PDA

View Full Version : ABT Engine Remap for Q7 4M 3.0TDI 272PS



andyhud007
27-04-2016, 10:05 AM
So, a little info, that I've decided to take the plunge and get a serial engine management unit fitted to my new Q7 by ABT (prounouced "AB-Ter"): Chip tuning, aerodynamics, rims. ABT Sportsline is the world‘s leading Audi and VW tuner (http://www.abt-sportsline.de/en/)

Ive been doing a lot of research and ABT (based in Germany) are renowned for high quality products for the VW Group cars and engine management is no exception

My Q7 (4M) is the 3.0TDI 272PS and although if you search around online there are companies offering upgrades for sub £300 I have opted for a proper system that sits "in-line" with the current ECU as opposed to actually updating the core Q7 ECU itself.

This means a few things:

1. The original ECU remains untouched
2. Audi Diags carry on as normal
3. Audi Warranty is intact (checked already)
4. ABT offering a warranty and insurance on any damage if something occurred upto a large monetary value
5. The system can be removed at any time to return the car to 100% stock.
6. My insurance company have quoted a yearly premium increase of £35.

Main changes:



BHP from 272 to 325
Torque from 600Nm to 680Nm
Top Speed from 234Kmh to 240Kmh (not that I care)
0-60 from 6.3s to 6.1s
CO2 Emission per BHP from 0.55g(km *bhp) to 0.46g(km *bhp)


I'm getting the work done by Richter Motorsport based in Milton Keynes. They are the sole reseller for ABT in the UK. ABT did say I could come to them in Germany and have it done at their HQ but its an 11 hour road trip and I couldn't convince a certain someone! :zx11:

The below attachment (PDF) is the output changes from Stock to the new ECU update.

30526

And here is the option at the ABT online configurator: http://www.abt-configurator.com/en/Audi/Q7/SUV/4M00/30TDI272

My car will go in for one day (while I hang around) and the ECU info will be downloaded from my car and sent to ABT in Germany. They will then send back the configuration based not only on the stock Q7 4M ECU for my engine model but also a specific software configuration for my actual car/VIN.

Any future software updates from Audi will not affect this.

I won't lie, a little nervous but also excited to see what happens. Some increased PS, Torque and potentially some economy improvements.

Time will tell. I'm aiming to get this done next week so will keep you posted

Cheers

Andy

Bathurst
27-04-2016, 10:39 AM
Hi Andy,

You can never have too much POWER!

How did you confirm your Audi warranty would remain intact?

andyhud007
27-04-2016, 10:44 AM
Spoke to Audi and my dealer basically...

ABT will provide warranty for all drivetrain related issues from this upgrade. I'm still going over the small print (not paid a penny yet either) but everything looks to be as it should be

I also had a gear short shifter fitted to my old Audi A5 Cab. Granted not the same as an engine update but the principle was the same. Audi warranty intact except if that caused something to break (which is fairly obvious)

ABT and Audi work pretty close.

Cheers

Andy

A7_UFO
27-04-2016, 10:55 AM
I've heard scary stories (I have no basis to prove whether these are true) that main dealers can still detect the software even though the tuning box runs in parallel.

Out of interest, what differences are there between the Q7 272 engine and the same engine in the SQ5? Is it just remap or are the injectors different?

NickTyler
27-04-2016, 11:36 AM
I have modified cars in the past and always took for granted that the warranty (if any) would be shot. Audi will always be able to tell if they look hard enough as there will be codes stored for over boost etc.

I would be very tempted to go down a similar route but I would be worried if anything did happen there might be an argument between Audi and ABT as to who pays which could drag on.

Top speed and 0-60 is all well and good, but the difference in the mid range and 'overtaking' would be where it really counts. A few more mpg on the motorway is never a bad thing either.

A7_UFO
27-04-2016, 11:39 AM
that's exactly my POV. Being cynical, I would anticipate any claims would be a huge battle to fight....so I plan to wait 3yrs when the warranty runs out.

sm02fly
27-04-2016, 12:21 PM
Interesting post, thanks Andy.

