RS5 Competition Owners corner

[Dan99]

...It's comparable, I think I remember the paddles are a tad faster on the 034 stage 2 TCU but I haven't used them much in the Comp yet because the Comp shifts so damned well on its own so far. The RS5 Comp transmission tuning in Sport feels comparable to the M5 Comp in Sport+ now in terms of how hard it shifts and how it feels on throttle lift, even at low speed, I like the low speed throttle lift feel in particular. I think because it's this good stock it just feels more whelming, but the 034 TCU tune is still comparable. The Comp tuning (being factory) is smoooother than the 034 stage 2 TCU while still shifting harder and crisper than the RS5 base tune with better throttle lift feel.

How is the "throttle lift" different?

[HurrayFive]

How is the "throttle lift" different?

More aggressive in S (doesn't require manual mode), feels closer to a manual transmission or dual clutch at low speed when you lift your foot off the pedal but are still moving. I just personally like that, makes you feel more connected to the car through your foot even when you aren't shifting.

[Dan99]

More aggressive in S (doesn't require manual mode), feels closer to a manual transmission or dual clutch at low speed when you lift your foot off the pedal but are still moving. I just personally like that, makes you feel more connected to the car through your foot even when you aren't shifting.

Off throttle, does that mean it coasts more, or less, or something different?

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[B6_Dolphin]

Armytrix is on-sale at a nice discount right now... almost $1,400 USD off.

https://www.armytrixusa.com/armytrix...156031935.html

For the (discounted) money, any hp/tq increase over the stock Comp exhaust? As for sound, I'm ok with the stock Comp exhaust in RS1 mode - I would imagine the Armytrix on open valves sounds like a raped ape. I'd also assume it's lighter than the stock system.

Is it worth it for the sale price, or just throwing away $?

[HurrayFive]

Armytrix is on-sale at a nice discount right now... almost $1,400 USD off.

https://www.armytrixusa.com/armytrix...156031935.html

For the (discounted) money, any hp/tq increase over the stock Comp exhaust? As for sound, I'm ok with the stock Comp exhaust in RS1 mode - I would imagine the Armytrix on open valves sounds like a raped ape. I'd also assume it's lighter than the stock system.

Is it worth it for the sale price, or just throwing away $?

Stick w/ OEM, add bull-x res delete pipes, save $1K, heh. The sound deadening was removed over the exhaust tunnel so res delete should sound even louder on the Comp if you need moar loud. Any gains are negligible, even catless downpipes don't do much because they already flow so well for each turbo stock.

The RS7 and M5 TT V8's each spoiled me and I've still not heard aftermarket setups that I enjoy on the 2.9TT or 3.0T, they all get raspy. They all drone. The little bit of stock drone at mid RPM you get on the Comp at least sounds bassy and well engineered. My buddy has cycled through two aftermarket systems (and sold each at a loss) back to stock on his G80 M3 Comp because both droned, vibrated, or were otherwise only great at WOT.

Our stock setup sounds great at WOT and isn't obnoxious the rest of the time to me, is the way I look at it.

[HurrayFive]

What suspension settings is everyone using/has tried?

So far fronts at -11 clicks rebound, -10 soft compression and -8 high compression seems to be my sweet spot for eating up bumps without trouble while still feeling firm and ultra twitchy on the steering as soon as I turn the wheel beyond center (always keep the steering in Comfort) while keeping the rears at the factory basic settings.

Softer than that on rebound is super soft but a little splashy.

[KOSTIC]

Have not yet messed with my suspension settings. Someday I'll dive into it.

[B6_Dolphin]

Throttle House discussed the suspension settings on the Comp Package, starting at 8:24:

[mrcsatx]

034 released the ECU Stage 1 tune for the Comp(Box code 8W0907551N 0001 only) last week. No TCU tune yet. I tuned mine on Friday. 93 oct tune state est 514hp. Its been raining down here all weekend so haven't done a launch yet but obviously it feels much faster. The biggest improvement is the smoother shifting up and down gears for me. I opted for the no pops and bangs but still got an increase in some exhaust sound. Coupled with the BullX resonator delete, I believe the exhaust is now perfect for me. Will keep playing around and get some dragy times for y'all.

