1.4 Petrol BBY ECU Software Update

chumsofmanutd

A2OC Donor
Hi,

when browsing I came across a thread the other day on the German forum regarding an ECU update for the BBY 1.4 petrol engine. http://www.a2-freun.de/forum/showthread.php?t=28654

I have this engine and wondered where I would go to have the update installed in the UK? my ECU has the component number MARELLI 4MV G 4637 and therefore I think would benefit from the update.

Any thoughts?

Cheers Rob.
 
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I heard about ECU updates on the petrol engines. That thread (I haven't read everything yet) seems to imply a control module part 036 906 034 EC is updatable, even to the older AUA engines if you swap the older ECU to a newer one?

I don't have any problems with my car, be it starting or running so I'm hesitant to invest in any update. But there are talks in that thread about lambda probe error threshold, which flagged up on my car a few times in the last 3 years. I'm not exactly sure what exactly that software update fixes in that regards.
 
I heard about ECU updates on the petrol engines. That thread (I haven't read everything yet) seems to imply a control module part 036 906 034 EC is updatable, even to the older AUA engines if you swap the older ECU to a newer one?

I don't have any problems with my car, be it starting or running so I'm hesitant to invest in any update. But there are talks in that thread about lambda probe error threshold, which flagged up on my car a few times in the last 3 years. I'm not exactly sure what exactly that software update fixes in that regards.

Interesting that you've had issues with the Lambda, are you a BBY or AUA? Although I am yet to have any issues the part of that thread that interested me most was the improvement when pulling away. I feel that there's a significant delay in the power been available on the 1.4 BBY, which is not apparent on my FSI. It's very obvious at roundabouts and junctions.

I wonder if the Audi dealerships will know anything about this update and if so a price or would it have to go to a ECU specialist/tuner? My opinion is that as it's a software update/bug fix, the customer shouldn't have to pay Audi, although I am realistic and know this will never happen!

Cheers Rob.
 
I'm AUA, but the pull away has been a common annoyance on all the A1 1.4 petrol, i think. The thread sounded like people over there paid for it, in the region of 100 euros.
 
I've not read the thread being talked about, but maybe a call to Vince at Stealth Racing in Southam might be worthwhile as he has a good reputation for TDi remaps and may have some knowledge.

Just a thought.......

Cheers

Jeff
 
I'd read that also but thought it only applied to BBYs - I have an AUA.
Mine seems more responsive when you reset the basic settings but soon returns to form.
A remap may give better results but won't seem cost affective compared to a tdi :(
 
Mine seems more responsive when you reset the basic settings but soon returns to form.

What do you mean by reset basic settings? A throttle body alignment or....?

I'm going to ring the stealers tomorrow and see how much they would charge for a re-flash of the ecu with the later software. If I have no luck with them then I'll try Audi UK.

If Audi are no use/prices are ridiculous then I'll give Vince a call and seek his advise.

Cheers Rob.
 
I have read on a thread somewhere about the ecu update someone paid for from Audi as a disc which from memory was about £45 he/she then had it downloaded to the car by his local software man. I think the 'changeover' date was in 2002, but if its like mine which was registered in 03 it could still be an early 02 car, which was/is annoying. Incedently Rob, do you have a preference between the 1.4 and FSI ? Cheers Colin
 
Well, after several calls with Stoke Audi this morning, they have booked me in for the update to be installed tomorrow morning - free of charge! The first time, they came back saying that they would have to charge for a diagnostic scan to get the required info which would be £64. But after speaking to the servicing manager they decided as a gesture of good will the update should come under the warranty/recall's and be done free of charge. So fingers crossed all goes OK tomorrow!

Incedently Rob, do you have a preference between the 1.4 and FSI ? Cheers Colin
The FSI is a significantly faster car and also the FSI technology makes it more economical by around 3mpg, so performance wise I would say the 1.6. However, the FSI is a more complex engine and I have had a few problems with it, where as the 1.4 has been solid. Problems include fuel pipe leaks (they have to deal with a lot higher pressure than regular petrol's and therefore expensive from Audi) and a MAF problem. Although not as nippy as the FSI, the 1.4 still cruises fine on the motorway all day long and achieves very decent economy. So overall I like both, but if your interested in better performance then go for the FSI.

