The Audi A8 D3 is a technological marvel, but many features remain hidden or deactivated by default. With a VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System) interface, you can unlock these features and customize your A8 to your liking. This guide provides a comprehensive list of VCDS tweaks for the Audi A8 D3, allowing you to personalize your driving experience.
Essential Audi A8 D3 VCDS Modifications
This compilation of tweaks has been thoroughly tested and compiled to ensure functionality. While some options exist for other models, they may not function on the D3. Here’s a breakdown of confirmed working tweaks:
Lighting Adjustments
- Disable Amber Corner Lights: Eliminate the amber side markers common in US models. Navigate to [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], [Byte 10 Submodule 0 Bit 3] and set the value to 0.
- Enable Euro Parking Lights: Activate the European style parking lights that utilize the turn signals at night. Go to [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], and set [Byte 9 Bit 0] to 1.
- Enable Front Turn Signals as Parking Lights: Use your front turn signals as parking lights. In [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], set [Byte 10 Bit 0] to 1.
- Daytime Running Lights (DRL) Customization: Configure your DRLs to include various lights such as front side markers, high beams, fog lights, LEDs, side markers, and tail lights. Find these options within [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Coding – 07], and [Long Coding Helper] in [Byte 2 Bits 1-7].
- Adjust DRL Nighttime Brightness: Fine-tune the brightness of your DRLs at night. Access this setting in [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Security Access – 16] (using security code 20113 if needed), [Adaptation – 10], and adjust [Channel 3] to a value between 5 and 100.
- Cornering Fog Lights: Activate your fog lights on the corresponding side when turning. Located in [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], set [Byte 4 Bit 0] to 1.
- Independent Rear Fog Light Control: Decouple the rear fog lights from the high beams. Change [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], [Byte 4 Bit 2] to 0.
- Adaptive Brake Lights: Enable flashing brake lights during hard braking. Find this in module [46 – Comfort System], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], [Byte 8 Bit 0 and Bit 1]. Set Bit 0 to activate flashing via turn signals and Bit 1 for flashing via brake lights.
- Coming/Leaving Home Light Functionality: Customize the duration, activation threshold, and enable/disable Coming Home and Leaving Home lighting features within [09 – Cent. Elect.], using [Coding – 07] for on/off toggles in [Byte 6 Bits 1-2] and [Security Access – 16] with [Adaptation – 10] for fine-tuning duration (Channel 43 for Coming Home) and light sensitivity (Channel 37). Deactivate Leaving Home in [Channel 46] by setting it to 0.
Convenience and Comfort Enhancements
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Disable Windshield Wiper After-Wipe: Deactivate the annoying after-wipe function of your windshield wipers in [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], [Byte 1 Bit 3]. Uncheck the box to disable.
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Disable Key Warning Chime: Silence the key warning chime in [46 – Central Conv.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], [Byte 9 Bit 7] by setting it to 0.
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Disable “Lights On” Warning: Turn off the “lights are on” warning when opening the door in [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], [Byte 5 Bit 3] by setting it to 0.
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Disable Seatbelt Chime: Deactivate the seatbelt warning chime located in [17 – Instruments], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], [Byte 0 Bits 2-4].
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Adjust Date Display Format: Change the date format displayed on your instrument cluster. Find this setting in [17 – Instruments], [Coding – 07], [Long Code Helper], [Byte 7].
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Enable/Disable Upshift Indicator: Control the upshift display in the center panel through [17 – Instruments], [Adaption – 10], [Upshift Display in center panel].
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Enable Double Disarm Beep: Add a second beep when disarming the alarm system. This is found in [46 – Central Conv.], [Adaptation – 10], [Channel 63] by adding 4 to the existing value.
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Customize Auto Locking/Unlocking: Configure automatic locking and unlocking of the doors in [46 – Central Conv.], [Coding – 07], [Long Code Helper], [Byte 5 Bits 4-5]. Bit 4 controls auto lock, and Bit 5 controls auto unlock. Set each to 1 to enable, and 0 to disable.