I'm also interesting in the engine options as I have gone for the 212PS engine... I'm unsure if there are any physical/mechanical differences between the 212 and 272 engine options other than the mapping? After speaking with a friend who works for an Audi main dealer he implied that any remaps on the ECU may well be overwritten during updates, but there may be options available to the mechanic to leave the remap in place- so a grey area still.

Whether ABT is the option for me I am not sure, as €3,000 is not much different to just ordering the 272PS in the first place...

andyhud007
27-04-2016, 12:32 PM
HI guys

Thanks for your comments, and to be honest all entirely valid. This is not something I have ever done before which was part of the reason for the post.. to see if it aired any feedback

The ABT AEC Module sits 'in-line' as opposed to a replacement ECU or a modification to the factory ECU. Its literally a second harness with its own computer and I assume interacting with the data being chucked out the stock ECU. I'm not expert but thats my hunch

As I say, the warranty included covers all drivetrain related issues, if they occur. Here is a screen grab of what is covered. Everything else, is not (at least by this specific policy)

30527

The other reason I'm doing this is because of a 20% discount they offered, and given the price tag, thats a fair saving.

Open to any other thoughts/comments

Thanks all
Andy

Scott K
27-04-2016, 12:35 PM
MTM cantronic is the other one to think about. They have worked with Audi for 20 + years and the box can be removed in 5 minutes. £1300 though which is still quite expensive but might be worth it if you are worried about the warranty.

A7_UFO
27-04-2016, 12:37 PM
Out of interest, Andy, how much have Richter quoted?

elrao
27-04-2016, 02:14 PM
Out of interest, what differences are there between the Q7 272 engine and the same engine in the SQ5? Is it just remap or are the injectors different?
SQ5 is a completely different engine, its the BiTurbo version that you can get in the A6. Shame its not an option on the Q7.

Q7newbie
27-04-2016, 05:15 PM
So, a little info, that I've decided to take the plunge and get a serial engine management unit fitted to my new Q7 by ABT (prounouced "AB-Ter"): Chip tuning, aerodynamics, rims. ABT Sportsline is the world‘s leading Audi and VW tuner (http://www.abt-sportsline.de/en/)

Ive been doing a lot of research and ABT (based in Germany) are renowned for high quality products for the VW Group cars and engine management is no exception

My Q7 (4M) is the 3.0TDI 272PS and although if you search around online there are companies offering upgrades for sub £300 I have opted for a proper system that sits "in-line" with the current ECU as opposed to actually updating the core Q7 ECU itself.

This means a few things:

1. The original ECU remains untouched
2. Audi Diags carry on as normal
3. Audi Warranty is intact (checked already)
4. ABT offering a warranty and insurance on any damage if something occurred upto a large monetary value
5. The system can be removed at any time to return the car to 100% stock.
6. My insurance company have quoted a yearly premium increase of £35.

Main changes:



BHP from 272 to 325
Torque from 600Nm to 680Nm
Top Speed from 234Kmh to 240Kmh (not that I care)
0-60 from 6.3s to 6.1s
CO2 Emission per BHP from 0.55g(km *bhp) to 0.46g(km *bhp)


I'm getting the work done by Richter Motorsport based in Milton Keynes. They are the sole reseller for ABT in the UK. ABT did say I could come to them in Germany and have it done at their HQ but its an 11 hour road trip and I couldn't convince a certain someone! :zx11:

The below attachment (PDF) is the output changes from Stock to the new ECU update.

30526

And here is the option at the ABT online configurator: http://www.abt-configurator.com/en/Audi/Q7/SUV/4M00/30TDI272

My car will go in for one day (while I hang around) and the ECU info will be downloaded from my car and sent to ABT in Germany. They will then send back the configuration based not only on the stock Q7 4M ECU for my engine model but also a specific software configuration for my actual car/VIN.

Any future software updates from Audi will not affect this.

I won't lie, a little nervous but also excited to see what happens. Some increased PS, Torque and potentially some economy improvements.

