2013 S6 Throttle Lag and Rough Down shifting solved

[zeiman]

About a month ago I experienced a pretty close call making a left hand turn across two lanes of traffic while rolling at probably 3-5 mph. I gave it gas to thread the needle and nothing for thousand 1 thousand whoosh throttle came on as I drifted slowly into on coming traffic. Needless to say throttle delay was no longer acceptable. After researching the fix I also discovered that there was a possible fix to my rough down shifting in sport mode that I was experiencing. I tried to fix that with the trans mount 34 moto and it worked pretty good but still was pretty violent 3>2 2>1 when going from like 40 to zero at a stop. I needed an inspection so I called up the Audi Dealer and told them I was bringing her in and described my near death and the violent down shift issue made them aware of the TSB 2039267/1 and TSB 2035235/2 that they fixed both my issues. After having it for a day they said they could not replicate my issue and found no fault codes so they could not do the TSB's. I told the SA that it was a safety issue for me and I would not take the car back until the ECU and TCU were reflashed. I said charge me if you have to. They did both TSB's for me and it has transformed the car into a smooth shifting and wicked throttle response that I never knew I was missing. They charged $120. I called Audi of America and talked to a nice lady there and within a half hour the dealership called me to get my credit card info to issue me a refund. Really gotta say that AofA is really a class act in my opinion.

[grc]

About a month ago I experienced a pretty close call making a left hand turn across two lanes of traffic while rolling at probably 3-5 mph. I gave it gas to thread the needle and nothing for thousand 1 thousand whoosh throttle came on as I drifted slowly into on coming traffic. Needless to say throttle delay was no longer acceptable. After researching the fix I also discovered that there was a possible fix to my rough down shifting in sport mode that I was experiencing. I tried to fix that with the trans mount 34 moto and it worked pretty good but still was pretty violent 3>2 2>1 when going from like 40 to zero at a stop. I needed an inspection so I called up the Audi Dealer and told them I was bringing her in and described my near death and the violent down shift issue made them aware of the TSB 2039267/1 and TSB 2035235/2 that they fixed both my issues. After having it for a day they said they could not replicate my issue and found no fault codes so they could not do the TSB's. I told the SA that it was a safety issue for me and I would not take the car back until the ECU and TCU were reflashed. I said charge me if you have to. They did both TSB's for me and it has transformed the car into a smooth shifting and wicked throttle response that I never knew I was missing. They charged $120. I called Audi of America and talked to a nice lady there and within a half hour the dealership called me to get my credit card info to issue me a refund. Really gotta say that AofA is really a class act in my opinion.

You have been driving an unsafe and defective car for 2-3 years and they only fixed it after you complained. No offense, but this is not class act. This is terrible. Remember, this is a ~$75-$90k luxury car!
Class act is if the manufacturer performs enough road testing to find these obvious issues and does not release cars with such problems. Class act is if the manufacturer recalls and fixes all vehicles within the first year of release.

[MileMan402]

The thing is, I assume your S6 is a 2013 since you got those TSB's. However people are still complaining about 2014-2016's.

It would be great if there was an Audi engineer on this board who could give a legitimate reason as to why the ECU & TCU are programmed in such a manner. I know it's related to the DSG not being able to slip it's clutches in the same manner as a traditional clutch and not having the same smooth progressive engagement as a torque converter. Although I can't explain why people say the S4 has quicker engagement other than maybe their minds are just exaggerating the minimal turbo lag.

Maybe it's just me, but I like my S6 and I don't want a different car, so I adjusted my driving habits early on to compensate for this "lag" (delay, hesitation, whatever the hell you want to call it) instead of whining on an internet forum. I'm not saying it's acceptable for Audi not to address it, but being proactive about an issue is better than retroactively expressing frustration online.

Can there just be an official thread so everyone stops posting 3 new ones every day?

[sciblades]

I cannot speak for other tunes, but when switching to the Unitronic tune (about 3 years ago) after my tune the delay and throttle response was night and day difference. I actually drive around in auto all the time and never had this problem my car was one of the first s6's in the country back then so in no way had any of these tsb done to them. I completely understand not every one wants a tuned car but i would highly recommend it to any one who wants to get rid of the lag.

