for it.

Just sent it over.

[B6_Dolphin]

Not a problem. We just need a way to know what you have (YMM) and a way to contact you.

So going forward, what is the plan for accounting for, what looks like, a minimum two (2) configurations (w/ and w/o Air Suspension), and yes, if want to appease the Sport "Hot" Tips owners, maybe a 3rd configuration of Cat-back? Obviously, APR has invested development time & $ in the tooling for the existing Cat-back, er, mid-pipe back, configuration that fits B9 SQ5s w/o the Air Compressor.

I've returned the existing mid-pipe exhaust to APR, as my '21 SQ5 Sportback has Air Suspension, but I'm interested in what changes are in-store for this configuration. I prefer the APR muffler setup to AWE & IE because APR chose to maintain the OEM Valve Control.

For now, it will be IE Pro-Core DP + APR Mid-pipes + OEM Mufflers. I should have this combination installed by mid-April, once I get the DP Ceramic Coated (for heat management) back from a local vendor.

[Arin@APR]

There are no plans of any changes yet.

We'll have to scan the car, assess, do a business case, etc. Long process.

[SQ5-4RiNGS]

So going forward, what is the plan for accounting for, what looks like, a minimum two (2) configurations (w/ and w/o Air Suspension), and yes, if want to appease the Sport "Hot" Tips owners, maybe a 3rd configuration of Cat-back? Obviously, APR has invested development time & $ in the tooling for the existing Cat-back, er, mid-pipe back, configuration that fits B9 SQ5s w/o the Air Compressor.

I've returned the existing mid-pipe exhaust to APR, as my '21 SQ5 Sportback has Air Suspension, but I'm interested in what changes are in-store for this configuration. I prefer the APR muffler setup to AWE & IE because APR chose to maintain the OEM Valve Control.

For now, it will be IE Pro-Core DP + APR Mid-pipes + OEM Mufflers. I should have this combination installed by mid-April, once I get the DP Ceramic Coated (for heat management) back from a local vendor.

Curious what makes us “hot tip” owners less important than turn down fake exhaust people? Don’t get the bad reference!

[B6_Dolphin]

Curious what makes us “hot tip” owners less important than turn down fake exhaust people? Don’t get the bad reference!

It's not a "bad" reference. No (other) aftermarket exhaust supplier provides a configuration for B9 SQ5s w/Hot Tips. If I had to guess, the B9 SQ5 population with the most owner percentage is w/Air Suspension, the second highest owner percentage is w/o Air Suspension, AND THEN you'll have an ownership population w/Hot Tips, and that population would be a mixture of w/Air Suspension and w/o Air Suspension, Therefore, if APR wanted to achieve the maximum ROI, or Return on Investment, where they invest development time & money into a releaseable product, unfortunately, the Hot Tip population will likely be in the lowest % of their customer base interested in buying their exhaust system, so the APR Finance guys are most likely going to tell their development team to focus on the turn-down configuration, and, incidentally, they did attempt a "one-size fits all" product that we now know doesn't fit all B9 SQ5 models.

Unfortunately, the Finance guys and ROI (decisions) are what makes the business decisions - the engineers just follow along. Otherwise, in a perfect world, you would see ALL configurations available. And I think I know what the final finance & design choices that will be offered, but I reserve the right to be surprised...

[SQ5-4RiNGS]

It's not a "bad" reference. No (other) aftermarket exhaust supplier provides a configuration for B9 SQ5s w/Hot Tips. If I had to guess, the B9 SQ5 population with the most owner percentage is w/Air Suspension, the second highest owner percentage is w/o Air Suspension, AND THEN you'll have an ownership population w/Hot Tips, and that population would be a mixture of w/Air Suspension and w/o Air Suspension, Therefore, if APR wanted to achieve the maximum ROI, or Return on Investment, where they invest development time & money into a releaseable product, unfortunately, the Hot Tip population will likely be in the lowest % of their customer base interested in buying their exhaust system, so the APR Finance guys are most likely going to tell their development team to focus on the turn-down configuration, and, incidentally, they did attempt a "one-size fits all" product that we now know doesn't fit all B9 SQ5 models.

