Is TipTronic really that bad?
 

Ok, so I'm in the market for an A6 - there is a2.7T selling locally for 14,500.
only 50,000km buuut it's tiptronic.

I'm coming for a B5 S4, and I'm used to rowing through the gears. Now I did test drive this tip A6, and it just didn't feel as sporty. It didn't down/up shift when i moved the gear selector - took 1-2 seconds. Also, the auto-upshift (waaay before redline) often left me guessing what gear I was in. Glancing at the digital readout to tell me which one was a common occurance. It's more than half a second slower to 60, but there are tip chips which reduce shifting from 1 sec to 0.2 secs - does this translate into 0-60 performance?

My "goal" is to up performance (chip, exhaust/dp) and handling (sway bars).
availability of 6MT's in my local market seem to be about 50:1 when compared to tips.

Thanks,

Re: Is TipTronic really that bad?
 

No the TIP is not that bad. I have an 01 A6 2.7t TIP, yes the tranny is lazy. this can be overcome by recoding the tranny to 0032 or 0022. As well a TIP chip will definitely translate to a faster 0-60 time. The thing about TIP's (and this will sound funny) but you got to learn how to drive them. As well once the car has an ECU chip the redline will shift while in TIP mode. 14,500 with 50k is a pretty solid buy.

Re: Is TipTronic really that bad?
 

I'm assuming this is accomplished through a VAG-COM, but what does this do?

Re: Is TipTronic really that bad?
 

The recode is done with VAG-COM, it allows you to hold first gear to redline while in TIP, as well it changes the DSP (dynamic shift program) to S mode. S meaning sport and therefore a noticeably better response while in TIP{. Shifts are a littler crisper

Re: Is TipTronic really that bad?
 

Well I just sent an email to both VAST and GIAC asking how much it decreases 0-60 times by. They talk about how much crisper shifting is, and how much quicker the shifts are... but no statement on overall performance impact.

And thanks for your help nothing77.

There is a 2.7T 6MT for 16,500 with 100,00km in Edmonton... but it's that ugly champagne colour. I spoke to the owner already and it's been meticulously maintained... but an extra 2k and double the milage just for a 6spd...?
If the local Tip wasn't on the market it would be a lot easier of a decision to make.

Re: Is TipTronic really that bad?
 

I hear what your saying, keep in mind that VAST is the only TIP chip which will over-ride the TCM max torque setpoint while GIAC does not. The GIAC chip will be more costly. Both are available in town. My research tells me that the VAST chip is the way to go. By the way, i wouldnt anticipate the superbike like shifts that GIAC claims from either of the chips. But definitely quicker, crisper more responsive shifting. this should result in lower 0-60 times

ps a properly tuned tip car is still fast, just not a fast as the 6-speed

Re: Is TipTronic really that bad?
 

Sounds like a good price for the tiptronic car.

Re: Is TipTronic really that bad?
 

It definitely is, but to make up that half sec int he 0-60 I'd need an extra 50hp in the tip... and that's an expensive 50hp once I've already maxed out a stage2 car.

I just heard back from Prince @ Vast and from my understanding there are no performance gains from a Tip chip on a stock car.

Re: Is TipTronic really that bad?
 

recoding the tranny sounds great, I'll do that when i get my vag com next week.

another thing you can do is reset the transmission, if the previous owner never drove the car spiritedly, it probably uses (as i call it) "old man mode" and shifts nice and slow for comfort, evern when you drive like a raped ape, it will still shift slow.

to reset it, get in the car, key the ignition to on, put your foot to the floor (activate the kick down) wait between 25-30 seconds, take your foot of the gas, start it, go straight into drive (not any other selection or it won't work) and drive off. the transmission is now reset.
I know this worked in my B5 S4 with the 5HP24 ZF transmission, no reason why it shouldn't work in any other ZF transmission equipped Audi, but i haven't tried it.

Re: Is TipTronic really that bad?
 

I've got a call into VAST too. Want to know if their code eliminates the gear hunting associated with 2.7T Stage 3- power upgrades. With more engine power, stock Torque Load calcs are thrown off and causes gear hunting on part throttle under some driving conditions.