Was talking to oettinger today and they do not recommend putting in a chip for automatics. They do not make any chips for the A4 auto as they believe that the auto transmission will not be able to handle the extra power and would likely cause problems over time. This dashes my hopes of chipping my A4 1.8T auto.

I have a Tip and plan to chip in the Spring. All of the other chips accomodate the Tip setup.<p>The way I see it, most chips get the 1.8T up to the a hp and torque level similar to the 2.8 and I assume that the auto/tip trannies are the same or very similar.<p>my $.02.<br>Chris

That's surprising. I put a chip in my 530it auto and it made a huge difference. 23 extra hp, more low and midrange torque, smoother shifts, and a higher redline. Without the chip, the felt sluggish, but now it feels like a real v8. There are 4 different chips for my model year depending on configuration; auto, manual, w/wo airpump.<p>I know every car is setup differently and this isn't apples-to-apples. You may want to check with some other chip vendors to see what they have to say. Each mfg. will have a diifferent torque map (low-end strength vs. high-end). While Oettenger may not be ideal for autos, maybe another chip will?<p>Just a thought.<p>Mick<br>98 2.8 qm stock<br>94 530it sharked!

if the tip can handle the 2.8 power, then why would a stage I or even a stage II cause any trouble? Even the manufacturer of the transmission, ZF, rates that unit up to ~230 ft-lbs of torque. You'd have to go to a K04 kit to get above 230...<p>steve

I run a TAP STAGE II with a high flow down pipe and yes I DO have a tip tranny.. So far I have had no problems and I was also reassured by TAP that this would not cause <br>problems.. Maybe Oettinger is it as a poor excuse because they can't figure out how to come up with a chip for automatics.<p>Chris K<br>98.5 1.8TQTS Tap Stage II

<br>Stage II Engine chip is a HUGE improvement, but pinging is noticable sometimes. I'm replacing the chip with a Stage I soon. Stage II really requires 94+ octane. I'm in Calif. and can't find gas greater than 92. Garrett recommended the Stage I, I got greedy and demanded the Stage II. Shoulda listened.<p><br>Tip chip is nice improvement. smoother quicker<br>shifts.<br>

Uhh... I've been running a TAP ECU upgrade in my 2.8/Tip without problems and I drive it pretty hard. It doesn't make a big difference, but it smooths out some of the torque curve and is modestly noticeable. <p>Actually, I was thinking I should sell my TAP upgrade to someone on the forum before I install my newly arrived PES Supercharger because I might as well turn in a stock ECU instead of "wasting" my TAP ECU. If anyone wants to trade ECUs with me and chip in $250 towards my large credit card bill, I'd appreciate it.<p>Thanks,<br>Rick R.<br>1998 A4 2.8 Tip/Sport/Bose

I talked to CEC (the distributer for Oettinger) and they said that chipping the 1.8t qtip is fine. they even said that the 240+hp upgrade is possible. I talked to Dicks Audi Performance (TAP westcoast distributer) and they said that the 3+ upgrade (255hp) is also possible. im not sure who you talked with but it is possible.

I agree so that is why I could not figure out why the rep at oettinger said that. Perhaps they never tested the chip on the auto and are playing it safe by telling customers not to do it. My auto is the first batch which doesn't have the tip but I suppose that does not make any difference?