I-Pod/AMI retrofit -Need your support!

[Red 2]

This is primarily aimed at those of us who have 'early' A4s without sat-nav, built before the 'aux in' socket was added.

As you will have seen on other threads, due to what seems like an incredible technical oversight when someone specced the early radio units, it is impossible, yes impossible, to have any form of Audi I-Pod adaptor fitted, let alone a full AMI retrofit.

Possible on post June A4s as Audi apparently 'reactivated' the appropriate provision in the radios BUT we have the ridiculous situation where a B7 A4 can have I-pod retrofit, a 2009 A4 can have I-pod retrofit but a few months of B8 production can't!! Oh, well you could but Audi would have you buying a new radio!:rolleyes: Oh and you can't even buy it. Farcical.

On a bit of a crusade now as I have discovered other owners in the UK and abroad who are equally frustrated and we also know that Audi are starting to notice the increasingly negative feedback.Especially when every bargain basement car seemingly has I-Pod connectivity now....oh dear....how embarrassing and not the way to treat launch customers.

So, if anyone out there with an early A4 would also like the opportunity to have I-pod retrofit (or even AMI), please can you note your desire. With your support, we hope to convince Audi that they need to rectify what seems like a horrendous mis-specification on early cars.

[mistryman]

Hi Red

Its reassuring to hear someone else who is equally fustrated as myself, I ordered my A4 back in January, where we were highly restricted on what we could order. I was annoyed that we were unable to order the s-line model, DAB or AMI without the SatNav plus the fact that no xenon lights were available and the issues with parking sensors plus many many more issues. Frankly I cannot justify spending 2k+ to have a sat nav thats just as good as a £200 TomTom. I have complained to Audi about the DAB issue and they blamed an electrical issue, but are not willing to resolve it. After spending 26K they seem to be no real aftercare. what a joke!!!

[Red 2]

Hi Red

Its reassuring to hear someone else who is equally fustrated as myself, I ordered my A4 back in January, where we were highly restricted on what we could order. I was annoyed that we were unable to order the s-line model, DAB or AMI without the SatNav plus the fact that no xenon lights were available and the issues with parking sensors plus many many more issues. Frankly I cannot justify spending 2k+ to have a sat nav thats just as good as a £200 TomTom. I have complained to Audi about the DAB issue and they blamed an electrical issue, but are not willing to resolve it. After spending 26K they seem to be no real aftercare. what a joke!!!

Well, if we can get more forumites like you to register their frustration re the AMI etc., who knows....;)

[Issac Hunt]

I always thought an Ipod was possible.

I bet these guys could sort it for you http://www.tclsatnav.com

Its no surprise Audi say its not possible. Almost all of my retro-fits that I have done, (BOSE, Bluetooth, Dimming mirrors, cruise control, reverse camera etc etc) Audi told me "thats totally impossible" - When thats quite clearly not the case as they have all been installed and are working perfectly!

[Red 2]

I always thought an Ipod was possible.

I bet these guys could sort it for you http://www.tclsatnav.com

Its no surprise Audi say its not possible. Almost all of my retro-fits that I have done, (BOSE, Bluetooth, Dimming mirrors, cruise control, reverse camera etc etc) Audi told me "thats totally impossible" - When thats quite clearly not the case as they have all been installed and are working perfectly!

Thanks.

We know it is possible to get an official Audi dealer retrofit that won't invalidate your warranty with a 2009 radio, or a 2007 one etc., just Audi made a bit of a strange de-spec decision on early B8s. Red faces in Ingolstadt methinks.

The fight goes on....and we hope someone may be noticing the feedback from across Europe so hence the request for those affected to make themselves known....it might work to their benefit.

[Issac Hunt]

Red faces in Ingolstadt methinks.

I doubt it to be honest!

Not wanting to urinate on your chips but I bet Audi do absolutely nothing.

What is it you want them to do anyways? Those guys in that link can fit you an Ipod adapter, I'm struggling to see what you else you want from Audi?

The early spec choices for the B8 were a little odd, but they have had your money now!

[mkc]

When I was deciding what to order I took a look at the spec in depth. I like my music and like many people have a collection on an ipod or a mp3 player. I have a couple of players which I have collected over a few years, Im a bit of a gadget freak.