[Dan99]

034 released the ECU Stage 1 tune for the Comp(Box code 8W0907551N 0001 only) last week. No TCU tune yet. I tuned mine on Friday. 93 oct tune state est 514hp. Its been raining down here all weekend so haven't done a launch yet but obviously it feels much faster. The biggest improvement is the smoother shifting up and down gears for me. I opted for the no pops and bangs but still got an increase in some exhaust sound. Coupled with the BullX resonator delete, I believe the exhaust is now perfect for me. Will keep playing around and get some dragy times for y'all.

That's the same power rating as the tunes for the non-comp RS5. Do they provide stock dyno numbers for the comp to see if the stock comp has a different power curve over the standard model?

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[B6_Dolphin]

New listing on Europrice for Comp Wheels...

https://europrice.us/wheels-rs5-competition-plus-20

Should I be 2nd guessing my decision to opt-out of the "Wheel Protection" warranty offered by my stealership when I took delivery of my RS5?

[KOSTIC]

New listing on Europrice for Comp Wheels...

https://europrice.us/wheels-rs5-competition-plus-20

Should I be 2nd guessing my decision to opt-out of the "Wheel Protection" warranty offered by my stealership when I took delivery of my RS5?

The comp wheels are really that much? And the Phantom Black option adds $2400? Really? That's crazy.
Did you see that the Comp Sport Seats are $16k? I have no clue what similar seats would cost, but that seems nuts to me.

[Burrcold]

The 5 arm peak mill cut wheels on the 2019 RS5 were even more expensive if you can believe it. Audi wheels are $$$

[Dan99]

The 5 arm peak mill cut wheels on the 2019 RS5 were even more expensive if you can believe it. Audi wheels are $$$

My experience was different. I bought a second set of oem Audi forged Flag wheels for my 2019 RS5 Sportback (part #8W0-601-025-DR), and negotiated that as part of the original purchase. I wanted summer and winter wheels of the same size. I also wanted forged wheels because I had so much trouble with damage to aftermarket cast wheels. The list price on the wheel was $1150 and I got them for $950 each. Those wheels have been great, and I would do it again. It looks like the MSRP has gone up some since I got mine ($1450), but they are still way less than the Competition wheels. I also found them on sale for $1117:

https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-par...oy-8w0601025dr

While these wheels are forged, and lighter than most production Audi wheels, they are still heavier than some performance-oriented forged wheels. Before I bought them I investigated all sorts of aftermarket forged wheels that were available at the time. After all, the car came with forged wheels, and I had trouble in the past with aftermarket cast wheels, so I wanted wheels that were not easily damaged.

The aftermarket forged wheels that spoke to me at the time were the BBS FI-R wheels:

https://bbs.com/en/product-details/FI-R

The BBS wheels at the time were about $2300 each, and the lead time for a replacement wheel was about 6 months. Still, one of the most attractive qualities of the BBS FI-R wheels was weight. They were between 17 and 18 lbs each. The oem forged Flag wheels weigh 26-27 lbs, and cast wheels were more. However, as I looked deeper into it, I found some weight charts for both the Audi and the BBS wheels, and the BBS wheels were pushing the limits for a car of this weight. When you remove 9 lbs of forged material from a wheel, it's going to be less durable. I was told that they were focused on competition where maximum performance is the goal, and that you sacrifice some durability in the effort to maximize performance. So, your budget should contain some money for replacement wheels. I decided that weight was less important to me than durability.

The Competition wheels posted by by B6_Dolphin remind me of the BBS wheels, but it is hard to tell. The listing says they are 9 pound lighter than stock wheels, but they also claim they work for A5, S5 and RS5. So, it's not clear which wheel they are comparing it to. If it's 9 pounds lighter than the wheels on my car, they weigh about the same as the BBS-FIR wheels.

I have had 3 Audis and never had any significant problems with the wheels, regardless of construction. I have to believe that Audi does not want a lot of easily damaged wheels out there, but the Competition package was also their effort to make the RS5 more of a track car. So, I suspect that the wheels are sturdy, but more vulnerable to damage than heavier forged wheels.

