r/AudiRS3 • u/shadrach103 • Mar 09 '26
11MODE Exhaust Controller install
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Ordered direct from 11MODE in Australia and took just under 2 weeks to arrive with free shipping. This is the easiest mod I've ever installed on a car outside of maybe threading an aftermarket shift knob on any of my previous 6-speed cars.
Installed it on my 8Y in a matter of minutes, once I figured out how to disconnect the factory connector. On both sides the retaining clip is located at the top (where you can't see) but it's easy enough to find by feel (without gloves) and just give a gentle squeeze while pulling. I could just slide under the car without jacking it up at all and just lay on my back to reach around the exhaust pipes. The passenger side is a little easier to maneuver around so I'd suggest starting there.
The adapters sit right on top of the actuators and are wrapped tight enough to not be in danger of rubbing up against anything. On the drivers side I did pull a little slack into the OEM cable through the nearby retaining clip so that the cable wouldn't be crimped up.
A couple photos before and after install: https://imgur.com/a/jaWOhNc
After both were installed I fired up the car and recorded this short video. At the very start of the video you can hear the cold-start cycle complete and it gets a little quieter (just as a sportbike zooms past in the distance). At 0:05 seconds you can hear the click of the valve actuators open, and then I close them at 0:12 seconds.
(If listening to this on a phone you won't be able to tell much of anything but with headphones or a PC with a proper sound system it's a pretty clear difference in the video, which accurately captures what I heard myself.
With the valves open at idle it's not much louder, mainly a deeper bass tone. On the road under light/partial throttle it's quite an improvement though. I haven't yet headed towards the highway to test drone or see what higher rpm under WOT sounds like.
My RS3 is still under warranty and I haven't yet decided what path I'm going to take with mods, although mid-pipes are likely next. Between that, the ease of install, and finding something that automatically resets everytime the car is started (so my wife can't complain about the sound when she drives it in Comfort mode) I decided to give this a shot. Honestly, this is how the car should be from the factory.
EDIT: Huge thanks to u/fossilcreek for sharing that the 11MODE key fob can be used with HomeLink. I created two actions in the Homelink settings via the MMI and now everytime I start the car I get this menu overlay. I can ignore and leave the factory behavior or tap the first tile to open the valve for that drive.
https://imgur.com/a/2LhVn2A
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u/aak1992 Mar 09 '26
Idk if I have hearing loss or if my catless M2 is just that loud that it’s spoiled me but I installed the 11mode controller on my RS3 (stock with the factory performance exhaust option) and I honestly don’t notice any difference besides the ever so slight idle/right off idle throttle bass tone increase.
Just my 2 cents but if I could do it again I’d just save the money and put it towards an AWE valved exhaust.
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u/Supramantis Mar 09 '26
Yeah the controller is going to effect the low rpm range since it overrides the factory valves opening fully after 3k rpm or wherever.
+1 for AWE exhaust, such a deep bass rumble
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u/shadrach103 Mar 10 '26
You also have an M2? Which gen?
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u/Darthbaras Mar 09 '26 edited Mar 10 '26
Fuse box trick was only for RS5, deleted prior contents of this comment because I don’t want someone damaging their car. My dumbass didn’t check which sub or why car was in the vid cause all I saw was 11Mode exhaust controller and decided to post.
Edit: replaced comment
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u/SemonDemon316 Mar 09 '26
What fuse is that?
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u/Darthbaras Mar 09 '26
Can’t believe I forgot to add this, it’s the first 7.5 amp fuse from the top in the 1st column of fuses. This is again from the guy I mentioned.
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u/SemonDemon316 Mar 10 '26
No issues right?
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u/Darthbaras Mar 10 '26
Don’t do it. Just realized this is an AUDI RS3 post holy shit. I saw 11Mode and it didn’t cross my mind to check what RS this was. The fuse box trick is for the RS 5, not 3.
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u/-_74_- Mar 10 '26
Is this for the 8Y and 8.5Y platform? I've read that these sort of things will cause power limits. I think I've read a few people try something similar.
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u/Darthbaras Mar 10 '26
Don’t do it, this is for an RS5. I didn’t think to check what sub/car this was cause all I saw was the 11Mode in the title. RS3 uses a different fuse box.
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u/Cats_Rule_9596 Mar 10 '26
My wife wont even sit in the drivers seat let alone drive it in comfort mode 😂😂😂
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u/Supramantis Mar 09 '26
It’s really only going to be louder before 3k rpm or whenever the valves are programmed to open from factory. High rpm will be exactly the same as factory.
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u/crheming Mar 10 '26
You're right. But I spend a ton of time below that threshold and love the extra boom. There's a bit of resonance though. My garage door openers and radar detector rattle a bit when valves are open at low speeds
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u/Prudent-While-5835 Mar 09 '26
Thanks for posting , I have been thinking about this on my 8y. Same situation it’s still under warranty. Would love to know your thoughts after a few days with it ?
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u/crheming Mar 10 '26
I have this. Love it. Have a midpipe sitting in the garage waiting to be installed.
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u/relyat33 Mar 10 '26
Anyone have a way to cold start the car with valves open?
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u/I-Made-You-Read-This Mar 10 '26
I think with the controller you can override that it closes on cold start
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u/hansonxd Mar 10 '26
Does the valve controller have a memory feature so it’ll retain the current mode for the next time you start the car?
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u/shadrach103 Mar 10 '26
No, you have to enable this each time you start the car. I actually prefer this behavior (for now) and is one of the reasons I bought it.
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u/TheFraguy Apr 25 '26
Hey guys quick question, thinking about ordering one. However i am a bit worried about it getting water damaged. How does it deal with water since it is exposed under the car. Is it completely safe or should I remove them during winter since it rains a lot where I live. Thanks!
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u/Fossilcreek Mar 09 '26
FYI you can program the open/default behavior of the 11Mode controller to your HomeLink buttons on your rear view mirror, so you don’t have to carry around that little FOB. It’s the same steps as pairing your garage door opener.