Time will tell. I'm aiming to get this done next week so will keep you posted

Cheers

Andy
Brave man! We always love a selfless Guinea Pig! ABT are great though, so it should all work out well: famous last words!

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

andyhud007
27-04-2016, 05:49 PM
Afternoon All

I'm not sure there is much difference with the smaller engine over the 272 one. I'm not car mechanic, but for an approx 60 BHP difference there can't be much physical difference?

MTM is another good company. They also offer an ECU upgrade for the 272PS Q7 4M. Even the figures about the increases etc look near on identical to the ABT one which is interesting. Its not clear if its an 'in-line' additional ECU or a software update, but I'm guessing the former.

As I say, I'm not actually concerned about the warranty issues. Audi are cool with it, ABT provide (via a 3rd Party specialist insurer) the additional "cover" for anything that may arise from the upgrade. Granted yes, if it came to that people could pass the blame and so forth but its a risk I'm prepared to take (at this stage at least).

Insurance (I'm with Admiral) said any engine upgrade that increases power between 11% and 25% over stock results in a premium hike of £35 for the whole year and thats for two of us, so it was much less than I thought they would say. Mind you, the Matte Wrap on my car only put the insurance up £20 for the year.

The kit has all arrived and I managed to extract my car config and send it over today in advance as I have all the tools already (laptop + cable) so they can pre-program the unit before I arrive. Then its just a matter of fitting it.

Lets see... stepping into the unknown...

Andy

andyhud007
27-04-2016, 06:12 PM
Out of interest, Andy, how much have Richter quoted?

I'd prefer not to say exact price but its over £1200 but less than £2000 so you get a rough idea.

krisq7
29-04-2016, 12:07 AM
what about the old tdi tuning.co.uk route? did mine in 5 mins, happy with the extra pull it gives me. id compare it on a par with a "proper remap" i had done on my TT.

plus you can take it off and get it updated to run on your next car


Afternoon All

I'm not sure there is much difference with the smaller engine over the 272 one. I'm not car mechanic, but for an approx 60 BHP difference there can't be much physical difference?

MTM is another good company. They also offer an ECU upgrade for the 272PS Q7 4M. Even the figures about the increases etc look near on identical to the ABT one which is interesting. Its not clear if its an 'in-line' additional ECU or a software update, but I'm guessing the former.

As I say, I'm not actually concerned about the warranty issues. Audi are cool with it, ABT provide (via a 3rd Party specialist insurer) the additional "cover" for anything that may arise from the upgrade. Granted yes, if it came to that people could pass the blame and so forth but its a risk I'm prepared to take (at this stage at least).

Insurance (I'm with Admiral) said any engine upgrade that increases power between 11% and 25% over stock results in a premium hike of £35 for the whole year and thats for two of us, so it was much less than I thought they would say. Mind you, the Matte Wrap on my car only put the insurance up £20 for the year.

The kit has all arrived and I managed to extract my car config and send it over today in advance as I have all the tools already (laptop + cable) so they can pre-program the unit before I arrive. Then its just a matter of fitting it.

Lets see... stepping into the unknown...

Andy

A7_UFO
29-04-2016, 07:22 AM
I'd prefer not to say exact price but its over £1200 but less than £2000 so you get a rough idea.

Cool, thanks.

andyhud007
29-04-2016, 08:32 AM
what about the old tdi tuning.co.uk route? did mine in 5 mins, happy with the extra pull it gives me. id compare it on a par with a "proper remap" i had done on my TT.

plus you can take it off and get it updated to run on your next car

Got to be honest, never even heard of that website before. Its down for maintenance at the moment, but appreciate the info

The ABT one can be completely removed also, so I'm cool from that aspect. Just trying to get a slot booked in for next week!

andyhud007
29-04-2016, 01:57 PM
Wednesday next week :yikes:

andyhud007
05-05-2016, 06:16 PM
It's fitted. Update to follow [emoji106]

Q7newbie
07-05-2016, 11:16 PM
Eager to hear the update!

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

andyhud007
08-05-2016, 08:12 AM
I will put something together next week. Suffice to say it works and easily removable if required. [emoji106]

Q7newbie
09-05-2016, 12:34 PM
And what's the change in performance and functionality of the car like?