When I saw the spec and the guy in the dealers explained to me that I needed a £200 AMI Ipod connector and also a Sat Nav screen at £2K just to listen to my music I couldnt beleive it,

The 3 Series and 5 Series has a 3.5mm Aux in I explained which allows most units to be connected and controlled via the device/player itself. Audi were not interested and explained that they offer a SD card slot for a larger music collection.

Luckily my A4 was made with an Aux in the arm rest. Can I suggest you spend £10 on a FM Transmitter for your ipod. I very much suspect that you will not get anywhere with Audi. Their spec is always subject to change, you signed for the order and that was delivered. Im totally on your side and it would be great if Audi would help you.

[Red 2]

.

What is it you want them to do anyways? Those guys in that link can fit you an Ipod adapter, I'm struggling to see what you else you want from Audi?

The early spec choices for the B8 were a little odd, but they have had your money now!

Well, we know that the retrofit can be done, exactly how it can be done and Audi already evidently have an open technical file on this issue.

A big enough expression of interest across Europe and we believe that a factory solution may be forthcoming that does not invalidate any warranty. Nothing to lose and everything to gain and early signs are encouraging, surprisingly.

[Issac Hunt]

So if you know a retro-fit option is available, I cant see what your real problem is?!

Get you ipod adapter fitted and enjoy the extra tunes in your car!!

[tanderson]

I have the Aux in socket, but my dealer still tells me that I cannot retro fit an AMI as they can only do this for cars built from week 28/08 - July 7th and on - mine was built week 22/08

[bluestar_ale]

Understand why you would want AMI, I have been fortunate enough to have my Avant on order with AMI and without satnav (still waiting for the car to be delivered.............)

I did however prepare an SD card last week in anticipation of the car ariving which left me wondering, was it worth the money ordering AMI???

The 4GB SD card has about 50 full albums, when compared to the 6 CD changer and single disc player in my current car this is far better and that's without taking AMI into consideration.

I can currently use an ipod with my BMW - through a 3.5mm AUX but tend not to use it, no issue with sound quality but I feel it's dangerous to be messing around with an ipod whilst driving, even more so than using a mobile phone, suppose it's no issue if the wife / kids want to change the music when driving but the majority of the time it's only me in the car.

[tanderson]

Much easier to keep an iPod/iPhone updated than an SD card, plus will charge my iPhone

[Red 2]

So if you know a retro-fit option is available, I cant see what your real problem is?

Get you ipod adapter fitted and enjoy the extra tunes in your car!!

If only we could.......we know from worthy and knowledgeable forumites how it could be done technically but it needs the active co-operation of Audi, no outsider will be able to get the parts....they simply aren't available to order.

So, old A4s can have the £200 upgrade, June+ A4s can have it but launch A4s are caught in the Audi twilight zone due to IMPO a technical mis -spec on the affected cars. Nothing to do with the brochure spec, someone made a bit of an oops in the behind the scenes electric spec.

So, if you want an I-pod adaptor or even AMI retrofit, please lodge your interest, Audi do have an open technical file on this so someone is aware of the issue, hasn't ignored it and is hopefully watching! All it needs is that bit of support now from the factory who must also update the software records for the affected cars.

[a8 tech]

Well Said.The early generation 3 radio doesn't support aux in software so there is no means to allow ipod or similar and the hole point of the thread is to raise the bar by Audi drivers reporting there issue and the dealers submitting a technical query which the factory will respond to.The more owners who raise the complaint the better and again the radio units have no other means of transmitting ipod on these units unless the radio is replaced with a 2009 unit so a software update seems to be the solution.I would be interested to see if http://www.tclsatnav.com site has a solution but as I'm also on this site as well i can tell you there isn't as there is no means to do this on 2008 generation 3 radio.
Also the ami needs to be address media 3 and the vag server will not recognise the unit if it isnt coded as per audi guidlines and any future software updates to gateway may result in the ami being removed from the gateway protocol as the vehicle details need to be updated as there will be a new control unit (ami) on the canbus network and possible 2009 radio with different software version.B8 A4 HAS MOVED ON FROM THE PLUG AND PLAY DAYS OF B7

[neilb]

happy to support.

nlb.

