Does anyone else find this a bit "dithery" off the line? I've come from the previous gen A5 3.0 TDI which admittedly had a bit more power but whilst that was sharp off the mark, the A4 definitely isn't remotely as responsive. Not great at junctions or roundabouts.
Very normal i’m afraid. I’ve got the same car as you and find the lag frustrating. Having driven other auto Audis it seems the petrol cars are better so maybe the fact it’s diesel is making it worse.
Popping gearbox into S mode as you approach a roundabout helps a bit but it’s just sonething to learn to get used to.
Popping gearbox into S mode as you approach a roundabout helps a bit but it’s just sonething to learn to get used to.
It really is quite annoying, I had to borrow the Avant which was petrol for a couple of weeks which was better but still not that instant response. I don't think it's down to being diesel as all 3 A5's I had were diesel and s-tronic. Which leads me to believe it's something with the newer models, last A5 was on a 13 plate and it was so responsive and a dream to drive, sadly on contract and couldn't afford to buy it which was very annoying. Audi don't seem to see the problem but driving it every day, I do.
Sorry, has this topic been covered quite a lot already? Only joined yesterday so apologies if I'm repeating things.
Unfortunately many times in many forums, its a hot topic with the lag affecting some more than others, or some not bothered by it at all. Depends upon the gearbox and the engine too...
Ahhh I see. Have just had a browse through the forum and found a little about it. I'm surprised that Audi haven't released some sort of software update to rectify it with so many people complaining about it. I can't see how it is of any benefit for them not to do something about it. As it's on contract I don't want to start fiddling with any updates or "non official" software changes though. Guess I'll just have to put up with it.
Why not just roll out the update as a recall type thing. I know I'd love to have it sorted as it would be a much better car if they addressed the responsiveness out. Maybe it just needs a lot of A4 owners to voice their grievances about to have something done? Is it affecting other models as well?
I have the 272 version of the 3.0tdi
The gearbox is the 8 speed tip but I did feel like there was lag at times even when I put a tuning box on.
A bit of a shame as the overall performance was very good just the all round driveability which wasn't always consistent due to the occasional lag.
Like others I think it's audis own software they write on the gearboxes that's the issue.
If your keeping the car a while still, I'd advise you fork out on a tcu upgrade (tmc motorsport) - completely changes the way the car drives and best of all, hardly any lag even in comfort mode. Only takes 5 minutes to install also.
It's also not traceable by the dealer as I've gone in once or twice with it on and had it on my previous car too.
I have my car for 2 more years so I know I needed it, I prob would have traded in early otherwise as the lag really ruins what is an excellent daily car otherwise.
I dont know pal. Majority of the range with the bunch has the issue. Would give the car a day and night difference if sorted
Recently had my Stronic replaced 2.0tdi 190ps. It’s doesn’t cut out at stupid places (stop start) as it used too. It would have been loaded with the latest software. Seems much more intuitive now.
Think I got it. Much improved now with the new gearbox that was replaced under warranty
Enquiring with Audi. No doubt they'll deny any knowledge of either the problem or a fix for it. I just can't fathom why they would set a car up with an intentional lag. There are literally no benefits to do so at all.
So they intentionally made it feel worse to drive? I don't feel convinced by any of the reasoning purely based on my experience with past A5's which were all S-tronic and had no lag and were all responsive from setting off through all gears and the entire rev range.
It really isn't good enough, and unless it's rectified when I come to change I'll likely move away from Audi.
My A5's were all 3.0 TDI's so they clearly can have S-tronic diesels that don't have the problem.
The older a5s used the 245 version of the 3.0tdi
If so u have downgraded a bit on power but 100nm on torque - that's 500nm to the a4s 400nm (quite a drop)
That could be another issue with the lag aswell as the terrible nature of the stock s tronic software. If you do rewrite the software using a flash tool believe me the changes are night and day - the s tronic gearbox when properly optimised has unbelievably lightning quick gearchanges and super responsive, verymuch like Porsche PDK levels almost.