Regarding the wheel insurance, I bought it when I got my car. Winter potholes in our area have been really tough on previous wheels, and I figured the cost of the insurance was around the cost of one replacement wheel. However, in my case, it was not worth it. After 5 years and 56K miles I only had one slight wobble that was easily fixed. However, looking at the replacement cost of the Competition wheels, and the potential low weight of the wheel (we don't know the exact weight), I would probably lean toward getting the wheel insurance, if it is still an option.

[Burrcold]

My experience was different. I bought a second set of oem Audi forged Flag wheels for my 2019 RS5 Sportback (part #8W0-601-025-DR), and negotiated that as part of the original purchase. I wanted summer and winter wheels of the same size. I also wanted forged wheels because I had so much trouble with damage to aftermarket cast wheels. The list price on the wheel was $1150 and I got them for $950 each. Those wheels have been great, and I would do it again. It looks like the MSRP has gone up some since I got mine ($1450), but they are still way less than the Competition wheels. I also found them on sale for $1117:

https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-par...oy-8w0601025dr

.

The flag wheel were a considerable amount less than the 5 arm peak mill cut wheels. They were (and maybe still are) something like $2,500 per wheel.

Edit..they are on sale but original price was more than the Competition wheels.

https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-par...IFJlc3VsdHM%3D

[B6_Dolphin]

The comp wheels are really that much? And the Phantom Black option adds $2400? Really? That's crazy.

Yeah, crazy, and from this link from the German ordering page:

https://www.audi.de/de/brand/de/neuw...e/pakete.html#

Apparently don't use your Comp Wheels on the road if exposed to road salt... not that I'm going to in the PNW.

RS competition plus
11,875.00 EUR

Apply to configuration
Combines sporty exterior and interior features with dynamic driving advantages to create an expressive package.

RS competition plus includes:

20-inch light alloy wheels, 5-Y-spokes, phantom black or phantom black with a high gloss finish 3 , optionally with 20-inch P Zero Corsa sports tires from Pirelli 7
RS sports exhaust system plus with matt black tailpipes
Raising the maximum speed to 290 km/h
Black plus optics package with Audi rings and RS 5 lettering in glossy black, Carbon 7 optics package or matt Carbon 7 optics package
Matrix LED headlights with dynamic lighting and dynamic flashing lights, with RS-specific darkened covers
LED rear lights with dynamic lighting and dynamic flashing lights
RS competition projection light
Seat covers microfiber Dinamica 6 /leather combination with honeycomb quilting and RS embroidery, optional seat side panels in black 7
Lumbar support pneumatically adjustable with massage function for the front seats
Electrically adjustable front seats
quattro with sport differential
RS sports suspension pro
Dynamic steering


3 Bright-lathed, gloss-milled, polished or partially polished wheels must not be used in winter road conditions. Due to the manufacturing process, the rim surface does not have sufficient corrosion protection and can be permanently damaged by road salt or the like.
6 Microfiber Dinamica is a breathable microfiber material that is made from recycled polyester fibers and recycled PET.
7 The equipment mentioned is an optional extra for an additional charge.

[HurrayFive]

Yeah I figured the Comp wheels would be something stupid like $2K+ per wheel, Audi OEM RS anything is never cheap but ultra light with that milled + black pattern looked like it was going to be crazy pricey, this just confirms that.

I'm getting the entire car (except the matte carbon exterior bits) ceramic coated including the wheels on Monday in four coats of ceramic, should help keep the wheels clean of winter road crap when I take it out here (also in the PNW so road salt is not often) but the SQ5 is our primary winter car and these fancy wheels just reinforced my opinion of driving the SQ5 for the coldest months of the year, hah.

[Dan99]

Yeah, crazy, and from this link from the German ordering page:

https://www.audi.de/de/brand/de/neuw...e/pakete.html#

Apparently don't use your Comp Wheels on the road if exposed to road salt... not that I'm going to in the PNW.