[shannei]

bought mine (a4 se tdi) april this year ,within 2 days the parking sensors were removed from the options .i have used the 4gb sd cards so far not bad however i have bought an ioplay bluetooth adaptor to use both phone and ipod.(back to ebay me thinks)
however having searched audi forums i have not found out how to remove the concert radio to connect it up at the back.so guess i,m stuck with sd cards and stopping the car to use the phone.best of luck trying to get a response from audi.

[cl0nd0n]

Guys

I am shocked that my dealer is telling me I am stuck in this crazy gap between being able to have AMI fitted or not. My s-line is one of the launch ones and the first the dealer got in!

I support this campaign in full. Please let me know if there is anything I can do such as write to Audi and lodge another complaint?

In the mean time I guess I will be stuck using SD cards.

Cheers

Chris

[Red 2]

Well,much to my surprise, Audi have been in touch and there is a hint, just a hint, that some positive action will be forthcoming.:D

Miracles might just happen...will keep you informed. In the meantime, please continue to post if you are affected by this.

[tanderson]

Wow, great news - if it happens!

[cl0nd0n]

Well,much to my surprise, Audi have been in touch and there is a hint, just a hint, that some positive action will be forthcoming.:D

Miracles might just happen...will keep you informed. In the meantime, please continue to post if you are affected by this.

This is great news! After my last post a few days back I called Audi HQ Customer Service and logged a formal complaint about this as it is simply outrageous that we cannot get a straight answer on this.

Fingers crossed guys!

[paddypower]

I got my Audi A4 TDI SE delivered in April 2008.

When I ordered my car, part of the spec was the Ipod connector with the B&O stereo. When I got my car delivered the sales person informed me that the ipod connector will be fitted in a couple of weeks. My car has been into the garage twice to get this fitted still with no joy!! It is now September and I still do not have the ipod connector I ordered with the car.:aargh4:

This is the second problem I have had with Audi this year, I don't want to mention the issue of not being able to order the LED lights with the SE model :zx11:

[Red 2]

Well, Audi UK phoned me again today and in essence, thanks to superb input from my local dealer's master technician, Audi UK's technical dept have identified a technical solution that has been put to Audi Germany for approval. When that is done, I'll be given the options by my dealer but the vibes from Audi UK are good in that they (and it sounds like Audi AG) have now logged a number of owners unhappy at their cars' inability to have I-Pod connectivity.

Please continue to note here if you are affected and also contact Audi UK.

A thumbs up to Audi UK but an even larger pat on the back to Warrington Audi for their patient and dogged work beyond the call of duty to get to the bottom of this frustrating issue. Service like this is what makes customers stay loyal.....:notworthy

Will keep you informed what happens.

[davidsheddan]

I bought my B8 in July 2008 and had convinced myself that iPod connectivity was not a goer unless i dropped the 1500 on the SatNav.. am I right or wrong- can I get iPod connectivity/control through the MMI ? New to the forums, so if I'm breaking any etiquette/rules just say :-d

[steve1234]

Hello!

Sorry to ask a silly question but does this apply to cars with Sat Nav as well?? I have a very early S-Line with Navigation but I didn't order AMI as I would have been happy with the SD card slots as per the brochure. Thanks to Audis wonderful (!!!!!) brochures they fail to mention when you order Nav for £2000 or whatever it is you loose the SD cards!

This being the case I now don't have SD slots or iPod connection so if there is any way to retro fit the AMI I'd go for it for sure!!

[allanmmck]

I appreciate this thread is about retro fitting AMI, but can anyone confirm the situation on cars being orderd now?

My dealer is telling me that you have to have sat nav to get AMI - but that is not what it says in the brochure

Thanks for any info

[kw13]

No need for sat-nav. Mines has AMI with no sat-nav.

[allanmmck]

Thanks - so the dealer is obviously trying to get me to buy the sat nav !

[a8 tech]

Dealer has poor product knowledge

[dirtyfingers]

I've had the same issue with my "pre week 22 built" A4.
I sent my VIN number to www.Kufatec.de who have assured me that the aux in option that came with the later built models can be fitted now to my car. They claim the ami can not be retrofitted.

Can anyone tell me if a solution has been found through audi dealers yet? thnx

[martin@wolfy]

Slightly off topic but i have the aux socket and have tried my Ipod touch with it. I have to say the sound is pants compared to the SD Card so i do not think you are missing much if you do not have one. Can't comment on the diff between AMI and aux though.

Wolfy!!!!