[VeryBadman]

I cannot speak for other tunes, but when switching to the Unitronic tune (about 3 years ago) after my tune the delay and throttle response was night and day difference. I actually drive around in auto all the time and never had this problem my car was one of the first s6's in the country back then so in no way had any of these tsb done to them. I completely understand not every one wants a tuned car but i would highly recommend it to any one who wants to get rid of the lag.

I wouldn't say there was zero issue downshift issue when I drove S6 in auto but it's good 98% of the time even without the tune. However, many people want to drive in dynamic yet expect the transmission to smooth out like auto/comfort.

[MileMan402]

I expect it to be drive-able in dynamic but it is not in the 10-40 mph range.
I have been driving a DSG for 2 years and I know how it should feel like. Moreover I have driven many cars with the 7-speed DSG (2011 S4, 2013 S4, 2015 S4, 2015 Macan Turbo, 2016 S6).
The best was the Macan. Porsche rewrote the software and did an amazing job. Then the next is the S4. Audi had to release a couple of TSBs to make it better, but they did and after 2013 models it was very good. The worst by far is the S6.

Is the Macan's "PDK" 100% the same mechanically? Case in point...the B8, B8.5, and C7 ALL have DIFFERENT gear ratios. This can also have an affect. There is a huge thread about people complaining when Audi changed the gear ratios in the B8.5, which lowered the thrust curves.

[GTS21]

It's not just a DSG problem. My 8 speed auto RS7 has throttle lag up the wazoo.

[Xtek]

If I had to guess, its not a bug its intentional. A lot of people complained that the throttles were too touchy and the car had harsh downshifts. Most people (unfortunately) that buy the big S and RS cars don't know what they're buying. By that I mean they don't understand they are performance oriented luxury cars. Those are unfortunately the voices that get heard the most. Audi has just indexed on the side of luxury/smoothness over performance, which is unfortunate. Best thing you can do is reach out to AoA and hopefully enough people will get their attention.

In the interim if you feel the car is unsafe let the dealership know. A workaround is to drive around in M.

For those complaining that the car is harsh in S, you can't have your cake and eat it too. Downshifting a at high RPMs in any car is going to cause some level of jerkyness, that's why its SPORT.

[eyeloveteeth]

i take advantage of the harsh downshifts now.....take those butterfly on ramp / exits at high speed and let the rough shit be my braking. LOL

[MileMan402]

If I had to guess, its not a bug its intentional. A lot of people complained that the throttles were too touchy and the car had harsh downshifts. Most people (unfortunately) that buy the big S and RS cars don't know what they're buying. By that I mean they don't understand they are performance oriented luxury cars. Those are unfortunately the voices that get heard the most. Audi has just indexed on the side of luxury/smoothness over performance, which is unfortunate. Best thing you can do is reach out to AoA and hopefully enough people will get their attention.

In the interim if you feel the car is unsafe let the dealership know. A workaround is to drive around in M.

For those complaining that the car is harsh in S, you can't have your cake and eat it too. Downshifting a at high RPMs in any car is going to cause some level of jerkyness, that's why its SPORT.

i take advantage of the harsh downshifts now.....take those butterfly on ramp / exits at high speed and let the rough shit be my braking. LOL

X2!

[Serpent]

Am I the only that likes the rough downshifts? Isn't that the point of driving around in S?

[MileMan402]

Am I the only that likes the rough downshifts? Isn't that the point of driving around in S?

NO! This is a 90k dollar luxury car that weighs 4400+ pounds dammit! I want butter smooth shifts to accompany my lightning fast shifts! /sarcastic rant

Still waiting for someone to confirm mechanical similarities. Everybody directly comparing the B8, B8.5, C7, and even PDK needs to brush up on DOE and realize that many factors can cause different behaviors between those variations of the 7 speed DSG

[Serpent]

NO! This is a 90k dollar luxury car that weighs 4400+ pounds dammit! I want butter smooth shifts to accompany my lightning fast shifts! /sarcastic rant

Did you drive it around for least 2 weeks? You might want to downgrade to 4!

