Disappointed with A4 35 Tdi engine/box

[Badger27]

Hi, we have a 2020 A4 Avant 35 Tdi S Line. I love the look of the car and the feel on the road. But the engine just feels lacklustre and the gearbox is so delayed when wanting to overtake it’s not an enjoyable drive. 
 

Is this normal? It seems more responsive when gradually building up speed but when you want it to go some, it is almost a guessing game as to when the power comes? It also seems to stutter slightly going from reverse to first? 
 

So basically, is this normal for this car? And if so, can anyone recommend a remap for the engine and maybe for the box itself which may help?

 

thanks

[spartacus 68]

Never driven a 35 TDI (163PS) but sounds like it’s paired up with a 7 speed S Tronic box? There’s not many garages I would trust with modifying or remapping a gearbox. Obvious choice would be Darkside Developments (Barnsley). If it is the S Tronic unit it’s due a service every 38k miles. In addition, check with your insurance as remapping will be classed as modifying.

[Badger27]

Yeah 7 speed S tronic. Does this sound normal for that box? 

[Rybrook]

If I might, this is similar to my Passat well the engine I have a CRLB 148hp so a 35 in Audi language.

I have the 6 speed dq250. So not the same but the final drive should be.

What mode are you driving in?

I find it's not a rapid thing TBH, it will happily overtake a couple of cars quite easily on the motorway. 

When you say stutter into reverse, is that when you select R and it hesitate before you move?

Edited Sunday at 09:45 PM by Rybrook

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi.

If you have any issues with insurance at all for a remap then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan. 

[Badger27]

21 hours ago, Rybrook said:

If I might, this is similar to my Passat well the engine I have a CRLB 148hp so a 35 in Audi language.

I have the 6 speed dq250. So not the same but the final drive should be.

What mode are you driving in?

I find it's not a rapid thing TBH, it will happily overtake a couple of cars quite easily on the motorway. 

When you say stutter into reverse, is that when you select R and it hesitate before you move?

Yeah almost like it’s not quite in gear then it selects as it stutters? 

[spartacus 68]

On 4/6/2025 at 8:48 AM, Badger27 said:

Yeah 7 speed S tronic. Does this sound normal for that box? 

No experience of that box, but speak to Darkside and see what they suggest. 

Does the car have DriveSelect? What I’ve read suggests leaving the car in dynamic mode to get the best from the engine and gearbox.

[Rybrook]

1 hour ago, Badger27 said:

Yeah almost like it’s not quite in gear then it selects as it stutters? 

My A3 actually does this, but I know it's been abused and not been looked after, (it's 9 owner village bike)

The dq250 in the Passat is flawless but again it's the 6 speed wet clutch.

 

Does the car roll back when facing uphill?