[Another] 2020 SQ5 Build Thread

[hbnoodles]

Hello all,

Starting this thread as a small diary/build thread regarding my newly purchased 2020 SQ5. Reading through other threads was inspiring, so hopefully this serves as some entertainment. I'd love any feedback, advice, or other input from B9 SQ5 owners (past/present) about what they loved with their car or what they wish they'd done.

My current daily is a 2018 A4, and I've added some cosmetic mods (exhaust, intake, and grille) that really made it a fun car. I considered throwing a Stage 1 tune on it, but didn't have the balls for it while I was still under the CPO warranty. The sedan life was great, but with a life relocation to Colorado and the possibility of ski/other outdoor trips I felt it was time to upgrade to a larger car.

A few pictures of the A4:
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...dWR0lfYTh1MXJB

I didn't want to lose how fun the A4 was to drive, and felt that an SQ5 would be the best of both worlds with the larger engine. Another family member had just gotten a Q3 prestige and the camera view was enticing (the A4 is a prem+). After learning the SQ5 prestige had the air ride as well that sealed the deal for finding one in that trim. I was originally looking at cars coming off 1 year leases for financial reasons, but there were about five 2020 SQ5s in TX that were still sitting around. One dealer listed theirs for 10k off sticker, another dealer matched this price for me and the rest is history.

Photos of the SQ5 (from the dealer's website):
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...AyZGNYNmIzdmd3

As you've probably guessed I'm a sucker for the white on black, so this was an easy decision. I'll be taking delivery of the car in mid April as it's meeting me in CO.

Edited to now include a current list of modifications:

• 034 Stage 1+ ECU/TCU
• 034 Transmission Mount Insert/Mount Upgrade
• CETE Module
• Wagner FMIC
• Fuel-It Ethanol Sensor
• 034 Engine Mounts
• 034 HPFP
• 034 Front Strut Brace
• 034 X34 Intake w/ Super Duper Inlet Pipe
• 034 Rear Subframe Inserts
• 034 Rear Diff Mount Inserts
• AWE Non-res exhaust
• Maxton Front lip and rear spoiler
• Front RS Grille and Lower Fog Covers

[Mops@Nemesis]

Welcome and congrats! Beautiful spec.

The CETE is certainly a no-brainer. I've been running it for over two years now. We sell many Rohana sets... great org/wheels, and have never had any issues with their wheels. So you know, the 21x9 RX10 in Gloss Black isn't in stock, and Rohana will not have more for ~60 days. I've also been running the non-res Touring for over two years, and I love it. Unless you are very sensitive to drone, I would go non-res. You'll find some vids below -

https://www.youtube.com/user/NemesisAutosport/videos

034 will be releasing their strut brace, rear bar and rear bar endlinks later this year. Those will be must-haves.

We have an awesome group here - let us know how we can assist. 👍🏼

[sandman00]

Welcome and congrats! Beautiful spec.

The CETE is certainly a no-brainer.

034 will be releasing their strut brace, rear bar and rear bar endlinks later this year. Those will be must-haves.

We have an awesome group here - let us know how we can assist.

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[sandman00]

Yes Let’s start this group buy Mops


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[hbnoodles]

Thanks Mops! Happy to be a part of the community. Glad you have a positive take on Rohana - I think I miss-typed and said 21x9 instead of 20x9...although after some thought I could keep current tires on the car and sell the OEM rims separately if I stayed with 21s. Also considered the Vorsteiner V-FF 111 too. Very similar design, small differences. Need to decide if I want to run summer tires in CO for a limited time and make the early switch to snows or get new all season tires to be able to keep a more moderate split.

[hbnoodles]

Also someone educate me - what are strut brace, rear bar and rear bar endlinks? I would consider myself a minor car enthusiast but not familiar with that.

