MMI Basic to MMI High upgrade

[Steve_K]

Hiya guys. Im going to start the conversion tomorrow and as i know its always a hot topic on here, if anyone wants photo's and a guide of the parts i installed, how and what i did and the basic mechanics of the upgrade then give me a shout.

[Guest 2]

A guide would be really useful, especially if you take loads of photos with a good description of what's going on ;)

Only if you have the patience that is but it would be great.

[Steve_K]

Yeah thats no problem chris. The reason i put it on here is because i know a lot of people struggle with what things look like, where they go and how it all goes together so thought id make a decent guide for everyone so they can see what's involved. I'll take photo's of everything then put them into order of how they go in

[Guest 2]

Excellent - you can post it in here Audi - How To (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?270-Audi) when you're ready ;)

[Steve_K]

Certainly will. Hopefully ill have it up for Monday. Maybe Tuesday

[Brycie]

Nice one Steve, great idea & good luck with the mod. I'll await the guide with interest (and a rough guide to costs/suppliers as part of it would be interesting).

[Steve_K]

Yeah i'll do that Brycie. I got the whole system for £700. Thats everything from the control modules, new instrument cluster with colour DIS, bluetooth module, all associated wiring, shark fin, screen, screen trim, dvd nav unit and nav disk etc. Not bad when you think about it. And i got it all from one place. I'll put it in the guide

[Brycie]

That's pretty damn good mate, especially if you can do it yourself as I'd imagine the labour would take that up to closer to a grand if you had a professional do it. It's gonna be an interesting read & I'm especially curious as to how the sharkfin aerial gets added as presumably you need to cut a hole & run the cabling under the roof fabric.

[Steve_K]

I think its safe to say mate that im going to have to be extremely careful when cutting the hole in my roof. There's something very unnatural about cutting holes in bodywork, especially the roof. Just have to make sure its EXACTLY central as you dont get too many chances at it. I think ill leave that until last

[Guest 2]

How are you getting on, Steve?

Who is removing the component protection on the headunit?

[Steve_K]

Yeah not too bad thanks Chris. The dash and instrument cluster is out, I'm in the process of dropping the glovebox and fitting the new MMI control module. Then I'm gunna remove the passenger seat and start running the fibre optics back to the boot. Audi Barnstaple are doing it for me. Thy quoted me £150 for an hour and a half labour. That includes changing the mileage back, cluster coding and CP removal. I still think its a rip off at £150 but its Audi, it's a license to print money

[Guest 2]

Glad you're coming along, hopefully it's not too hard.

Thats not a bad price really considering what they're doing!

[Steve_K]

Yeah I know what you mean but still, a few clicks on a laptop and its done. But I'm not fussed really. As long as the system is fully working then I'm happy. To be honest mate, it's a pain in the adds at the minute. There's always an awkward screw hidden away out of view. Ha. I'll get there. Hopefully be up and running by tomorrow

[NHN]

Its not a few clicks on a laptop & its done fella, its a bit more involved than this, aswell as integrating into other systems, uploading existing coding to germany, downloading to new, possibly firmware updates, along with testing systems & road testing if necessary, it does take time.

Is it a new cluster as generally speaking the mileage can only be edited on a new cluster or used below 100km's, audi don't have the means (more like vag wont let them) via odis or vas to do used above that mileage.

[Steve_K]

The only reason I thought the price was a bit steep was because a friend of a friend had exactly the same done for £40 incl VAT at Audi in Leeds. It was a 30 minute slot, opposed to the 90 minute slot they've told me it'll take. I wasn't speaking literally when I said about a few clicks. I understand there's quite a bit to do. My point was that £150 for plugging in a laptop is a bit excessive compared to Audi Leeds charging £110 less for exactly the same thing. But seeings how most Audi dealerships are franchises now, it's to be expected that the price will fluctuate. Anyway, I've stripped most of the front end of the car out now, I just need to wire it all through then bolt everything back in place. Then code everything

[NHN]

I understand what you're saying, but there are lots of variables, so to say they had the exact same thing done may not be true of all or most scenarios.

Again, without being an*l, pedantic etc, its not £150 for plugging in a laptop, you have to consider the cost of the tools to do the coding, the technicians training, the building, electricity, etc etc etc, it all comes into play when charging people, as do we when going to sites all over the country, biggest killer for us is fuel & travel.