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

Q7newbie
09-05-2016, 12:35 PM
I wasn't all that bothered to be honest with people's concerns over warranty issues. There's always a way around such if such a catastrophic problem ever arose with the car. And with most of us never keeping the car past 3 yrs, major mechanical failings aren't so common.

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

andyhud007
09-05-2016, 07:02 PM
Hi Guys,

So just a little update. The honest answer is right now I havent given it the full time of day to see what the improvements are, but they are definitely noticeable.

A few things:

Its a completely separate wiring harness and "brain" (a plastic box to all intents and purposes). The kit came with the necessary wiring harnesses, mounting bracket for the 'brain', a little extension cable for one wire. That was about it. The system was programmed in advance of my arrival by Richter after I sent my car information to ABT in Germany. They then lock their system to my VIN (so it cant go in another car unless I want it too) and then upload the relevant software.

The Stock ECU if your wondering is in the engine bay, top right hand side. Its the big metal flat box right in the corner at the top with a heatsink on it. It was literally a case of checking for any faults before doing anything and clearing them away as needed (using VCDS), turning car off but no need to disconnect battery. Then unscrew stock ECU and remove the 3 large connectors plugged into the underside of the stock ECU. Install the new harness into those sockets on the stock ECU, connect the other end to the ABT box and then loop it back into the Stock ECU. Basically the stock ECU chucks out its info, gets intercepted by the ABT AEC unit, altered, and fed back into the Stock ECU and onto the engine. The mounting bracket fits perfectly onto existing bolts already in the bay. There was zero drilling with this install.

The ABT Unit will go into bypass mode if:

1. There is a fault logged in the stock ECU related to the engine/drivetain
2. The engine is not upto normal operating temp (circa 90c)

If those 2 conditions are good, the unit works its magic.

Once all hooked up, we turned the car on and ran the engine idling. No errors on the dashboard or via VCDS. It was as if nothing had happened.

We took it out and the biggest noticable different is, as you would expect in dynamic mode on Sports mode on the gear lever. Off the line and moving from 2nd 4th it really pushes you back into your seat. The engine just pulls.

High up the range at 70mph if you put your foot to kick down a gear it would drop to say 5th and then give a great pull again. The torque increase is noticable. Again, this is where I see a benefit, those situations you want to get out off. Not 0-60s.

The unit is great because I can at any time open the bonnet, disconnect it from the stock ECU and shut the bonnet. Car knows no different and yes, to Audi also.

I have ODBLink now and will get the laptop in the car and run some tests on the unit and take it out and run stock so you can see the differences. Needless to say, I'm happy with it and no issues over the last few days at all.

The car is registered with a 3rd party extra insurance firm which covers any drive train/engine issues also specific to this. It put £55 on my yearly premium with Admiral to declare it. (which I did)

Any questions, let me know. I'll do my best to answer

Andy

30602

A7_UFO
11-05-2016, 08:32 AM
any noticeable increase in exhaust emissions? The old plug and play boxes, a long time ago, used to over fuel.

andyhud007
26-05-2016, 02:04 PM
Sorry A7, delayed reply. No, definitely no increase in exhaust emissions. The system seems very advanced, its not all "produce as much power as humanly possible"... its very subtle and its mainly noticable during the mid range as you accelerate... its the torque you feel, not the power.

My front Grille badge has just arrived. Tacky?

30803

Thakey17
26-05-2016, 03:16 PM
Not tacky at all. Nice and discreet. Wouldn't be noticed by many but will be by people "in the know". It will trigger the odd nod of appreciation.:notworthy

Q7newbie
27-05-2016, 08:35 AM
Has anyone else seen an ABT the body kitted and remapped Q7 in their dealership? There's a silver one sitting front and centre at Glasgow Audi!
I'll take pix today when I'm back in. I'm not sure how I feel about it. The alloys (22"s) are lovely as is the rear diffuser. But I think the rear spoiler is a bit much for me. And the side body panelling seems a bit disjointed.

