considering an Audi A4 2.5L TDI 163 Sport Cabriolet - need advice/opinions

[jamespheely]

hi guys!


I'm looking to replace my Toyota Celica (below) and I am considering an A4 2.5 TDI Cabriolet. Originally I wanted to swap the Celica for something with a bit more punch but at the same time returns better MPG figures and when I first spotted the A4 with a 2.5 diesel I though I'd found it but looking at some figures I may be wrong so really need some advice from people using this car day in day out. After reading a few reviews it appears this engine isn't the quickest or most economical probably because the car is so heavy! Online figures quote 0-60 time of 9.9 seconds and looks like I would be very lucky to see MPG in the 40's. How accurate are these figures?



Also has anyone had this engine remapped? I have seen one company claim they could get 190BHP from this engine which I imagine would be a great improvement over the 163 as standard. Although I have heard mixed stories on how a remap affects the fuel consumption any ideas? In fact the price difference between petrol and diesel it might not cost me much more to run the 1.8T and with a remap and few mods could be pushing over 200bhp!


It's probably clear by now that I don't really know what I am talking about so I could really use the advice.


Thank you
James

[Mike B]

I think that you may not be happy with the 2.5Tdi .My son had a 2.5Tdi Quattro with an MR2 and the Audi had gone cos it was a bit boring and he now has an S3 which means he can also do without the MR2

[quattrojames]

The 2.5TDi is a great derv engine in my opinion. It's smooth and gutsy and sounds nice. I've never driven a 163bhp one for any length of time, but can't believe it's far behind the 180. It will I'm sure remap to 190 odd too. I've never driven a cabby so can't comment on their responsiveness, but I can imagine them being weighty lumps.

A big change from what you're used to, a decent test drive would be essential.

[Paul100]

I dont know where you are but I know where there is one of these for sale that has already been remapped to a claimed 205bhp (its my old one, I traded in for a S4 Cab).

I was getting high 30's on the daily run and high 40's on a long run. The remapped v6 tdi is a great engine smooth with enough power to keep you amused

[jamespheely]

thanks for the replies guys!

I am hoping to test drive one at the weekend - unfortunately I think you're right. It's probably a bit too lumpy to what I am used to, I was hoping the diesel would pack a bit more punch and it's a shame because they are gorgeous cars... I may have to go back to the drawing board!

Still hoping for someone who has/had one of these remapped to tell me it made the world of difference... FINGERS CROSSED! :D

[Paul100]

it wasnt slow to start with, and remapped was a joy to drive. the v6 tdi is the smoothest derv I have ever driven. only reason I changed is I wanted the quattro........ tried to talk the wife into keeping the v6 i liked it so much

[quattrojames]

I fitted a tuning box to mine which bumped it from 180bhp to a claimed 208bhp. It was certainly noticeably more powerful and it really levelled out the torque curve, so there's lots of potential for a remap.

I can't say a lot more as I don't really know where your expectations lie.

[jamespheely]

I dont know where you are but I know where there is one of these for sale that has already been remapped to a claimed 205bhp (its my old one, I traded in for a S4 Cab).

I was getting high 30's on the daily run and high 40's on a long run. The remapped v6 tdi is a great engine smooth with enough power to keep you amused

Interesting... which dealer is this as for sale?

Did you own the car when it was remapped? If I could get it close to 200 with a remap I think I would be more than happy! If the online specs can be trusted the Audi would be just under a second slower to 60 than my celica which I think the extra 40 horses from a remap could make up!

[jamespheely]

I fitted a tuning box to mine which bumped it from 180bhp to a claimed 208bhp. It was certainly noticeably more powerful and it really levelled out the torque curve, so there's lots of potential for a remap.

I can't say a lot more as I don't really know where your expectations lie.

hold on when you say 'mine'... did they do the 180 engine in the B6 cabby?? or was it your avant?

[quattrojames]

Cabby's are all 163bhp as they're fwd, mine's a 180bhp cos it's a quattro. They didn't do a quattro 2.5TDi Cab in the B6 range.

[Paul100]

Interesting... which dealer is this as for sale?

Did you own the car when it was remapped? If I could get it close to 200 with a remap I think I would be more than happy! If the online specs can be trusted the Audi would be just under a second slower to 60 than my celica which I think the extra 40 horses from a remap could make up!

I had it mapped by celtic tuning (they have done my last 4 cars, always with great results) it gave it a nice boost in power and made it even smoother to drive..... lets be honest its no racing car, as you say its too heavy, but I found it great to drive. roof down on a sunny day there arent many nicer places to be...

[Paul100]

sorry just looked on their website and it looks like they sold it.....

[jamespheely]

I had it mapped by celtic tuning (they have done my last 4 cars, always with great results) it gave it a nice boost in power and made it even smoother to drive..... lets be honest its no racing car, as you say its too heavy, but I found it great to drive. roof down on a sunny day there arent many nicer places to be...

this is sounding more promising! definitely going to test drive a stock one but think It would be difficult to find one already remapped.

I dont expect it to be a racing car just hoping it packs enough punch to keep a smile on my face which with a few choice mods I think i could manage.