Warranty - Secondary cat deletes Midpipes

[LJS5]

I can't seem to find a straight forward answer to this.
I'm looking to get midpipes for no other reason than enhanced noise for my sport exhaust. I don't intend to mod the car for a while so i'm trying to figure out if midpipes will void the factory warranty or not.

Saw some posts where people claim they got flagged for removing secondary cats... some people say it's just pipes and doesn't affect the warranty.

[mugenr]

Any modification could impact warranty, but most dealers don't really care about intakes and exhaust mods. Except for down pipe.
Audi has factory mid pipe cat delete option for ROW cars before 2019. Since now EU cars have OPF for 2019, I doubt they would offer the option for those vehicles.
But again for NA market cars. I doubt you will have a problem. Why not ask your SA?

[cseaman]

How could you possibly think you're going to get a factual answer here? Go to your freaking servicing dealer and ask them if they care. What else are you going to do? If they tell you you're voiding it, are you gonna say "Jimbo off the forums said I'd be okay"???

The capacity of some of these owners with $60k+ cars is shocking.

[bpollock]

It comes from the factory with deletes in Europe, I’d imagine it’s hard to try to deny unrelated warranty work with that in mind. That being said just ask your dealer. Also it’s worth it, did mine a month ago.

[tegxsi]

Every dealer is different... it won't hurt to ask. You are messing with a federal emissions control device but some states don't care.
If you do bring your car in for any drivetrain related warranty work, then I would consider swapping the secondary cats back in.

[TheContrarian]

It's an easily reversible mod, I wouldn't worry about it. It took me maybe 45 minutes to do the job in my driveway.

Audi dealers make money doing warranty work, it is not in their best interest to deny warranty work when the payor has no idea you might have some bolt ons.

[LJS5]

How could you possibly think you're going to get a factual answer here? Go to your freaking servicing dealer and ask them if they care. What else are you going to do? If they tell you you're voiding it, are you gonna say "Jimbo off the forums said I'd be okay"???

The capacity of some of these owners with $60k+ cars is shocking.

Thanks Jimbo

[LJS5]

It comes from the factory with deletes in Europe, I’d imagine it’s hard to try to deny unrelated warranty work with that in mind. That being said just ask your dealer. Also it’s worth it, did mine a month ago.

From the youtube clips, that $250 investment does sound great. That's what i'm trying to figure out if i need to find a dealership that has a reputation for being 'mod friendly' just for midpipes. I bought the car out of state so i don't have a local preferred Audi dealer yet. Didn't want to install the midpipes then end up at the wrong dealership.

[BaltimoreCaesar]

Check with your service manager if you are really worried, but mine said anything after the O2 sensor is fine to change in the exhaust

[CW98]

Ask your dealer, but I'd be surprised if they did make a fuss. I had my entire cat-back replaced under warranty due to the valves squeaking, and it was no problem (I have the OEM cat-delete pipes installed)

[ThunderGatti]

I've heard from an established local tuner specializing in Porsche (also is the best Audi shop in my area) that since the emissions fiasco Audi frowns upon anything impacting emissions. He and a service center employee at my local dealership told me mid pipes are not the worth the risk if I'm trying to keep the warranty intact. Also, for whatever it's worth, my car was ordered from out of state from an Audi Perf. dealer. That dealer also told me that they will install catback (mostly AWE) systems in cars, but that's it. I'm by no means an Audi or even a turbo car expert, just passing along what I've heard as I've asked the same questions. The mid pipe appears to be the best bang for your buck way to address the issue that every aftermarket vendor has recommended to me since I've been inquiring - even when I preface by saying that I don't mod my DD and need my warranty for time being.

Based on my research in trying to address my muted Audi Sport Exhaust, I began examining cat-backs after hearing that they're more warranty friendly. My understanding is that simply replacing the cat-back will not solve the problem. I've looked into aftermarket systems and also even installing an exhaust from a prior year RS3. What I've been told is that our cars still have the same exhaust flaps or valves as prior RS3's, however the ECU keeps them closed. This can be circumvented in two ways:

1 - Tune to override (higher warranty risk)
2 - Installing an active valve management controller (so far appears warranty friendly)

Option 2, to me, looks very similar to something like a Mild to Wild or Forza Exhaust Controller for domestics. I had a Forza connected to my factory NPP system and it reduces the number of sound settings to just On/Off. The RS3 solutions appear to work the same way by connecting via a fuse jumper. The ECU thinks its still telling the valves to close, but it's really sending commands to the box. There's a few variations of these that I've seen. The cheapest is a $70 "plug", which keeps it on all the time. On the high end, you get more features and move into the $500 range. I don't know how well these work and am in the process of getting one myself. I've sent both manufacturers options that I've come across to my Audi dealership, who is supposed to tell me today which they will install and stand behind.