I couldn't help it :)

[MileMan402]

Did you drive it around for least 2 weeks? You might want to downgrade to 4!

I couldn't help it :)

When I originally got my A6 tdi, I cross shopped the S4, but I wanted the A6 for space and fuel mileage. Then I fell in love with the interior and wanted more power so I upped to the S6. My father picked me up when I dropped it off during the last service and I was sitting in an S4. He looked at me and said, "Why are you sitting in that little thing? A V6?! Psh" Hahaha

In all seriousness, If I was to go to something smaller it would have to be an RS3/4. If my commute remains ~100mi/daily I may even consider another tdi, but the front runner is still keep the S6 and do all the chassis mods.

[VeryBadman]

NO! This is a 90k dollar luxury car that weighs 4400+ pounds dammit! I want butter smooth shifts to accompany my lightning fast shifts! /sarcastic rant

Still waiting for someone to confirm mechanical similarities. Everybody directly comparing the B8, B8.5, C7, and even PDK needs to brush up on DOE and realize that many factors can cause different behaviors between those variations of the 7 speed DSG

As per Car and Driver blog, the PDK in McCan is a genuine Porsche PDK not Audi S-Tronic like many people tend to believe since McCan is based from the same platform as Q5.

http://blog.caranddriver.com/seven-t...porsche-macan/

It doesn't make sense for Porsche to use S-Tronic under the PDK name since they already have a mighty PDK that they can simply slap in and it's not like the McCan is so cheap that they have to justify the cost by using different transmission unit in that specific model.

[tonymission]

Am I the only that likes the rough downshifts? Isn't that the point of driving around in S?

No. They're badass.

[zcd2.7t]

My car is going in for its 35K service tomorrow, and I'm hoping they'll take care of those same 2 TSBs if they really help - TSB 2039267/1 and TSB 2035235/2.

It's not a deal-breaker for me, but I would prefer it if the car were more responsive in part-throttle situations WITHOUT driving in Dynamic Engine/Transmission mode all the time. Ironically, the ideal setting for me seems as if it would be somewhere between Auto and Dynamic - I don't want 7th gear locked out until over 65 mph, and yet I also don't want slightly lazy throttle response. I know, "cake and eat it too", but that's what I'd like.

[MileMan402]

My car is going in for its 35K service tomorrow, and I'm hoping they'll take care of those same 2 TSBs if they really help - TSB 2039267/1 and TSB 2035235/2.

It's not a deal-breaker for me, but I would prefer it if the car were more responsive in part-throttle situations WITHOUT driving in Dynamic Engine/Transmission mode all the time. Ironically, the ideal setting for me seems as if it would be somewhere between Auto and Dynamic - I don't want 7th gear locked out until over 65 mph, and yet I also don't want slightly lazy throttle response. I know, "cake and eat it too", but that's what I'd like.

Set the trans to Auto in individual mode and the car will learn your driving habits (to a certain extent). It should become more responsive to your driving habits if your drive aggressively.

[Shane94116]

If I had to guess, its not a bug its intentional. A lot of people complained that the throttles were too touchy and the car had harsh downshifts. Most people (unfortunately) that buy the big S and RS cars don't know what they're buying. By that I mean they don't understand they are performance oriented luxury cars. Those are unfortunately the voices that get heard the most. Audi has just indexed on the side of luxury/smoothness over performance, which is unfortunate. Best thing you can do is reach out to AoA and hopefully enough people will get their attention.

In the interim if you feel the car is unsafe let the dealership know. A workaround is to drive around in M.

For those complaining that the car is harsh in S, you can't have your cake and eat it too. Downshifting a at high RPMs in any car is going to cause some level of jerkyness, that's why its SPORT.

