[RS3]

Hi there

I just came across this website after some googling. A fantastic resource.

I am looking to purchase an 2010 Audi Q5 Special Edition and had a quick question about ADS.

Does ADS with only the "Damping Control" option provide access and adjustments to the Engine, Steering and Suspension via the MMI?

Or to adjust all of these parameters (engine, steering, suspension), you also need to select ADS with "Dynamic Steering"?

What other features does the "Dynamic Steering" option add?

Many thanks for any clarification

Best wishes

RS3

 

[q5s]

I have:
1) ADS
2) Dynamic steering
3) Damper control
so can comment only this configuration.

You have 4 options on the dash which you circle through using two arrow keys.
1) Auto - The car annoyingly defaults to this options each time you start the car.
2) Comfort - Steering very light with less turns lock to lock, suspension very soft, gearbox changes very early, throttle response very lethargic
3) Dynamic - The exact opposite of above
4) Individual - This you have to customize via the mmi. You get the gearbox, steering and damper and you get to choose between auto, comfort and dynamic for each one of the above three. The selected settings are autosaved to your key so you don't have to reconfigure each time.

With ADS there is no S button for the gearbox. You have to select dynamic or Individual (with gearbox set to dynamic).

To be honest I don't care much for the steering, auto is fine. Same with the gearbox a normal S button when pushing is fine. The problem is with the suspension when pushing. ADS is essential for such a tall and heavy car. When cruising the comfort setting is also essential as the ride in auto is far from limo like.

 

[RS3]

Hi q5s

Many thanks for that prompt and comprehensive reply.

That does clarify a quite a few things, didn't even realise about losing the s-button on the gearbox! I still have one main question though mate.

Audi offer ADS with 2 options: Damping Control and Dynamic Steering. Like you, the reason for selecting ADS is primarily for the suspension. For one, as mentioned, for such a tall and heavy car it would be fantastic to be able to alter suspension settings for different types of driving. Also, as I will be purchasing an S-line running on the special edition 20" wheels, I am hoping the ADS will lessen the harshness of the stiff s-line ride and help in ironing out road imperfections that would be felt even more running on 20"s. I hope the comfort setting will do exactly this!

The question I have is: what functionality do you lose when selecting the ADS option only with Damping Control (and not dynamic steering)? Specifically, what options would you see/lose on the MMI and/or dashboard? I guess the obvious answer would be the "steering" element although after having watched some youtube clips of ADS, I'm not so sure.

As Dynamic Steering is almost an ?800 option, I am just debating whether it would really add that much to the driving experience.

Just for info, my spec so far is:

AUDI Q5 SPECIAL EDITION 3.0 TDI Quattro S Line (S Tronic)

Phantom Black
Audi parking system advanced
Audi side assist
Cruise control
Hill hold assist
Privacy glass
Storage pack
Extendable sunvisors
Advanced key
Adaptive light
Black roof rails
Drive select with Damper control
Climate cup holder
Rear seat bench plus
Electric panoramic glass sunroof
Heated front and rear seats
High beam assistant
Technology pack High
Electrical adjustable front seats with memory
Folding, heated & memory for mirrors
TV reception
Tyre pressure monitor
Interior light pack
Milano leather upholstery

Have gone a bit crazy with the options but do plan to keep the car for a while.

Cheers mate.

RS3

 

[Little Q]

Nice Specs!

http://www.myaudiq5.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=259#p1460

 

[RS3]

Little Q

Thanks for that useful link, clears things up nicely. And saves me ?800 odd.

Looks like the dynamic steering option of ADS is unnecessary in my case.

Cheers guys

RS3

 

[q5s]

rs3 I get what your're saying. I had the same dilemma when placing my order and the blank stare on the dealers face made me check the steering option as well.
You see audi takes great pride in re-arranging you dash/console very badly for each option you "dare" not to tick.
Look at this pic:
http://www.zcars.com.au/images/audi-q5-sline12.jpg
Just a few examples:
- You think I'll save up by going for the standard leather. You see that nice stiching (or better yet leather) on the door handles? Think again. You need to pay up.
- You think you'll save up by going for the single zone ac. I mean you'll never use the 3 zones. See those nice knobs/controls on the dash. Yep, them too.
- You think who needs fancy mmi? See those nice buttons/jogs around the gear level? Those will be replaced by vast amounts of nothingness.
- Who needs advanced key? See that big shiny start button?
- Who needs hill hold? Well if you want the button under the parking brake to actually look like a button instead of something you "should" have ordered and didn't...
- Who needs fancy radio? Haven't you learned anything?

