I apologize for the dead-horse-beating nature of this post, but I'm trying to figure out the best way to go for a chip job on my '01 A4 Avant.

I've pretty much narrowed down the choise to an APR chip (they seem relatively conservative in their approach relative to reliability/durability and their service reputation is great).

Here are the questions:

Is there any indication that chipping the 1.8 with the APR chip causes significant long term problems? Has anyone out there had nightmare expeiences with their car post-chip?

Does anyone know if/how much fuel economy is impacted by the APR chip?

I've seen people mention that they have 'chip friendly'' dealerships. What does this mean? I'm concerned about losing all warranty coverage (including the scheduled maintenance, etc as I've only got about 1500Mi on the car). Which leads to my last question:

Is it worth the extra $ to get a spare ECU with the chip, or would simply switching the ECMS mode to stock when I take the car in for service be adequate to deter any digging by my dealer to see off the car has been modded? I think the difference in price (assuming ~$150 for the ECMS option on the APR chip) is around $450.

Thanks for any input...

SAW

 

"Is there any indication that chipping the 1.8 with the APR chip causes significant long term problems? Has anyone out there had nightmare expeiences with their car post-chip? "

No nightmares but no long term data either. At most you'll overheat your turbo but as long as you don't drive for four straight hours on the track on a regular basis, I think it's a non issue.

"Does anyone know if/how much fuel economy is impacted by the APR chip? "

No impact I think, some report better mileage.

"I've seen people mention that they have 'chip friendly'' dealerships. What does this mean? I'm concerned about losing all warranty coverage (including the scheduled maintenance, etc as I've only got about 1500Mi on the car). Which leads to my last question: "

No dealer can guarantee you warranty coverage. A chip friendly dealer will tell you that they will 'do their best to look after you' but if the parent company audits the work done and finds out you have a chip, you can be denied coverage. Someone here was denied warranty coverage because he had mud on his car so it CAN happen.

"Is it worth the extra $ to get a spare ECU with the chip, or would simply switching the ECMS mode to stock when I take the car in for service be adequate to deter any digging by my dealer to see off the car has been modded? I think the difference in price (assuming ~$150 for the ECMS option on the APR chip) is around $450. "

I think the ECMS option is good from the point of view that you don't have to drive with extra boost all the time. If you're going to the grocery store or cruising on the highway then you can run it stock. IF there is an issue with Turbo wear, the ECMS can reduce it.

I think that the spare ECU is also useful because if, in fact, you do blow your Turbo then the dealer will likely look to see if you are chipped. If it's for anything else then they probably won't go out of their way to pry open and check for a chip.

 

Understand that the data supplied is only from people participating in te survey - it is not dealer / industry data.<ul><li><a href="http://www.audiport.com/">some Chip and Turbo data</a></li></ul>

 

I'm more than happy with performance. Gas mileage hasn't suffered. EMCS is useful because when I'm in bumper to bumper traffic driving stock is ideal. The car shifts smoother during stop and go. Get APR'd. You won't be sorry.

-q'atl