Holy cow, it says this:

"3 Gloss-drawn, glossy, polished or partially polished wheels must not be used in winter road conditions. Due to the production, the rim surface does not have sufficient corrosion protection and can be permanently damaged by road salt or the like."

I wonder if the corrosion is cosmetic or structural.

[Colthuis]

I currently have a 2014 B8.5 S4 and am looking to upgrade to an RS5 Sportback. I can get a 2023 competition with under 10k miles for low $80s or I can opt for a slightly older, non-competition (2019-2023) for $58-$70depending on miles and options. My question is, do you regret spending the extra on the competition, or are you happy you did?

I could also do a 2021 black optic launch edition or Ascari edition for high 60's to low 70's. Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

[B6_Dolphin]

My question is, do you regret spending the extra on the competition, or are you happy you did?

No regrets at all. After hearing the complaints about the DRC suspension, and having the previous DRC suspension on my '08 RS4 Cabriolet, the Audi-spec'd KW4 C/O suspension appealed to my intentions to use my RS5 Coupe not just as a daily driver, but also for occasional HPDEs. Add-in the front CCBs & LW wheels w/Pirelli Corsa tires, and I think the $16k option package is a bargain, especially when you add-in all the Comp Pkg-specific tuning, direct ratio steering, special interior, CF engine cover, etc.

I would opt for the '23 Comp w/10k miles and don't look back. $ well-spent.

[HurrayFive]

I currently have a 2014 B8.5 S4 and am looking to upgrade to an RS5 Sportback. I can get a 2023 competition with under 10k miles for low $80s or I can opt for a slightly older, non-competition (2019-2023) for $58-$70depending on miles and options. My question is, do you regret spending the extra on the competition, or are you happy you did?

I could also do a 2021 black optic launch edition or Ascari edition for high 60's to low 70's. Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

Go back one page for my comparison between my '22 RS5 SB non-comp and my '23 SB Comp. I snagged the Comp as a closeout '23 that had sat for a month, sticker was 95.6 and picked up for 89 even. For that price it is a hell of a car, even compared to my M5's. The suspension looks like an Audi branded KW V4 setup and completely changes the car, but all of the little tweaks they made are the same things I complained about in the non-comp and it's just an overall great RS execution. IMO this should be the RS starting point and I would have held on to the last one longer.

11.9 @ 114 stock on the base vs 11.6 @ 118 on the Comp on the same road, worse conditions for the Comp (3.8 vs 3.5 0-60). Still haven't had a dry enough night for my middle of winter unicorn run where the car cracks off an 11.4 @ 119 totally stock in -1K DA, and the last one never trapped over 114 in those same conditions, value that part however you want.

Like Dolphin mentioned, I'd snag the lightly used '23 Comp for as good a deal as you can work. If you've never had an RS5, you're not going to be upset with any of them though.

[Colthuis]

Awesome - Thank you for your thoughts. I have a white 2021 black optic launch edition in my driveway. I am pretty set on the sebring black crystal effect and I like the matte carbon exterior features of the competition package. It would be about 15k more, but with 20k less miles and the color and all the options I want. Such a pretty car!

[Colthuis]

Go back one page for my comparison between my '22 RS5 SB non-comp and my '23 SB Comp. I snagged the Comp as a closeout '23 that had sat for a month, sticker was 95.6 and picked up for 89 even. For that price it is a hell of a car, even compared to my M5's. The suspension looks like an Audi branded KW V4 setup and completely changes the car, but all of the little tweaks they made are the same things I complained about in the non-comp and it's just an overall great RS execution. IMO this should be the RS starting point and I would have held on to the last one longer.

11.9 @ 114 stock on the base vs 11.6 @ 118 on the Comp on the same road, worse conditions for the Comp (3.8 vs 3.5 0-60). Still haven't had a dry enough night for my middle of winter unicorn run where the car cracks off an 11.4 @ 119 totally stock in -1K DA, and the last one never trapped over 114 in those same conditions, value that part however you want.

Like Dolphin mentioned, I'd snag the lightly used '23 Comp for as good a deal as you can work. If you've never had an RS5, you're not going to be upset with any of them though.