Audi takes also pride in combining options in such a way you have to pay ???? for something that should costs ??.
For example:
- Would you like your mirror to tilt when you back up? You must order memory seats.
- Would you like 10gb of storage for your songs? You must order mmi high hd & navigation which is like 5k I think.
- Would you like to connect your iphone to listen to music? You must buy mmi, ami, iphone cable. What about usb? Buy another cable.
- Light in makeup mirror? Standard in vw polo. I think it's light package in q5 or something else package.
- You like the perforated leather on the steering? S like package = ????

So rs3 make sure you read up on that options list. Happy reading.
Just had a quick look through your options list and I didn't see 3zone ac and adaptive cruise control there (which comes with brake guard - ofcourse you can't order brake guard by itself). ACC is by far the best toy on the car. Set it at any speed (well almost), adjust the distance to the car infront (4 settings) and sit back & relax. Almost like a jumbo jet auto pilot. Car brakes & accelerates by itself as cars come & go. You need to test drive this! Brake guard is great even in city, a/b roads & motorways. Always activated (unless you press the esp button). If for example you are momentarily distracted by the hottie across the street and quickly approching the car infront who has also slowed down to check out said hottie the system will beep. If you're still distracted it will stab on the brakes to wake you up and boost pressure in the braking system getting ready for maximum braking force. The first time I felt the jolt (ignored the beep as was late & pressing on) it shook me pretty hard. Now I've gotten used to it.

 

[RS3]

Hallelujah! Someone else as anal about these things as I am

Having looked at dozens of interior pictures as well as various youtube videos, I did notice the inconsistency with dash layout depending on which ticks you placed in the options list... Again, like you I also noted that to get something small like a vanity mirror, you would need to select a much bigger option that would contain it. Mad. But a great money spinner for Audi no doubt. I need that 'complete' look on the dash which may sound mad but would drive me crazy everytime I looked at it otherwise.

The 3-zone climate control is standard on the 3.0tdi models (according to the brochure) as well as the bluetooth interface, DAB, B&O sound system and the electric tailgate with the Special Edition. With regards to the leather, doesn't the standard Milano option cover the whole interior in leather (including stiching)? Or does the ?400 Fina Nappa need to be selected to get this 'coverage'?

The ACC is an expensive option and something I can never really envisage using. My main driving is town/city - not many motorway miles hence I opted for the 'normal' cruise control. But reading your description was a much bigger selling point that Audi's marketing

Think I may consider knocking off another option or two and maybe add that in. Any ideas?

I've also heard some stories about the standard matt aluminium trim finish being quite thin (think coke can) and getting dinged/dented fairly easily. I've thus opted for the piano black wood finish. Any experiences with this?

You obviously did your research as well before buying and your experience and expertise is much appreciated here!

Cheers mate

RS3

PS. What spec and colour is your car if you don't mind me asking?

 

[q5s]

I just looked at the link Little Q posted and noticed no INDIVIDUAL button for the drive select. You can barely make it out in the pic I have linked in my previous post. I guess INDIVIDUAL is only for the full fat ADS but who knows?

You are right about the Special edition. When I ordered mine there was no Special edition so I had to hand pick the options and totally forgot when you mentioned it.

I have fine nappa (it is very soft, for audi that is). I sat maybe 5 minutes in the car and the seat base is all wrinkled like the car had 200k miles and I am not that heavy either, but it doesn't bother me. I'm pretty sure milano gets plastic for the door handles but you will need to check with someone who actually has milano.