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Remote Window/Sunroof Operation: Enable remote control of your windows and sunroof in module [46 – Cent. Conv.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], and setting [Byte 2 Bit 2] to 1.
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Parking Brake Release Modifications:
- Release Parking Brake Without Foot on Brake: [53 – Parking Brake], [Security Access – 16] (enter provided code), [Adaptation – 10], set [Channel 4] to 0.
- Release Parking Brake Without Seatbelt: [53 – Parking Brake], [Security Access – 16] (enter provided code), [Adaptation – 10], set [Channel 7] to 0.
MMI and Infotainment System
- Enable Gauge Test/Needle Sweep: Activate the gauge test/needle sweep on startup. Find this in [17 – Instruments], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], [Byte 1 Bit 0].
- Enable Hidden Green Menu in MMI: Access the hidden diagnostic menu in your MMI. Note: Use caution within this menu, especially avoiding the “Bootloader” option. Located in [5F – Information Electr.], [Adaptation – 10], change [Channel 6] from 0 to 1.
- Enable CD Ripping to MMI Hard Drive: Enable the ability to rip CDs directly to your MMI’s hard drive. This is accessed through the hidden green menu (see above) under Main/Diagnose/Settings/Import Media, and setting it to “Copy/Ripping.” Note: Use the CD player below the MMI, not the glovebox changer.
- Enable Video in Motion (VIM): Allow video playback while the car is in motion. This involves retrieving the first serial number from [5F – Information Electr.], [Advanced ID – 1A], then using digits 6, 13, 10, 14, and 11 of that serial number for [Security Access]. Finally, in [Adaptation – 10], set [Channel 48] to 255 and reset the MMI. Use caution as this may be illegal in some areas.
- Disable Navigation/Phone Warnings While Driving: Prevent distracting warning messages while entering data at speed. This is found in [5F – Information Electr.], [Adaptation], by setting [Channels 2 & 3] to 250.
Additional Adjustments
- Set ADS Suspension Preset: Choose a default setting (Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, or Individual) for your Adaptive Damping Suspension (ADS). Access this through [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Security Access – 16] (code may be 20113), [Adaptation – 10], and set [Channels 63-66] to the corresponding value: 01 for Comfort, 02 for Auto, 03 for Dynamic, and 04 for Individual. Note: All four channels must match.
- Headlight Washer Settings: Modify the duration, activation delay, and washer pump activation count for your headlight washers in [09 – Cent. Elect.], [Security Access – 16], [Adaptation – 10]. Adjust [Channel 6] for duration (milliseconds), [Channel 25] for activation delay (milliseconds) and number of regular washer activations before triggering the headlight washers.
- Reverse Mirror Tilt: Enable your passenger side mirror to tilt down when reversing. This can be found in module [52 Door Elect, Pass.], [Coding – 07], [Long Coding Helper], setting both [Byte 4 Bit 4 and Bit 2] to 1.
Advanced Comfort Features: Seat Heating and Massage
- Adjust Seat Heat Stepdown Time: Customize the time it takes for your heated seats to transition between heat levels. This is located in [08 – HVAC], [Adaptation – 10], and allows adjustment of the step-down time from stage 3 to 2, and stage 2 to 1.
- Adjust Massage Settings: Tailor your massage experience by modifying shut-off time, and intensity. These settings are found in [88 – Driver’s Seat] and [89 – Passenger’s Seat] under [Adaptation – 10]. “Running Time Of Massage Function” controls the duration, while “Intensity level (1,2,3,4, or 5) of massage function” controls the intensity.
- Adjust Heated Steering Wheel Temperature: Fine-tune the temperature of your heated steering wheel. Found in [16 – Steering Wheel], [Adaptation – 10], [Channel 10]. Temperature is in Celsius, with 28 being the default.
This comprehensive list of VCDS tweaks provides a starting point for customizing your Audi A8 D3. Remember to proceed with caution and consult reputable sources before making any changes. Enjoy the enhanced driving experience!