That's great info - thank you! I've seen anywhere from 3.2 to 3.9 in the stock RS. That's Audi's site, Road and track, YouTube videos, etc. I figured realistically it was somewhere in the middle. I test drove a 2023 M3 and a 2021 RS with the Black Optic Launch Edition. My family all liked the M3 better, and while it is a beast and super fun to drive, there is something about the RS that does it for me. I appreciate the insight!

[bayarea_s5]

My 2 week old RS5 Competition… loving the car so far!!

Has anyone lower the car more than factory ?

[KOSTIC]

My 2 week old RS5 Competition… loving the car so far!!

Has anyone lower the car more than factory ?

I have not. The way it is I can barely get in/out of my driveway without scraping the front splitter (It has an aftermarket one installed). Most driveways I can't even pull into.

[Colthuis]

My 2 week old RS5 Competition… loving the car so far!!

Has anyone lower the car more than factory ?

It says you have the flat bottom steering wheel in the competition model. Does it have the heated steering wheel button? How much did it cost and where did you get it?

[bayarea_s5]

It says you have the flat bottom steering wheel in the competition model. Does it have the heated steering wheel button? How much did it cost and where did you get it?

Aftermarket, from askcarbon. Yes, it’s heated..

I don’t think the heater is necessary but I didn’t want to see the error message on the dash at start up

[Colthuis]

Aftermarket, from askcarbon. Yes, it’s heated..

I don’t think the heater is necessary but I didn’t want to see the error message on the dash at start up

Appreciate it! Love every little thing about the competition, except not having the flat bottom wheel. Not sure why it's such a big deal to me, but it's not a high level Audi without...IMO.

[Diokhan]

I just joined Team Competition!

[B6_Dolphin]

I just joined Team Competition!

Welcome to the exclusive Ascari Blue Coupe club!

I have 1 of 8 in MY2023.

[KOSTIC]

I just joined Team Competition!

Congrats!


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[ragy17001]

Joined the competition club a few weeks ago. It’s really a different beast compared to my old 2021 RS5.

IMG_3334r.jpg

[Diokhan]

Thanks guys!

Those are some pretty darn good Ascari coupe numbers for 2023. I wonder how many there will be for 2024?

[Mops@Nemesis]

Thanks guys!

Those are some pretty darn good Ascari coupe numbers for 2023. I wonder how many there will be for 2024?

Congrats my friend!!

[Diokhan]

Thanks bud!

[KOSTIC]

Joined the competition club a few weeks ago. It’s really a different beast compared to my old 2021 RS5.

IMG_3334r.jpg

Congrats!

[KOSTIC]

Thanks guys!

Those are some pretty darn good Ascari coupe numbers for 2023. I wonder how many there will be for 2024?

You can contact Audi to get sales numbers. I just used the online chat via audiusa.com. They can't break it down by package, but they can by exterior/interior color options. Since the Comp has the package specific seat color you can use that to break it down to Comp only numbers.

In case anyone is curious about the US sales numbers for '23 Comp cars you can refer to this post...
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...1#post14976176

Another point that some people may or may not care about, but the US market '23 Comps came with Carbon Ceramic Brakes (well, until the shortages hit) while its not even an option on the '24s. One more thing to make the '23s slightly more unique.

[Liberation]

Joined the competition club a few weeks ago. It’s really a different beast compared to my old 2021 RS5.

IMG_3334r.jpg

Congrats on the purchase!

What are your initial thoughts on the differences between this and your previous MY21?

[HurrayFive]

Beautiful sunset tonight, had to snag a snap on the way home.

[joesdad]

Ok... this just happened - road construction. Can I get a hand finding the part number for a Comp rear wheel - maybe someone is parting out?

At this point I'm more pissed with how long it took to find the OTHER trunk sub-compartment... the one in front of the spare with the lug key and lug wrench - not just the silly bag that's strapped in the back. Plus... sharing pics of dirty wheels.

IMG_3783.jpgIMG_3782.jpgIMG_3781.jpgIMG_3785.jpg