Where to get multifunction steering wheel

[rolfee]

I just bought a 2006 A3 TFSI S line DSG, it has bluetooth kit installed, however it did not have the multi function steering wheel. I would really like to see if it is worth changing to this to access phone, answer calls etc without having to handle my phone.

I done searches on the net, and i cannot seem to find any multi function dsg steering wheels, maybe this is just availability thing at this time??

Has anyone else done this, or does anyone have an idea of what it may cost?

Thanks

[Issac Hunt]

Loads on Ebay, especially Ebay.de

Cost £200 ish but varies of course due to condition. +£100 for a steering ECU (if you need one)

[rolfee]

thanks for this, i did a search world wide, and not many multi function ones available maybe this is due to demand.

I also have some more Q's if anyone can answer...

What is the compatibility like?
Can you get an A4/TT wheel to fit A3?
What is the ecu?
I need the paddles, do i need a wheel with pre-fitted paddles or can these be changed separately?
What are the part numbers?

Thanks

[Issac Hunt]

There are a few on Ebay.de right now.

Quoting part numbers is very hard as there are so many colour, style and finish combinations available.

Any 3 spoke wheen from the A4/A6/TT will fit an A3, as long as they use the same shape airbag then you will be ok. Flat bottom wheels use different airbags. You can fit this to an A3 but of course you need the new airbag as well.

You cant retro-fit the paddles easily, Far easier to buy the right wheel in the first place.

The ECU you might need is the steering ECU (SCSM) it lives under the cowl near the ignition switch.

[rolfee]

cheers Isaac this has been a great help so far, just did a search and there are indeed a few there.

How do you know if you need a ecu, or is it one of those where you wont know until you remove the old wheel?

Is changing the wheel something you can undertake yourself (ie easy enough if you are confident with tools), or do you recommend a garage fit to ensure all controls and airbag work?

[Issac Hunt]

Its very easy to do yourself, I did mine in under 30 minutes. I'm a big believer in doing stuff yourself instead of paying extortionate labour rates for simple jobs!

You need to know the part number of your current ECU to check it, You can get the part number with VAG-COM or physically look at the ECU itself under the cowling.

If you have the DSG paddles on your current steering wheel at the moment then you MIGHT be lucky and not need another ECU - No guarantees though!

[rolfee]

Ok thats positive on self fitting. I was just trying to find some guides or simple steps to follow via google not much out there, except some retro fit to a 98 model, do you know of a good source - just want to be extra safe...

[Issac Hunt]

There a few out there on the internet, I have seen a few guides for cruise control retrofits and these will contain the info you need. Or get a DVD workshop manual from Ebay for about £10.