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GeoffT
03-07-2007, 05:32 PM
I'm just starting to look at getting an A3 sportback 2.0 tdi 140 and I'm having a test drive at the weekend. I'm looking through the range of options on it and was hoping for some help on a couple of points.

The options list shows an Ipod console for the audio system. I'm sure there used to be a USB port as an alternative when I looked at this a few months back, but it's not shown in the options list. Does anyone know if it is still available and if so how well it works?

Also I want a bluetooth phone connection, but the only options appear to be a GSM phone preparation on either the dash or centre armrest. I don't want to actually plug the phone in, I just want it to connect via bluetooth. Is this possible via an Audi option or do I have to go aftermarket for this?

Thanks

Geoff

Crisis
09-07-2007, 03:55 PM
Have recently ordered (not me but family) a new Audi TT

The bluetooth car kit was avaliable but required the multi function steering wheel so the kit added to £500 or so. Aftermarket is much cheaper.

The USB is still offered as is the iPod connection (all in glove box) for £150 at dealer.

This is for the TT. But I would imagine most/all models would be suitable.

Froggy
09-07-2007, 04:35 PM
I can't help with the USB stuff I'm afraid, however the Factory Bluetooth telephone kit is very well integrated.

It uses Sim Access Profile, and means that the car uses your Sim details but actually has a separate GSM phone module. Your phone book is also transferred which means full control of the phone from the steering wheel is available. Caller ID comes up on the Dis. You can select phone book entries all from the steering wheel.

It doesn't use your phone as such, only for access to your Sim information. It has a separate GSM module, proper external aerial, etc. That's why it's not cheap.;)

prolfe
09-07-2007, 04:53 PM
The iPod connection as a new option is £175, to order afterwards is £150 and to fit it yourself will be just the parts themselves.

£100 for the iPod kit
£5 for the stereo keys

£0 for your time

I did mine in about an hour. I can tell you about it from start to finish if you want.

I'm glad I did not order it as a option. The multi function steering wheel is a better £165 to spend.

GeoffT
09-07-2007, 04:59 PM
Thanks for the replies.

Froggy - I hadn't realised that the phone prep was actually a seperate GSM module. At least that goes someway to explian the price. Where does the external aerial fit? I test drove an A3 sportback on Saturday and noticed that it doesn't have an external radio aerial (it's in the rear screen) does the phone aerial use a similar system?

Crisis - Is the USB option listed in the brochure or online configurator for the TT? I can't find that option anywhere for the A3 sportback. I've emailed Audi UK for confirmation and details of how the Ipod/USB connection works. I understand that earlier versions couldn't display track names on the stereo display, but am hoping that the latest stereo might have that facility. I'll post their reply when I get it.

Prolfe - mmm interesting. So £25 cheaper to have it fitted later or £100 for DIY! I might see what the dealer says when it comes to price negotiation.

Crisis
09-07-2007, 07:05 PM
Its in the brochure of the TT. And I think its online.

I'd be interested to retro fit the iPod kit in the Audi A3. Probably be fitting an After Market HU so get the Alpine Kit.

GeoffT
09-07-2007, 08:17 PM
I've just checked online and the USB is on the options list for the TT but not the A3. Strangely the Ipod or USB option is £150 for the TT whereas the Ipod is £175 for the A3. The TT data states that the standard stereo is the Concert II and the A3 just says Concert. I'm pretty sure that the A3 now comes with Concert II (the multiline display model with 3 buttons down either side) this is certainly what was in the one I drove on saturday as it played the MP3 CD that I took to test. So maybe the website and brochures haven't caught up yet for the A3. Hopefully Audi UK will clear this up for me soon. I'd much prefer the USB option as I don't have an Ipod (am I the only one left?) and think that a USB stick is the best way to go for in-car MP3. I just hope that:
a) The USB option is available for the A3.
b) The Concert II can display track data and read playlists.
c) It can cope with the latest 8Gb USB sticks.

prolfe
09-07-2007, 08:25 PM
I've just checked online and the USB is on the options list for the TT but not the A3. The TT data states that the standard stereo is the Concert II and the A3 just says Concert. I'm pretty sure that the A3 now comes with Concert II (the multiline display model with 3 buttons down either side) this is certainly what was in the one I drove on saturday as it played the MP3 CD that I took to test. So maybe the website and brochures haven't caught up yet for the A3. Hopefully Audi UK will clear this up for me soon. I'd much prefer the USB option as I don't have an Ipod (am I the only one left?) and think that a USB stick is the best way to go for in-car MP3. I just hope that:
a) The USB option is available for the A3.
b) The Concert II can display track data and read playlists.
c) It can cope with the latest 8Gb USB sticks.

I have a 56 plate 2007 A3 and as of 2007 they come with a Concert II with the 3 buttons down each side like you say. (and the sport model now come with new 5 Spoke 17" alloys)

When the iPod is plugged in, the track names are not displayed, the playlists are displayed as CD1, CD2 etc etc.

It can play MP3's with folders etc etc.

Oh and it has 9 speakers plus a Bass speaker and sounds very very loud.

:)

Crisis
09-07-2007, 08:27 PM
The iPod or USB connection requires you to make 6 Playlists called CD1, 2, 3 etc. Then you use the selection on screen to choose the playlist. This is true of the TT setup.

Im not sure if their is a maximum file limit/size for each playlist. Supposedly you could have a playlist which is everything.

prolfe
09-07-2007, 08:40 PM
The iPod or USB connection requires you to make 6 Playlists called CD1, 2, 3 etc. Then you use the selection on screen to choose the playlist. This is true of the TT setup.

