A3 Sportback diesel chips

[jonathans]

Hi All !!!

I have a 2 yr old A3 2.0TDI 140 quattro and want to get it remapped or chipped to give it more grunt (ie 170 plus bhp) !!! but have heard horror stories about gearboxes failing on chipped or remapped versions. mine is a quattro with manual gearbox... apparently the audi boys say they have had a few in with bent gearboxes...both the DSG box and the manual box on the quattro are not strong enough.... !!! is this true or is it just the audi officialdom trying to put me off ... apparently the new 170bhp version has different box/engine/etc etc... please can anyone help !!!

thanks from Jonathan

 

[rickquattro]

I have a 52 plate 1.9 Tdi Q with 112k miles, remapped at 5k. Following variable servicing at a non audi specialist although some done late, ragged across Europe stuffed to the gills with outdoor stuff (like back seats down, to the roof stuffed), many times...

You will be able to destroy the clutch if you do the traffic light GP, hence some stories I guess.

You have the 140 rather than the 170 dpf... get it done and get on with enjoying it. Use a reputable tuner, there are loads of recommendations on here....Revo, Superchips, GIAC etc

I was going to buy a new Sportback but:

Dpf problems put me off
My car is still strong and not costing me anything except servicing and fuel and I love it after the mods I have done.

Believe a myth or believe a fact. End of....

HTH

 

[SteveTDCi]

Milltek are doing a DPF bypass kit, it leaves the sensors in but removes the bit that breaks !

 

[Twizzler]

Hmmm. Very interesting that. So what happens when you get to the first MOT test? The tester looks up the emission figures for the particular model and yours won't pass because the very thing that removes the smoke is no longer present. Personally, if it's not broke I wouldn't try fixing it.

 

[SteveTDCi]

DPF only removes the soot, the CAT as far as i'm aware is still there. Diesels only fail on smoke not on emmissions

 

[Twizzler]

Surely it is the soot that causes the opacity of the smoke? Thus causing failure of the smoke test.

 

[jonathans]

thanks for this - v useful indeed,

do u know if some chips/remaps are undetectable (ie dont void the warranty !!!) and who would u recommend from the 3 companies u mentioned?

thanks Jonathan

 

[sukrw]

Where are you located jonathans ?

reason I ask is ChippedUK in Bromsgrove (Midlands) are doing several "days" where you all go along for a reduced price.

See here:
http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=19118&highlight=chip+spin

 

[Amchlolor]

Given that you can report vehicles for excessive soot, it stands to reason that a car will fail an MOT for it.

 

[Spin140]

Stick with the market leaders, service your car on time and you should have no problem.

 

[redbutcher]

If you like the option of removing the remap, I'd go for the Bluefin option from Superchips. Mine was done at 200 miles and I'm loving it 800 miles later. You'll also get a 10% discount if you mention this forum (they'll also need your forum username).

 

[SteveTDCi]

The 140 doesn't fail due to excessive smoke so i would see no reason why the 170 would

 

[jonathans]

hi thanks reply

located in Yorkshire so not too far,

 

[Twizzler]

Steve, the 140 will have a much higher pass target figure for the smoke test than a 170. The 170's lower figure will reflect the fact it has a dpf - or should have!

 

[jonathans]

Thanks for this Redbutcher

do u have any performance figs for your "bluefinned" TDI?.

was also looking at a co. called Diesel Tuner on internet - they do a remap for about half the price of the Superchips Bluefin. Wonder what the catch is?

 

[redbutcher]

I don't have any rolling road figures, but you'll get a rough idea by looking at this link.

It really depends on what the engine is pumping out as standard - obviously the higher starting figure will give better results. I think 190+ bhp has been seen on some models as the initial bhp was way above the stock 140.

The warranty offered by Superchips was one if the reasons I went with them - and they certainly are well known.

I'd stick to Spin140's advice - stick to the market leaders - I'm very glad I did. Also, from other members postings, they are more than willing to sort out any problems you get (if any) and will provide assistance if the dealer loads a new software version on the ECU (as this will overwrite your remap).

The Bluefin unit is very easy to use:

• Connect to the car
• Bluefin confirms connection
• Turn ignition on
• Bluefin reads current ECU map and stores it
• Bluefin confirms successful read
• Turn ignition off
• Bluefin unit tells you to load software on PC
• Load software on PC
• Connect Bluefin unit to PC via USB connection
• Run software
• Enter in owner details
• Current ECU data uploaded to Superchips
• Wait for text message/email to say remap ready
• Connect Bluefin unit to PC
• Run software
• Remap downloaded to Bluefin unit
• Sprint to the car
• Connect Bluefin unit to car
• Turn ignition on
• Bluefin asks if you want to do Bluefin upload or extras
• Select Bluefin
• Remap uploaded
• Bluefin confirms remap loaded
• Turn ignition off
• Disconnect Bluefin unit
• Enjoy

 

[BrianM]

I had the Superchips Bluefin on my A3 DSG and it was the best money spent ever, the 140hp goe sup to around 180hp and makes the car superb to drive. You can revert to the standard map in 10 minutes if you're worried about the warranty etc, it will not be totally undetectable but the average technician will only notice the mapped car if he takes it for a test drive. I still have my Bluefin handset if you wish to purchase from me and buy a new map from Superchips (about £150 I think), just a case of transferring the ownership. Happy to accept a sensible offer as it cost me £530 but I now have a BMW 530D and it won't connect. Email me if anyone is interested. brian.maslen@ntlworld.com