I disagree. When I bought my s7 earlier this year the downshifts from 3rd to 2nd were tragic in S-Mode. They were so violent that I almost wrecked the car. I got on here and read about the fault and took it in to the dealer. The service manager told me the code was new and he couldn't believe more people hadn't come in because the downshift was horrible!
The car is now fun to drive. Mostly drive in auto, but kick it into sport mode when turning corners and in traffic to prevent turbo lag.

[zcd2.7t]

Another couple of data points to add to this discussion: Had my 35k service done yesterday, mentioned the TSBs (showed them the numbers) for the ECU and TCU, complained about harsh downshifts in Dynamic mode. They updated the TCU software, but it's an update that I haven't seen mentioned: TSB 20350491/1. Updates software from 4G1927156S version 009 to version 010.:





(sorry for the shadow - harsh lighting in the service writer's area)

They did not perform the ECU update that I requested - maybe I didn't "complain correctly".

The upshot is that the trans performance seems changed for the better - seems to hold gears a bit longer in "Auto" mode, and seems more eager to downshift. MUCH smoother downshifts in Dynamic mode when rolling to a stop - to me, it simply seems that the rev-matching is better for those downshifts. Somehow, the car also feels more responsive to part throttle inputs overall, but that could be placebo effect or just the car being in a lower gear more of the time - I'll need more seat time with the update to know for certain.

So, even though it's not the same update that many seem to have had, it has helped.

[MileMan402]

They were so violent that I almost wrecked the car.

How?

[tonymission]

Another couple of data points to add to this discussion: Had my 35k service done yesterday, mentioned the TSBs (showed them the numbers) for the ECU and TCU, complained about harsh downshifts in Dynamic mode. They updated the TCU software, but it's an update that I haven't seen mentioned: TSB 20350491/1. Updates software from 4G1927156S version 009 to version 010.:





(sorry for the shadow - harsh lighting in the service writer's area)

They did not perform the ECU update that I requested - maybe I didn't "complain correctly".

The upshot is that the trans performance seems changed for the better - seems to hold gears a bit longer in "Auto" mode, and seems more eager to downshift. MUCH smoother downshifts in Dynamic mode when rolling to a stop - to me, it simply seems that the rev-matching is better for those downshifts. Somehow, the car also feels more responsive to part throttle inputs overall, but that could be placebo effect or just the car being in a lower gear more of the time - I'll need more seat time with the update to know for certain.

So, even though it's not the same update that many seem to have had, it has helped.

I had this same TCU update performed yesterday and feel the same results on my car. Think it's better although I wasn't one to complain about the rougher downshifts. This is more subtle with a deeper growth now instead of the abrupt pop. All in all, I'd say an improvement.

[BrianV]

I have this horrific rough downshift that makes driving around town (stop signs and lights) in sport mode all but impossible. The entire drivetrain feels like it's going to drop to the ground during these 3-2 and 2-1 downshifts.

I took it to my dealer and they claim it is just characteristic of the S-tronic transmission. I explained to them that there are TSBs that even cite this, and they play dumb. My car is there now, and they say they can't reproduce or fix anything. I'm going there tomorrow morning, I printed this thread and plan to show them. They said they'd go on a drive with me to verify it. If they think this downshift where it feels like your car is falling apart is a normal S-tronic characteristic, then I really question things. The dealers unwillingness to write down the TSB when I offered to give it to them like 3 times is a head scratcher as well.

[grc]

I have this horrific rough downshift that makes driving around town (stop signs and lights) in sport mode all but impossible. The entire drivetrain feels like it's going to drop to the ground during these 3-2 and 2-1 downshifts.

I took it to my dealer and they claim it is just characteristic of the S-tronic transmission. I explained to them that there are TSBs that even cite this, and they play dumb. My car is there now, and they say they can't reproduce or fix anything. I'm going there tomorrow morning, I printed this thread and plan to show them. They said they'd go on a drive with me to verify it. If they think this downshift where it feels like your car is falling apart is a normal S-tronic characteristic, then I really question things. The dealers unwillingness to write down the TSB when I offered to give it to them like 3 times is a head scratcher as well.

