Control Module
J500

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Audi magnetic ride
Overview

Design and function

A newly developed Audi magnetic ride system will be
optionally available on the 2015 Audi S3 at a later date.

The system has the same functional principle as the
systems currently being used in the, TT and R8 models.

The system is operated using Audi drive select. Three different suspension set-ups ranging from sporty to comfortable
can be selected.

The system components and the key new design and
functional features are described below.

Driving Profile
Selection Switch
Module E592

Damping Adjustment
Indicator Lamp K189

Damping Adjustment Valves,
left front N336
right front N337

612_007a

Vehicle level sender, rear
right G77
rear left G76

Damping Adjustment
Valves,
left rear N338
right rear N339

Electronic Damping
Control Module J250

Level Control Sensors,
right front G289
left front G78

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Damping Adjustment Valves
N336-339
As with the systems used on current Audi models, singletube shock absorbers are also used on the 2015 Audi S3.
The shock absorbers essentially differ from those of the
predecessor model in respect to the new features on the
2015 Audi A3 below.
The damper pistons have two separate magnetic coils.
These allow the same magnetic flow to be achieved using
smaller iron cross-sections, thereby reducing eddy current
losses. This improves the magnetic properties of the coils
and thus allows damping forces to be built up more quickly.
The result is enhanced comfort.
Single-conductor technology was used in the shock absorbers on the predecessor model. Electric current was fed to
the magnetic coil in the piston through a wire, while the
piston and piston rod acted as the ground circuit. Twinconductor technology is used on the 2015 S3. With this
system, the ground circuit is a separate wire. This eliminates the need for extensive electrical insulation and simplifies system diagnostics.
The damper seal has also been redesigned. The result is
better low temperature stability and resistance to ingress
of dirt from the exterior.

Optimized
seals

Damper pistons with
twin magnetic coils

Two separate lines for
electrical current supply
and return

612_008

The diameter of the rear axle shock absorbers has been
reduced from 1.8 in (46 mm) to 1.4 in (36 mm) when
compared to the predecessor model which provides a
weight saving benefit.

Electronic Damping Control
Module J250
Electronic Damping Control Module J250 has also been
upgraded. A new processor provides increased speed while
the internal memory has been substantially expanded. A
new security concept has been adapted to enhance system
diagnostics.
The frequency of the pulse width modulated signal used to
activate the shock absorbers has been increased to 31 kHz.
This reduces the variation in magnetic forces and damping
forces and thereby improves acoustics. The damper is not
activated when the vehicle is stationary (speed signal = 0).
Faster force reduction and more precise and comfortable
control are achieved by a new switching concept for the
deactivation path. In addition, various new requirements
were met, such as a reduction in static current consumption.
The control module is installed under the right front seat.

25

612_009

Level Control System Sensors
G76-78, G289
Four vehicle level senders are also used in the Audi S3. They
have the same function as the senders of the current A4.
They were adapted to the installation space available in the
S3 by making geometric modifications.

612_010

Operation and driver information
System settings are made through Audi drive select by
pressing the corresponding button in the toolbar. The first
push of the button displays the mode currently set in the
Driver Information System. This display remains active for
six seconds. If the button is pressed again during this time,
the next mode is selected in the following order:

•

comfort - auto - dynamic - individual
612_011

In vehicles with NAV, settings can optionally be made in the
CAR menu using the turn-push button of the MMI system.
In vehicles with the multifunction steering wheel, the
programmable button can used as an operating element
for Audi drive select.

612_012a

612_013

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Service operations
Audi magnetic ride has self-diagnostic capability. If system
faults are detected, the warning lamp in the instrument
cluster and the text output in the Driver Information
System are activated. The damping control system is modified accordingly or deactivated completely depending on
the severity of the fault. ESP is activated automatically
when required.
The control module be accessed after moving the front
right seat back as far as it will go. It is located under a cover
on the carpet.
The control module is encoded only when writing the
vehicle data record. After encoding has been completed,
the “Program default suspension height” can be performed
using the VAS Scan Tool.
The “Program default suspension height” Test Plan must
always be performed after reinstalling/replacing:

•
•
•

27

Electronic Damping Control Module J250
a shock absorber (or multiple shock absorbers)
a vehicle level sensor

612_015

Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
Overview

Driver Assistance Systems
Camera R242

ACC is available as an option for the first time in the A3
model line. The customer can choose between two options:

•

The stand-alone ACC option operates over a speed range of
0 mph - 94 mph ( 0 km/h - 150 km/h) on vehicles equipped
with an automatic transmission. (Note: the 2015 A3 in
North America will only be available with an automatic
transmission at the time of launch)

•

If the vehicle has the optional “driver assistance
package” which includes ACC, the system operates with
an extended speed range of 0 mph - 125 mph (0 km/h
- 200 km/h) for vehicles with an automatic transmission.
This optional package also includes Driver Assistance
Systems Camera R242.

There is no difference between the systems in terms of
their design and function.

