When you’re enhancing the performance of your 2018 Audi S6 with an aftermarket ECU tune, it’s crucial to understand the policies surrounding tune updates, VIN access, tune registration, and important legal notices. This ensures you have a clear picture of what to expect from your performance upgrade. Let’s break down these key aspects to keep you informed and confident in your tuning decisions for your Audi S6.
Free Tune Updates for Your 2018 S6
Investing in a performance tune for your 2018 Audi S6 often includes ongoing support through free updates. These updates are essential to ensure your tune remains optimized and compatible with your vehicle. Typically, these free updates cover:
- Tune Revisions: If there are any refinements or improvements to the tune’s calibration, you’ll receive these updated versions at no extra cost. This ensures your 2018 S6 benefits from the latest advancements in tuning technology.
- New Octane Options: As fuel technology evolves or if you decide to switch to a different octane fuel for your S6, tune updates may include support for new octane levels, maximizing performance and efficiency.
- Standard Feature Enhancements: Tuners may periodically add new features or refine existing ones within their software. These standard feature updates are also usually provided free of charge to existing customers.
- Software Updates: Just like any software, tuning software requires updates for bug fixes, improved functionality, and better user experience. These software updates are part of the ongoing support for your tune.
- ECU Updates from Audi: Occasionally, Audi releases updates to the engine control unit (ECU) software in your 2018 S6. A reputable tuner will ensure their tunes remain compatible with these official updates, providing you with updated tune files if needed, without additional charges. This compatibility is vital to maintain the performance and reliability of your tuned S6 after any dealer software updates.
POWERlink VINs for Tuning Multiple Vehicles
If you own multiple vehicles, or if friends also want to tune their cars, some tuning tools like POWERlink offer the convenience of being used on more than one vehicle. It’s important to note for your 2018 S6 and other vehicles:
- Multi-VIN Capability: A single POWERlink device can often be used to flash tunes on up to a certain number of different vehicle identification numbers (VINs), typically around 5. This can be a cost-effective solution if you have several cars to tune.
- Tunes Sold Separately: While the POWERlink device might be multi-VIN capable, the actual ECU tunes are usually sold separately for each vehicle. So, for each 2018 S6 or other car you wish to tune, you would need to purchase an individual tune license.
Tune Registration and Transferability
Understanding tune registration is critical, especially if you plan to modify or sell your 2018 Audi S6 in the future:
- Permanent Vehicle Registration: Once a performance tune is installed on your 2018 Audi S6’s ECU, it is generally permanently linked or “registered” to that specific vehicle. This means the tune cannot simply be transferred to another vehicle.
- Non-Transferable Tunes: Performance tunes are typically non-transferable between different vehicles. The license is tied to the VIN of your 2018 S6.
- Transfer Upon Vehicle Ownership Change: In most cases, the only exception for tune transferability is when you sell your 2018 S6. You may be able to transfer the tune to the new owner, but this usually requires contacting the tuning company and following their specific transfer procedures. This often involves providing proof of vehicle ownership transfer.
Important Downpipe Notice for Performance Products
If your performance plans for your 2018 Audi S6 include installing aftermarket downpipes, it’s essential to be aware of the legal implications:
- Motorsport/Racing Product: Aftermarket downpipes are often categorized as motorsport or racing products. This classification is significant because these products are typically not designed to meet street-legal emissions standards.
- Emissions Non-Compliance: Downpipes, especially those that remove catalytic converters or use high-flow converters, are generally not compliant with emissions regulations in many regions, including the USA and specifically California.
- Not for Street Use in Certain Areas: The sale and use of such products might be restricted or prohibited in certain jurisdictions like California and other areas with strict emissions laws.
- Disclaimer of Warranties: Tuning companies like Integrated Engineering (iE) will explicitly state that these products do not comply with any applicable emissions laws and disclaim any warranties or claims related to emissions compliance.
- Responsibility of the Purchaser: As the owner modifying your 2018 S6, it is your responsibility to understand and comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding emissions and vehicle modifications. Before installing downpipes or any emissions-altering parts, research the legal implications in your area.
By understanding these key policies related to tune updates, POWERlink VINs, tune registration, and downpipe notices, you can make informed decisions and enjoy the enhanced performance of your tuned 2018 Audi S6 responsibly and with confidence.
