S3 PFL 2014 queries

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Hendy

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Had an 8P previously, then a 8V 1.6tdi when new (boring to drive) then a A7 3tdi Quattro (slightly more exciting and luxury but still boring to drive) so likely changing for an 2014 S3 next week and have a few questions, I have searched some of them but always good to get a fresh opinion as some of the threads are years old.

1. Would you remap as soon as you have your car? or enjoy it for a few months before hand?
couple of mates said enjoy it first, then in a few months you will be excited again like a new car, but my thinking is why drive the car that's not at it's full potential for a few months?

2. I have read the facelift sounds better than preface lift (including pops & bang as they call it), would any remap help this or would you need to ask specifically?

3. Having read through the threads it's pretty inconclusive and down to preference, but would any kind of panel filter etc. make a difference or be recommended before getting the remap? only looking to go stage 1.

4. Has anyone had there non BE painted/wrapped in terms of external chrome bits? which is best paint or wrap? and what kind of ball park figure did you get quoted.

4. Lastly is there anyone in Glasgow with VCDS willing to help out with a few other 'settings'?

Thanks for any feedback,
 
1) I agree with your mates. Drive it till you start getting bored and a remap will get you excited later on.

4) I know if you're buying from Audi, they can wrap bits in house for you. I was told I could get mine all wrapped for £200-£250 when it got to the dealers if I wanted it. Window surrounds, front grille and rear diffuser.
 
Well I purchased my 2014 S3 Audi used approved so it came with a year warranty. I like you intended to remap fairly soon after buying but after a few issues have cropped up I'm 6 months down the line and still sans remap.

What I will say is a stock S3 with DSG is laggy as an extremely laggy thing with a broken leg and using crutches, but I guess it depends what you're use to. Personally I can't wait to get mine mapped especially the gearbox!
 
EmmaJ said:
Well I purchased my 2014 S3 Audi used approved so it came with a year warranty. I like you intended to remap fairly soon after buying but after a few issues have cropped up I'm 6 months down the line and still sans remap.

What I will say is a stock S3 with DSG is laggy as an extremely laggy thing with a broken leg and using crutches, but I guess it depends what you're use to. Personally I can't wait to get mine mapped especially the gearbox!
Click to expand...

I have been out in a number of S3's in various state of tunes, and its fair to say there is a night and day difference between a stock and tuned car. Stage 1 is the best bang for buck bringing the cars alive. The DSG remap takes this one step further and also allows cars to run higher amounts of torque. There are ofcourse multiple routes to take from ECU remaps - individual vs branded software to tuning boxes to host boxes etc.. All have pros and cons. I do appreciate its not for everyone and the stock car is certainly fast enough.

@EmmaJ - Might I suggest a pedal box to eliminate some of the lag/ hesitation you talk about. Once again it brings the car alive.

http://www.audi-sport.net/xf/thread...de-–-audi-s3–-users-view.272708/#post-2808522

Jungle
 
I think a pedal box would make the situation worse. I hate the nothing, nothing, EVERYTHING acceleration as it is now without a pedal box amping up my inputs. You aren't the first person to suggest one so it is worthy of further research however.

The lag I'm referring to as the lack of get up and go from standstill which is worse the quicker you need to go! For example when pulling onto a roundabout or out of a junction when a car in approaching. Damn embarrassing for a 300 bhp car if I'm honest. I suspect this has everything to do with the DSG gearbox and / or traction control deciding if you're worthy of such torque before serving it up.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
 
EmmaJ said:
I think a pedal box would make the situation worse. I hate the nothing, nothing, EVERYTHING acceleration as it is now without a pedal box amping up my inputs. You aren't the first person to suggest one so it is worthy of further research however.

The lag I'm referring to as the lack of get up and go from standstill which is worse the quicker you need to go! For example when pulling onto a roundabout or out of a junction when a car in approaching. Damn embarrassing for a 300 bhp car if I'm honest. I suspect this has everything to do with the DSG gearbox and / or traction control deciding if you're worthy of such torque before serving it up.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Yes think we have all been there, I tend to use mine in manual or S mode when approaching roundabouts where a swift exit into a space is required. That way the car is ready to go. Normal D mode can be sluggish if you require a swift exit. The pedal box however does help not hinder.

