Pop, crackle, bang... not any more :(

[AndyJE]

Hi all.

Just got the car back from the dealer where they replaced the DRC under warranty.

The suspension is fixed but in the process they mentioned a software update they'd applied (although no further info).

Now it's clear that the exhaust sound has changed. I enjoyed the daft noises the car made in manual or S with pops on the downchanges and when lifting... it doesn't do that any more. It still pops on the limiter.

Coincidence? Or am I missing something else?
I miss it so much I'm tempted to ask them to restore whatever the software update was.

My Akra is on the way and now I suspect it might sound a bit.... ordinary.

Any thoughts?
Cheers
Andy

[pez81]

I'm just guessing but it will be some emissions scam. Reduce wasted fuel, make it boring. Just rip out the resonators, the noise will come back I think.

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[pez81]

It's annoying though, you buy a car then they remove some.of it's characterstics you love afterwards. Errrr no thanks Audi

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[AndyJE]

Thanks Pez - I have sent a mail to the service guy to ask if he knows what the update does, and to tell him about the change... Otherwise I guess I have to have it remapped to restore it?!

[wildbore]

Andy, do you have the factory-fit Sports exhaust?

[AndyJE]

Yup

[Emm_W]

Similar issue here -- although in my case I haven't yet reflected on any major change in exhaust sound, only in engine responsiveness.

If anyone else has done this ECU software upgrade, feel free to have a look at this thread too (no hi-jack intended :-):

viewtopic.php?f=76&t=124947

/M

[tartan_rob]

Get a mapper to re-enable it...

[MikeFish]

Seem to recall the same issue with the new RS3s having a software update that removed the noise.

Edit: I just looked it up, think the rs3 issue was that some cars remained in full dynamic when starting the car.

[AndyJE]

Thanks Mike... I guess that's not the same issue. Mine is definitely in dynamic mode for the sound.

[pez81]

Sounds like some preventative measure by Audi. Maybe emissions related. I'd be asking them to remove the changes though.

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[almoRS]

This is interesting I had the same update done 2 weeks ago and thought it sounded different but put it down to driving style. It definitely has stopped popping and banging so much when coasting in lower gears. I know not everyone likes that feature on the car but personally I did.

[Knobby]

I'll be getting them to check with me before doing any updates on mine for sure!

[AndyJE]

Bit of an update - I've been driving the car now for a few hundred miles and the popping has gradually come back....
I am pretty sure I'm not going mad - it was quiet as a mouse.

Now if I downshift at 4800rpm or lift off a gentle throttle at lower revs, the sound is back.

In the other thread about ECU software updates where Emm has posted (here), made a good point about the ECU re-learning parameters after a software update. Could be on to something there.

[HDPete]

This is inline with my post earlier in the year when I asked whether a dealer visit would somehow give my C7 PE the wrong map and revert to a standard RS.

Since then and a few hundred miles more, the pops have come back and the power is certainly back to feeling 'normal'.