One thing I wished I was able to pick up/add to the car was dynamic steering. I've heard it's one add on that people say is a non-negotiable, but it would be a bitch to add on. Maybe I'll try and hit up an Audi parts friend.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Thanks Mops! Happy to be a part of the community. Glad you have a positive take on Rohana - I think I miss-typed and said 21x9 instead of 20x9...although after some thought I could keep current tires on the car and sell the OEM rims separately if I stayed with 21s. Also considered the Vorsteiner V-FF 111 too. Very similar design, small differences. Need to decide if I want to run summer tires in CO for a limited time and make the early switch to snows or get new all season tires to be able to keep a more moderate split.

Ah! I can check stock for the 20x9 too if you'd like. For the V-FF, they're more $$, and gloss black isn't standard (+$500) so you may want to stick with the RFX.

Also someone educate me - what are strut brace, rear bar and rear bar endlinks? I would consider myself a minor car enthusiast but not familiar with that.

One thing I wished I was able to pick up/add to the car was dynamic steering. I've heard it's one add on that people say is a non-negotiable, but it would be a bitch to add on. Maybe I'll try and hit up an Audi parts friend.

https://store.034motorsport.com/034m...-aluminum.html
https://store.034motorsport.com/034m...5-allroad.html
https://store.034motorsport.com/dyna...5-allroad.html

DS certainly makes quite a difference. My B9 S4 does not have it and my B9 SQ5 does.

[hbnoodles]

Re-igniting this thread to post as I'm looking to see what the general consensus is for all future mods I have planned for this. So far, I've gotten some new rims/tires for a dedicated summer and winter setup (big thanks to Mops for the help here). Summer setup is Rohana RFX10, 21x9 up front and 21x10.5 in the rear with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 4s (255/40/21 front, 285/35/21 rear). Winter setup is a BBS CI-R, 19x8/5 squared all around with Michelin X-Ice Snow in 255/50/19 rubber. I think that whenever the A/S tires need to be replaced, I'll end up going with a more dedicated summer tire, but that won't happen for some time. OEM 21s are for sale in the local Denver area.

[hbnoodles]

As far as actual mods go, the only thing I've done so far is the CETE module and some badging replacement. Here's the full list of what I'd like to do over the next 1-2 years.

- Forge Intercooler
- AWE Non-Res Exhaust
- MTM Rear Bumper w/o larger RS style tips.
- Quad exhaust tips (90mm) from AWE in Black
- 034 Tune, Stage 1
- 034 Transmission Mount
- 034 Street Density Transmission Mount Upgrade
- 034 Front/Rear Sway Bars & End Links (when available)
- 034 Front Strut Brace

The goal here would be to do the tune, intake, exhaust, and intercooler this upcoming spring. After that, would likely look to tackle some handling mods, and then eventually try and do the rear bumper replacement and quad exhaust tips. Likely looking to keep this build Stage 1+ running the 91 file, and then when I feel like getting around to it getting a P3 setup/ethanol sensor to go with the E85 file.

Would mostly be curious as to if anyone had done the MTM rear bumper replacement and gotten quad tips as well - I know I'll need to coordinate with a local shop regarding some fab work with the tips, but would like to know if anyone has done this before or not.

If anyone else has any mods that they think would be important, would love to hear them as well.

[hbnoodles]

IMG_0605.jpg
Quick gas station picture post wash - color matched side skirts are on deck as well to get rid of amber reflectors.


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[034Motorsport]

As far as actual mods go, the only thing I've done so far is the CETE module and some badging replacement. Here's the full list of what I'd like to do over the next 1-2 years.

- Forge Intercooler
- AWE Non-Res Exhaust
- MTM Rear Bumper w/o larger RS style tips.
- Quad exhaust tips (90mm) from AWE in Black
- 034 Tune, Stage 1
- 034 Transmission Mount
- 034 Street Density Transmission Mount Upgrade
- 034 Front/Rear Sway Bars & End Links (when available)
- 034 Front Strut Brace

The goal here would be to do the tune, intake, exhaust, and intercooler this upcoming spring. After that, would likely look to tackle some handling mods, and then eventually try and do the rear bumper replacement and quad exhaust tips. Likely looking to keep this build Stage 1+ running the 91 file, and then when I feel like getting around to it getting a P3 setup/ethanol sensor to go with the E85 file.