Cheers Rob.
 
What do you mean by reset basic settings? A throttle body alignment or....?

Cheers Rob.


Somewhere in the system is a 'reset basic settings' bit where (I think) it clears the figures from memory that it works from and then relearns. A throttle body clean and reset was well worth doing also.
It certainly started better after that, pretty much instantaneously rather that the couple of turns it normally takes. It felt keener and more responsive.

Re 1.4 v fsi, does the fsi lug better when loaded than the 1.4 &/or maintain speed up hills with cruise more easily? I miss the 70 up hill and down dale of a tdi, loaded or otherwise and I always seem to end up on flat roads when it's just me in it but hilliness when loaded :(
 
Somewhere in the system is a 'reset basic settings' bit where (I think) it clears the figures from memory that it works from and then relearns. A throttle body clean and reset was well worth doing also.
It certainly started better after that, pretty much instantaneously rather that the couple of turns it normally takes. It felt keener and more responsive.

Re 1.4 v fsi, does the fsi lug better when loaded than the 1.4 &/or maintain speed up hills with cruise more easily? I miss the 70 up hill and down dale of a tdi, loaded or otherwise and I always seem to end up on flat roads when it's just me in it but hilliness when loaded :(

Oh right, I'd be interested to know where exactly that is as I've never come across it before :)

Yes the FSI definitely pulls better up hills and the like, where as in the 1.4 you find yourself dropping down a gear and cruise can't cope. The FSI would just pull all day long. You get used to it though I guess!

Cheers Rob.
 
I'll try and reacquaint myself with the process and details, probably won't get a chance until next week though.

There's an fsi for sale locally needing an engine and I'm quite tempted by a little project.
 
Well back from Audi now, with a freshly updated ECU all under "good will" so free of charge :) The version they installed is Marcelli 4MV 5246. First impressions are that the car is definitely more responsive to the press of a throttle, and pulls away a lot better from standing. It also seems more nippy up the rev range, and pulls better in 5th. So I'm definitely glad I've had the update done and would recommend, after all it is free!

Rob.
 
Good stuff :cool:

Aye, that's the one. He's advertised it on here as well and it's pretty local to me as well but, morally, I need to get rid of one car before I get another :(
 
I've just been reading the thread and as I've got the BBY engine I checked my ECU software version and found it was Marelli 4MV5949, does anyone know if this is the latest version available or is there a more up todate version. My local stealers haven't a clue what I'm talking about.
Cheers
Mick
 
I've just been reading the thread and as I've got the BBY engine I checked my ECU software version and found it was Marelli 4MV5949, does anyone know if this is the latest version available or is there a more up todate version. My local stealers haven't a clue what I'm talking about.
Cheers
Mick

Hi Mick, I think you probably have the latest version. I thought the latest version was 5921 and looks like you have one after that! When I first approached Audi they also acted dum, but once I spoke to the service manager I started to get a bit more sense. They installed me 5246 (originally 4637) and I may go back and ask why the latest one which I thought was 5921 but now looks like you have a later one wasn't installed. How responsive do you find yours? Do you think there is any kind of delay in power when you hit the throttle from stand still? I originally thought mine was better after the update, but I think it has deteriorated again - probably because it has gone through a cycle of learns.

Cheers Rob.
 
Hi Rob
I've not had any problems with the acceleration, it seems pretty normal against other cars I've had but as this is the only A2 I've driven I couldn't say whether it's better or worse than most. I'm off to the stealers tomorrow to have my A6 MOT'd (for free) so I'll have a word with the service department while I'm there, I was trying on the phone earlier today and getting nowhere. All I kept getting told was there was no updates or recalls on the A2. I don't know if everyone has this problem but certain dealers seem to be completely out of the loop with regards to updates etc I asked mine about Opensky replacements and I might as well have been talking to a brick wall. Anyway I'll let you know how I get on.
Cheers
Mick
 
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