I've heard people say to forget about trying to install ESP on a car that doesn't already have it, but I'd like to know what's involved and what the probable cost might be. Does someone have a parts list for such an upgrade? Has anyone done it?

 

The cost is tremendous. I'll use my car for example. My vehicle does not have ESP, and for it to have ESP you must have an ABS module that supports it. I have Bosch 5.3, and I believe you need a Bosch 5.7 ABS module. The module itself is $1800 from the dealer, or around $300-$600 used. Now that's just the module. You need a Vag-Com to activate it and you may need to replace the ABS sensor rings at all four wheels. For that cost you may as well throw on some really good tires or take a performance driving course.

 

All the interconnect wiring may not be in place so you may need to inspect your vehicle wiring to fully know what your in for. Audi (and others) have been know to install major and secondary wiring harnesses to support the options that came on that vehicle. For example early 2000 era headlight auto leveling wiring harnesses are not intact for vehicles that did not ship with HIDs, fog wiring was not completely intact to the Fog Light Control Module for vehicles that shipped without factory fogs, etc.

Good Luck!

 

That is very much correct. My A6 never came with HID lights so it did not have the provisions of the auto-levelling system.

Overall installing ESP on a vehicle that does not already have it isn't worth it, not even close. Your vehicle will only activate ESP when you're pushing the vehicle past it's limitations. For the price you are far better off with top notch tires and suspension components.

 

Here's what you'll need (all from ESP vehicles, obviously) - you can decide for yourself if it's 'worth' it:

- MK20 ABS controller/pump (I think you'll have to look to Europe for this)
- Master cylinder
- Brake booster
- Yaw-rate sensors
- Steering wheel angle sensor

The wiring is not there, so you'll have to add some wires to pinouts on the ECU yourself, or replace the harness with one from an ESP vehicle. You'll also have to recode some stuff in VAG-Com. I have retrofitted ASR into a car before, which is very easy compared to ESP.

Just to be a jerk, I turn off ESP every time I get in my car Why do you want to install it?

 

My A4 has ESP while my A6 doesn't. And I disable my ESP whenever I drive my A4. I like to take advantage of the 200HP/258TQ that my little A4 puts out. I also like to corner hard in my A6 and have the *** end wiggle out a little bit when it's slippery.

While having ESP can help you if it gets a little hairy, the use of proper driving technique combined with upgraded suspension and tires is a far better life saver. Take it from someone who has ESP in their vehicle and racing experience. ESP is literally over-rated, and if you are using it all the time then you shouldn't be driving!

After driving in the Canadian prairies with simple FWD cars using all season tires in -30 weather you learn to get by without all these electronic aids. Cars have become far too intelligent that they take away from the driving experience. Guess I'm kind of old school. Mind you us drivers from the east are usually more experienced in adverse weather conditions than those in the west.

 

I think you mean that eastern drivers are more used to adverse conditions than most Vancouverites. We get plenty of adverse weather in the prairies. Hehe. And I agree with your comments about FWD driving in -30 conditions on all season tires. We get by just fine.

 

Hehe, you're right, but you're not likely to get many people that will agree with you. I've had this argument many times with many people, and even on this forum, but your average driver simply does not have the capability to outperform ESP (or similar systems). I think the World should adopt driver's testing like Finland's, as we'd all be better off. In the countries where they put more effort into learning to drive, the vehicular deaths per capita are waaaay less than the rest of the World.

/soapbox

 

Yup. Here in Vancouver I see people driving around with $100,000 SUVs with all the electronic gadgetry you can imagine but they have no idea what the bloody hell they're doing. Yet you can tell when someone is from Montreal or Regina because they're driving a FWD car with snow tires and passing everyone else. Plus they keep proper braking distance.

Not looking to get people to agree, but ESP is for those who are prone to accidents in the first place. I've been through advanced driver training for both wet and dry conditions as well as race school and the things you learn out there will literally save your *** on the streets. Not to mention make you a far better driver and allow you to enjoy your vehicle much more. If you notice the driver training courses for advanced driving and race prep do not use vehicles equipped with electronic gadgets. I was driving Z06s and M3s with all the gadgetry permanently disabled. That is when you truly appreciate a sports car.

In Finland their courses are great, but here in Canada you can get your license out of a f**king cereal box.