Links to what I could find online are below. I just didn't do a lot of digging, so there may be more. I'm still feeling my way through this and by no means am I an Audi or German car expert, so I apologize if anything I've posted isn't 100% accurate.

The ASR site apparently has a 3rd premium solution that they've just released, which has not made it online yet called the CB2.
https://audiperformance.com.au/asr_component/

Cete AVC is used by Paul @ Supreme in conjunction with an AWE exhaust and it sounds incredible (heard in RL, not video). He's got pics in his build thread and recommended it to me.
https://www.active-sound.eu/en/audi/...-valve-control

[Kittens]

Any modification could impact warranty, but most dealers don't really care about intakes and exhaust mods. Except for down pipe.
Audi has factory mid pipe cat delete option for ROW cars before 2019. Since now EU cars have OPF for 2019, I doubt they would offer the option for those vehicles.
But again for NA market cars. I doubt you will have a problem. Why not ask your SA?

what is ROW (rest of world)?

does Audi still have this option? I couldn't find it on the build website

[mugenr]

what is ROW (rest of world)?
does Audi still have this option? I couldn't find it on the build website

Yep, rest of world. It's no longer an option for 2019 since they now have particulate filters

[legacypgmr]

I can't seem to find a straight forward answer to this.
I'm looking to get midpipes for no other reason than enhanced noise for my sport exhaust. I don't intend to mod the car for a while so i'm trying to figure out if midpipes will void the factory warranty or not.

Saw some posts where people claim they got flagged for removing secondary cats... some people say it's just pipes and doesn't affect the warranty.

Did you ever get a definitive answer for your questions ?

I just bought a 2020 RS 3 and am looking to "upgrade" the sound without affecting the warranty.


Further, does anyone know about whether or not any modification needs to be done for the "air fuel" mixture if one enhances the sound with midpipes or if one replaces the entire exhaust system ?

TIA

[LJS5]

Did you ever get a definitive answer for your questions ?

I just bought a 2020 RS 3 and am looking to "upgrade" the sound without affecting the warranty.


Further, does anyone know about whether or not any modification needs to be done for the "air fuel" mixture if one enhances the sound with midpipes or if one replaces the entire exhaust system ?

TIA

Ha no... nor did it matter i guess. I ended up going full stage 2 week after making this post.
These cars pretty reliable even at Stage 2 power, but if you want a peace of mind then i'd hold off. It really just depends on the dealer.

[El-Heffe]

I agree that every dealer is different. I have a mechanic that I've used for years (who works at a dealer). He told me that if it's electronic (ECU can tell) then it's obviously a no. If it throws a CEL, then it's a no. (Turbo elbow was example given). If it doesn't fit either of those, then it's ok. I just put the mid-pipes on my RS3. Intake would be nice, if the 4" Uni was ever in-stock. Other than those, not much I can do safely.

[r26372]

I agree that every dealer is different. I have a mechanic that I've used for years (who works at a dealer). He told me that if it's electronic (ECU can tell) then it's obviously a no. If it throws a CEL, then it's a no. (Turbo elbow was example given). If it doesn't fit either of those, then it's ok. I just put the mid-pipes on my RS3. Intake would be nice, if the 4" Uni was ever in-stock. Other than those, not much I can do safely.

All of that stuff intake, inlet, and midpipes will do next to nothing in terms of performance without a tune. So really zero point to go potentially voiding warranty for things at best will help a tenth in the quarter which you'd never feel. Sound wise I guess a case could be made for the midpipe swap, that's about it.


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[a4 4snow]

At the end of the day it's really up to the dealer and Audi HQ, and really depends what broke. If your AC crapped out and you had a mid pipe no one will void your warranty. If your valves in the exhaust break and you have a mid pipe then it comes down to the dealer working with Audi HQ. Most decent dealers will try and get the warranty work as they get paid for it but they know what their risk tolerances are with Audi covering specific issues. I know my local deal is very open on what they can and cannot cover with specific mods and we have an open dialogue of what I should expect to be covered given my mods.
A mid pipe is very minor and it's hard to blame it for causing issues up or down stream especially since some OE versions of the RS3 came with the same thing. If you're not willing to risk losing part of your warranty then don't mod. Those of us who have modded know the risk and what the costs could potentially be and will deal with it should something happen; pay to play.

[catalyst686]

This is the answer I got when asking about doing mid pipes, track exhaust, intake, and springs-
"To answer your question, the mods you listed shouldn't create a TD1 scenario. However, if any issues arise that could be related to the mods (for example suspension noise, exhaust rattles, check engine light, etc.), warranty would not be able to cover diagnosis or repairs should the mods be the cause of those potential issues. So, in general you should be ok, but just keep this in mind for the future!"