Adaptive Cruise Control Sensor G259 and
Distance Regulation Control Module J428

612_041

Design and function
Radar sensors with four transmitter and receiver units are
used on 2015 A3. The ACC system generally functions the
same as systems currently in use on other Audi models.
The A3 has the ACC stop and go function if the vehicle is
equipped with an automatic transmission.
The pre-warning and braking intervention functions used in
current Audi models under the designation “braking guard”
are now included in Audi pre-sense.
A new safety function for the A3 model automatically
brakes the vehicle in the event of an impending collision at
speeds below 19 mph (30 km/h). This function (post
collision brake assist) is also included in Audi pre-sense.
The measurement data obtained by the ACC system provides the basis for identification of collision hazards. The
ACC Control Module determines if a collision hazard exists
or not.

612_042

Operation and driver information
The control options and elements are the same as for the
systems currently being used in other Audi models. As before,
the main operating functions can be executed using the ACC
stalk.
The pre-warning function, now implemented in Audi pre-sense,
or the overall Audi pre sense function can be deactivated in
models equipped with MMI.

Service and diagnostic operations

612_043

The service and diagnostic operations are also identical to
those of the system in the current Audi A4.
28

Wheels and tires
Overview

A.

B.

E.

F.

E.

C.

D.

A3

Wheels & Tires
A. 7.5J x 17 5-spoke-Star-design
225/45 R17 all-season tires
B. 7.5J x 17 10-spoke Dynamic-design
225/45 R17 all-season tires
C. 8.0J x 18 10-spoke-Design, Audi exclusive
225/40 R18 all-season tires
225/40 R18 summer performance tires
D. 8.0J x 19 5-arm-Wing-design, Anthracite
polished 235/35 R19 summer
performance tires
E. 8.0J x 18 5-arm double spoke S3 design
225/40 R18 summer performance tires
225/40 R18 all-season tires
F. 8.0J x 19 5-parallel spoke Cast Aluminum design
225/35 R19 summer performance tires

Code
C0X
H7K
C5I
H7K

S3

Package

1.8T

2.0T

2.0TDI

——





——

——

——

——

——



——

——

o

o

o

——

——

o

o

——

——

——

——

——

——



——

——

——

——

o

CL7
HX9
HJ4
C7D
H13
C0J
HJ4
HX9
C6H
H13

= Standard
= Optional
= Not Available

1 Tires are supplied and warranted by their manufacturer. High-performance tires are designed for optimum performance and handling in warm
climates. They are not suitable for cold, snowy, or icy weather conditions. If you drive under those circumstances, you should equip your vehicle
with all-season or winter tires, which offer better traction under those conditions. We suggest you use the recommended winter or all-season
tire specified for your car or its equivalent. These high-performance tires also have a lower aspect ratio that aids performance and handling;
however, in order to avoid tire, rim or vehicle damage, it is important that the inflation pressure is regularly checked and maintained at optimum
levels. Please also remember in making your selection that, while these tires deliver responsive handling, they may ride less comfortably and
make more noise than other choices. Finally, these tires may wear more quickly than other choices.
29

Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The 2015 Audi A3 uses the second generation tire pressure
monitoring system. It functions based on information
from the ABS/ESP Control Module. It is identical to the
system currently in use on other Audi models in terms of
design, operation, driver information provided, service
operations and diagnostics.

A3

S3

625_148

30

eSelf Study Program
For further information about the technology in the 2015 Audi A3, refer to the following eSelf Study Programs.

eSelf Study Program 970343

eSelf Study Program 990143
eSelf Study Program 970243

The 2015 Audi A3 Introduction

The 2015 Audi A3 Vehicle Electronics
and Driver Assistance Systems

The 2015 Audi A3 Onboard Power Supply
and Networking Systems

• The Self Study Programme teaches a basic knowledge of the design and functions of new models, new
automotive components or new technologies.

Note

It is not a Repair Manual! Figures are given for explanatory purposes only and refer to the data valid at the
time of preparation of the SSP.
For further information about maintenance and repair work, always refer to the current technical literature.

2

990143
The 2015 Audi A3
Introduction

31

970243
The 2015 Audi A3
Onboard Power Supply
and Networking Systems

2

970343
The 2015 Audi A3 Vehicle
Electronics and Driver
Assistance Systems

Knowledge Assessment
An On-Line Knowledge Assessment (exam) is Available for this eSelf-Study Program.
The Knowledge Assessment is required for Certification.
You can find this Knowledge Assessment at:
www.accessaudi.com
From the accessaudi.com Homepage:

•
•
•

Click on the “ACADEMY” tab
Click on the “Academy site” link
Click on the Course Catalog Search and select “960143 - The 2015 Audi A3 Running Gear and Suspension System”
Please submit any questions or inquiries via the Academy CRC Online Support Form
which is located under the “Support” tab or the “Contact Us” tab of the Academy CRC.

Thank you for reading this eSelf-Study Program and taking the assessment.

32

960143
All rights reserved.
Technical specifications are
subject to change without notice.
Audi of America, LLC
2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive
Herndon, VA 20171
33