Jungle
 
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my dealer told me that they have seen DSG problems with re-mapped S3s. I think the car is fast enough stock for public roads tbh. I guess it just depends on what you're used to.
 
Mrs Wogan's Lemon Drizzle said:
my dealer told me that they have seen DSG problems with re-mapped S3s. I think the car is fast enough stock for public roads tbh. I guess it just depends on what you're used to.
Click to expand...
Were the DSG problems on PFL or FL cars? Wouldn't be surprised on FL DSG as they aren't wet clutches (or at least weren't).

You may have a point about them being fast enough for the public highway but they truly aren't all that quick in reality.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
 
Thanks for the feedback so far, looking like I will wait a few months before remap.....first I have heard of any issues with remap and DSG, from what I have read so far it was more likely the manual that would suffer, anyone else have any input on this?

Looking to get a remap from ecotune, so if anyone in Glasgow has any feedback on them as well it would be appreciated - my mates have used in the past and have nothing but praise, but always good to hear more feedback.
 
The DSG Auto gear box has evolved over the years and generally speaking the newer models are more robust than they were 10+ years ago. You can still get problems, stock or tuned. If you have nothcy gear changes, any wines etc you should get it looked at straight away. Common problems are related to faulty solenoids- cars stuck in gear etc. Generally speaking the DSG boxes are far more robust than the manual clutches.

As far as model numbers for the S3 gearbox I believe the following to be correct:

2013 -2016 cars with 6 Speed DSG - DQ280 I believe of which is an uprated version of the older DQ250 sibling

2017 cars with 7 Speed DSG - DQ381 (upgraded DQ380 model ?)

The RS3 cars with 7 speed DSG have DQ500 box.

I'm not sure if these are dry or wet clutches. You certainly have to change the oil which lubricates them thats for sure as part of the service regime at 48k miles or before for the PFL S3 !

The 6 speed DSG in the S3 8v car seems to cope pretty well upto 500NM or below and well over 600NM with a TCU gearbox tune.
The stock car has 380NM by comparison.

These guys are at the forefront of what is capable and Im sure can shed far more light. Especially around capabilities and which are WET vs DRY clutches etc.

@S3Alex, @Craig Cull , @RedS3Reilly


Hope this helps
Jungle
 
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Thanks Jungle,

Pick the car up next week, got a cracking spec, first change will be wrapping the grill and window surrounds etc. black.

Still not decided when I will remap, but likely a few months, I did notice and was surprised at how laggy it was in comfort when pulling away at give-way's etc.
 
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Hendy said:
Thanks Jungle,

Pick the car up next week, got a cracking spec, first change will be wrapping the grill and window surrounds etc. black.

Still not decided when I will remap, but likely a few months, I did notice and was surprised at how laggy it was in comfort when pulling away at give-way's etc.
Click to expand...

Hendy, Enjoy the car.! Fingers crossed the sun shines for you!

The thing to remember with the Autobox in D mode is the car is always looking to put you in the highest gear possible / as early as possible.

Whilst great for fuel exonomy and emissions is not always ideal for certain situations. Roundabouts etc. Whilst the autobox does a pretty good job of second guessing whats required it doesnt always get it right straight away. The milliseconds it takes to switch out the preselected gears to what you really need can make a difference in the real world.

Hence why I previously mentioned about using S and M mode for certain situations where you know what gear you require ahead of the car. Just like in a manual car you might approach a roundabout in 4th or 5th gear, brake and change down to 2nd ready to make a swift exit, you can do the same with the auto box. You just need to learn how to use the box, know its limitations and positives and when to take manual control.

I love my DSG.

Enjoy the new car, and I hope you make the most of it.

Ps, dont drive it in Comfort, use individual or auto mode in the drive select!

Regds
Jungle
 
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Thanks mate,

Yeah I definitely won't be driving about in comfort, quite enjoy using the paddles sometimes actually, and keep it in auto for long drives and rush hour traffic etc.

Never touched my last 2 cars in terms of modifications, but being back on this site has giving me the bug again and I have already planned a few things before I even have it.
 
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