Enabling Audi Drive Select via Carista app

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

As per the title, i see that Carista have a option (perhaps only through a beta currently) to enable ADS on cars that were no fitted with this factory option.

My question is around what effect ADS may have on the characteristics on my B8.5 A4 manual quattro, non MMI, no active dampers

Suspensions - i expect no change as i don't have active dampers, just the 30mm S line factory drop.
Transmission - none again as i have a manual box
Steering - this is where my main expectations are, i'm hoping to have firmer steering and more feedback and all speeds
Throttle response - i have only just found out that this is also affected by ADS, so perhaps i'll have greater response here too. Paired with a Stage 1 APR remap, that could be very interesting.

Anyone have experience of enabling ADS on a similar spec car?

 

[weekenny]

Pretty sure the ADS cars run a different rack so you won’t see a steering change.

As for the throttle you may or may not notice a difference as I believe the non-ADS cars were set to the equivalent of auto on the ADS cars where the response changes depending on how you drive it.

 

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

I know the steering changed from hydraulic to to electromagnetic on the facelift B8 to B8.5, but i've not seen anything related to ADS and a specific steering rack.

I've emailed Carista, so i'll await their feedback.

 

[cbeadle2508]

I drive a manual B8.5 2.0 TDI SLine and have enabled this with charista... I had to disable the suspension as it was throwing up errors, I've obviously put it into dynamic mode but haven't noticed any difference really to the throttle response or steering. Be interested to know what it would actually affect? it seems a bit more of a gimmick to me for the non ADS cars.

 

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

I drive a manual B8.5 2.0 TDI SLine and have enabled this with charista... I had to disable the suspension as it was throwing up errors, I've obviously put it into dynamic mode but haven't noticed any difference really to the throttle response or steering. Be interested to know what it would actually affect? it seems a bit more of a gimmick to me for the non ADS cars.

My head tells me there will be little (if any) difference but my heart hopes for at minimum some better response from the steering, which is so light at low speeds (great for parking, though).

Do you know what option code you have for your steering? I have QZ7 which is just listed as "power steering" others codes could be 1N*, with the star being a number.

Did you use the stable or Beta version of the Carista app? They have just given me access to the Beta so i will give it a go and report back.

I'm sceptical that engine response can be changed, but who knows. I'm probably going to give it a go this evening - will report back on it once i have some feedback.

 

[cbeadle2508]

My head tells me there will be little (if any) difference but my heart hopes for at minimum some better response from the steering, which is so light at low speeds (great for parking, though).

Do you know what option code you have for your steering? I have QZ7 which is just listed as "power steering" others codes could be 1N*, with the star being a number.

Did you use the stable or Beta version of the Carista app? They have just given me access to the Beta so i will give it a go and report back.

I'm sceptical that engine response can be changed, but who knows. I'm probably going to give it a go this evening - will report back on it once i have some feedback.

I have no idea what option code I have for the steering... how would I find out?

I have the full version of Carista from before it was subscription based. Not a Beta version.

Interested to see how you get on then.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

There's a sticker in a couple of places on the vehicle (boot and under the bonnet) and it should also be in your service book, check the vid here:

Once you have the codes, whack it in Google and there will be plenty of sites that list them.

Here's one that's slightly clunky but works: http://igorweb.org/equidec.aspx
Here's a PDF which looks pretty good: http://vag-codes.info/files/options/vag-option-codes.pdf . Use the find function when you input your code to locate the code on the PDF.

 

[weekenny]

The ADS steering cars have an additional steering cooler which makes me suspect the rack is different.

I have the ADS steering and it’s a night and day difference in weight between the modes. I think the small effects people experience simply coding it in is a placebo effect.

 

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

Interesting thoughts @weekenny

I have just come back from a road test and one thing I can say for sure is that following the instructions from Carista to enable ADS and then setting it to Dynamic, I have 100%, noticed the steering become heavier/an increase in residence when I turn. It's no MK2 Golf, in terms of feedback, but there's a tangible increase.

FYI, this is at low speed, 1st/2nd gear. The steering natively tightens up at motorway speeds, I will test further with more time to see if that there is more resistance at those speeds, with Dynamic mode

I could not say the difference is night and day, but I would strongly disagree that it's a placebo effect. My tests including switching ADS on and off a few times, changing from Comfort to Dynamic and reversing, turning the wheel with the flat of my hand (rather than a conventional two or one hand grip). I also 'wobbled' the steering wheel, ie quick left right turns of just a few degrees, while on a straight and there was move left/right lateral movement with Dynamic mode activated.

As for increased throttle response, I am going to need more testing to fully appreciate it, it's inconclusive at this stage. Any perceived change here I would definitely put down to the placebo effect.

