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
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!
The below attachment (PDF) is the output changes from Stock to the new ECU update.
Attachment 30526
And here is the option at the ABT online configurator:
http://www.abt-configurator.com/en/A.../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