[denz50]

I just did the mid cat delete on my 19 RS3.I actually got the Euro OEM midpipes from EMD.Was willing to pay a little extra for OEM! I work part time at an Audi dealership & confirmed with service mgr & fixed operations mgr no issue on warranty! Definitely better sound & a nice weight savings. Surprised how heavy the mid cates are-maybe 15 lbs each! I am also not doing any performance mods until lease is up & I buy. Go for midpipes!

[watchjohnny]

I just did the mid cat delete on my 19 RS3.I actually got the Euro OEM midpipes from EMD.Was willing to pay a little extra for OEM! I work part time at an Audi dealership & confirmed with service mgr & fixed operations mgr no issue on warranty! Definitely better sound & a nice weight savings. Surprised how heavy the mid cates are-maybe 15 lbs each! I am also not doing any performance mods until lease is up & I buy. Go for midpipes!

I just ordered the same ones. I also picked up some new OEM gaskets and crimp nuts from the dealership since I just realized EMD doesn't provide hardware (should've checked). How did you have them installed? Yourself? I checked with a local independent shop and they won't touch anything if it means removing CATs. I'm planning on just doing it myself but not sure if my drive-up ramps will get me enough clearance to work under it.

Also, any change in exhaust smell? Are you happy?

[crazyprac]

My buddy was borrowing my stands and I was able to get under the car on ramps. It was a tight squeeze so if you're a bigger guy probably not. I still won't recommend it though it was a pain finding an angle to get two of the top bolts.

No change in exhaust smell. Way better sound!

I just ordered the same ones. I also picked up some new OEM gaskets and crimp nuts from the dealership since I just realized EMD doesn't provide hardware (should've checked). How did you have them installed? Yourself? I checked with a local independent shop and they won't touch anything if it means removing CATs. I'm planning on just doing it myself but not sure if my drive-up ramps will get me enough clearance to work under it.

Also, any change in exhaust smell? Are you happy?

[watchjohnny]

6'1" 220 lbs... I'll put it on stands. I'll be able to get higher on those than the ramps. Thanks for the tip!

[BigDaddySRT]

Just to let people know if you want to simply drop the OEM mid pipes and "punch out" the internals of the secondary catalyst it can be done.
Just take a large pry bar and hammer it into the catalyst, it will shatter and fall out.
Leaving the look that everything is OEM exhaust, but the catalyst is gone from the interior.

[B4YM4X]

Just to let people know if you want to simply drop the OEM mid pipes and "punch out" the internals of the secondary catalyst it can be done.
Just take a large pry bar and hammer it into the catalyst, it will shatter and fall out.
Leaving the look that everything is OEM exhaust, but the catalyst is gone from the interior.

I remember seeing on post by someone who mentioned that some people reported some sort of echo sound by doing this.

I forget where I saw this post since I was searching and reading stuff everywhere when I was researching this mod.

Because of this I just went ahead and ordered the OEM midpipes as well from EDM.

[denz50]

Sorry for late response. I had my audi dealership I work for install.Since they are OEM pipes from Europe no issues on warranty. Had new gaskets & crimp nuts installed. No smell detected.Great sound when in S & sport exhaust opens up.Very happy doing it!

[5PotNewb]

Sorry for late response. I had my audi dealership I work for install.Since they are OEM pipes from Europe no issues on warranty. Had new gaskets & crimp nuts installed. No smell detected.Great sound when in S & sport exhaust opens up.Very happy doing it!

Is it that big of a difference? Any audio clip?

[Vegasgolds]

Sorry for late response. I had my audi dealership I work for install.Since they are OEM pipes from Europe no issues on warranty. Had new gaskets & crimp nuts installed. No smell detected.Great sound when in S & sport exhaust opens up.Very happy doing it!

part number for this OEM midpipe? Cost? How does this compare to Unitronics midpipe?

[S3DUDE]

Common sense is that any catalytic converter after the O2 sensor makes absolutely no difference on how the ECU manipulates all the parameters of the engine. obviously the second cats are there to clean the Co2 even more but each car dealer has their own criteria, some of them don't care and some do care but like I said it wouldn't change the way the engine operates, it just messes up with the pollution(nothing new here right?).

[denz50]

Sorry, no audio clip. Just notice sound much deeper.

[denz50]

Part No’s for the midpipes are 8S0 254 502A & 8S0 254 503A. They are euro #s & not available through Audi dealerships. I bought mine through EMDauto.com for $279.Know Miltek offers similar pipes. Just wanted oem pipes.