B8 / B8.5 A4 / S4 Little Surprises

[ruairi83]

Also find the door open/ignition on chime annoying so would like to switch it off for good. But if done with VCDS would something as petty as this prompt the dealer network to red flag the car as modified and then not honour the warranty?

Little surprise I was pleased with was to find the car came with a dog guard (correction: retractable cargo net) as I wasn't aware it was included. Always have mine fixed up to the roof as it is something else to reduce the glare from tailgating Range Rovers etc with their headlights beaming in.

Defo would not invalidate warranty if done via VCDS as you just enabling or disabling something via vcds.

There are lots of options and functions that are in your car that have not been enabled from factory and VCDS can enable them.

See here
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/278256-Cool-VAG-COM-codes

 

[GeoffDunk]

Also find the door open/ignition on chime annoying so would like to switch it off for good. But if done with VCDS would something as petty as this prompt the dealer network to red flag the car as modified and then not honour the warranty?

Little surprise I was pleased with was to find the car came with a dog guard (correction: retractable cargo net) as I wasn't aware it was included. Always have mine fixed up to the roof as it is something else to reduce the glare from tailgating Range Rovers etc with their headlights beaming in.

THe luggage restraints also fix up when seats are folded down.

 

[crespo]

Not really anything special but, when you use the wipers they return to the park position and after about 10 seconds they retract even further to be hidden from view. Not sure the point of this other than for aesthetics. Boggled my mind the other day when I noticed them drop. I honestly thought I was having some kind of psychiatric episode for a moment.

 

[GeoffDunk]

Not really anything special but, when you use the wipers they return to the park position and after about 10 seconds they retract even further to be hidden from view. Not sure the point of this other than for aesthetics. Boggled my mind the other day when I noticed them drop. I honestly thought I was having some kind of psychiatric episode for a moment.

Its also to aid aerodynamics which ultimately helps your MPG, they get tucked behind the bonnet bodywork, this is also why the washer jest are under there.

 

[Bristle Hound]

My S4 has parking sensors F & R (Parking system plus). As I garage my car all the time I find it a bonus to be able to switch both sets sensors off with the push of one button. Stops them screaming as I'm putting the car in the garage

 

[GeoffDunk]

Retro fit the rear view camera, it's excellent, I won't buy a car without it, my last 4 cars have had it. The Audi HD camera on the RS Is the best so far.

 

[KudoWarrior]

Retro fit the rear view camera, it's excellent, I won't buy a car without it, my last 4 cars have had it. The Audi HD camera on the RS Is the best so far.

Which one did you get?

 

[Keef]

+1 on the camera, this is this first car I've had it on but will defo be on my future spec list.
Only downside is, my teenage son think it's funny to stand behind it and flick me the Vs!

 

[Bristle Hound]

+1 on the camera, this is this first car I've had it on but will defo be on my future spec list.
Only downside is, my teenage son think it's funny to stand behind it and flick me the Vs!

You want to reverse a bit quicker @Keef
That might a solution to your little 'problem'! lol

 

[GeoffDunk]

Which one did you get?

I ordered my RS4 witht he Audi Parking system advanced which includes F + R parking sensors and rear HD camera. As I sais, the last 4 cars had it, would buy a car without it now, make and car so much "smaller", great on X5's and Q7's.

 

[graemematheson]

"The luggage restraints also fix up when seats are folded down."

How does it fit when the seats are down? This would be really useful (if I could work out how to do it)

 

[Hear-Vier]

"The luggage restraints also fix up when seats are folded down."

How does it fit when the seats are down? This would be really useful (if I could work out how to do it)

There are a couple of grooves in the seat backs which the luggage restraint bar slots into, slide it one way to lock in and then the restraint can be extended up to the ceiling and hooked into the ceiling holes. Hope this helps. It's mentioned somewhere in the user manual too.

 

[GeoffDunk]

There are a couple of grooves in the seat backs which the luggage restraint bar slots into, slide it one way to lock in and then the restraint can be extended up to the ceiling and hooked into the ceiling holes. Hope this helps. It's mentioned somewhere in the user manual too.

