2015 Audi SQ5 3.0 TDI Biturbo

[Daniel_M]

Hi all

In a similar vein to Lucas_R's thread (which, for those interested, will be far more useful to you than this thread), I thought I would get some info about my car onto the forum for posterity sake.

I preface this thread by saying I am not mechanically useful - and here is where I think you will find Lucas_R's thread far more practical. I enjoy my car and would like to know more mechanically, but lack of tools, time, etc... So for now, I don't do anything to it myself.

I purchased my 2015 Audi SQ5 3.0 TDI in August 2017 from Audi Centre Sydney as an ex-lease vehicle with ~25k on the clock. I wasn't after a particular colour but loved the silver as soon as I saw it, particularly with the rather dark glass. Car was in very very tidy shape when it arrived in Melbourne.

I'll endeavour to keep the thread up to date as new things happen...

[Daniel_M]

After receiving my car, first stop after Vicroads to transfer swap the plates was to visit Auto Fidelity in Moorabbin. From the factory, the car is fitted with a sound booster in the exhaust system but I wasn’t in love with the exhaust note it pushed out.

Auto Fidelity had the car for a few hours, and fitted the Kufatec Sound Booster Pro module into a cavity in the side of the boot. The module has a USB cord that you can plug into a laptop and toy around with 5 different sound profiles for the exhaust sound. The module is wired into the cruise control stem so you can easily cycle through sound profiles whenever you like. There is a Sound Booster page on the Auto Fidelity site that runs through it pretty comprehensively.

I found one of the pre-defined profiles was agreeable for me – certainly not the loudest – I’ve kept a relatively quiet idle so as to not wake the neighbours, but as the revs build the sound builds nicely. There is also the option of a lumpy idle, not for me, but some might like it.

Very pleased with the result. No pictures as not that exciting, but if anyone is interested in what the boot module looks like, let me know and I’ll grab a photo of the install.

[Daniel_M]

At some point, I needed to replace the brakes. I opted to replace both pads and rotors and went with DBA T3 slotted rotors front and back. From memory the front were not a stocked line, so there was a wait of about a month for them to come in.

The front were unsurprisingly fairly costly, the rear seemed reasonable. It must have been somewhat soon after I got the car because at the time I wasn’t all that concerned about dust… If only I knew. For pads I went with TRW on the front and IBS on the back.

I’m not an expert in braking, but have had to perform a few emergency type stops and have been very impressed with how quickly the big fella comes to a stop.

When I need to replace the pads again I will absolutely be following Lucas’ advice and going with the ATE ceramic for dust reduction/elimination.

Pardon the filthy rims...

[Daniel_M]

I was experiencing a very lumpy idle on cold starts, which over time became a larger issue and started to continue even after the car was warm. No error codes or similar, just a really poor driving experience. Toward the end probably a bit of a dangerous driving experience if I'm honest. I dropped it into the mechanic for diagnosing, but given it mostly only happened on cold starts, it took a lot of testing before the issue could be experienced by the mechanic, let alone diagnosed.

It was actually this issue that originally led me to this forum, and the similar experience of Lucas_R with his car. I suggested this type of issue to the mechanic, and they didn’t think it would be it so did a bunch of different diagnostics.

Eventually they took off the intake and discovered it was rather blocked up.

Not having a crack at the mechanics here as they are, and have been, really great to deal with and are very good at what they do. If you are around the Northern suburbs of Melbourne let me know, I'll get you their details - great guys to deal with.





The guys did a really good job cleaning it out, and then replaced oil and fuel filters. Since that time it has run like a dream.



My suspicion is that the EGR built up in the first couple of years of ownership as a did daily short drives to and from work. Work then moved significantly further away which got some better KMs on the car, and a lot of freeway driving, but I suspect the damage was done. I’m now back to very short daily drives, so this will likely be a problem that will rear it’s head again.

At the next service I intend to get them to take it off and have a look, if the build up is only minor they can run an intake clean through the system. If it’s serious build up, will have to do a proper clean again.

This has led me to investigate an EGR delete to prevent the issue recurring – obviously apprehensive going into that given Lucas_R's experience – but more to come on that in a later post.

[Daniel_M]

At the time I was in the car a lot and found myself missing a decent interface with my phone through the MMI. I saw a youtube video from Auto Electronic Solutions (AES) in Melbourne fitting a 10.25” unit to an SQ5 in Melbourne and thought it looked really cool. Turned out that particular SQ5 was parked at an office around the corner from my office and I was driving past it every day but didn’t notice. I stopped at it one day and peered through the window at the unit and was impressed at how “OEM” the fitting looked, finished quite well.

Got in touch with Nathan from AES, turns out we knew some of the same people. He has a lot of experience in fitting, and also spent some time working for one of the big name car audio suppliers.





The Android Auto interface as part of the unit is great, makes music/maps/calls much easier. There was some initial teething issues with my phone as it is dual sim and I don’t think it knew how to handle it – but a software update has fixed that and it’s been flawless since.

