2012 Tiguan APR Tune

[z1000]

I decided to go for an APR Stage I tune and had one done by the guys at European Autotech at Mona Vale. What a difference................better even than I had hoped for. Derek and his boys were great to deal with and my 2012 Tiguan 132TSI is now an even greater joy to drive.

Hi JB,

Do you recall if European Autotech mention anti-tamper bolts on ECU casing for your 2012 Tig?

[tigger73]

hahahaha, a massive safety bonus, i love it

Do they do one of those trial tunes?

APR used to do a 6 hour trial tune (though you'd need to check if this is still the case). After that it will then revert back to "stock" or an "APR" stock.

The problem is that your ECU needs to be taken out and flashed on the bench. There is a reasonable amount of work in doing this so what is usually a "free" trial/demo (if they can flash it over OBD port) will usually end up costing you some workshop time.

The other thing you have to keep in mind is that (and you'd have to confirm this but I've heard from a reliable source) that the ECU then becomes "locked" to APR tunes and means that other tuners are unable to read/write the ECU.

Which is OK if you want to try before you buy with APR, but if you then want to take it to another tuner you may have issues.

So I suggest that you do your homework and decide what you want. Most people that get the tunes done on a 125/132 say it's a massive difference and the best bang for your buck. So if that's what you want then I'd get it done.

There's a few other tuners out there but they will definitely need to take your ECU out and do a bench tune which does limit your options.

Having said all that APR are a reputable company with good back-up and support. There are quite a few Tigs with APR tunes running around so I'm sure if you went that way you wouldn't be disappointed.

[Guy_H]

As above: To even do a trial - the ECU has to come out - so we prefer to give you a 7 day money back guarantee.

If you have an APR trial, tuners with "cheaper" tuning tools may not be able to flash over it, but the better tuners can (Like Revo,GIAC etc - oh and of course VW) can flash over it with ease- but don't forget, the same goes for other trials or versions of software - not just APR.

It's not the software that causes an issue, it's some peoples tools are not up to the job.

Security bolts seem to be a bit random - saying that they can be removed in minutes & replacements are about 30 cents each - so it's not an issue.

[Transporter]

That's right, well equipped shop will flash over anything, including the APR, so anyone in Adelaide, stuck with the APR or other tune trial, you can drive to me and for a fee, I can put the stock VW file back in for you.

...after that, you can make your choice again.

[Guy_H]

Autologic (as above) is one of the many tools that can rewrite an ECU