A8 D3 MMI Screen Opening Problem..Need Help!

**meffe** · 24-09-2010,11:54 PM

Hi Guys,

Ive just bought an Audi A8 TDI 2006, and its a just a brilliant car.
I checked out a few of these cars and noticed a lot had problems with the MMI screens retractable mechanism - either non working, or sticking. Unfortunatley mine here is the same!! Although, we did negotiate a much better price because of it!

Can anyone out there help??

The screen opens & closes fine, but when it opens fully, the mechanism is
still trying to open it - as if it cant detect that its already open, so it shudders for around 3 seconds, then its fine.
Im wondering if its the gears thats broke, or some kind of sensor which has failed.
Also, would this be an easy fit for me to repair - diy?? Ive checked online, and suspect it could be the motor, but not really sure.

I really want to get this sorted, as i dont think the internal gears are going to last with all the grinding and shuddering.

So far, i well pleased with the car, and its got everything i wanted, so i'll be keeping it for some time...

All suggestions are appreciated, as the most obvious answer is to take it to audi, but they charge a fortune, and past experience with dealers shows they dont always do a good job.

Thanks for all your help!!

Current Cars:

2003 e39 BMW 530D M sport Agean Edition
1994 Toyota Celica GT4 - Track Day Car - Completley Stripped out!!

Just an insight into other cars ive had:

2004 e60 BMW 530D M Sport, With every poss option - brill All rounder!
2005 Saab 9-3 TID 150bhp - Boring - never to be repeated
2001 Honda Accord Sport - Just 1 of 4 previously owned - Damn Reliable!
2001 BMW e46 330ci Sport - Pretty Quick
2002 VW Bora TDI 130 - Surprisingly Brilliant Car
2001 e39 BMW 530i Sport - with Every Option
2001 Merc S320 Long Wheel Base - Pure Luxury
2001 Lincoln Town Car - Dont Ask!
1994 Toyota Corolla Gti
1984 Toyota Corolla GT

These are just a few over the years..Theres probably 20 more in between, too list..What can i say..I get bored quick!!!

Anyway..Thanks for looking

**Micha_elD** · 25-09-2010,01:04 AM

It sounds like the screen mechanism is wrecked. Don't worry about the state of the motor, or the gears, or the sensors, the only way to fix it is to get a complete new mechanism, which has a new motor, sensors and gears. The existing screen and wood cover is retained.

I did hear of someone that had a new gear mechanism machined to fit, but that's probably just too hard for most of us to organise, so just get the whole unit.

Your symptoms sound exactly like mine, and I replaced mine, can't remember the price of the unit, but did post the cost in an earlier thread. Somwhere around £275? Generally, I find its best to forget numbers like that

Its do-able by someone reasonably careful and patient, but involves taking off the glovebox, all the vents, most of the dashboard, and the lower dash parts, so it can take a while. Definitely worth getting a copy of ELSAWIN before you start to see how to remove everything (look on ebay)

**meffe** · 26-09-2010,07:30 PM

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the reply.. ive been busy at work, so could'nt reply sooner!

Do you by any chance remember the cost of the motor, and where you got it from? Ive been online ebay etc, but cant seem to find one?

Thanks

Saf

**Micha_elD** · 26-09-2010,08:15 PM

Originally Posted by Micha_elD

can't remember the price of the unit, but did post the cost in an earlier thread. Somwhere around £275?

I got mine from the main dealer, reasoning that the original lasted 4 years, 36,000 miles, so secondhand would have what, 2 years left in it? As I plan to keep the car for a few years yet, I didn't want to go through all the work of replacing the unit then doing it all again the year after next.

**meffe** · 26-09-2010,08:20 PM

Thanks mate,

I did speak to audi, but they said they could'nt confirm the problem without booking in for diagnostic @£99.00 Per hour!!

Anyway, i'll call them tomorrow and see what they say in terms of costs!!

Cheers!!

**Micha_elD** · 26-09-2010,10:56 PM

The way you've described the problem, its exactly the same that mine was, and it took a new unit to fix.

Thats a scary hourly cost, I wouldn't be at all surprised if it's a 3+ hour job to fit a new unit, definitely took me that long, but then, I hadn't done it before and I was being ultra careful, so they should be quicker

**bigandyt** · 27-09-2010,12:15 AM

My car had a new one fitted under warranty at 2 years old so I guess that it's a well known problem.

**meffe** · 31-10-2010,10:17 PM

Hi Guys,

Just to let you know, ive had a new screen Mechanism fitted by an Audi expert. The mechnism was purchased new at £250.00, and cost £100 to fit, so it was'nt cheap.

Anyway, thanks for all your help, and all thye advise was appreciated.

Cheers Lads!!!

**phildefreitas** · 13-11-2010,10:54 PM

Hi Saf,
I have the same problem as you described with my 2005 A8 which I have owned for 2 years, I live in the North West so not too far from you, please can you let me know where you got the parts and who fitted it for you.

Thanks.
Philip

**meffe** · 13-11-2010,11:52 PM

Hi Philip,

I got the part from Audi direct - Lancaster Audi (Opposite Man UTD). pRICE WAS £250.00, and the parts always in stock.

A local garage charged £100.00 to fit - that was pretty much the standard price of fitting.

Try looking online if possible (depending on how much time you want to spend looking for the part at a cheaper price). Unfortunatley mine stopped working altogether, so i coulnt really wait.

Good luck, and if your local to manchester, try some of the audi garages for prices on fitting - you will be surprised, but some guys will do a foreigner!! The fittings really important, as you have to open all the trimmings and fittings around the dash - which is fiddly, and not to mention delicate.

Oh, just to ask, does your model have the bluetooth phone prep. Im asking cos, mine needs re-setting everytime i get in. It wont save my setting, as it finds it on the phone, but requires the pin setting everytime??

Cheers..... Saf