Would mostly be curious as to if anyone had done the MTM rear bumper replacement and gotten quad tips as well - I know I'll need to coordinate with a local shop regarding some fab work with the tips, but would like to know if anyone has done this before or not.

If anyone else has any mods that they think would be important, would love to hear them as well.

Definitely a great list! Our Sway Bar development is going quite well and we believe it will improve the performance of your SQ5 quite substantially!

FWIW; You could purchase End Links today. The End Links for the SQ5 are the same as the S4/S5. Both the Dynamic+ and Motorsport End Links fit.

-Sean@034

[hbnoodles]

Definitely a great list! Our Sway Bar development is going quite well and we believe it will improve the performance of your SQ5 quite substantially!

FWIW; You could purchase End Links today. The End Links for the SQ5 are the same as the S4/S5. Both the Dynamic+ and Motorsport End Links fit.

-Sean@034

As I believe Javad said, "It will make the dilf mobile handle like an F1 car."

[034Motorsport]

As I believe Javad said, "It will make the dilf mobile handle like an F1 car."

Well, he ain't wrong.

DILF Mobile FTW

-Sean@034

[hbnoodles]

It’s been a bit, but finally have some very small upgrades on deck for the near future - 034 transmission mount insert and mount upgrade. One of the biggest hurdles that I’m trying to get over is that I only want to have to take the front bumper off one time as it’s my understanding that those little clip things can get fragile and break rather easily. Not sure if that’s overly cautious or if taking it on/off a few times is not the worst thing in the world.

Separately, does anyone have experience with BK-Motorsports? They have what is in my opinion a great looking front bumper with lip, however, I’ve never seen them discussed here at all. Product would need to be shipped and painted and would be all in over $2k, so not trying to shell out if their product/company is shit.

[hbnoodles]

7549CA5F-7625-4D36-BF4E-7E0B16FF64CD.jpg


Also got to attend my first Audi Group Colorado meet up! One of the organizers sent this over, parking next to the RSQ8 was pretty dope.

[DiscoDan]

7549CA5F-7625-4D36-BF4E-7E0B16FF64CD.jpg


Also got to attend my first Audi Group Colorado meet up! One of the organizers sent this over, parking next to the RSQ8 was pretty dope.

Where in CO are you?

[hbnoodles]

Where in CO are you?

Lakewood area - shoot me a PM if you want to grab a beer! AGCO meets at Red Rocks every Sunday, check them out on IG.

[DiscoDan]

Lakewood area - shoot me a PM if you want to grab a beer! AGCO meets at Red Rocks every Sunday, check them out on IG.

Cool... I'm around the castle rock area

[hbnoodles]

Couple shots from a recent shoot in downtown Denver!

[Mops@Nemesis]

Wooo weeeee... beauties Harrrison!! Going to steal one for our gallery. 😎

[hbnoodles]

Wooo weeeee... beauties Harrrison!! Going to steal one for our gallery. 😎

Thx bby

[hbnoodles]

Little update as I had previously posted about a thermostat issue I was having in another thread. Essentially, the passenger side center vent was blowing out extremely warm air when compared to the rest of the vents. I’d brought the car into the dealer and they “weren’t able to replicate the issue” even though I brought the SA out and showed them it as it was happening. From what I can tell it’s happening when I have the temp set at a higher temp that the outside. For example, if it’s 45° out and I want the A/C blowing at 65° the issue would occur. If it’s say 80° out and I set it at 65° the A/C would work normally.

It’s still occurring and I just made an appointment for next week (Tue. 6/7) for this issue as well as the 20k service. Was a bit pleasantly surprised to hear the SA say that they’ve seen this issue before so here’s hoping that something actually happens post appointment next week.