[a8 tech]

I've had the same issue with my "pre week 22 built" A4.
I sent my VIN number to www.Kufatec.de (http://www.Kufatec.de) who have assured me that the aux in option that came with the later built models can be fitted now to my car. They claim the ami can not be retrofitted.

Can anyone tell me if a solution has been found through audi dealers yet? thnx
there is no solution as the pre 2009 units don't support any aux in software so you need to fit a 2009 unit then retro fit ami at a cost of about £1000 all in.That's straight from the horses mouth as they say:biglaugh:

[Red 2]

A certain 2008 A4 is going to Audi Warrington in a fortnight to have the much anticipated retrofit and so it will finally be able to use an I-pod, almost 12 months after it arrived. No more family battles over the music, ok, fewer family battles....:biglaugh: AMI will be appreciated as well and this A4 is staying with us as a long termer.

Thanks to the dealer and particularly the resident font of all knowledge who persevered with Audi to get the approvals etc .......:notworthy
What a difference it makes to get REAL customer service above and beyond the standard call of duty.

[Red 2]

Well, a big thumbs up for Warrington Audi (supplying dealer) and their Master Technician who managed not only get my launch A4 retrofitted with the appropriate hardware, dealing with Audi UK and Germany but also successfully negotiating the Audi software maze. The update was by all accounts a tricky one as a first but the end result is a launch A4 with a fully operational AMI and I-pod whirring away happily.

Many thanks, if they look in, to Warrington Audi and their Master Technician for persevering and supporting a humble individual retail customer well beyond the call of duty!:beerchug:

[a8 tech]

Thanks,see this link for more info about the extra usb lead
http://www.audi.co.uk/etc/medialib/cms4imp/audi2/uk/Products/technology/pdf.Par.0006.File.pdf

to get the downloads to update the firmware of the ami unit see http://www.audi.de/mp3 but you only need to update if your ipod is the latest type
Also you can use the usb to play music as well

Media players
Manufacturer iPod Firmware Capacity
Apple iPod mini 1.4.1
Apple iPod 1G nano 1.3.1
Apple iPod 2G nano 1.1.3
Apple iPod 3G nano 1.1.2
Apple iPod 4G photo 1.2.1
Apple iPod 4G 3.1.1
Apple iPod 5G video 1.3
Apple iPod 6G classic 1.1.2
Apple iPod touch 1.1.4
Apple iPhone 1.1.4

[andy761]

Hi Red 2,
Im in the same situation a4 build april 08. had Manchester Audi fit the ami and they couldnt get it to work, they even tried a new radio but said its something to do with the wiring and so took it out again.
Did warrington audi successfully fit the ami to yours? if so do you know how? im only a few miles from there so would be willing to take mine in. do you know the name of the technician who fitted it?
really hope i can get mine sorted. many thanks in advance
Andy

[Red 2]

Yes, Warrington Audi (supplying dealer) succesfully retrofitted AMI to my March 2008 model but it involved a deal of work by them above and beyond the call of duty. Also helped by my wanting AMI from when the vehicle was ordered by me in Sept 07 (!).

A replacement radio was required so it might well be a costly exercise unless you can persuade Audi to make some sort of gesture.

Warrington Audi have however been excellent in doing this and other retrofits so well worth a call.......

[a8 tech]

Before you ring the dealer please confirm radio type and production week

B8 A4 AND A5 GENERATION 3 RADIO
These models can support ami can bus and ipod interface as of buid week 22/08 if its before this date then the radio has no function for aux in or ami therefore its is impossible to activate ami via this unit so you need a 2009 radio head then it needs to be encoded plus component protection released

[andy761]

Many thanks for the replies! will give them a call tomorrow. interestingly warrington audi is part of the same dealership (jardine motors) as manchester Audi where i bought mine from, so might be able to ask them to find out how it was done!
Thanks again
Andy

[a8 tech]

You may need to ask Red 2 who to ask for as its not common knowledge how to do this but if you look here http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=46381&page=3
If you manage to talk to the Tech you will need the 17 digit vin number so the production date can be confirmed.
You may find your question has been answered above.

[Red 2]

Many thanks for the replies! will give them a call tomorrow. interestingly warrington audi is part of the same dealership (jardine motors) as manchester Audi where i bought mine from, so might be able to ask them to find out how it was done!
Thanks again
Andy

True but as with all service departments, tis not who you are but what you know and , in the case of Warrington Audi, they are blessed with someone who really knows their stuff.