ACC is expensive and suited mainly for the motorway. As I do alot of miles it was a no brainer. It doesn't work under 20mph (says speed too low and disables) but scaring unsuspecting passangers while approaching roundabouts and letting the car brake to a halt never gets old

(luckily german engineering hasn't failed me yet). Even when the laser was covered in muck/mud the system notified me and disabled itself until I cleaned it. If you don't do alot of motorway miles there are better things to go for (a full set of 17" alloys with winter tyres being one of them, 20" rims with wide low profile sport summer tyres, you'll have 1.0 corsas driving circles around you in the snow)

Trim is as the day I bought it. I have also read the horror stories no made sure nobody touches it

No idea about piano black but the gloss strips on the b pillars, I just looked at them and they instantly scratched. I suspect the scratches/swirls happened when I once washed the car. I'm sure I used no pressure on them but they are very, very sensitive. Check the finish of the wood if it is glossy, if yes I'd take my chances with tha alu trim even if I don't like the alu trim look it alteast breaks a tiny bit the all dark and gloomy interior of my s line (I have no sunroof). I begged the dealer for a lighter colour headlining/seats but audi wasn't having any of it. They suggested some individual colour costing ????. I told them what to do with the pricy colour instead and ordered the black much to my dismay. The comforting bit is that it doesn't need cleaning compared to the lighter colours.

EDIT: 211ps tfsi dsg daytona grey sline 20" rs4 rims, interior looks pretty much as the one posted

 

[robp]

Hi q5s

Many thanks for that prompt and comprehensive reply.

That does clarify a quite a few things, didn't even realise about losing the s-button on the gearbox! I still have one main question though mate.

Audi offer ADS with 2 options: Damping Control and Dynamic Steering. Like you, the reason for selecting ADS is primarily for the suspension. For one, as mentioned, for such a tall and heavy car it would be fantastic to be able to alter suspension settings for different types of driving. Also, as I will be purchasing an S-line running on the special edition 20" wheels, I am hoping the ADS will lessen the harshness of the stiff s-line ride and help in ironing out road imperfections that would be felt even more running on 20"s. I hope the comfort setting will do exactly this!

The question I have is: what functionality do you lose when selecting the ADS option only with Damping Control (and not dynamic steering)? Specifically, what options would you see/lose on the MMI and/or dashboard? I guess the obvious answer would be the "steering" element although after having watched some youtube clips of ADS, I'm not so sure.

As Dynamic Steering is almost an ?800 option, I am just debating whether it would really add that much to the driving experience.

Just for info, my spec so far is:

AUDI Q5 SPECIAL EDITION 3.0 TDI Quattro S Line (S Tronic)

Phantom Black
Audi parking system advanced
Audi side assist
Cruise control
Hill hold assist
Privacy glass
Storage pack
Extendable sunvisors
Advanced key
Adaptive light
Black roof rails
Drive select with Damper control
Climate cup holder
Rear seat bench plus
Electric panoramic glass sunroof
Heated front and rear seats
High beam assistant
Technology pack High
Electrical adjustable front seats with memory
Folding, heated & memory for mirrors
TV reception
Tyre pressure monitor
Interior light pack
Milano leather upholstery

Have gone a bit crazy with the options but do plan to keep the car for a while.

Cheers mate.

RS3

Mate,

I would check out the S Line Special edition if you are speccing up so much - you might get a better deal.

 

[El Jadius]

He has gone for the Special Edition, with lots and lots of options

 

[Mike L]

Hi guys....

Totally agree about Audi's policy of charging extra for things that should be standard. I think on average, most people seem to be paying ?6000 to ?10,000 over the RRP for the options required to get the car to where it should be in this class !!!
(No lights on the vanity mirrors... Shocking !!!

)

Anyhow, having read your posts and thought i'd confirm a couple of things...
I've got the 3.0TDi SE and can confirm that the 3 zone climate control is standard (although the 3rd zone is just an air vent in the back

)
I can also let you know that the Milano leather option does NOT cover the door arm rests / handles. They are just plastic.... but still good quality.
We ended up with the SE because Audi refused to combine the Garnet Red exterior with the Cardamom Beige interior on an S-Line. We much prefer the light coloured interior and the car feels very light and airy. Also, in hindsight, i believe the ride on the SE with 20" rims is more forgiving than the S-Line with 20's (according to other posts, even with drive select, the S-Line is still firmer than the SE even in comfort mode) but still gives a good feel for the road.
As for the aluminium.... i can't say how thin it is.... but i think it does look good and at least it IS aluminium as opposed to some plastic fake imitation.

