MP3 CD's in the 6 CD Changes on Audi A6

[sapstar]

I recently bought an Audi A6 which came with a 6 cd changer, bose sound system and sat nav. I guess the interface is MMI 2g. I tried inserting a MP3 cd into the 6 cd changer and it is identified as a CD-ROM but greyed out. I read somewhere online that in late 2006 some cars got MP3 changers which can be enabled by software update. My car was originally purchased in Nov 2006. Is there some update on MMI which I can try out to see if MP3 works?

[Guest 2]

It's hardware not software.

You will need an mp3 compatible changer.

Make sure the files are not in folders and are actually in mp3 format and not exported from iTunes etc.

[sapstar]

Hi Chris, Thanks for the quick response. I haven't put anything in folders. Just burnt all the mp3 files onto the disc directly (there can be some which are aac, but majority are mp3).
I know hardware has to be compatible, but the same 6 cd changer is able to read data for system upgrades right. So theoretically shouldn't it be able to read mp3's (if the software to interpret them is installed)?

[Guest 2]

It's hardware - believe me

The non mp3 changer has a different part number than the mp3 changer.

Mp3 changer - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUDI-MOST-...#ht_1204wt_922

Part Number - 4EO 035110 A

Compare this with the PN on your changer.

[gupsterg]

So theoretically shouldn't it be able to read mp3's (if the software to interpret them is installed)?

I also initially believed there must be a firmware upgrade for the 6 disc changer which could upgrade it to having mp3... as I have an IT background

But the CD changer really only communicates over the MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport Link 1:- Intro Link 2:- Network Link 3:- Applications Link 4:- Wiki - MOST )

So my belief is as there is only 2 connections on MOST ie data upstream/downstream then NON-MP3 changer is missing a piece of hardware within it to decode MP3's...

Hence if you buy a MP3 changer and swap out it works for all variants of MMI 2G... as that processes MP3's then later down loop AMP,ETC process to speakers...

So the STD changer can process:-

i) Audio CD's

ii) Data CD's with data formats contained with in say MMI Firmware upgrade

iii) Data CD's with data formats contained with in "Car On-Line Manual CD" which has HTML files Link:- Notes on Audi MMI CD-ROM handbooks (MMI 2G vs. MMI 3G)

The embedded processing chip somewhere falls short on being able to process MP3's so different hardware needed so MP3 CD Changer...

[sapstar]

It's hardware - believe me

The non mp3 changer has a different part number than the mp3 changer.

Mp3 changer - AUDI 'MOST' MMI 6 DISK MP3 CD CHANGER WITH NEW WIRING HARNESS. single din. | eBay

Part Number - 4EO 035110 A

Compare this with the PN on your changer.

Hi Chris, where can I check the part number.... want to test my luck .

[sapstar]

I also initially believed there must be a firmware upgrade for the 6 disc changer which could upgrade it to having mp3... as I have an IT background

But the CD changer really only communicates over the MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport Link 1:- Intro Link 2:- Network Link 3:- Applications Link 4:- Wiki - MOST )

So my belief is as there is only 2 connections on MOST ie data upstream/downstream then NON-MP3 changer is missing a piece of hardware within it to decode MP3's...

Hence if you buy a MP3 changer and swap out it works for all variants of MMI 2G... as that processes MP3's then later down loop AMP,ETC process to speakers...

So the STD changer can process:-

i) Audio CD's

ii) Data CD's with data formats contained with in say MMI Firmware upgrade

iii) Data CD's with data formats contained with in "Car On-Line Manual CD" which has HTML files Link:- Notes on Audi MMI CD-ROM handbooks (MMI 2G vs. MMI 3G)

The embedded processing chip somewhere falls short on being able to process MP3's so different hardware needed so MP3 CD Changer...

Hi Gupsterg, thanks for the detailed explanation. So sad that it needs a complete swap. I will probably have to live with it for now and consider the Dension kit in the future . But as Chris suggested, I will check the part number to see if I am any lucky. I read in some forum that some late 2006 models also had the right hardware.

[gupsterg]

My view is that 2008 was when MP3 changers became standard fitments...

Remember you need component protection removal...

These guys do it for £60 Fee, no appointment just turn up on day link:- Audi Volkswagen Skoda Seat Independent Specialist London

I maybe going there as soon doing an upgrade to my MMI

[sapstar]

I won't bother about it now. Will consider dension gateway 500s for the future. That seems to give me all I need.

[sapstar]

I maybe going there as soon doing an upgrade to my MMI

Does MMI upgrade effect component protection?