Will PM you with the name of the chap who who did my car and who Manchester can speak to.....

[andy761]

Thanks for all the replies, my hopes are building a bit now! hopefully Audi should go a way to helping me sort this out...... still cant believe i've a car that cant be fitted with an ipod interface. I traded in a vw polo that had it as standard!
Will keep you posted as to how i get ok.
Many thanks again, really appreciate it!

[a8 tech]

I would not get your hopes up for a contribution as Red2 's case was unique you will have to pay for the radio head yourself if its built before week 22 /2008 or search ebay as they can be sourced, the radio head retails around £600.Audi will not support this and its the selling dealers choice, with all retro fits a software test will highlight incorrect hardware fitted so future updates may be affected.Who fitted the Ami?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Audi-A5-Coupe-Radio-Symphony-CD-SD-8T1820043-F_W0QQitemZ180410355087QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCE_Auto_ Hi_Fi_Autoradios?hash=item2a014b8d8f&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116#ht_650wt_1165

check production date

[Red 2]

Yes,I think I was probably unique due to being one of the first to order a retail B8 A4 in 09/07 and, as I didn't want the sat nav which was at that time compulsory for factory fit AMI, AMI retrofit capability was stated as a 'must' during the sales negotiations.In Sept 07, it was also assumed that the A4 would get retrofit capability as other Audis could have at that time.

So when the launch A4s had the radios without retrofit capability, it needed a lot of effort on the dealer's part and quite a few comms with Audi to get the retrofit done.

Sadly suspect that the retrofit would be otherwise be a very costly affair.

[andy761]

Can see how your situation was unique. I still feel strongly audi make a mistake with the early A4's to have no option of adding an ipod connection to a car in 2008 is unacceptable i think. Even basic cars have this option so a prestige make such as audi should have it well covered. Had i known it could not be fitted i doubt i would have bought the car. deff going to be in touch with audi customer service about this. its a lovely car but i feel short changed! i love my ipod and a 2gb sd card just doesnt measure up.

[a8 tech]

It wasn't a mistake as ami was a factory option for symphony head units if I recall.I fit AMI on a regular basis and at present ami units are back order due to the special offer audi centres are running £399 fitted.Your issue appears common with third party fitters who assume 2007/2008 concert/chorus gen 3 can bus models support ami.I advise you check compatibility before fitting as Audi provide very clear instructions for approved and tested retro fits, this is why you have little chance of a contribution unless the vehicle was sold by mistake with ami listed on the specification.I have converted at least three 2007/2008 8k platform for ami by installing 2009 radio head but only advise you do this if you know how as it will not work under normal installation.If you provide your own head unit you need a proof of purchase as stolen head units are tracked by Audi when connected to the on line connection to release component protection.I assume you have fitted the AMI yourself.

[andy761]

Hi A8 tech,
No i had it fitted by the dealer for when i picked the car up, was part of the wait to get it fitted before picking it up. when i did pick it up it was installed but wouldnt recognise the AMI (now i know why) I was told my audi it was able to have the upgrade or i would have picked another car able to do it. Still awaiting a reply from audi customer services, but will keep you all posted. im not even too fussed about the ami, just want to be able to connect my ipod some how

[a8 tech]

Good luck.I can't comment on the dealer for obvious reasons

[andy761]

Just to let you know Audi got back to me, and no sign of a good will gesture. Its between me and the dealer but did say they should have said it wasnt compatible.... and they are going to take that up with them. Many thanks for all the info and help though. Any ideas if i can get any type of ipod connection now? even the ipod cable would be good, not sure it will work either though?

Andy

[a8 tech]

The radio fitted to your vehicle does not support aux in so no

[andy761]

Cheers a8. Not the news I was after but thanks anyway. Audi were saying I
can't put a newer radio into mine. It's this the case. How
could I get to have an ami or just the iPod cable? Is there anyone you know
who can carry out this type of thing?

[a8 tech]

See Red 2's solution or use the cheap fm transmitter option.I can help no further but the information Red2 posted proves the retro fit can be done but as suggested Audi will not support the retro fit of a 2009 head unit due to complex pr code related software versions for the online connection vas tester updating criterion for the vehicles networks.