Slide it in from the drivers side rear door. THere is a couple of heavy duty metal wedge shapped brackets on the back of the seat when foldered, also covered in detail in the user manual.

 

[ub7rm]

Always wondered what those things on the back of the seat were for! Every day is a school day.

 

[jdp1962]

After 48 hours in a B8.5, I'm loving the way the side indicator lens mounted in the mirror wraps round just far enough for me to see it.

 

[GeoffDunk]

After 48 hours in a B8.5, I'm loving the way the side indicator lens mounted in the mirror wraps round just far enough for me to see it.

Usually overlooked but a nice detail @jdp1962

 

[Bristle Hound]

After 48 hours in a B8.5, I'm loving the way the side indicator lens mounted in the mirror wraps round just far enough for me to see it.

You'll find plenty more @jdp1962
I know I did coming from my B7 to my new then 2009 B8. First thing I remember was how the quality of the B8 in general had improved over the B7

I have HHA on my S4, which I also had on my B8 A4. Its nice to see that it now has a memory function on it so you don't have to activate each time you start the car. Wish the stop/start had the same facility ...

 

[jdp1962]

You'll find plenty more @jdp1962
I know I did coming from my B7 to my new then 2009 B8. First thing I remember was how the quality of the B8 in general had improved over the B7

I have HHA on my S4, which I also had on my B8 A4. Its nice to see that it now has a memory function on it so you don't have to activate each time you start the car. Wish the stop/start had the same facility ...

I've got HHA too. I obviously missed the chapter on it in the handbook. Can I just activate and leave it set all the time?

 

[Bristle Hound]

Can I just activate and leave it set all the time?

@jdp1962 - Short answer Jeff, yes

 

[jdp1962]

@jdp1962 - Short answer Jeff, yes

And does it also override the start-stop?

 

[Bristle Hound]

And does it also override the start-stop?

Unfortunately, no

PS Hate stop/start with a vengence

 

[GeoffDunk]

Luckily S/S not an option on mine so couldn't have it, when I've tried it I've hated it.

 

[chucky1]

My car just had it's first service. New Akebonos and rest standard. I use an independent Audi specialist. They had a red hot go at it, but could note code out the annoying door chime. Se la vie.

 

[jdp1962]

My car just had it's first service. New Akebonos and rest standard. I use an independent Audi specialist. They had a red hot go at it, but could note code out the annoying door chime. Se la vie.

That's a shame; the door chime annoys me too.

 

[chucky1]

They're pretty cluey these guys. They said that further down the track it may be possible but at this point the programming does not allow it. Still have to hit the button on the end of the wiper stalk twice until this is doable.

 

[jdp1962]

Unfortunately, no

PS Hate stop/start with a vengence

Experimented with it last night during a slow drive to Bromley in the rush hour. With you entirely; it's a hateful thing.

 

[Keef]

Bit late on this, but only just read about the door chime cancel, brilliant!
Had my car 12 month - cannot tell you how annoying i find this.

My auto pilot routine switches the stop/start off when i get into the car now
Stupid system!

 

[chucky1]

My auto pilot generally looks after it as well. I kind of feel its a bit off putting.

 

[TheFiftheElement]

I don't mind stop/start to be honest, I've gotten used to applying different pressures to the brake pedal with hill hold assist, to either keep crawling, just apply the hill hold or apply stop start. If I'm sitting in traffic and the lights go red, and I know I'm going to be sitting for 2 mins then I just apply a firm pressure to the pedal.

The only instance where I can see it being a total fail, is a situation I think veight over on the A3 forum described, you're at a busy roundabout and need a sharp getaway, another road use forces you to step on the brakes (either the guy in front doesn't go when you expect him to, or some one doesn't indicate etc.) ... stop/start cuts in, and you miss your gap .. gawd damn it!

 

[AshA4]

My auto pilot routine switches the stop/start off when i get into the car now
Stupid system!

Mine too.

 

[jdp1962]

Well as this is the nice surprises thread, I think here is the place to report that actually, it is possible to defeat stop/start using hill-hold assist. All it takes is good timing and a bit of practice. This is what you do.