Unfortunately, the Finance guys and ROI (decisions) are what makes the business decisions - the engineers just follow along. Otherwise, in a perfect world, you would see ALL configurations available. And I think I know what the final finance & design choices that will be offered, but I reserve the right to be surprised...

I’m a “ hot tip”boi (lol), with air suspension and sport diff

[Arin@APR]

We don’t view any one type of customer as more important than another—whether it’s B9 vs. B9.5, traditional vs. air suspension, or downturn vs. factory tips.

When we began development on this product, it was on our pre-facelift development car, which only had downturn tips and no air suspension. The facelift model we tested on also lacked air suspension.

I’ll take full ownership here:

When I originally defined the project requirements, I wasn’t aware that air suspension would affect the exhaust layout. I didn’t know the facelift model came with factory tip options. I didn’t realize dealers were installing those options on the lot. And frankly, I didn’t expect Audi customers would be willing to cut their bumpers to accommodate different tip configurations.

I was wrong—and I’ve learned from it.

As for my previous comments about the path forward, I simply want to set realistic expectations. The odds of us making a quick change—say, within a few months—are low. Any update would require a full business case, access to development vehicles, prototype fabrication, validation, shifting current projects and resources, manufacturing planning, marketing support, and more. It’s not a fast or simple process.

[B6_Dolphin]

I’ll take full ownership here:

When I originally defined the project requirements, I wasn’t aware that air suspension would affect the exhaust layout. I didn’t know the facelift model came with factory tip options. I didn’t realize dealers were installing those options on the lot. And frankly, I didn’t expect Audi customers would be willing to cut their bumpers to accommodate different tip configurations.

I was wrong—and I’ve learned from it.

As for my previous comments about the path forward, I simply want to set realistic expectations. The odds of us making a quick change—say, within a few months—are low. Any update would require a full business case, access to development vehicles, prototype fabrication, validation, shifting current projects and resources, manufacturing planning, marketing support, and more. It’s not a fast or simple process.

Arin - appreciate the feedback. I've purchased many APR products over the years for my Audis, and the fit & finish have always been remarkable, so when GID posted those photos, I was surprised to see the interference issue with the heat shield.

However, yours is not a unique situation - I purchased an IE A2A IC last year for my B9.5 RS5, and it was marketed as fitting MY2018+ RS5s. However, Audi changed the Charge Pipe from 2-piece to 1-piece for the facelift version, and since my '23 is a facelift version, the included molded IC hose did not match-up to the charge pipe inlet, so I had to make some modifications to these hoses, and add a male-to-male coupler to make a solid connection. IE had used a pre-facelift RS5 to baseline their fit model for the A2A IC - they never realized the facelift versions were different, until I brought up the issue to their customer support team.

[cmil527]

Anyone get the mid pipes and get em on yet? Curious as to how much sound they add.

[GID]

Anyone get the mid pipes and get em on yet? Curious as to how much sound they add.

I do. I removed the catback portion and installed the Midpipes to the factory exhaust. The sound change is VERY subtle. A little deeper and a little louder at start up but overall, it's not a significant difference.

I will say I had the factory midpipes installed to the APR catback and I had to uninstall it. It was was loud and deep, in sport mode it sounded good but there was a slight drone at around 1600-1900 RPM in 6th, 7th, and 8th. So cruising between 45-highway speeds, you'd hear it.

[cmil527]

I do. I removed the catback portion and installed the Midpipes to the factory exhaust. The sound change is VERY subtle. A little deeper and a little louder at start up but overall, it's not a significant difference.

I will say I had the factory midpipes installed to the APR catback and I had to uninstall it. It was was loud and deep, in sport mode it sounded good but there was a slight drone at around 1600-1900 RPM in 6th, 7th, and 8th. So cruising between 45-highway speeds, you'd hear it.

thank you for the feedback!