Some of these only are 30 minutes & if I was you would challenge them when its done, if completed whilst waiting, in 30 minutes.

There are no fluctuations on specific set jobs, all these jobs are based on timed units, no dealership has any different TU's to the other, some dealers are just not knowledgeable on the front desk to know the timescale for these things or are just plain ripping you of, so that's the part I'm understanding in your POV :)

However there are some situations that do require more time if there's an anomaly with your car or in your situation retrofitting a system, if there is something you've not done, done wrong, forgot etc, so in this example it may be justified charge, just see how long it takes & if its lower timescale then ask for a better price.

Good luck getting it all completed & let us know how you got on at the dealer :)

[Steve_K]

Yeah I'll let you know how long it actually takes and what exactly they did.

[MarkTM]

NHN, the problem is that you always pay 'software engineer rates' for jobs, some of which require little/no skills, like removing seats/carpet etc....so best to do that yourself.

For example Audi quoted me £1100+VAT for a towbar, had the same (Westfalia) bar supplied/fitted (with a 4 bike rack and light board) for £583 inc, the place that did it told me that they do all of that dealerships for them...so effectively Audi subcontract it out, pay them £250 inc and pocket a grand. No denying a great business model though when there are peeps stupid enough to pay it :biglaugh:

[Guest 2]

Well Steve how did you get on?

[Steve_K]

Nearly there mate. I had an issue with changing the power connection from the old system to the new as its a completely different pin arrangement and fitment. Got the last few little bits to do tonight and then I can finish putting the car back together. I've got about 300 photos as I've taken a picture of every bolt and clip I've removed (there's loads). Am I better creating the guide in PDF format then uploading it to here?

[Guest 2]

If you compile it all in a word document I can format it so it can be read on here.

Nearly there, hats off to you, I wouldn't have the patience to do it! ;)

[Steve_K]

Yeah I'll do that then. How are you planning on formatting it? Yeah it's been very emotional if I'm going to be honest. It's the sort of thing that's worth the effort, but you need a lot of time and patience. And a good knowledge about wiring and the way the MMI controls things etc. I was quite lucky really, I've got a basic knowledge but the finer details of the wiring, I had a friend who helped me out with odd bits here and there. I'll explain that's it not an easy undertaking in the guide

[Guest 2]

Not sure but I'll find a way to allow it in one single post but I'll deal with that when you send it

I'm sure I'm not the only one who appreciates what you're doing and I'm sure it will help a lot of people out.

It'll all be worth it in the end!

[Steve_K]

That's ok mate. That's what this forum's all about. Helping out fellow Audi owners. I'm surprised nobody has put one up before

[Brycie]

I would have Steve had 2 small issues not stopped me: lack of ability to do the job and the Wife possibly killing me if I asked to spend £700 on a mod :biglaugh:

[Steve_K]

Im sure she wouldn't have been overly happy with you for it Brycie. It's a very worthwhile upgrade, just takes a lot of time and patience in getting it done. And obviously the cost puts people off. I just figured that if I put the toys in that I want, then I'd be less tempted to upgrade to a brand new one at the expensive of about 40 grand.

[Guest 2]

Have you drilled the roof yet?

Intrigued at this as I would love the little sharkfin on my A3 which it lacks.

[Steve_K]

I haven't yet Chris. I've been putting it off to be honest. Ha. I've wired the new Bluetooth and GPS cables up onto the rear windshield (under the trim) which is supposed to be just as good as the sharks fin. The main reason I haven't done it yet is that the shark fin is dark silver and my A6 is metallic Daytona grey.

[Guest 2]

If you ever get round to it I'll definitely be intrigued on how you do it!

[Steve_K]

I'll definitely get round to it. I'm going to measure up the exact mid centre point just above my rear windshield, use a punch to make a circular dent in the place I want the hole to be, then drill the whole through (obviously ill have taken the roof trim out first). The ln run the cabling through the hole and underneath the rear windshield trim and down to the K box

[royclark]

I'll definitely get round to it. I'm going to measure up the exact mid centre point just above my rear windshield, use a punch to make a circular dent in the place I want the hole to be, then drill the hole through (obviously ill have taken the roof trim out first). The ln run the cabling through the hole and underneath the rear windshield trim and down to the K box

Put masking tape on first, mark your centre and use a cone drill.

http://i1263.photobucket.com/albums/ii626/royclark/stepdrill.jpg

[Steve_K]

Thanks Roy. Sounds like a slightly easier way of marking the centre point

[royclark]

Thanks Roy. Sounds like a slightly easier way of marking the centre point

The tape will protect your paint if the drill slips. Use a small pilot drill first.

