croatoan

So the other day I was dreaming: What if #1 my wife would let me purchase an S6 and #2 I could afford one? Then I got to thinking--much as I would like an S6, I REALLY like the steering wheel radio controls on my 2002 A6 2.7T. How difficult could it be to either swap steering wheels, or install a new Audi wheel with radio control buttons? I think you'll be amazed by the answer.

First, each steering wheel setup has a different and unique wiring harness for the controls. The sport wheel models have a different harness, so you can't just hook up the loose wires that I naively thought would be sitting there in the steering column, unused. Cost of fancy wiring harness with gold plated ends: $3,600 (this is NOT a misprint)

Second, a new Audi steering wheel with control buttons: $1,000.

Third, a new radio (with no trade-in on the core allowed, because it is a different unit) $850

Fourth, a "comfort control module" that controls heater, air conditioning, etc. and which is different, for some reason, on models with the steering wheel radio controls. $1500.

Labor to take the entire dashboard apart, remove and replace all the items that need to be changed, and re-connect everything: Approximately $2400.

Total approximate cost: $9,350 plus sales tax.

I guess that, should I ever manage to purchase an S6, I will have to remember Mr. Roger's line from Mr. Roger's Neighborhood: I like you JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.

meq123

only a single wire (two w/ground) from the steering wheel. The buttons on the wheel simply connect different resistor values to ground & the control unit in the radio 'measures' the resistance to determine what funtion to perform.

I guess the Germans just like to over-complicate things?

Benzene

I think you are right; Germans overcomplicate everything..hell, the other makes of cars just use 2 driving wheels!! haha can you believe that? Just TWO!?!

Alex