Issues with recent Audi ECU software update

[Emm_W]

Hi all,

I had my RS6 (MY14) at the Swedish APR tuner for an ECU upgrade (which supposedly will raise the performance to 680 hp / 950 Nm :-), but before they could do any downloading, there was an Audi service bulletin that instructed them to update the ECU with the new Audi software first (if I recall correctly, the version number was "0.12"?). Unfortunately, after having done this, it turns out that the APR upgrade couldn't be installed, since APR's latest software wasn't compatible with this new Audi software update (which I was told was no more than a month or so old)... I'm still waiting to hear from the dealer when APR will have this sorted out, but hopefully it will merely be a minor issue for APR so it won't be too long.

However, after having this new Audi software update installed, I definitely feel the car has become slightly less aggressive -- the pull is not so different (could very well be nothing, just my imagination), but the responsiveness has absolutely gone done a notch. In Drive mode it now feels like I'm driving in some sort of Eco mode, and in Sport mode it feels almost like Drive mode before.

Does anyone here have any further intel on this? Anyone who's already done the same update? If so, personal reactions? Thanks,

/M

[Tadass910]

As I know Swedish tuners recommend 0003 software update before doing ecu remap

[AndyJE]

Hi M

I think I've got the same experience - not sure about a performance impact (mine still feels fast) but the character of the exhaust note (with pops and bangs on the downchanges, etc) has gone completely. I just posted a separate thread about it and then found this one....

Do we know what that software update does?

Andy

[Emm_W]

I've tried to google the issue but the closest I got was this (which doesn't mention any ECU update):

http://www.carproblemzoo.com/tsb/audi/r ... di-rs6.php

I've also asked my service technician to look into it, but haven't heard back from him yet. *If* there is some sort of engine power reduction that has been put in place in order to achieve a more secure environment for the engine (in order to receive less future possible engine trouble claims), I don't think Audi will come clear and say that officially. For now at least, I have a car that feels less responsive than before.

[AndyJE]

M - thanks, as you say that would be very disappointing to hear if it were true.
I heard back that the update is to prevent damage to the o-rings in the coolant line for the turbo.... No more info yet.

[Emm_W]

That's what I was told too by the technician that performed the software update. He also said that on MY14 (my car) it is only a software update, but on MY13 it is also a hardware update (perhaps the actual o-rings?). But I would really like to know *exactly* what actual engine parameters this software update changes.

[wildbore]

I heard back that the update is to prevent damage to the o-rings in the coolant line for the turbo.... No more info yet.

If that is the case, it would be very difficult to decline to have the update applied and then maintain the warranty intact with regard to the cooling system, turbos, etc..

My car is going in next week for a faulty MMI to be looked at. I suspect they will apply the update then...

[Emm_W]

Exactly, I was told this is a compulsory safety update that I could not decline.

[AndyJE]

I didn't try to decline it but that doesn't come as a surprise. Equally if it's best for the longevity of the car then that's great, but I miss the character already.

[RS6chris!]

U can decline anything

Not a gun to your head

Or are they saying if you don't have it done it could Cause warranty issues?

[wildbore]

U can decline anything

Not a gun to your head

Or are they saying if you don't have it done it could Cause warranty issues?

The update is (apparently) to prevent damage to the cooling system for the turbos. I think a warranty claim against the cooling system or the turbos following a refusal on the part of the owner to have the update is only going to go one way. However, this is just my guess. Nothing as yet from Audi.

[Heden]

My car is due its first service this month. I will not be pleased if they apply the update software and it changes the character of the engine map.
If it is related to o-rings on the coolant inlets to the turbos, it sounds more like a heat issue than anything else? I know that the space rocket "Challenger" exploded due to an faulty o-ring back in 1986, but in our case it sounds more like a cheap fix to upload a new tweaked software than to replace the o-rings with a more suitable version.

[Emm_W]

I just received the following feedback from my tech guy over at the local Audi dealer/Shop:

”What the software does is that it changes and improves the oil cooling for the turbos. The adaptations in the ECU are cleared after the update, so you will have to drive the car hard afterwards in order for the ECU to adapt and change torque and such."

I take it that this means that I will just have to drive the car hard as usual in order for the ECU to re-learn and adapt to my driving style again, which means that this software update *might* not be a problem (can't really say as I haven't put enough miles on it yet). But I would still really like to know exactly *how* the new software accomplishes this, i.e. what engine parameters have been changed.

If anyone learns more about this, please feel free to share in this thread -- or the fellow thread that also refers to this issue:

viewtopic.php?f=76&t=124966

[Tadass910]

Do this update appeared recently? I was at audi on February, to change oil and do service, they didn't told me anything about software update.

Does this software update also affects aftermarket exhaust or only Audi sport exhaust?

[AndyJE]

Bit of an update in my thread too.... Emm I reckon you're right about a period of re-learning/adaptation.