Basically, I love the car but the options list had to be raided more than expected to satisfy my desires.... Life's tough eh !!!

Cheers,
Mike.

 

[Little Q]

I just looked at the link Little Q posted and noticed no INDIVIDUAL button for the drive select. You can barely make it out in the pic I have linked in my previous post. I guess INDIVIDUAL is only for the full fat ADS but who knows?

Hi there,

Only in combination with MMI there is an individual button.... There is no MMI in Bill's Q5 (link i posted). Don't know 100% sure but this Friday i do, finally i will collect my Q5 2.0T S-line...

 

[q5s]

Little Q,

Thanks for the clarification. It makes sense to me now if you think about it (in an audi kind of way). No mmi -> No possible way to select your settings -> No Individual button. Too bad nobody is insane enough to write a guide with pics showing the different configuration options and the interactions between them. I hate to think what the brochure in 10-20 years time will look like. Probably 500 pages of options.

 

[Bill]

Hi q5s
Little Q is right no individual setting on my S-Line as i don't have the MMI setup, but have a look at the on line broacher now and you will see that it has become yet another option you can order without specking the MMI system

.
Having used the drive select a lot now i think you would end up leaving it in the Auto setting as this setting seems to be the best all round setting, I only use the Comfort setting when the road is very bad.
Car has covered 4.000 miles now and on my last run up to Fort William the car was showing 42.1 mpg when i got there.

 

[Little Q]

Too bad nobody is insane enough to write a guide with pics showing the different configuration options and the interactions between them.

Hi q5s,

Maybe this helps a bit...

http://microsites.audi.com/campaigns/virtual_cockpit/Q5x_en.html

If you push on the DriveSelect buttons you can remove MMI in your equipment and your individual button will disappear.

 

[fideba]

For those who still have doubts: I've collected my brand new Q5 with damper control, no dynamic steering, and MMI. In that setup I can confirm that you do have an individual button, and even the option to control the steering (although without any doubt somewhat more limited than with the full dynamic steering option).
I've set mine to dynamic for motor, auto for steering, and comfort for damper. The difference between auto/comfort and dynamic when accellerating is amazing !

 

[RS3]

Guys, thank you for that clarification and ownership updates.

Looking through the posts, I think Drive Select with Damping Control is a must for the s-line 20" wheel configuration.

Final decision, which leather trim to pick!

Cheers

RS3

 

[Guest]

We went for leather/alcantara with silver stitching - more sporty look to me - and more importantly, not too cold in winter (even with heated seats) not too hot in summer, and less sliding around when "pressing on"

kc

 

[fideba]

I've lot's of options on my Q5, but without any doubt, Drive Select is the one that I would recommend the most (well, maybe aside from the awesome voice control, that actually works compared to the one on my previous BMW3

 

[RS3]

Thanks kc.

I'm not a huge fan of the alcantara look, much prefer the full leather finish. Although this is going just by pictures on the internet..haven't seen alcantara in the flesh.

Having said that, I can see the benefits of alcantara with regards to cold weather and less movement in the seat whilst driving (hard).

Looking at Valcona leather option, but seems much too expensive as part of the 'leather package'. So next best thing is Milano I guess.

The final detail left is whether to spec piano black inlays or leave the matt alum finish trim as it is! Might do the latter as it's a black car with black leather...the alum may help break the look up a little bit. Although I saw the piano black finish with Milano black interior on the Audi UK used car section and it did seem to also go pretty well.

Want to finalise everything by this weekend and just order the damn thing!

---Fideba - thanks very much for that. I'm pretty much sold on the ADS now

The voice control you mention is part of the Bluetooth Interface I'm guessing.

Cheers

RS3