The Audi A8, a flagship of luxury and performance, boasts a sophisticated electronic system controlled by a network of modules. Using a diagnostic tool like VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnostic System), owners can access these modules and unlock hidden features or customize existing ones. This guide compiles a comprehensive list of VCDS mods specifically for the Audi A8, allowing you to tailor your driving experience.
Customizing Your Audi A8 with VCDS
VCDS offers a wide array of modifications for the A8, ranging from subtle tweaks to significant functional changes. Below, we’ve categorized these modifications by system for easier navigation.
Lighting
- Disable Amber Corner Lights: Deactivate the amber side markers commonly found on US models.
[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Coding - 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 10 Submodule 0 Bit 3 - Set to 0 - Enable Euro Parking Lights: Activate the European-style parking lights, utilizing the turn signals at night.
[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Coding - 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 9 Bit 0 - Set to 1 - Enable Front Turn Signals as Parking Lights: Use your front turn signals as parking lights.
[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Coding - 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 10 Bit 0 - Check the box or change :Bit 0 to 1 - DRL Customization: Configure your Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) to include various combinations of front side markers, high beams, fog lights, LEDs, side markers, and tail lights.
[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Coding - 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 2(Adjust individual bits for desired configuration) - Adjust DRL Nighttime Brightness: Fine-tune the brightness of your DRLs during nighttime driving.
[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Security Access - 16] [Adaptation - 10] -> Channel 3 (Set between 5 and 100) - Fog Lamp with Turn Signal: Activate the fog lamp on the same side as the activated turn signal.
[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Coding - 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 4 Bit 0 - Check the box or change :Bit 0 set to 1 - Independent Rear Fogs with High Beams: Control rear fog lights independently even when high beams are activated. (Front fogs on A8 typically operate in ‘all-weather’ mode).
[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Coding - 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 4 Bit 2 – Uncheck the box or change :Bit 2 to 0 - Coming/Leaving Home Customization: Enable/Disable and adjust duration and activation thresholds for the Coming Home and Leaving Home lighting features.
[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Coding - 07] -> Long Code Helper -> Byte 6and[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Security Access - 16] [Adaptation - 10] -> Channels 43, 46, 37 - Headlight Washer Settings: Modify the duration, activation delay, and frequency of the headlight washers.
[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Security Access - 16] [Adaptation - 10] -> Channels 6, 25
Convenience
- Disable After-Wipe: Deactivate the after-wipe function of the windshield wipers.
[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Coding - 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 1 Bit 3 - Remove check mark - Disable Key Warning: Turn off the key warning chime.
[46 – Central Conv.] [Coding - 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 9 Bit 7 set to 0 - Disable “Lights On” Warning: Disable the warning chime that sounds when opening the door with the lights on.
[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Coding - 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 5 Bit 3 - Set to 0 - Disable NAV/Phone Warnings While Driving: Prevent distracting navigation and phone warning messages while entering data at speed.
[5F - Information Electr.] -> Adaptation -> Set channel 2 & 3 to 250 - Disable Seatbelt Chime: Deactivate the seatbelt warning chime.
[17 - Instruments] [Coding - 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 0 Bit 2-4 – Seat Belt Warning inactive - Enable Double Disarm Beep: Add a second beep to confirm disarming the alarm.
[46 - Central Conv.] [Adaptation - 10] -> Channel 63 Add 4 - Auto Locking/Unlocking: Enable or disable automatic locking and unlocking of the doors.
[46 – Central Conv.] [Coding - 07] -> Long Code Helper -> Byte 5 – Bit 4 (Auto lock) Bit 5 (Auto Unlock) - Remote Windows/Sunroof: Enable remote operation of the windows and sunroof using the key fob.
[46 - Cent. Conv.] [Coding - 07] -> [Long Coding Helper] Byte 2 Bit 2 - Set to 1 - Parking Brake Release: Modify parking brake release behavior, allowing release without pressing the brake pedal or wearing a seatbelt.
[53 - Parking Brake] [Security Access - 16] [Adaptation - 10] -> Channel 4 (No Foot on Brake) Channel 7 (No Seatbelt)
Instrumentation and Display
- Adjust Date Display Format: Change the date format displayed on the instrument cluster.
[17 – Instruments] [Coding - 07] -> Long Code Helper -> Byte 7 - Upshift Display: Activate or deactivate the upshift display in the center panel.
[17 – Instruments] [Adaption - 10] -> Upshift Display in center panel - Enable Gauge Test/Needle Sweep: Activate the gauge test/needle sweep function on startup.
[17 - Instruments] [Coding - 07] -> Long Coding Helper -> Byte 1 Bit 0 - Enable Reverse Mirror Tilt: Enable the passenger-side mirror to tilt down when reversing.
[52 Door Elect, Pass.] -> [Coding - 07] -> [Long Coding Helper] -> Byte 4 Bit 4 and Bit 2 set to 1 - Enable Hidden MMI Menu: Access a hidden menu within the MMI system for advanced settings (use with caution).
[5F - Information Electr.] [Adaptation - 10] -> Channel 6 change 0 to 1 - Enable VIM on MMI: Enable Video In Motion on the MMI system, allowing video playback while driving (check local regulations).
[5F - Information Electr.] [Advanced ID - 1A] [Security Access] [Adaptation - 10] -> Channel 48 Set to 255
Comfort and Interior
- Adjust Seat Heat Stepdown Time: Customize the time it takes for the heated seats to reduce heat levels.
[08 – HVAC] [Adaptation - 10](Consult detailed documentation for specific channel and settings). - Adjust Massage Settings: Fine-tune the massage function in your seats, adjusting shut-off time, and intensity.
[88 – Driver's Seat] or [89 - Passenger's Seat] [Adaptation - 10](Consult detailed documentation for specific channel and settings). - Adjust Heated Steering Wheel Temperature: Modify the temperature of the heated steering wheel.
[16 – Steering Wheel] [Adaptation - 10] -> Channel-10(Temperature is in Celsius). - Set ADS Preset: Set the Audi Drive Select (ADS) to a specific preset (Comfort, Auto, Dynamic, or Individual) on startup.
[09 – Cent. Elect.] [Security Access - 16] [Adaptation - 10] -> Channels 63, 64, 65, 66(All four channels need to be set to the same value).
This list provides a starting point for exploring the customization potential of your Audi A8 with VCDS. Remember to always back up your original coding before making any changes and proceed with caution. Incorrect coding can potentially lead to malfunctions. Refer to reputable online forums and resources for detailed instructions and support. Enjoy unlocking the hidden potential of your Audi A8!
