New Owner from S Yorks - A few q's

[Urbanpixels]

Good evening all.

My name is Ric, I've just purchased a 8.5 (face-lift, i think?) RS4 in Panther Black with Alu pack and should be collecting this weekend

I've been looking for a good while and finally found a car with all the options I've been looking for along with some low mileage. i've had my previous car a B7 S5 V8 for the last 5 years so im looking forward to the upgrade plus we are needing 5 doors for a new member of the family in a few weeks time!

I was going to make a thread in the hello section but i'd also like to ask a few questions about the car at the same time, so i though it'd be best in here.

We've all read about the OBD theft issue on the cars and im wondering what methods people have used to combat it?

I've read about inserting a hidden "key lock switch" in the Can HI wiring from the port, so it will never respond unless to move the position of the switch with the key which seems a good option as it can easily be enabled for servicing etc. Can HI was recommended as some devices can have external power packs if you put the switch in the 12v+ wiring?

There are also various alarms etc which disable the port does anybody have any recommendations for those?

I have another car which has Clifford BlackJax installed, this also seems like it could be an option for if robbers got into the house for the keys as it would let them get a safe distance away from the house before shutting the car down. I know there are pro's and cons to this as some might argue they'd just come back a week later but this time asking for the code.

I was also looking into the VCDS modifications to the alarm timer (reduce to 0-1second) and sensors etc, does anybody have the information for this? i've found instructions for other modifications such as lap timers etc. Do VCDS modifications invalidate warranties?

I look forward to meeting some of you in the future! cheers in advance.

[DeanoC]

Welcome along.

There are a few sensible precautions.

No.1 the alarm delay like you say: The alarm is module 46 adaptations > Vehicle anti theft delay

I also:

Moved the OBD port to the fuse area so you would have to rip open the deadlocked door

Put the keys (advanced key) in a RF shielded wallet so range exteners can't be used

Stuck up sod off LED floodlights

Gravelled part of the drive

Block it in with the 1 series daily

[Urbanpixels]

Thanks for the reply. I didnt realize the OBD port had enough length to reach the fuse area or enough room to mount. Perhaps this would work along with my Key modification to the opposite fuse box for even greater trouble for would-be tealeaves.

[geoffdunk]

Good evening all.

My name is Ric, I've just purchased a 8.5 (face-lift, i think?) RS4 in Panther Black with Alu pack and should be collecting this weekend


I've been looking for a good while and finally found a car with all the options I've been looking for along with some low mileage. i've had my previous car a B7 S5 V8 for the last 5 years so im looking forward to the upgrade plus we are needing 5 doors for a new member of the family in a few weeks time!

I was going to make a thread in the hello section but i'd also like to ask a few questions about the car at the same time, so i though it'd be best in here.

We've all read about the OBD theft issue on the cars and im wondering what methods people have used to combat it?

I've read about inserting a hidden "key lock switch" in the Can HI wiring from the port, so it will never respond unless to move the position of the switch with the key which seems a good option as it can easily be enabled for servicing etc. Can HI was recommended as some devices can have external power packs if you put the switch in the 12v+ wiring?

There are also various alarms etc which disable the port does anybody have any recommendations for those?

I have another car which has Clifford BlackJax installed, this also seems like it could be an option for if robbers got into the house for the keys as it would let them get a safe distance away from the house before shutting the car down. I know there are pro's and cons to this as some might argue they'd just come back a week later but this time asking for the code.

I was also looking into the VCDS modifications to the alarm timer (reduce to 0-1second) and sensors etc, does anybody have the information for this? i've found instructions for other modifications such as lap timers etc. Do VCDS modifications invalidate warranties?

I look forward to meeting some of you in the future! cheers in advance.

Welcome Ric

Only did the RS4 in B8.5 2012 onwards, there was no B8 option (pre-facelift)

There was no B7 S5, so I assume you mean B8 S5 V8 version?

What is the reason for going to all this extra security, have you suffered in the past?

VCDS do not invalidate warranties as they are all within manufacturers specification, VCDS is written by Ross-Tech for VWAG. I order m vehicles without extras I have to pay for that I can activate after the fact with VCDS lol

[Urbanpixels]

Thanks for the reply.

It is the b8 s5 yes, I'm still confused with the series numbers, apologies.

I've not suffered with thefts in the past I just wanted to protect the car as much as possible as I realise it's a more desirable model to steal!

Great news on the VCDS I'll borrow my friends to make a few choice changes.

Where can I find a good list of the available options?

[Urbanpixels]

Just had notification from the dealer that it should be ready on wednesday.

It has a service and brake pads changed along with all 4 DSC shock absorbers as i'd explained the issues. I don't think the car actually had a problem but nice of the dealer to take pro-active measures!

[johnnydog]

I'm surprised that they changed the rear shocks - it's usually just the fronts that are being replace under warranty due to the 'knocking' issues. I'd check visually that the rears have been replaced - not that I don't trust them of course; just to satisfy my curiosity.....

[Urbanpixels]

I can imagine. The salesman has been 50% useful tbh i wouldn't disagree he is probably spinning it a little bit.

I have a friend who works at Audi though so he can check the Elsapro records anytime for me to see what was done!

[Urbanpixels]

So the car is delayed again they clipped a wheel swapping the tyres over... So Friday now as they are refurbing them and takes longer for the diamond cuts.

In other news. The modifications have started arriving

Thanks for Virdee for supplying the spacers - 10/12mm nuts and lockers and filters.