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

andyhud007
27-05-2016, 08:46 AM
Q7Newbie, can you confirm if their one has been Re-mapped too by ABT? Mine has and Im keen to know if any others have!

As for ABT Body kit...


3081630817308183081930820


This is the only one I've seen, it was in Milton Keynes. I dont like the "wide body" kit or the spoiler and if I was going to do it, would get the slim body version.. but after being told the price I'm still picking myself off the floor :crying:

Q7newbie
27-05-2016, 09:06 AM
It's totally WAY OVER-THE-TOP. I know the Q7 in standard guise is boring, plain and pretty sh*t if we're being honest. But this is going way too far in the opposite direction!

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

andyhud007
27-05-2016, 09:36 AM
In White?

30821

andyhud007
27-05-2016, 09:39 AM
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160527/53508f6acdf411f4739002387c8da3e7.jpg

Q7newbie
27-05-2016, 11:22 AM
Much better. Doesn't look so "try hard" and aftermarket.

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

nbedford
26-02-2017, 09:37 PM
Would love to hear your views on this now your further down the road and have it installed for a while, as you yourself said in the last update

The honest answer is right now I havent given it the full time of day to see what the improvements are, but they are definitely noticeable.

andyhud007
26-02-2017, 10:48 PM
Would love to hear your views on this now your further down the road and have it installed for a while, as you yourself said in the last update
[/COLOR]
Hey nbedford, thanks for reaching out. I had forgotten about this thread. Apologies.

Yep, so a good few months in and I've had no issues whatsoever. Car has been to dealer a few times for software updates and so forth and no questions or concerns ever raised.

It feels normal for me now but I still love the kick it gives when I put the foot down.

I always wait until car is upto temp (about 100c) as I know the unit won't liven up until temp is warm enough for it to engage.

Im still averaging 450/500 miles to a tank so I don't think that has changed much but I've been happy with it overall and I know I can remove it if I ever needed too.

Happy to show people more at the next meet.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

Andy

Got to be honest, never even heard of that website before. Its down for maintenance at the moment, but appreciate the info

The ABT one can be completely removed also, so I'm cool from that aspect. Just trying to get a slot booked in for next week!

A7_UFO
27-02-2017, 11:56 AM
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160527/53508f6acdf411f4739002387c8da3e7.jpg

I wish this was how the SQ7 looked.

andyhud007
27-02-2017, 12:09 PM
Its nice isnt it.. better than the black version.

andyhud007
17-11-2017, 07:49 PM
Better late than never. Seeing as I have the Ecu update...

Changed my front door floor pointing Leds to ABT ones.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171117/e3ec70db10cde6aae103d65a77837604.jpg

Sent from my SM-G928F using Tapatalk

fronty
19-11-2017, 10:41 PM
I wish this was how the SQ7 looked.Wow that looks amazing!

Sent from my Nexus 10 using Tapatalk

Retom
28-01-2018, 02:16 AM
I have already 22k km experience with ABT computer. No issues so far. ABT dealer made a dyno before and after. The real increase was 58PS and 80Nm. What was interesting is the fact that stock engine was also a bit stronger than declared by Audi. In ABT they told me that it is very frequent in VAG TDIs.
I am very satisfied with this tuning. It is not cheap but gives much more fun when driving.
PS. To remove it takes CA 30 minutes. I did it once.
I also have positive opinion about MTM. I had it in my previous Q7. Made 60k km without any issues.

wardienet
04-05-2019, 11:03 AM
Better late than never. Seeing as I have the Ecu update...

Changed my front door floor pointing Leds to ABT ones.