I haven’t put a SIM in it, so can’t attest to how that works but I imagine it would be good. You can download other apps etc outside the Android Auto interface if you like. I’ve found this a huge usability improvement for me and the car.

Android Auto is only available as wired, I’m led to believe Apple Carplay is wireless – would have been cool to be wireless, but what can you do. I’m lazy and still have the USB cord coming out of the glovebox to plug into my phone, on my list is to go back to Nathan for him to run the USB into one of the existing ports in the centre armrest console.

[Daniel_M]

I had seen the RS style grilles for a while on AliExpress and really liked the more ‘sporty’ look it gave the front of the SQ5. To my eye the original grille is a bit too much chrome/silver.

Was a fiddly install, Ignition Tube on youtube has a video where he installed one (in a quick rough way). The part itself fits well though. I was lucky enough to have one of the best auto fitters around in Chris at Autobarn Bayswater look after this for me. If you order one at the moment you'll be waiting a while with shipping issues out of the Chinese ports.

I'm waiting on the little SQ5 badge at the moment, been sitting in the supply chain for months now.

The grill itself came with an "RSQ5" badge, which of course was a non-starter.

Chris is a perfectionist in what he does, which I think is partially why it was such a pain for him to install. He needed to Dremel out the parking sensor mounts – he could just have touched those spots up and I probably would be none the wiser, but he didn’t like the finish. He ended up etching and essentially repainting the whole honeycomb section. No wonder he wasn’t happy with me for bringing it in!






There were a few options for grilles – seem to two main variations.
(1) Grille surround colour – black v chrome – I went with chrome as I think it fits the rest of the trim pieces, particularly the fog light surrounds that have a mix of black honeycomb and chrome.
(2) ‘quattro’ section – yes v no – I went with yes as to my eye without it made the honeycomb section look a little too expansive.

Everyone’s taste is different so these were just my thoughts.

[Daniel_M]

So, everything up to now has been written post the events happening, and we're now at today. So what's next?

I have a few mods – mostly copying Lucas_R – that will be coming up.

These are list below, and will all be performed/installed by Underground Performance in Melbourne:

- Spulen wheel spacers (20mm rear, 15mm front) – ordered from USP Motorsports (thanks Lucas_R)

- 034 Motorsport drivetrain mount insert package – ordered from VAGParts Australia (or could get directly from 034)

- a stage 1 tune (Underground Performance)

- BMC air filter - I got from a wholesaler Premier Auto Trade, but best bet for a consumer would be your local Burson

- EGR/DPF delete - parts ordered from Darkside Developments, software update will be by Underground Performance. Given the difficulties Lucas_R encountered with this item, and my opinion on the importance of it given the blocked EGR issues I had, I'll probably do a separate post on my findings and plan for this one

- throttle controller (also thanks Lucas!) - not yet ordered

[Lucas_R]

Nice work on starting your own thread. The SQ5 looks great in silver, I dont understand why this colour wasn't more popular as the vast majority are white, grey or black. As discussed, im definitely interested in the grill upgrade and I have also been contemplating the Apple Carplay/Android Auto upgrade. I was actually thinking of getting the one that works with the original screen as it looks more OEM, but this screen is not touchscreen whereas I understand the newer larger screen you have is touchscreen?

Can you please confirm if this is the kit you bought? A4/A5/Q5 (09-16) 10.25" Android Replacement Screen. – The Fitting Bay

I wonder if they have any recommended install partners in Newcastle or at least Sydney. Electronics are one aspect of cars that I do not enjoy, so I would want to have this professionally installed.

[Daniel_M]

Yep, that's the unit.

I hear what you're saying about using the OEM screen for full OEM look - I have a colleague with the same car as mine that went down that route prior to me installing. Once he saw my install, I think he regretted it. From what I hear, MMI wheel for Android Auto/Apple Carplay interface just doesn't feel right!

I recall RSNAV or Aliexpress had a touchscreen unit that is larger than OEM but not by much. It uses it's own fascia kit, but fits in effectively the same space that the current screen occupies (ie doesn't stick up the way my screen does). Could be a good half-way option.

Install is an issue. Two enquiries I'm making for you. I've texted Nathan just now to ask if he has any contacts up your way. I've also texted a colleague that will be able to tell me whether Autobarn Warners Bay or Heatherbrae have audio fitters on staff at the moment. Provided they do, I imagine they can do the job - with Nathan's youtube video being so good, it's pretty easy for a half decent fitter to follow along. I'll post again when I hear back.

Here is Nathan's video of the SQ5 install, that's the car I was creepily looking through the windows of. Toward the back end of the video you can see the touchscreen and interface in action.

BTW - booked in Underground Performance for 8-10 November. Rather excited.

[Guest001]

Why not seeing you are spending heaps, buy proper wider offset wheels rather than illegal spacers

Wheel Spacers [Archive] - ozAudi - AUSTRALIAS LEADING AUDI FORUM


Vehicle standards (Department of Transport and Main Roads)

Are wheel spacers illegal in Australia?
Image result for are wheel spacers legal in victoria
The fact is, wheel spacers are illegal in Australia unless the manufacturer fitted them. The End. ... Wheel spacers can increase your track and stability; they're also illegal to fit and more trouble than they're worth.