So in conclusion, this mod, on a non ADS, non MMI car, has had an positive effect on the steering. Given the cost of Carista app and and minimal effort/work involved, I put this down as a win.

More testing required though.

NB my steering option code is QZ7 "power steering"

Final thing to add, ADS now appears in my menu under car settings on my Alpine X702d-AR, however none of the driving mode options are listed (just "Audi Drive Select")

 

[weekenny]

Hmm it would seem there may be some effect, interesting as there are definitely mechanical differences (ie the cooler).

As for the throttle the non ADS default is “auto” therefore if it had auto switched to dynamic you wouldn’t notice a better response. But switching between modes you should feel it. I think the consensus is that the throttle ADS is just adding the buttons and coding. There are guides on Audizine for adding the ADS buttons also they have done a load of research on the effects of the coding on non ADS cars. Been ages since I looked into it properly as I’m. Now on my second S4 and it has ADS.

 

[Aspen]

Did it on mine yesterday....... no difference at all. 09 s4

 

[weekenny]

I think it’s fairly apparent by the option prices that these were not just software coded options.

 

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

I definitely can feel a difference in the steering but this option in Carista/VAGCOM is clearly not the full fat ADS.

Well worth a try though.

 

[JLX]

I have a B8.5 (62 plate) and enabled it via Carista. I was expecting quite a large difference to begin with so was left questioning if it had done anything as it wasn't that noticeable at first. However after a few longer trips, etc. I started noticing the difference and there is a faster acceleration response when in Dynamic over Comfort or Auto. The steering lightens up as well.
I have active exhaust so controls my exhaust noise which is the main reason I use it. Dynamic definitely reduces the MPG.

 

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

I have a B8.5 (62 plate) and enabled it via Carista. I was expecting quite a large difference to begin with so was left questioning if it had done anything as it wasn't that noticeable at first. However after a few longer trips, etc. I started noticing the difference and there is a faster acceleration response when in Dynamic over Comfort or Auto. The steering lightens up as well.
I have active exhaust so controls my exhaust noise which is the main reason I use it. Dynamic definitely reduces the MPG.

Interesting - what engine are you running?

If you are seeing a difference in MPG that could point to an increase in performance, but it's still hard to be objective. I'm going to try and test throttle response on the weekend, with dynamic mode on, and with all the ADS settings turned off via Carista.

Again, are you using the Beta or stable version of the app?

 

[JLX]

I'm running a 2.0TDI 143.

From memory it may have been beta back then.

 

[RJ-8V]

The carista app does not correctly codes ADS on the B8.5 wait till it out of its bèta.

If you have obd11, vcds or vcp you can correctly code it.

You will feel the difference in your throttle and steering.



A3 8V Facelift Limousine

 

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

The carista app does not correctly codes ADS on the B8.5 wait till it out of its bèta.

If you have obd11, vcds or vcp you can correctly code it.

You will feel the difference in your throttle and steering.



A3 8V Facelift Limousine

Hi mate - how are you so sure about the effects?

 

[RJ-8V]

Hi mate - how are you so sure about the effects?

Because coding, parametrisation, update etc is my daily job.

If incorrectly coded the effects are not noticable but when correctly codes it works great.

A3 8V Facelift Limousine

 

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

In which case, that's more than enough for me!

With regards to the your comment re beta/stable versions of the app - i have seen that on the stable version, ADS can be enabled. However on a Carista blog they suggest to use the Beta version. I'm going to continue testing with that version and then i will reinstall the stable version and run the same tests again.

Cheers bud

 

[RJ-8V]

In which case, that's more than enough for me!

With regards to the your comment re beta/stable versions of the app - i have seen that on the stable version, ADS can be enabled. However on a Carista blog they suggest to use the Beta version. I'm going to continue testing with that version and then i will reinstall the stable version and run the same tests again.

Cheers bud

The problem with the B8.5 and apps is that they don't code some stuff correctly. Just use vcds or manually code it with carista (if that's possible). I can help you with the correct coding

A3 8V Facelift Limousine

 

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

i have seen on other threads that you have supplied to code which is great. But i would need to find someone close to me with the equipment as i only have Carista, through which you can't do any coding that i'm aware of.

Where are you based?

 

[RJ-8V]

i have seen on other threads that you have supplied to code which is great. But i would need to find someone close to me with the equipment as i only have Carista, through which you can't do any coding that i'm aware of.

Where are you based?

Outside the UK

A3 8V Facelift Limousine

 

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

Ah i thought i saw you mention the Netherlands in another thread?! I'll give you a shout if i find someone local with VAGCOM.

 

[RJ-8V]

Ah i thought i saw you mention the Netherlands in another thread?! I'll give you a shout if i find someone local with VAGCOM.

Just sent me a PM then.

Important: if you have mmi basic (satnav dvd/sd bases) don't change the adaption channels for drive select. You don't have the button so it is not neccessary to change them. Only with MMI Plus you have to change them in order to get more "modes" .

A3 8V Facelift Limousine

 

[scotty76]

Just for comparison I have ADS from the factory. In Dynamic the throttle is like a hair trigger, really sensitive. In Eco it's like flooring a cruise ship. So if you don't feel a massive difference it doesn't sound like it has worked properly.

 

[Super Nintendo Chalmers]

Just for comparison I have ADS from the factory. In Dynamic the throttle is like a hair trigger, really sensitive. In Eco it's like flooring a cruise ship. So if you don't feel a massive difference it doesn't sound like it has worked properly.

Good to know, I'll bear that in mind when testing. Others have referred to the difference as night and day so that's a good reference point.

With the steering, I have tested with no ADS enabled and compared to Dynamic. I'll test against Comfort setting for more data.

 

[RJ-8V]

Good to know, I'll bear that in mind when testing. Others have referred to the difference as night and day so that's a good reference point.

With the steering, I have tested with no ADS enabled and compared to Dynamic. I'll test against Comfort setting for more data.

Steering on Dynamic = heavier steering from 50km/h and up. The car is much more stable on higher speeds.

Normally you have the feeling that the car is "nervous" , you have to keep your hand on the wheel otherwise it will go everywhere. On Dynamic it keeps it course better because of the heavier steering.



A3 8V Facelift Limousine

 

[Marius_A4]

Hi guys, i have the switch Ads for b8.5 FL,wire,time ,but, i sow manny coding for enable Ads that I'm debushed and I do not know which one is right for my car model. I have a allroad 12.2014 with mmi 3g basic.
Can help me someone with correct coding for facelift. thank you guys

 

[RJ-8V]

Hi guys, i have the switch Ads for b8.5 FL,wire,time ,but, i sow manny coding for enable Ads that I'm debushed and I do not know which one is right for my car model. I have a allroad 12.2014 with mmi 3g basic.
Can help me someone with correct coding for facelift. thank you guys

Manual? Automatic?

Do you have vcds?

A3 8V Facelift Limousine

 

[Marius_A4]

Manual? Automatic?

Do you have vcds?

A3 8V Facelift Limousine

Hi , my car is with 6 gear manualy and yes i have vcds 16.8

 

[RJ-8V]

Hi , my car is with 6 gear manualy and yes i have vcds 16.8

Sent me a PM. Can help you with it.

A3 8V Facelift Limousine

 

[HertS3]

Has anyone that activated ADS via Carista on B8.5 got 'proper' ADS? Mine is lacking efficiency mode and more importantly I can only select a mode with ignition on whilst stationary.
I'm wondering whether enabling it via VCDS might give me the full functionality?
I know I won't have suspension control as I don't have the sports diff, but I should be able to change the mode whilst driving.

 

[George Crawley]

You will need access to VCDS or other coding device to enable the Efficiency mode in the Adaptations menu of 09-Cent.Elect, channel 66. Setting channel 66 to 47 should give you Efficiency program as well. Assuming you have MMI car, to allow changes whilst moving you need access to the green menu and navigate to Car/Carmenuoperation/Charisma and set it to 5 instead of 1. Reset the MMI after making this change.
Another thing to enable with the B8.5 is an option in 44-Steering Assist, go to long coding Byte 3 and enable bit 0 by ticking the box, that should add steering changes with each different mode.
Hope that helps

 

[HertS3]

You're a star, that really helps! I'll do the green menu change now, going to my friend with VCDS tomorrow so will sort the rest out

 

[George Crawley]

No worries, I have just finished doing this myself along with adding in the ADS button

 

[HertS3]

Friend has lent me VCDS, got the efficiency mode on and the tip about the green menu worked so I can change mode whilst driving too

 

[Mumer]

No worries, I have just finished doing this myself along with adding in the ADS button

Hi george, I saw your post I need some help If you can. I have an A3 model 2018 but it did not have ADS button, I want to enable it, I have obdeleven. Can you kindly guide me?

 

[George Crawley]

Hi george, I saw your post I need some help If you can. I have an A3 model 2018 but it did not have ADS button, I want to enable it, I have obdeleven. Can you kindly guide me?

Hi @Mumer , I'm unsure with your model, but I believe the A3 8V may require coding with ODIS to enable the ADS feature, which would require a visit to either a dealer or a specialist. Sorry I can't be more help. George