Secondly the weight of the quattro I feel can hinder the rolling performance so all those factors explain why your facing these issues.
Don't see Audi making any changes tbh. It's best to do Ur own modifications if the lag is really irritating you
I got a used S line recently - with the 150 engine - has any one tried an aftermarket gearbox update like the one from TMC Motorsport or similar and does it work?.
I used the JFA autoflash tool to remap the gearbox on my old a3 which had the s tronic - massive changes to driveability and also slightly quicker off the line with better mid range torque.
I'm currently running the tmc motorsport one on my tuned 272 tdi and it's just as good
Seriously? Do they really expect us to swallow that? I really haven’t heard such BS about design flaws since Morris Marina days. Come on that’s just lies.
My wife has the dsg on her Golf and it’s better but still a bit hesitant. We had it fully reset by VW about 12m ago and it made a big difference.
Maybe I’ll ask Audi to look at mine. It’s a big job. 2 hours +. Had to get it authorised by VW hq but made a difference.
It did have a little more power but you'd never think it would make such a huge difference. According to the dvla website they are no longer taxed or mot'd otherwise I'd have tracked one of them down to buy outright. They were superb, stuck to the road like glue and pulled really well with decent return on mpg too!
Agreed, but it's still down on torque by 100nm.
The 272 has 600nm stock which sounds a lot but rolling performance wasn't as good as I initially thought when I brought the car and I put this down to the quattro weight plus lagy gearbox at times. Don't get me wrong it was never a 'slow' car but with an extra 100nm and better gear ratios to play with now it's a dream to drive.
Just a shame I have to fork out to perfect the product.
Looking at a few articles on auto express on the new a6/a7 with the v6 tdi engine show that even that has terrible lag that has been very noticeable to the testers.
I don't understand why Audi would not want to rectify it, ever since dieselgate I think they're trying to be extra careful with emissions n that must also be causing a knock on effect on performance etc I'm assuming..
Seems this gearbox issue is effecting s tronic and zf 8 speed owners alike..
Yeh, the torque does play a big part as well.
You would expect car companies to do the majority of the work and produce the car people want and should get. On paper they should be far better and not require people to tune, or pay to change the software so it drives as it should do.
Can't believe the new A6 & A7 suffer from it as well, I had contemplated the 6 but not feeling swayed if it's not going to be an improved drive.
It's such a shame they haven't rectified it as overall I do really like the car. Not as much as the A5 admittedly but this is my first 4 door car so maybe it feels a bit more grown up haha.
100 percent spot on - I myself am swayed to either an rs5 b9 next or the new a7.
Initially I hoped they put the sq7 engine in the a7 or even the old bitdi twin turbo, but can't see that happening -_- merc can put a 335bhp diesel with 700nm stock in the new cls but Audi can't offer an equivalent
The new a6 and a7 are so nice overall otherwise!
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On the Golf it was out of warranty but they did a software update on the gearbox at the service. It came back really hesitant. Even my wife hated it! All the work was done FOC but I had to talk to VW HQ UK who got info from Germany about what was in the update. In the end we said it was either they sort it or we trade it in. All happy now on that but maybe I'll ask the local Audi guys to look at mine. I have to say I wouldn't ever have another S-tronic/DSG if they're all like this. My previous car a BMW 335d (yes a BMW, I am really sorry!) with the ZF8 which is the tiptronic was much better.
If I didn't need a sensible car size wise I'd just go for a classic Porsche as I've long for one for so long. Sadly I do need a car that can carry kit for various activities and so a 911 is not an option.
Love the RS5 not so keen on the sportback. I feel it spoils the lines and make the rear/**** look odd. Have seen a few of the new RS with carbon trim and they look amazing!
A friend has just got a 2016 C43, took me for a spin the other day. Christ that thing grips well and shifted! Still not a fan overall but that engine was impressive. Though oddly lacked theatre with the soundtrack. The SQ7 sounds nice, that would be a great engine in a smaller, lighter body.
I'll be keeping the A4 until 2020 though given there's nothing to tempt me to change enough.