Talk to AoA directly. Tell them that your car is unsafe to drive and you are completely unhappy with dealer. Then ask for an appointment with regional tech representative. Even better if you can call them while the car is a the dealer. Then AoA might call them and ask them to perform the TSBs

[BrianV]

Talk to AoA directly. Tell them that your car is unsafe to drive and you are completely unhappy with dealer. Then ask for an appointment with regional tech representative. Even better if you can call them while the car is a the dealer. Then AoA might call them and ask them to perform the TSBs

Thanks, I did use their contact form on the web site. I'm not sure if that is a worthwhile contact avenue, but we'll wait and see. I am headed to the dealer tomorrow morning armed with paperwork from this thread and my proven ability to drive the car and make this thing happen. It's not a very sporadic event, it is pretty much ANY downshift that is coming in sport mode from <40 mph to a stop at reasonable cruising speeds. Pull up to a stop sign slowly/coasting and bam. I'm not sure I'd call it a safety issue, but it is definitely not pleasant.

I find the car lags in general which is a combination of downshifting, turbo spooling, etc. I've learned to live with that, it's much worse on this car than the S4 6MT I had prior (which had razor sharp response). However the A5 2.0T loaner I have is equally lethargic initially as turbo boosts, etc.

[Serpent]

If i'm in stop and go traffic (0-40-0) and I'm in S then downshift is rough, car will lerch etc BUT I just think its normal and use the downshift to get to 40 as fast possible before I have to slow down again haha. I don't notice the rough downshifts when i'm using ACC, could be because i'm just used to it now. My car always stay in S.

[siberianwolf]

I don't have issue with harsh downshifts but I have with few second lag on low speeds (<20mph) when you release accelerator pedal and then hit it (i.e. you are merging on a main road). It's not turbo spool issue, it's like ECU is not giving any "fire" for a second/two and then car starts accelerating normally

[BrianV]

Well I went to my dealer and took the service tech for a ride. While in the parking lot he tried to explain this is a DSG and it's normal behavior and that he didn't feel anything abnormal in his test drives. I gave him print outs from this thread and took him for a drive through the neighborhood. As expected, it bucked like a bronco on every downshift. As he read more, he warmed up and ultimately as I pulled into the dealership, the most epic downshift of the morning occurred, and he kind of chuckled and said, "Yeah I definitely see what you're complaining about." He then defended that he was mostly testing it on the highway as the Service Advisor had wrote it as a 3-2 downshift issue and that he thought it was related to punching it on the highway for passing, LOL.

He then said, "I'm not sure what software you have, but probably the latest." I then replied, "I really doubt that given that I have no record of that (and I have PDFs of all records), and let's face it, getting you guys to do a software update is like putting a man on the moon."

I will say that my experience with BMW, Infiniti and Volvo service has been MUCH better in terms of getting software updates.

[MileMan402]

Well I went to my dealer and took the service tech for a ride. While in the parking lot he tried to explain this is a DSG and it's normal behavior and that he didn't feel anything abnormal in his test drives. I gave him print outs from this thread and took him for a drive through the neighborhood. As expected, it bucked like a bronco on every downshift. As he read more, he warmed up and ultimately as I pulled into the dealership, the most epic downshift of the morning occurred, and he kind of chuckled and said, "Yeah I definitely see what you're complaining about." He then defended that he was mostly testing it on the highway as the Service Advisor had wrote it as a 3-2 downshift issue and that he thought it was related to punching it on the highway for passing, LOL.

He then said, "I'm not sure what software you have, but probably the latest." I then replied, "I really doubt that given that I have no record of that (and I have PDFs of all records), and let's face it, getting you guys to do a software update is like putting a man on the moon."

I will say that my experience with BMW, Infiniti and Volvo service has been MUCH better in terms of getting software updates.