1) Engage HHA and leave it engaged;
2) Pull up to a complete halt;
3) Take your foot off the brake in the brief interval before stop start shuts the engine down.

Hey presto, the car remains stationary and the engine stays on.

Try it, and soon you can dispense with disabling the stop start every time you get in the car.

 

[Bristle Hound]

Well as this is the nice surprises thread, I think here is the place to report that actually, it is possible to defeat stop/start using hill-hold assist. All it takes is good timing and a bit of practice. This is what you do.

1) Engage HHA and leave it engaged;
2) Pull up to a complete halt;
3) Take your foot off the brake in the brief interval before stop start shuts the engine down.

Hey presto, the car remains stationary and the engine stays on.

Try it, and soon you can dispense with disabling the stop start every time you get in the car.

Cheers Jeff. I'll have a play next time I'm out

 

[scotty76]

Well as this is the nice surprises thread, I think here is the place to report that actually, it is possible to defeat stop/start using hill-hold assist. All it takes is good timing and a bit of practice. This is what you do.

1) Engage HHA and leave it engaged;
2) Pull up to a complete halt;
3) Take your foot off the brake in the brief interval before stop start shuts the engine down.

Hey presto, the car remains stationary and the engine stays on.

Try it, and soon you can dispense with disabling the stop start every time you get in the car.

Takes practice but this I think is why I don't have issues with stop start anymore. I've learned to work the system using HHA just as you describe Jeff. It only cuts in now when I want it to or when I'm not paying attention.

 

[chucky1]

Heating and aircon is always a big plus in these higher end euros. When I say plus I mean the quality of the climate control systems. If you set a temp it just gets there. Stays there. And you never seem to get a blast of cold or hot air from anywhere in particular. Just another vote of appreciation for design and quality. And post night shift exhaustion.

 

[ERBY]

Stop/Start tech: +1 brake pressure with HHA!! Like Scotty I've found I'm quite proficient now with it, although a lapse in concentration now and again results in a rather loud "DOH"!!! from the cabin of my car in stop/start traffic
I can't bear the sound of the engine re-start, it's really naff!!

 

[Dippy]

I'd prefer a slightly bigger 'gap' between HHA on and start/stop activate - maybe there is a VCDS setting for it?

One thing I miss from my B5 is the 'flip-down' cupholder on the dash. I was annoyed that the B8 seems to have only 2 cupholders and I assumed that the smaller one was only for very small cans like a red bull one. I have only just found out that it is possible to put a regular sized can in the smaller one!

 

[Hear-Vier]

I'd prefer a slightly bigger 'gap' between HHA on and start/stop activate - maybe there is a VCDS setting for it?

One thing I miss from my B5 is the 'flip-down' cupholder on the dash. I was annoyed that the B8 seems to have only 2 cupholders and I assumed that the smaller one was only for very small cans like a red bull one. I have only just found out that it is possible to put a regular sized can in the smaller one!

Yes, I also miss my old B5 cupholder. Not only the impressive engineering in the way it unfurled, but also as it was in front of the air con vents it would nicely chill any drink it held, useful this time of the year. My Sigg aluminium bottles fit it perfectly too.

 

[jdp1962]

The thing I miss most from my old B5s is those beautifully soft and silent door latches.

 

[GeoffDunk]

Yes, I also miss my old B5 cupholder. Not only the impressive engineering in the way it unfurled, but also as it was in front of the air con vents it would nicely chill any drink it held, useful this time of the year. My Sigg aluminium bottles fit it perfectly too.

Cupholders are more significant that you might think.

I make my wife a packed lunch every morning along with two coffees in two s/s travel mugs. In here X5 the cup holders are large and deep. She wants to trade her X5 in for the new Q7 now that it's avaialbe to order but when I had a good look round it at Goodwood FoS i found they had done away with the old Q7's cupholders in favour for two small types like the small one in the A4, my wife has now dismiised the new Q7 and wants a new replacment X5 just becasue of the poor cupholders!

 

[Bristle Hound]

^ That centre console is about 3 feet wide !
Reminds me of the one in the Hummer's ...