B8.5 Audi Drive Select

[rjpiselli]

I have owned three B8.5 A4s/Allroads but none of them had the Audi Drive Select feature.

I am now looking at purchasing a 2014 Allroad with 95k miles and it has Audi Drive Select, and I am wondering if there are any reliability issues or things to look out for that pertains to the drive select function; particularly if the suspension is more prone to failure at any point.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks!

[Smac770]

Well, Audi Drive Select (ADS) is just a selection interface. The adaptable components themselves have their own considerations, not specific to Audi Drive Select. The adaptive damping suspension (also ADS) I wouldn't say is prone to early failure; it's just expensive as hell to replace them when they do wear out. The Audi dynamic steering (also ADS), also, doesn't come to mind as something that gets posted here as a regular problem. The B8 is decently solid, if you ignore the engine.

[rjpiselli]

Well, Audi Drive Select (ADS) is just a selection interface. The adaptable components themselves have their own considerations, not specific to Audi Drive Select. The adaptive damping suspension (also ADS) I wouldn't say is prone to early failure; it's just expensive as hell to replace them when they do wear out. The Audi dynamic steering (also ADS), also, doesn't come to mind as something that gets posted here as a regular problem. The B8 is decently solid, if you ignore the engine.

Thanks! I appreciate the input!

[eljay]

AFAIK, adaptive suspension wasn't offered on Allroads in North America. So, all the Drive Select does is changes steering, throttle, and transmission responses.

[Theiceman]

Well, Audi Drive Select (ADS) is just a selection interface. The adaptable components themselves have their own considerations, not specific to Audi Drive Select. The adaptive damping suspension (also ADS) I wouldn't say is prone to early failure; it's just expensive as hell to replace them when they do wear out. The Audi dynamic steering (also ADS), also, doesn't come to mind as something that gets posted here as a regular problem. The B8 is decently solid, if you ignore the engine.

okay i gotta say that made me laugh ...

He will live forever if you forget he has a massive heart issue !

[Smac770]

I never realized the B8 allroad was not an adaptive suspension. Not sure what I misread so long ago to think that. Probably the allroad's "offroad mode". But that's regarding the ESP system, not the suspension system.

But it makes much more sense; I never understood why Audi would use 1BP for an adaptive suspension on the B8 and change it to a non-adaptive on the B9. Turns out it was not adaptive on the B8.

Same in the brochure: "...the available Audi drive select system. It gives you the ability to adjust the vehicle’s steering, throttle response and transmission shift characteristics with the utmost of ease."

[Smac770]

okay i gotta say that made me laugh ...

He will live forever if you forget he has a massive heart issue !

But to say, the engine, once you fix everything the first time, it's pretty damn good. I just replaced my injectors, actually saw 31mpg for a brief moment before sitting in construction traffic. Just need to replace the turbo and I'm much less motivated to care about Audi going to crappy cupholders and touchscreens. Coming up on 230k miles.

[Theiceman]

But to say, the engine, once you fix everything the first time, it's pretty damn good. I just replaced my injectors, actually saw 31mpg for a brief moment before sitting in construction traffic. Just need to replace the turbo and I'm much less motivated to care about Audi going to crappy cupholders and touchscreens. Coming up on 230k miles.

yeah my car has been crackin' awesome since i did the engine.. get the odd p0299 but it pulls like a fright train so who cares.