That definitely exacerbates the problem from an experience standpoint when the SA is reluctant like that. I guess I just got lucky with a ABS who is #8 in the country and seems to be able to encourage the service dept to help me out quickly. Either that or the pastries I bring to the dealership every so often haha

On another note, I've seen a lot of X60R's popping up in peoples sigs on AZ lately

[headcase]

Well I went to my dealer and took the service tech for a ride. While in the parking lot he tried to explain this is a DSG and it's normal behavior and that he didn't feel anything abnormal in his test drives. I gave him print outs from this thread and took him for a drive through the neighborhood. As expected, it bucked like a bronco on every downshift. As he read more, he warmed up and ultimately as I pulled into the dealership, the most epic downshift of the morning occurred, and he kind of chuckled and said, "Yeah I definitely see what you're complaining about." He then defended that he was mostly testing it on the highway as the Service Advisor had wrote it as a 3-2 downshift issue and that he thought it was related to punching it on the highway for passing, LOL.

He then said, "I'm not sure what software you have, but probably the latest." I then replied, "I really doubt that given that I have no record of that (and I have PDFs of all records), and let's face it, getting you guys to do a software update is like putting a man on the moon."

I will say that my experience with BMW, Infiniti and Volvo service has been MUCH better in terms of getting software updates.

To your point, getting Audi dealers to update our cars with the latest software does in fact seem like it takes an act of god (or AoA). They need to change their mindsets, if they want to keep up with market disrupters like Tesla.

In any case, what I found dramatically helped in convincing my local Audi dealer to update the ECM with the latest software to address the well-known throttle lag on the 2013 C7 models, as well as update the TCM to the latest software to address the the rough down shifts between 3rd gear and 2nd gear while in Sport mode, was to print out actual service docs from those here who have succeeded with their dealer. So with that said, here's my service record from a few days ago where you will see both items A and G covered under my factory warranty... feel free to use.

Now I just need someone's service doc showing a successful update of their MMI with the latest software, and I'm all set!

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1vyqd16im1...n%202.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/0wixsf1xcy...n%201.jpg?dl=0

[grc]

There are two reasons why dealers are reluctant to perform software updates:
1) Audi's software updates sometime make things worst (f.e. steering update for my S4 screwed up the steering) so customers get very angry
2) AoA will pay for the update work only if the dealer can prove that the update is mandated by a TSB and the customer concern is perfectly aligned with the TSB.

I am very happy I finally don't own an Audi. Their software is a joke and I don't understand how/why the release it without proper testing.
In my two years of ownership, the following components had bad software:
steering, MMI, Blind spot monitor, transmission, surround camera

All the issues I had were well known issues that multiple customers were experience.What is annoying is that in many cases the first software update did not fix the issue. Sometimes it made it worst.

[BrianV]

Thanks, I just got the car back and the downshifts are much better. You can still feel the downshift, but it is more like a downshift in M mode. It just feels like a good solid downshift and not like the entire drivetrain feels like it's going to fall out of the car. I never really noticed the lag before, but I do think it's possibly better now. Overall, I'm happy. The dealer still refused to replace my driver side AC vent despite my request since it rattles like crazy, however, it takes the right road and not the 25mph roads near the dealer that they test on :/

[headcase]

As someone who works in the technology industry for too many years, I'm aware that often new software releases (especially those not tested enough beforehand) can cause more issues than they solve. So I'm all for being conservative when it comes to updates... especially when it comes to a 4,000 lb. juggernaut rolling down the road at 150 MPH.

However, the fact that as customers we often have to research (amongst each other, for that matter), argue with dealers, and often still fail to get a simple software update completed on our cars for a problematic module is absolutely absurd.

[kiku]

I am so happy I have the ZF

[zcd2.7t]

Update: Took my '13 S6 to a different dealer and asked them to update the ECM and TCM software to the "latest and greatest" version of each. Shop foreman rode with me to witness/verify the throttle lag after a slow roll, which he verified was a real thing.