[Daniel_M]

Hi Hillbilly - the main thrust appears to be around the legality of them which, I suppose, everyone assigns a varying level of prioritisation to.

There are a two main reasons though.

I want to put the spacers on to see if it actually makes a decent visual difference prior to spending heaps on wheels/tyres (although I am spending some money, not a lot of it is in the wheel/tyre area - so reallocating would mean not doing something else, likely the tuning given the cost of wheels/tyres). Also, I quite like the OEM rims, I would be sad to have to swap these out.

Would love nothing more than changing, particularly the rear, wheels/tyres to something wider so the rubber looks meatier when viewed from behind the car, but may be an 'all in good time' type deal.

[Daniel_M]

I wonder if they have any recommended install partners in Newcastle or at least Sydney. Electronics are one aspect of cars that I do not enjoy, so I would want to have this professionally installed.

I haven't heard back from Nathan, but given he started this business fairly recently he probably doesn't have a network up there.

I did hear back from another colleague, and advice is that the fitter at Autobarn Warners Bay is good - his name is Anthony May. As I say, using the youtube video Nathan put together, it's a pretty straightforward job. If you do go ahead with it, I'd get them to run the USB cable up into one of the USB ports in the centre console while they're at it (only relevant if running Android).

Hope this helps.

[Daniel_M]

Topic for today is EGR & DPF delete.

Going back to an earlier post in this thread where I highlighted the carbon build up in the intake due to the EGR process and a function of me making many short trips. Due to a recent workplace relocation, I'm back in the world of making very short trips each day, which I understand will put me back in prime territory for this kind of build up to re-occur.

Each service, I do ask that the intake be taken off and inspected - then either manually cleaned, or if not serious build up and intake clean be run through it. However, I'd like to avoid it altogether as the result of it building up between services was frankly a little scary when I was driving on the freeway and the engine was all over the shop.

Lucas_R had some experience that I've drawn from with a software-based EGR delete that was attempted alongside a stage 1 tune from Underground Performance and the subsequent outcome/failure of that. When I contacted Underground to discuss my tune, I chatted about EGR delete and what happened with Lucas's car - good discussion resulted - and I ended up being pointed to Darkside Developments in the UK for more expertise.

As most know, Darkside are a specialist diesel tuning house and fabricator of modifications for diesel vehicles. I went back and forth with them a bit on the specifics for the SQ5. Their advice was that the reason the method Underground attempted for Lucas failed was because there is a reliance on the EGR for the DPF to properly function - ie you shouldn't remove one without the other. This intuitively makes sense in that the outcome of Lucas experience was a massively blocked up DPF from regens not being triggered.

In good news, Darkside advised they can solve the issue by using a combination of two products they have available. First, is an "Audi Later 3.0 TDI V6 EGR Blanking Kit - Replaces 059131530K" which is the physical part to block the EGR - picture is below, it comprises two blanking plates and two gaskets. Quite cheap, good stuff.



Unfortunately, the other necessary part was not so cheap. The second part is "DPF Delete Pipe for Audi SQ5 / A6 / A7 3.0 Bi-Turbo TDi Engine". Picture below. Not being a mechanical guy, I was quite impressed when I opened the box and saw that sitting there.



Parts were DHL'd from Leeds and were delivered to me in Melbourne in 7 days.

Advice from Darkside is that when these parts are installed, a software tweak is required to delete EGR/DPF - otherwise the vehicle will go straight into limp mode due to the level of emissions the exhaust sensors pick up relative to expected values. I chatted with Underground and they will fit the parts and make the tweaks when I bring the car in to get all the other stuff fitted and the tune performed. This has been scheduled for 18/19 November, pretty bloody excited to see my car on a dyno.

[Lucas_R]

Good stuff - the Darkside exhaust parts are very nice quality products. The DPF pipe literally takes 10 mins to remove and replace - it's directly underneath the centre console area of the car. Couldnt be easier to access which is good news as the DPF's on front wheel drive based cars (like Golf / Tiguan etc) are a royal pain in the butt to remove and take hours and require disassembly of the front suspension/subframe etc. Also means you wont be charged much for labour to remove the DPF's and refit the new part.

The EGR delete kit you got has more to it than the one I got (also from Darkside). All I had was the blocking plate on the far right in your picture and the matching gasket, so you have 1x other plate and another gasket. So with a more comprehensive kit, and physically being able to go to Underground for the tune im sure they will get yours working fine.

Just bear in mind the car will be noticeably louder with the DPF delete pipe.

[Daniel_M]

Just bear in mind the car will be noticeably louder with the DPF delete pipe.

Thanks for the tip - I'll turn off the Kufatec and see what the base sound is like after it's done. Might be satisfactory without the amplification.

I'm hoping to get some videos of the car on the dyno to post on here, alongside the data.