Looking at a 2016 SQ5 - what options are must have?

[Avantium]

Thinking about venturing into the SQ5 world, I need something that can manage towing about 2K lbs & most reading indicates my wife's 2014 Sportwagen tdi with DSG can't handle it!?
So what options are important & is there a free VIN decoder that can help me make sure I have those options?
Here is the prospect - is it missing some chrome accents?

I understand the 3.0T is pretty reliable, any big issues with the platform? This one has 45K miles

[EvoToSQ5]

I would say black optics is a must and I definitely prefer the carbon inlays. Mine came with a luxury package which includes cooled seats. Not a must but it’s a nice touch for the hot summer days.


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[SQ5guyinSoCal]

I agree with EvoToSQ5. Black Optics and carbon inlays are the way to go. I also have the diamond stitch seats and red brake calipers which are nice but not a necessity. I've got 35K on the odometer on my 2016 SQ5 and only issue so far was the water pump which is a known issue on this forum and others. Fixed under warranty. Overall as this is my first Audi, I'm extremely happy and impressed with the overall performance and quality. Actually picking up another Audi tomorrow to add to the Audi family...2019 A5 Sportback.

[Avantium]

Going to have a look today/tomorrow but would this picture help to determine if the seats are cooled? Looks like heated for sure

[49Willys]

Going to have a look today/tomorrow but would this picture help to determine if the seats are cooled? Looks like heated for sure

Yes and you only have heated seats, if you had cooled seat there would be a button below the heated seat button

[choppstixxx]

Cooled seats also only come in the lame non-Sport seat version (which IMO makes no sense at all). Also since the main reason you are buying an SQ5 is for towing, make sure you buy one with the OEM tow package installed already. The OEM kit is currently discontinued and piecing it together is pretty much impossible. If you can't find a local SQ5 with the OEM tow package, look for a 3.0T equipped Q5 with it (which may be easier/cheaper).

[eruben123]

Bang and Olufsen is a must. Standard speakers are meh.

[skroll116]

I like less Chrome. Sure looks like a Black Optics Package which others mentioned. You can email [email protected] with the VIN number and they will email you a copy of the original Windows Sticker if they don't have it. That at least fills in some of the holes the dealer leaves out or might just not know. Mine listed all the standard things, but included Technology Package, Black Optics Package, Sport Interior Package, etc and it was nice to see those all broken out as I have been away from Audi for a while.

My eyes might be fooling me, but are those Winter tires?

[Avantium]

Cooled seats also only come in the lame non-Sport seat version (which IMO makes no sense at all). Also since the main reason you are buying an SQ5 is for towing, make sure you buy one with the OEM tow package installed already. The OEM kit is currently discontinued and piecing it together is pretty much impossible. If you can't find a local SQ5 with the OEM tow package, look for a 3.0T equipped Q5 with it (which may be easier/cheaper).

That's going to suck, most I have seen don't have it

[S4'ed]

If it has the Prestige package it could have Adaptive Cruise, which also gives you automatic emergency braking.

[Avantium]

I have emailed audi customer care, does the OEM tow package look like this?

[choppstixxx]

I have emailed audi customer care, does the OEM tow package look like this?

Yupp, a big 'ol 2" receiver sticking out the ass end. Make sure it's the OEM one too that has the 7 pin round plug next to it.

[Tinpusher]

Or like this if you're careful with a dremel. You can hide the electrical connector too if you trim off a bit of the lip.

[Avantium]

Tinpusher - that would still require me to find a factory tow hitch package? I don't mind some trimming of the valence if my other option is an ugly bar below

[DUBDAWG]

I believe they offer an aftermarket option that's hidden when its not in use. That bumper cover pops off to gain access to the hidden hitch then u side in the receiver. When done pull the receiver then pop Panel back on. Boom!!! Maybe Stealth Hitches is the name of it.

[Norskie]

Tinpusher - that would still require me to find a factory tow hitch package? I don't mind some trimming of the valence if my other option is an ugly bar below

You can get a hitch for $140 from etrailer.com and then trim the removable valance. It's not difficult to install.

You can also get a generic trailer lights module for $50, but it won't integrate with traction control etc. If you're towing a ton you'll probably want that integration. To do that you'll need to piece together about $500 worth of Q5/Q7 parts (if you can find them) and then do some VCDS programming.