[Garry_M]

Just read all 33 posts on this topic, I am not planning such a retrofit but i'm hooked on seeing the guide!!

[royclark]

just read all 33 posts on this topic, i am not planning such a retrofit but i'm hooked on seeing the guide!!

x 2

[NHN]

Yeap for roof antenna, eg. 8P chassis, measure up so all centered, with bootlid up so you don't fit it to far back, as to not foul on the lid when fitted, mask up the area, pilot the hole 1st, then use a cone cutter as imaged above, very slowly widen the hole, never ever brush the metal filings of, use a hoover or blow of the car as it will scratch the car badly & watch for filings in the window rubbers/seal, when hole is wide enough, put some rust protect on the edges & if you want, seal the paint etc with some external paint, then remove tape, test fit the antenna & check signal is all good, then do up the nut, job done.

Take your time & don't try & pull the drill out of the roof if it gets stuck or you'll warp the roof or bend the metal, just reverse it or unwind manually, done number of now & turns out fine if done correctly with the right tools :)

[Guest 2]

Sitting on the edge off my seat Steve, please tell us its up and running?! ;)

[scribe]

Hi Steve,

I hope it all went well and you still intend to publish the guide (I couldn't see it when I looked).

In the mean time do you think you could publish a parts list and links to where you purchased the kit?

I would love to do the upgrade and it would give me a good idea as to what's involved.

Cheers

[Guest 2]

Steve, must be done now?!

Scribe, he hasn't posted it yet, I think he is sending it to me to put it in a forum-friendly format then I'll upload it here.

[Steve_K]

Hiya guys. Yeah it's done now. Sorry I haven't put it on yet, I've just been ridiculously busy with work so haven't had time to finish the guide. I'll post it on in the next 4 days at the most. As far as the parts list is concerned, this is the basic thins you'll need:

7 inch colour display
screen and cluster trim to accommodate new screen
mmi high screen control module
all the fibre optic cabling for new modules
new k box
dvd nav drive.

There is a few more things I've added like Bluetooth module and digital tv but they're optional extra's

[Brycie]

Wow, digital tv? It gets better & better, can't wait.

[gupsterg]

Hey Brycie perhaps you not seen this Link:- http://www.stromgmbh.de/carpc/

Perhaps Steve another upgrade for you to do ;) , can wait to read your guide :fing02:, are you hiding the bills form the wife? :D ...

[Steve_K]

Luckily gupsterg I'm single at the minute so I've not had to justify spending my own money. Which is always nice. Yeah that does look like a very good retrofit to be fair to the guy. A lot of time and effort had gone into that no doubt

[Brycie]

Thanks Gup, not seen that before & it's a great little guide. Little scary taking off the tailgate & I wouldn't tackle the pc bit, but the end result is amazing. Thanks for sharing :beerchug:

[gupsterg]

Yeah that does look like a very good retrofit to be fair to the guy. A lot of time and effort had gone into that no doubt

Yep something I really wanted to do but I won't go into reasons why I didn't, as it's plastered across this section quite a bit :rolleyes: :biglaugh: ...

I think it would be such a great addition to all you've done so far, :You_Rock_...


Thanks Gup, not seen that before & it's a great little guide. Little scary taking off the tailgate & I wouldn't tackle the pc bit, but the end result is amazing. Thanks for sharing :beerchug:

When I was rooting around for info on retrofits I'd do to mine I found it, a mini PC in an A6 is so :cool:, perhaps I will have my day with Zesty the A6! :p ...

[Steve_K]

Quick one lads, with this guide, do you want a step by step guide of EVERYTHING (I took pictures of pretty much every bolt I took out so I knew where everything went back into) or just the physical aspect of fitting the system?

[Guest 2]

Maybe not every bolt but just enough info for someone to follow ;)

[Steve_K]

No worries

[stumci]

Also looking forward to seeing you guide. I'd love to do the same, but I have two small issues stopping me - i) my wife would kill me ii) then she'd kill me again.

On a more serious note, I seriously doubt I have the technical skill to carry it all out.