Sent from my SM-G928F using Tapatalk
Hey Andy I was trying to PM you on this topic (ABT power, not the fab lights) but it says your PM inbox is full and not accepting messages (hence thought I'd post). Did you know?

andyhud007
05-05-2019, 08:02 AM
Hey Andy I was trying to PM you on this topic (ABT power, not the fab lights) but it says your PM inbox is full and not accepting messages (hence thought I'd post). Did you know?Sorry mate. I'll clear it out.

wardienet
17-05-2019, 10:07 PM
Well... I got this done today, about 3.5hrs in the fitter, Richter Sport who were fantastic outfit. No error codes, issues etc. Nothing apparent at all on the screen. Interesting things I didn’t know:
- On the V6 the new ECU goes low down mounted on its own bracket in front of the stock one. I was expecting it to go on top (apparently on the V8 it does).
- They did a great job of all the wiring, which is quite a bit. As well as the hooks into the stock ECU box there are also five sensors that mount onto various points around the engine, for boost, fuel, cooling temp and two others (looked like they went around the diesel injectors somewhere).
- Apparently ABT do make a bypass harness (for a temporary disablement) for the power modules for not for the Q7 one

Only driven it for about an hour on A roads so far and I would say the effect is definitely there, mainly extra torque in the 30-70mph range, made overtaking noticeably quicker, from 1500rpm up. Didn’t seem to change any other operating aspect of the car. Will have to see how this pans out later on the year on the autobahn... No early to tell any MPG impact as yet clearly.

35939
35940
35941

wardienet
17-05-2019, 10:14 PM
Also they had a selection of nice Audi’s they’ve pimped up with ABT kit and tunes. This ABT RS4+ in particular was lovely. They also had an RS6-R 200mph car.
35945
35947
35946

wardienet
29-05-2019, 09:41 PM
Just got home from 500+ mile round trip to Lakes... Definitely notice the difference accelerating up hills, on motorway, overtaking etc. The mapping feels a bit more fluid / instant responsive at low revs (like 1500rpm) under normal driving, in all modes.

Interesting comparison on fuel economy - ABT claim it has no impact. Certainly appears so, the exact same trip and route last year I got 33.24mpg and just now I got 33.43mpg (both measured from fill up - basically from a full tank fill down to yellow light on c. 60 miles range). Actually surprised it didn’t increase mpg a bit, but all within margin of error for other factors I suppose.


Q7 MY16 272PS S-Line Tech/Tour/Trailer packs, orca black, 21 inch 9.5J rims, rotor grey leather, sunroof, BOSE, ambient lighting, reversing cam, drivers memory seat. Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk.

andyhud007
13-06-2019, 04:59 PM
Apparently ABT do make a bypass harness (for a temporary disablement) for the power modules for not for the Q7 one

Only driven it for about an hour on A roads so far and I would say the effect is definitely there, mainly extra torque in the 30-70mph range, made overtaking noticeably quicker, from 1500rpm up. Didn’t seem to change any other operating aspect of the car. Will have to see how this pans out later on the year on the autobahn... No early to tell any MPG impact as yet clearly.




Great stuff mate, really good to hear. Yes, we tried the ABT Bypass module on mine too but it didnt work, caused a heap load of errors so that aligns with what they said to you

Indeed, I notice the biggest improvements in that 30-70/80mph range when your cruising at a speed in that range and the foot goes down - especially if you happen to be in Dynamic Mode on the "S" Gear selector.

Andy

wardienet
14-11-2020, 12:39 PM
Great stuff mate, really good to hear. Yes, we tried the ABT Bypass module on mine too but it didnt work, caused a heap load of errors so that aligns with what they said to you

Indeed, I notice the biggest improvements in that 30-70/80mph range when your cruising at a speed in that range and the foot goes down - especially if you happen to be in Dynamic Mode on the "S" Gear selector.

Andy

Resurrecting bit of old thread here but had interesting recent experience. My general thought on the ABT tune was that over time you sort of don’t notice it anymore. However I just had an engine fault (now fixed) which was a heat plug fail, and whilst easily fixed, it did being on the engine management warning light until I got it sorted. I’m assuming that forced the ABT override to not activate as safety precaution, because there was a noticeable difference in the car’s performance with the warning light on. Felt a lot more sluggish in mid-range driving, less instant torquey oomph in particular. Missed it. Back on now. Was just checking I assume that would have blocked it working do you think Andy? (The yellow check engine management symbol, no MMI messages). My OBD and dealer confirmed heat plug 2 had failed.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk