s tronic auto downshifts

Dmol · Oct 24, 2020

Hi, I'm a new owner of a 2012 UK b8.5 S4 and have a question about auto downshifts.

In S mode the up and down shifts are great, rapid and smooth and well timed. When in D mode the up shifts are smooth and the car quickly moves to 5th or 6th gear by 30/40 mph, so I guess D / normal is focussed on economy.

My question is about the downshifts in D mode. Is it normal for the box to hold the high gears as long as possible? Mine stays in 5th until well below 1k, then 4th until below 1k etc. Seems quite long really for what I've been used to on more modern dsg boxes, but could be normal, so thought I'd ask here.

Dmol · Oct 25, 2020

More driving today and actually downshifts well under braking, just doesn't find it easy to shift down when off the break and rolling to a stop, so overall think it's fine.

JohnS3 · Oct 25, 2020

You should fit Drive Select, this completely transforms the gearshift and throttle response in Dynamic mode (this is not the same as Sport mode in non ADS cars). Definitely worth looking at.

Dippy · Oct 26, 2020

Yes, in D mode the gearbox will get into a high gear as soon as it can and stay there for as long as possible. Kick-down does work in D, however if you want to take advantage of an S4 you really need to change to S mode.

As @JohnS3 stated, ADS can be retrofitted and in dynamic the throttle response is improved noticeably. ADS also offers E mode - holds onto the high gears even longer!

Dmol · Oct 26, 2020

Thanks, the S mode is great but when in traffic I prefer not to have the instant acceleration and D gives a more relaxed drive. It's a well maintained S4 but you hear stories about s tronic failures so just thought I'd ask if slow down shifts were normal. Glad it seems to be normal behaviour.

Thanks again!

Rossimac · Oct 28, 2020

I've got a 2013 S4 as well and how you describe yours is exactly what I get as well, so normal.

I too enjoy a drive in D and then when I'm up for going faster drop it into S. I don't leave it in S all the time.

I enabled ADS "Lite" via VCDS so I have all of the Economy/Comfort/Auto/Dynamic/Individual (as well as the ability to setup the Individual mode to my tastes) but tbh, I don't notice much difference between "Dynamic" vs just leaving it in "Auto" and pressing the gearstick to S mode. Seems that "Dynamic" mode will put it into S mode. Is there really any other difference?

Dippy · Oct 28, 2020

Dynamic improves throttle response. If you don't notice the difference then I'm baffled.

Rossimac · Oct 28, 2020

Fair enough, perhaps I just haven't tested it enough. Will keep an eye out for the differences.

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