Audi Drive Select (ADS) retrofitted

[a4audio]

I've been doing so research into installing and enabling the ADS system on my car for some time and finally did it last weekend. I had read mixed reviews as to whether or not this was worth it, on a car without the active dampers or active steering, but I can report that it does make a big difference to the standard power steering and engine throttle response. In comfort mode, the throttle seems very smooth and progressive, and the power steering light and easy to move the wheel, Auto mode is back to the factory standard, and Dynamic sharpens up everything. The best way I can describe the throttle response is like chipping the engine, you get a strong surge of power without having to depress the pedal as much and the power steering is firm and a lot more responsive and sharp.

All in all it cot me £110 in parts from the Audi garage: switch, console surround, and some repair wires, and a 5 amp fuse. Took me about 2hrs start to finish, including the VCDS changes.

Credit for this must got to this site for the parts list and how to guide, although the fuse box for correct installation was slightly different, and I was fitting this on a non MMI car.


AudiEnthusiasts Vag Com

all in all a worthwhile mod.

[Dieseldoos]

I have set up the engine and steering using VCDS and enabled it so its controlled through the MMI. You are right, it does tighten the steering and make the engine more responsive.

I did not activate the dampers, as for me there is no point as I only have the S line suspension.

I am debating about completing this mod and adding the switches, but its cool to be able to switch through the MMI.

Fully agree with you, its a worthwhile mod!

[a4audio]

I would recommend installing the switch. Control module was throwing up error messages without it on mine. You may not get this with the MMI version though?

[Dieseldoos]

I get the error show on on VCDS but I ignore it as I know its only because I have not actually fitted the switch. I think I only need the switch itself for mine, as mine has sat nav, so where the switch would be I just have a blanking panel. Will look into it a bit more I think!

[shanekk]

Any 1 know part no for console surround I only have the space for ESP?

[a4audio]

If you have a non MMI car like mine, and without the advanced key (no start stop button) then:
console surround piece p/n is: 8k0 864 216 B
the ADS switch p/n is: 8k0 959 673 E ( without 'individual setting')
the plug that goes into the bottom of the switch is: ICO 973 119 B
and the repair wires / pins for the plug are: 000 979 009

I put a link to a how to guide in the first post.

Good luck

[Ben k]

I have a switch for an mmi car I purchased by mistake as I have a concert radio

[shanekk]

can some one help? what am i doing wrong? I cab get as far as "Complete the above steps channels 63 64 65 66" in the guide but from here im lost!! I cant get the hidding menu up as i am holding down car and set up but noting is happen any ideas?

[shanekk]

All in all it cot me £110 in parts from the Audi garage: switch, console surround, and some repair wires, and a 5 amp fuse. Took me about 2hrs start to finish, including the VCDS changes.

Credit for this must got to this site for the parts list and how to guide, although the fuse box for correct installation was slightly different, and I was fitting this on a non MMI car.


AudiEnthusiasts Vag Com

all in all a worthwhile mod.

Hi the part number you give me for the console surround audi said its not showing up is the number right? also that link to do the install is for a mmi car not a non mmi like you done is there much off a difference in the 2 fittings?

[size12]

I just tried to enable this on my car with mmi I have managed to bring ADS up on the mmi display under car options menu but it's greyed out?? Has anyone else had this?