Details here - Chopstixx (and others) have put a ton of effort into it:

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...ness-confusion

https://www.audiforums.com/forum/aud...trical-171730/

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...trailer+coding

[JB86]

Definitely get black optics, i wish i did my research before pulling the trigger on an SQ. If i had known about black optics i would have held out, i hate chrome.

[Klum00]

Definitely get black optics, i wish i did my research before pulling the trigger on an SQ. If i had known about black optics i would have held out, i hate chrome.

While I agree that the black optic look is way better, if you find a S/Q5 that has everything else you want, but not black optic, you can always have the chrome trim wrapped and front grille replaced. I was looking for a very specific Q5 3.0. Found the right one with everything but OEM black optic, and I just wrapped the trim myself. You'd be hard pressed to tell the difference...

Just food for thought!

[JB86]

While I agree that the black optic look is way better, if you find a S/Q5 that has everything else you want, but not black optic, you can always have the chrome trim wrapped and front grille replaced. I was looking for a very specific Q5 3.0. Found the right one with everything but OEM black optic, and I just wrapped the trim myself. You'd be hard pressed to tell the difference...

Just food for thought!

Already did the RS style grill and planning on having my trim wrapped once everything opens back up but i would have much preferred it right out of the gate. id attempt myself but im pretty sure i dont have the patients for it, especially the roof rails.

[S4inMN]

While I agree that the black optic look is way better, if you find a S/Q5 that has everything else you want, but not black optic, you can always have the chrome trim wrapped and front grille replaced. I was looking for a very specific Q5 3.0. Found the right one with everything but OEM black optic, and I just wrapped the trim myself. You'd be hard pressed to tell the difference...

Just food for thought!

and the luggage bars wrapped, and the side mirrors paint matched, and the rear valance trim wrapped.....it seems easy at first but theres a lot to adress when converting.

[Silver-Bolt]

Thinking about venturing into the SQ5 world, I need something that can manage towing about 2K lbs & most reading indicates my wife's 2014 Sportwagen tdi with DSG can't handle it!?
So what options are important & is there a free VIN decoder that can help me make sure I have those options?
Here is the prospect - is it missing some chrome accents?

I understand the 3.0T is pretty reliable, any big issues with the platform? This one has 45K miles

Looks like this one has winter tires. You will want to change those for normal use.

[Klum00]

and the luggage bars wrapped, and the side mirrors paint matched, and the rear valance trim wrapped.....it seems easy at first but theres a lot to adress when converting.

Good point. Yeah, there certainly a few things to do. I was able to wrap window surround and roof rails in about 3 hours total, by myself. I went the Q5 route, so mirrors were already body matched (which I actually ended up doing in satin black instead). If you were to buy the grille and pay someone to do the rest you're probably looking at $1000 - $1500.

My only point here was if you are looking for a super specific car. I was only considering one color, prestige with full sport interior. I was able to find exactly what I wanted, in my price range, less the black optic, so I opted to do it myself.

[choppstixxx]

My only point here was if you are looking for a super specific car. I was only considering one color, prestige with full sport interior. I was able to find exactly what I wanted, in my price range, less the black optic, so I opted to do it myself

100% agree, honestly unless you are hell bent on OEM Black Optics it's a lot easier to to find a used one without it. Heck on lighter colors the satin chrome trim doesn't really look that bad, I honestly don't mind it on White/Silver.

[JB86]

Good point. Yeah, there certainly a few things to do. I was able to wrap window surround and roof rails in about 3 hours total, by myself.

Klum00 did you have previous experience with doing wrap work? 3 hrs isn't bad and i'm sure the price saved is pretty significant.

OP sorry for jacking your thread, i do agree if you have everything else in the vehicle that you want besides BO it's worth it. Def look for the Bang & Olufsen sound system though that shit sounds awesome! I've seen people talk about the fine nappa leather being worth it but tbh mine came with Alcantara inserts and i love the look. I'd try to find carbon fiber inlay vs the aluminum, adds a more sporty look to the interior imo.

[EvoToSQ5]

Not sure what your budget is but this one is a year newer and pretty well optioned for about 5k more. I bought my S3 from them. Great place to deal with.

https://www.bostonforeignmotor.com/u...7b2ee360d5.htm


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[JB86]

Not sure what your budget is but this one is a year newer and pretty well optioned for about 5k more. I bought my S3 from them. Great place to deal with.

https://www.bostonforeignmotor.com/u...7b2ee360d5.htm


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EvoToSQ5, this is just a guess but I don’t think the OP is in Cambridge, MA. If you look at the original post there are Canadian flags flying in the background.

[EvoToSQ5]

EvoToSQ5, this is just a guess but I don’t think the OP is in Cambridge, MA. If you look at the original post there are Canadian flags flying in the background.

Ha, can’t believe I didn’t catch that. You can disregard my earlier post then.


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[Avantium]

Yes Canada but thanks! 👍🏻

Black optics not a deal breaker for me, I don’t mind the chrome
B&O system sounds like a big must have and I would proceed with the bumper cutting. I didn’t realize the bumper had a removable insert? Would be nice if they had a hitch extension so when not in use you could put the insert back in.

Yes winter tires and the jerk offs at the stealership have the back seats down and the summer rims in the car, so we couldn’t get a good look at rear seats. Of course the sales department isn’t engaging people either and best of all! I can’t test drive it, I have to buy it first they deliver and then I decide. Apparently they will rip up the contract if I don’t like it but once it’s signed I know the pressure will be on!

[Avantium]

Nothing back from Audi customer care would really like to see the factory options and if that does have the black optics package. Anybody know if the VIN code directly gives insight into the black optics or B&O?

[JB86]

Nothing back from Audi customer care would really like to see the factory options and if that does have the black optics package. Anybody know if the VIN code directly gives insight into the black optics or B&O?

That one definitely has black optics, if you can swing by the dealership and peak through the windshield you should be able to see a tweeter in the dash corner that will say Bang & Olufsen on it.

Also pretty sweet that one has 2 sets of wheels for you. It’ll be nice having dedicated winters.

[49Willys]

If this is the same SQ5 pictured then it dose have B&O in it the pic of the interior , the pass door has the silver ring around the speaker that is B&O

[EvoToSQ5]

So that one appears to have Black optics and Bang and Olufsen sound from the pictures you provided. The Audi concert sound has a different center console layout than the B&O.


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[Klum00]

Klum00 did you have previous experience with doing wrap work? 3 hrs isn't bad and i'm sure the price saved is pretty significant.

OP sorry for jacking your thread, i do agree if you have everything else in the vehicle that you want besides BO it's worth it. Def look for the Bang & Olufsen sound system though that shit sounds awesome! I've seen people talk about the fine nappa leather being worth it but tbh mine came with Alcantara inserts and i love the look. I'd try to find carbon fiber inlay vs the aluminum, adds a more sporty look to the interior imo.

My only experience with vinyl was doing mirror caps on my A3 about 4 years ago. I had never done trim before.

But, I'm a pretty quick learn when it comes to things like that, so I wouldn't bank on 3 hours. Either way, you can do it in a day, easily. Just buy more than you need, so if you make a mistake you can just re-wrap....

[jeromium]

Hey all, another new guy here considering a B8 SQ5 or Q5 purchase.

Regarding the Bang & Olufsen system, is it part of the Technology Package? I'm asking because practically none of the listings I've been looking at for months mention B&O specifically. And after seeing the comments above identifying the B&O system by the silver rings on the door speakers, it seems all the vehicles I'm tracking have it (and the Technology Package).

Gotta agree with comments regarding carbon fiber trim and black optics – those are musts for me too, as are the sports seats which honestly should be in every SQ5. I have more specific requirements when it comes to a Q5 since there are more color and option variations. I really wish overall that 2016-2017 SQ5s had more color options inside and out. Ideally I'd have a Moonlight Blue with black/brown seats, but, that's not easy to find.

[EvoToSQ5]

Hey all, another new guy here considering a B8 SQ5 or Q5 purchase.

Regarding the Bang & Olufsen system, is it part of the Technology Package? I'm asking because practically none of the listings I've been looking at for months mention B&O specifically. And after seeing the comments above identifying the B&O system by the silver rings on the door speakers, it seems all the vehicles I'm tracking have it (and the Technology Package).

Gotta agree with comments regarding carbon fiber trim and black optics – those are musts for me too, as are the sports seats which honestly should be in every SQ5. I have more specific requirements when it comes to a Q5 since there are more color and option variations. I really wish overall that 2016-2017 SQ5s had more color options inside and out. Ideally I'd have a Moonlight Blue with black/brown seats, but, that's not easy to find.

Yes, part of the technology package.


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[choppstixxx]

Ideally I'd have a Moonlight Blue with black/brown seats, but, that's not easy to find.

Highly recommend Moonlight Blue w/Chestnut Brown seats in the 3.0T Q5. Pretty rare combo IMO, had it in my A4 and it was the perfect mix of classy/sporty. Moonlight IMO is also such an underrated color, everyone jumps to Sepang or Scuba but Moonlight is like having Black but not having to deal with how tough Black is to keep looking good.

[jeromium]

Highly recommend Moonlight Blue w/Chestnut Brown seats in the 3.0T Q5. Pretty rare combo IMO, had it in my A4 and it was the perfect mix of classy/sporty. Moonlight IMO is also such an underrated color, everyone jumps to Sepang or Scuba but Moonlight is like having Black but not having to deal with how tough Black is to keep looking good.

There is a 2017 Moonlight/Chestnut Brown 3.0T with Black Optic & Tech Package I've been eyeing, but it's 1900 miles away! Even in non-pandemic times I'm not sure that I'd pull the trigger. Beautiful combo. But honestly my white whale is Utopia Blue with Chestnut (I mentioned Moonlight because Utopia was never available on the SQ5), but that combo seems to be even more rare as I've never seen on in person or online. If I ever found that it would be hard to stop me. Right now there's a Utopia/Black 3.0T with Black Optics available also (almost as far away from me). If only I could combine the two.

[csf]

I am about to turn in my leased 2017 Ibis White Premium Plus SQ5 with diamond stitched upholstery, 21 " wheels, black optics, B&O, red calipers, carbon inlays and more. Sorry, but no trailer hitch. Its in almost perfect condition, no accidents, driven mainly by my wife, with just over 30,000 miles now. Similar to the one posted earlier, but with the diamond stitched seats. We are empty nesters so no kids, no smoking, no pets, no eating, etc. So still under factory warranty plus I have Audicare and tire/wheel coverage . . . and both summer and all season tires. We have serviced it at the Audi dealer only. I'm in Maryland.

The lease buyout I think is around $35,000. Obviously I cant negotiate that . But if someome wanted to go that high for a really nice, unabused, all stock SQ5 perhaps they could buyout our lease. I have no idea how that would work but it must be possible. I am not looking to make a profit but I just can't lose any money either. Its a really nice vehicle . . . only problems were a rattling sunroof and a slow passenger power seat motor, both replaced under warranty. I have to turn it in in July and Audi is bugging me already about another new lease. Let me know if anyone is interested.

My favorite option is actually the diamond stitched Nappa leather seats . . . just beautiful and so comfortable. Out of 2000 SQ5s built in 2017 only 190 were Ibis White. 150 of those had black interior, but only about 50 had the diamond stitching, so its somewhat rare.. I think they alone were over a $1000 option

Good luck to all - they are fun to drive for sure.

Craig

[choppstixxx]

There is a 2017 Moonlight/Chestnut Brown 3.0T with Black Optic & Tech Package I've been eyeing, but it's 1900 miles away! Even in non-pandemic times I'm not sure that I'd pull the trigger. Beautiful combo. But honestly my white whale is Utopia Blue with Chestnut (I mentioned Moonlight because Utopia was never available on the SQ5), but that combo seems to be even more rare as I've never seen on in person or online. If I ever found that it would be hard to stop me. Right now there's a Utopia/Black 3.0T with Black Optics available also (almost as far away from me). If only I could combine the two.

If you need someone on the East Coast to help you, I am more than happy to!

[Raacerx]

I could only find one single Black Optics package SQ5 in all of California when I was buying mine, and even nationwide there were very few choices; doesn't seem to be a popular option, at least on the 2014-2016 models. I actually like mine without it, but that's probably because it blends in with all the other generic looking SUV, and I'm trying to maintain a low profile.

I do wish I could have found a cheap enough 2017 with the cross hatched seats, missed those from my S3, but the regular sports seats are pretty comfy and supportive. I'm not a fan of alcantara as it gets dirt and wears over time.

There aren't really many other options available. My biggest frustration with the car is that there is no sports diff offered in the USA.