[hbnoodles]

After much delay with getting fun parts ordered I’ve finally gotten a few cosmetic goodies coming my way. I have a rear MTM bumper, RS style grill, RS style fog lights, Maxton Front Splitter, and Maxton Rear Spoiler arriving. All will be going on in early January (provided the MTM bumper arrives in time) and will provide some updates then. I’m also coordinating an exhaust job to get some quad tail pipes sticking out of the rear. Will provide updates throughout the process specifically with how the exhaust job goes as that’s the most exciting part of this (to me at least).

[hbnoodles]

Well the MTM bumper sadly didn’t depart from Germany prior to them closing for the holidays so it’s looking like it’ll be mid/late January when all this goes on. Stage 1 was ordered from 034, haven’t flashed it yet but planning on doing that in the next week or so. I’ve also parted ways with the Rohana RFX10 wheels and looking at some new BC Forged, leaning towards the EH-T01 as they remind me of the RS6/7 performance rims.

[Local]

I love what you're doing here.

I get the same vent thing. It only happens when there isn't anyone in the passengers seat and I personally think it has something to do with how the car manages temperature in the cabin.

Let me know how you like the mtm stuff. I'm looking into a wide body kit for my b9.5

Don't hesitate with the 034 flash - it has been the singular BEST mod I have ever done. It totally changed the car. I'm currently running stage 2 ECU and TCU and I think it's just perfect - but stage 1 ECU and TCU gets you 80% of the way there.

Regards,

Local

Ps: do the diamond Audio sub mod!!!

[hbnoodles]

I love what you're doing here.

I get the same vent thing. It only happens when there isn't anyone in the passengers seat and I personally think it has something to do with how the car manages temperature in the cabin.

Let me know how you like the mtm stuff. I'm looking into a wide body kit for my b9.5

Don't hesitate with the 034 flash - it has been the singular BEST mod I have ever done. It totally changed the car. I'm currently running stage 2 ECU and TCU and I think it's just perfect - but stage 1 ECU and TCU gets you 80% of the way there.

Regards,

Local

Ps: do the diamond Audio sub mod!!!

Appreciate that! I think it’ll definitely go beyond an OEM+ look but not by much…obviously want the tail pipes as the main feature. I looked around and MTM was really the only option that accomplished the rear that I wanted.

The vent thing is annoying; my theory is when it’s colder out the car can’t handle putting out a temperate that’s in the high 60s for whatever reason. It seems to think that I need to have the heat on, or the A/C just won’t work when it’s in the low 40s outside. I’ve just given up and turn the fan speed down super low and set it to the windshield and feet so it’s not blowing in my face.

The tune was long overdue, and I’m excited. I think I’ll definitely end up going Stage 2 TCU as well but for now I want to just ease into it. I have some other hardware upgrades planned so gotta allocate appropriately.

What’s the diamond audio sub mod?? I’m curious.

[hbnoodles]

The SQ5 is going 034 Stage 1 today! R4 dongle is on its way, CTEK battery charger is ready. Can’t wait to finally get this DILF mobile a little more pickup.

[Local]

The SQ5 is going 034 Stage 1 today! R4 dongle is on its way, CTEK battery charger is ready. Can’t wait to finally get this DILF mobile a little more pickup.

woohoo!

very cool!

I have an app on my phone that blocks all kinds of ad's and it sort of blocks the bluetooth connection with the dongle as well sadly - even when I add it to the ignored list. So if you have connection problems remove all your protection and try again.

[hbnoodles]

My mama always told me I’m special, and turns out so is my car. Went to flash to Stage 1 last night and halfway through the process the app quit on me. Turns out that my car is one of a very special few that has some weird OEM bug according to 034 that prevented me from going to Stock -> 91. ECU is on the way to them for recovery/a Stage 1 flash - they also got right back to me in the morning so I wasn’t stressed for the entire day. They hooked it up and gave me an overnight label both ways, so ideally my giant paperweight will be back on the road soon. 034 let me know that this is very rare, so hopefully no one else is scared off. Using the R4 dongle was a walk in the park, when I likely go E-85 in the summer time it’ll be great to just flash right at the pump.

[Hostile]

Yikes! Glad 034 is on top of it.

[hbnoodles]

Stage 1 is complete! Did a quick spin over to chipotle and got some groceries and it’s never been more fun. Driving to work tomorrow and these range rovers don’t stand a chance.

[Local]

Glad they took care of you

[asfastas63]

How great does stage 1 feel? Did you vanquish the range rovers?

[hbnoodles]

How great does stage 1 feel? Did you vanquish the range rovers?

Stage 1 feels amazing - it’s a great combination of more power but it’s not like the car is drastically different in a bad way. On ramps are so much fun, and the highway pickup is awesome too. The accompanying TCU tune from 034 really helps as well, shifts feel way smoother. Absolutely recommend getting if you’re on the fence.

[hbnoodles]

Got some fun 034 parts on order!

• Front Strut Brace
• Sway Bar bundle package
• Motor mounts
• X34 Intake
• Rear subframe mount inserts
• Rear diff mount inserts

Still waiting on my rear bumper from MTM, once that comes in as well and gets installed I’ll snag an AWE exhaust to complete this project. Also have a Wagner IC that needs to go on, my shop is getting a late Christmas gift with all this labor. Been awhile but finally getting things ticked off!

[hbnoodles]

Wanted to provide a quick update regarding that weird error I got when I originally flashed to 034 Stage 1. I had to flash to stock to get a small warranty piece of work done (driver’s side door handle wasn’t locking/unlocking with touch) so I brought it to my dealership for repairs. Flashed back to stock with no issues using the R4 dongle, had all work completed under warranty with no issues from the dealer, then flashed back to Stage 1 with no issues later that night. Seems to be some really weird/random error but it wasn’t present again when I flashed for a second time.

Also, a separate warning for anyone who tries to deal with MTM. I knew that going into this their US organization didn’t have the best rep but they’ve more or less gone un-responsive regarding my rear bumper order. It’s coming up on a month and a half delayed and no one in their US organization (or their main German HQ) has given me more than a “your bumper is in transit” update. It takes almost 5 follow-ups before they’ll even respond, so fair warning for anyone ordering anything through them.

[cmil527]

damn that sucks with MTM!

[hbnoodles]

damn that sucks with MTM!

It’s beyond frustrating and is just horrible customer service. It would be one thing if they gave me an idea of what to expect but I keep getting vague answers or just flat out ignored. I have a pile of parts sitting in my garage I’m waiting to install and can’t until this bumper gets here.

[cmil527]

It’s beyond frustrating and is just horrible customer service. It would be one thing if they gave me an idea of what to expect but I keep getting vague answers or just flat out ignored. I have a pile of parts sitting in my garage I’m waiting to install and can’t until this bumper gets here.

Absolutely... totally unacceptable!

[Local]

Wanted to provide a quick update regarding that weird error I got when I originally flashed to 034 Stage 1. I had to flash to stock to get a small warranty piece of work done (driver’s side door handle wasn’t locking/unlocking with touch) so I brought it to my dealership for repairs. Flashed back to stock with no issues using the R4 dongle, had all work completed under warranty with no issues from the dealer, then flashed back to Stage 1 with no issues later that night. Seems to be some really weird/random error but it wasn’t present again when I flashed for a second time.

Also, a separate warning for anyone who tries to deal with MTM. I knew that going into this their US organization didn’t have the best rep but they’ve more or less gone un-responsive regarding my rear bumper order. It’s coming up on a month and a half delayed and no one in their US organization (or their main German HQ) has given me more than a “your bumper is in transit” update. It takes almost 5 follow-ups before they’ll even respond, so fair warning for anyone ordering anything through them.

why did you flash back to stock before going in for warranty work?

flashing back to stock will not fool audi's software - they can check the flash counter on your ecu to see that it has been flashed and will still TD1 you.