Text from the Word doc the dealer gave me verifying what had been done:
-----------------------------------
(TCM)
Test step: Changes performed
Campaign: MESSAGE
Output: The following changes determined by Software Version Management (SVM) have been performed:

Program updates:
02 - Transmission Electronics:
4G1927156S ; 0011 -> 4G1927156S ; 0013

(ECM)
Test step: Changes performed
Campaign: MESSAGE
Output: The following changes determined by Software Version Management (SVM) have been performed:

Program updates:
01 - Engine Electronics:
4G0906014B ; 0006 -> 4G0906014B ; 0008
-------------------------------------

Unlike the previous dealer, this dealer (Audi Exchange in Highland Park, IL) had no problem with performing these updates "just because I asked for them". The car is just about to go out of the OEM warranty, so that's why I wanted this taken care of at this time. This time, the service provided felt like what I'd expect from a luxury brand - they were more than willing to do what it took to make me happy, even though I didn't buy the car from them.

As for the way the car now drives, I'll echo what many others have said - the car FINALLY performs the way a near-500hp sedan should, at all times. Throttle lag is gone, and the engine/transmission response, even from a dead stop, is significantly improved. It seems as if the DBW throttle mapping is much more aggressive now, meaning a small pedal input gets a much bigger response than it did previously. The first time I came out of a 90 degree turn and rolled on the throttle, expecting that pregnant pause I'd always experienced, instead a I felt an immediate rush of smooth, progressive, impressive power. It's a revelation.

To be clear, I harbor no illusions about the car actually making more power with the changes, but it's much easier to access the power the car has with the more aggressive throttle mapping.

To sum up: If your car isn't on the "latest and greatest" ECM/TCM software, ask your dealer to update it. If that dealer won't, try others until you find one that will. It's well worth the effort....

[Dguth]

Update: Took my '13 S6 to a different dealer and asked them to update the ECM and TCM software to the "latest and greatest" version of each. Shop foreman rode with me to witness/verify the throttle lag after a slow roll, which he verified was a real thing.

Text from the Word doc the dealer gave me verifying what had been done:
-----------------------------------
(TCM)
Test step: Changes performed
Campaign: MESSAGE
Output: The following changes determined by Software Version Management (SVM) have been performed:

Program updates:
02 - Transmission Electronics:
4G1927156S ; 0011 -> 4G1927156S ; 0013

(ECM)
Test step: Changes performed
Campaign: MESSAGE
Output: The following changes determined by Software Version Management (SVM) have been performed:

Program updates:
01 - Engine Electronics:
4G0906014B ; 0006 -> 4G0906014B ; 0008
-------------------------------------

Unlike the previous dealer, this dealer (Audi Exchange in Highland Park, IL) had no problem with performing these updates "just because I asked for them". The car is just about to go out of the OEM warranty, so that's why I wanted this taken care of at this time. This time, the service provided felt like what I'd expect from a luxury brand - they were more than willing to do what it took to make me happy, even though I didn't buy the car from them.

As for the way the car now drives, I'll echo what many others have said - the car FINALLY performs the way a near-500hp sedan should, at all times. Throttle lag is gone, and the engine/transmission response, even from a dead stop, is significantly improved. It seems as if the DBW throttle mapping is much more aggressive now, meaning a small pedal input gets a much bigger response than it did previously. The first time I came out of a 90 degree turn and rolled on the throttle, expecting that pregnant pause I'd always experienced, instead a I felt an immediate rush of smooth, progressive, impressive power. It's a revelation.

To be clear, I harbor no illusions about the car actually making more power with the changes, but it's much easier to access the power the car has with the more aggressive throttle mapping.

To sum up: If your car isn't on the "latest and greatest" ECM/TCM software, ask your dealer to update it. If that dealer won't, try others until you find one that will. It's well worth the effort....

Should you do this if you are tuned or does it matter if you have the APR 1.1 tune and TCU tune? I have the APR 1.1 tune and bought it used. I have felt some of the hesitation you are mentioning but don't won't to take it to the dealer unless I reflash back to stock. I'm also looking to get the APR TCU tune. I wonder if the tunes already address what the new dealer flashes are doing. Don't want to take it to the dealer if the APR TCU tune solves the problem anyway. For those of you already tuned, are you taking it back to get these adjustments?


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[zcd2.7t]

Should you do this if you are tuned or does it matter if you have the APR 1.1 tune and TCU tune?

I'd ask APR, not us.