[Steve_K]

Yeah the hardest thing is justifying it to the mrs. I had to get a friend of mine to help with some of the wiring as it baffled me when I had to start adding bits of my own wiring loom into the new one but I'll do my best to try and explain it. The guide will be up tomorrow night

[Brycie]

Hmmm, an upgrade kit on ebay for £600. If I sold my bluetooth module for a couple of hundred, that brings it down to £400. If I sell the Nav CD I just bought for £100, that brings it down to £300!!! My Wife's words: "You can **** off if you think........" :biglaugh:

[Steve_K]

I'm assuming she isn't a fan then Brycie. Word of warning with that kit mate, that doesn't include installation or the removal of the component protection etc etc. I looked into that myself. Once the guide is up and if anyone is interested in it, I can pass on the details of the guy I sourced all my parts from and who I got to help me with the wiring

[Brycie]

Yeah I did consider the fact that I'd need to pay someone for installation/help and I'd also need to buy the Nav DVD, but I conveniently forgot to mention that to Mrs B. I forgot all about CP, I bet that's not cheap. Good shout, thanks Steve.

[Steve_K]

Well half the battle I had was finding a dealer that was actually willing to remove the CP. Most say that they can't do it unless its a brand new control module that was bought from them. Some other dealers I spoke to thought it was impossible to do it with a used module which is absolute nonsense. I was really lucky in the end and has a guy with VAS 5051 remove all my CP for me and code in a new instrument cluster with the colour DIS for £70. A bargain to say the least

[gupsterg]

Well half the battle I had was finding a dealer that was actually willing to remove the CP. Most say that they can't do it unless its a brand new control module that was bought from them. Some other dealers I spoke to thought it was impossible to do it with a used module which is absolute nonsense.

Its not just CP dealers can be a PITA about but even SVM flash upgrades, even if you state a TSB ....


I was really lucky in the end and has a guy with VAS 5051 remove all my CP for me and code in a new instrument cluster with the colour DIS for £70. A bargain to say the least

I'm in need of VAS work via tame operator any chance of PM of your contact :D ...

[Steve_K]

Yeah no worries I'll get you his number and PM it to you. He's a friend of a friend so I'll get it for you this morning. He works out Doncaster though. Whether that's too far a drive for you or not

[gupsterg]

Thanks for quick response :fing02: .... that's a bit too far I thought perhaps the person was closer to your location ...

I'll use the forum sponsors Link:- Audi VW Specialists Centre in London (http://www.audivwsc.co.uk/diagnostic-equipment), IIRC for a very low fee they'll do (x) of modules in one go for a person ...

Or the other person I met via forum ;) ...

[Steve_K]

Hiya guys. Just to let everyone know, the guide will be up by Monday. Sorry it's taken so long to finish the guide, I've been busy at work and to be honest, it's not the easiest of guides to write

[Guest 2]

feel free to email me it chris 'at' vwaudiforum.co.uk and i'll post it up ;)

[Steve_K]

Cheers Chris I'll do that

[Steve_K]

Hi guys. I'm just finalising the guide and will be up tonight. Quick one Chris, what file format does it have to be in?

[Guest 2]

doesn't matter just whatever format you have it in at the minute as i'll make it forum-friendly.

[Steve_K]

Ok no worries

[Steve_K]

That's it sent Chris

[Guest 2]

excellent thank you, it's downloading into my mailbox now.

[Guest 2]

hats off and a bravo to you Steve, just had a quick read through it and a very hard task indeed.

will get my dinner and go about getting it on the forum for you.

well done mate!

[Steve_K]

Cheers mate. Just wish I could have been slightly more in depth with it towards the end but as I said in the guide, it all depends on where you've bought the wiring from and how it attaches to the car. Hopefully it'll give people a good idea of what's involved.

[Guest 2]

What you've done takes real balls and it's more than detailed enough for anyone to follow, hats of to you as I couldn't of done it!

Need to ask a quick Q but I'll send you a PM in about 15 mins or so.

[Steve_K]

No worries

[Guest 2]

Sorry for the delay people, due to the amazing way I uploaded this me and Steve will get everything posted tomorrow ;)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Steve_K]

Well guys, the guide is finally up. Big thank you to Chris for uploading it and sorting everything out for me. Any questions then feel free to mail me. VW AUDI Forum - Audi A6 C6 MMI Basic to High - GUIDE (http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?148264-Audi-A6-C6-MMI-Basic-to-High-GUIDE)

[Patrycja1991]

Hello I'm from Poland. Can you send me a guide with photos because photos dont work.