Im not sure if their is a maximum file limit/size for each playlist. Supposedly you could have a playlist which is everything.


I have over 800 songs on one playlist so they can be huge.

You also have to activate random every time the car is started.

prolfe
09-07-2007, 09:17 PM
In fact www.vagparts.co.uk do a genuine iPod adaptor kit for the new A3 at £75 including VAT

GeoffT
09-07-2007, 09:22 PM
Crisis- does the Concert II still not display track details when playing the Ipod playlists?

Prolfe - thanks for the PM. Nice pics. Can't PM back as I haven't posted 10 times.

I'm beginning to wonder if the best option might be the Symphony II . 6 MP3 CDs would be around 5 Gb and they would be able to display track data. Seems a backward step though and I'm really surprised Audi haven't come up with a better interface. Fiat can do it with Blue&Me in a £10k Punto why can't Audi?

prolfe
09-07-2007, 09:30 PM
Crisis- does the Concert II still not display track details when playing the Ipod playlists?

Prolfe - thanks for the PM. Nice pics. Can't PM back as I haven't posted 10 times.

I'm beginning to wonder if the best option might be the Symphony II . 6 MP3 CDs would be around 5 Gb and they would be able to display track data. Seems a backward step though and I'm really surprised Audi haven't come up with a better interface. Fiat can do it with Blue&Me in a £10k Punto why can't Audi?

It's the firmware that can't handle it. I'm not sure when they will release one. The adaptor just fools the head unit into thinking that there is a CD Changer attached.

I don't mind so much as I can just flick to the next random tune or next alphabetical artist.

It's all about setting up the playlists to suit.

Or

Get the iPod out on display in a holder. That way you can see the cool Audi logo on startup and all the track names.

It's been a £100 well spent and a world apart from tuning the radio to some obscure frequency that could drop off at any time (iPod FM Transmitters)

GeoffT
09-07-2007, 09:51 PM
Just found this

http://www.dension.com/icelinkgateway300.php

supposed to be compatible with Concert and shows track data as well

prolfe
09-07-2007, 10:03 PM
Just found this

http://www.dension.com/icelinkgateway300.php

supposed to be compatible with Concert and shows track data as well
"Only in some applications"

I'd have to see one on an A3 Concert II

Froggy
10-07-2007, 12:18 PM
Froggy - I hadn't realised that the phone prep was actually a seperate GSM module. At least that goes someway to explian the price. Where does the external aerial fit? I test drove an A3 sportback on Saturday and noticed that it doesn't have an external radio aerial (it's in the rear screen) does the phone aerial use a similar system?

The aerial is either shark-fin roof mounted (only if you have Nav I think), or in the side windows. They don't like putting them in the rear screen any more on hatchbacks, moving wires in the tailgate causes problems long term.

The Concert unit should actually be called either a Concert MP3 or Concert 3, as it is the 3rd generation of Concert fitted by Audi. The same could be said of the Symphony, it's the 3rd generation.

I'd be careful of using anything much bigger than 2gb without testing first. The Nav Plus units struggle with large SD cards, and the same may be true for the USB interface.

GeoffT
10-07-2007, 03:03 PM
I have spoken to Audi UK and my local dealer. A guy at Audi UK said that the Ipod console can display track names on the latest headunits, but when I asked if he could he email me confirmation of that so that I had it in writing, he suddenly seemed less sure and I haven't heard back! The dealer didn't know either but said they could retro-fit the console for the same price, and also had an audio specialist contact who could fit a USB connection if I wanted (he phoned him while I was there to check).

So I've decided to forget the Ipod console for now (as I like to know exactly what I am paying for) and get something sorted later.

Anyway, with that decision made, I've just ordered an A3 Sportback Sport 2.0 TDI 140PS in Mauritius Blue with Black/Grey Matrix cloth, 17" 16 spoke wheels, cruise, centre armrest, GSM phone prep, acoustic parking, 3 spoke multi-function wheel and non-smoking pack. The dealer got very close to the Broadspeed/Uknewcars price quotes I took in so I'm a happy bunny. :D

It's due mid/late September.

Thanks for all of your help

GeoffT
11-07-2007, 02:05 PM
Just received this email from Audi UK regarding Ipod console:.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unfortunately there is no literature available on the ipod package.

The ipod connection option fits into the interface for the CD changer and sits in the glove compartment.This simply plays tracks. At present there are no systems which recognise and display ipod playlist information.

There are certain makes of cd player which do play other files types such as MP3 but this needs to be advised at the time of ordering.

Track information can be displayed with the CD system on these models.

I hope that helps

Regards

Paul Chadwick
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Is it me or is does that make no sense at all? :confused:

The 3rd line of his email is particularly strange as I know that the current Concert headunit in A3's DOES play MP3s on CDs and that is now standard fit.


Glad I didn't take the word of the guy I spoke to at Audi UK who told me the latest headunits DO display Ipod track information.

Not impressed with Audi UK so far:mad:

GeoffT
16-07-2007, 03:43 PM
Just as a final note on this thread, I have just added the Symphony II (6 disc MP3 compatible headunit) to my options list. It seems expensive (aren't all Audi options), and I would have prefered a USB solution, but I figure that this is the only way I can guarantee playing MP3s, being able to browse through them by name, and displaying track details on screen. I know it would really bug me not be able to display track details with an Ipod/USB console. 6 MP3 CDs is 4.2 Gb so its a still around 750 tracks (or more if I reduce the bit-rate of my MP3s).

It's not a perfect solution but I reckon it's the best available at the moment. If it turns out that there is a retrofit USB port that displays track names, I'll get that as well and have the best of both worlds;)