2018 Q7 3.0t, Joins the Family

With the Q5 sadly out, we decided to get something a little bigger. We were really trying to find something other than white, but this one had everything we wanted and more.  2018 Q7 Prestige, with the same 3.0t supercharged motor, all the drive assist features and tech features offered, air ride, and what I've enjoyed the most is the 4-wheel steering. It is crazy that the Q7 can make a tighter turn than our past 2013 Q5 and likely my S4. And to top it off it came with new Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4. I run them on my 2013 S4 and love them for our PNW environment!

Last night, I got the TCU and 91 Stage 1 Jackal Motorsports tune flashed. I read it would take 30-40mins to flash, so I had a battery tender connected just to be safe. The flashing software was very self explanatory and just worked. Post flash and maybe 30 miles on the Q7 at this point, this tune is one of the smoothest I've ever ran. We had EPL on the Q5 and while it was "ok" I don't think I really knew what I was missing. With Jackal the standard "Drive" mode everything is just so smooth. Shifts are quick, perfect, and nearly unnoticeable. I think locking the supercharger clutch just make the Q7 feel so much more natural. In sport mode the beast is alive and pulls hard for just a stage 1. Obviously it doesn't pull like my Stage 2 2013 S4, but it is getting there. The other thing that is just a nice little touch that they enabled the gear number to show in the cluster. While I can enabled this in OBDEleven it is nice I don't have to burn any credits for that. I will for sure switch the 2013 S4 from EPL to Jackal when I get a chance. I have a feeling it will open it up even more. 

The other thing I immediately added was wireless Android Auto. As a Android family we went with the "AAWireless Two" (affiliate link). I really liked the option were you can use the button on the device to quickly switch from connected phones. Before we would just have to disable the bt and wireless of whoever is not driving which would get annoying if you weren't the last to be connected. This just feels more seamless. 

What our to do list?

• Stage 2 Jackal tune (done as of 9/24/2025
  • Undecided if I go with just a smaller upper pulley or go with a larger crank pulley. I don't think we will go stage 2+. In either case, larger heat exchange will be needed. 
• New NGK BKR8EIX Spark plugs, per the recommendation of Jackal Motors for our tune. I will be installing in the coming weeks. (affiliate link)
• 034 Lowering links - Currently on order (link)
  • Even the wife wants it lower than what it is in dynamic mode. Happy wife happy life!
• Front 12.5mm wheel spacers and 20mm rear wheel spacers - Currently on order
  • Rear tires are way too tucked so going with a semi-flush look.
• Oil change and filter. 5W-30 Valvoline Restore and Protect (affiliate link) 
  • The plan is to run it for for 2-3 oil changes. I've had good success with reducing oil consumption/blow by with it. Lots of people have had luck with it unlocking piston rings. Yes there is the B12 flush option but I rather go the slower route. Toward the end of spring 2026 switch to Valvoline Euro 5W-40 but the summer 2026. 
• New Mann Air Intake Filter (affiliate link)
  • I would go with a performance one, but $200+ for a filter alone is insane. 
• New cabin filter (affiliate link)
• CRC GDI Intake cleaner treatment. I know with the port injection this is less of a issue with intake valve carbon build up, but a little extra help.
• VW/Audi Fuel treatment (affiliate link)
  • Used on the Q5 and it certainly help smoothed out the idle. No idea if the previous owner was running good fuel or cheap junk.  
• Might have a bad strut mount or ball join in the front driver side. Very minor knock, will just keep an eye on it.
• Wheels need a powder coat refresh.  Likely will wait until after winter for this. 
• Somesort of exhaust. My wife and my daughter (new driver), don't like how quiet it is. We are a car family to the core, so I'm on the search for something. There is a few valved option, but the price point seems a little crazy. Sadly AWE doesn't do a exhaust for the Q7 or I would order that in a heart beat. 

Out side of this the Q7 is pretty clean. Yes it got some scratches int he rear bumper, but since I details cars part time, we got that handled. More pictures to come with the lowering link and wheel spacers. ​