Ringmeister

I got my car back last night and the AMI works very well. For Gen 4 and above iPods, you get full integration with the MMI, steering wheels controls, and the driver information display. You can navigate your iPod music library with the MMI and access music by playlist, artists, album, song, etc.

The AMI shows up in the MMI as an alternate source under the CD button so now when you press CD, you can choose between CD or AMI. You can toggle between sources by pressing the CD button again just like the AM/FM button toggles between AM / FM / Satellite (if installed).

Since the iPod is normally listened to on cheap earbuds, the default equalization appears to favor the BASS but that is easily adjusted in the MMI via Sound.

Installation:

After speaking with the dealer, the install does not appear to be something for the DIY crowd. One of the first things they do is flash procedure and then a software version management (SVM) update after the flash sequence to bring your vehicle up to the latest software release. Then they remove the glove compartment and CD changer and disable the knee airbag and the disconnect the battery. For older models (2003 definitely), the procedure varies depending on if you have to replace the glovebox and the switch box. Then the MOST fiber wiring harness must be modified using the retrofit kit harness to add two more MOST connectors into the MOST fiber ring. The glove box is reinstalled and the battery is reconnected. Then the vehicle must be coded by directly adding a SVM code using the VAS 5051 B diagnostic system to add the AMI control unit (code is 050 170). My dealer charged me for 2 hours labor for the installation on my MY2005 A8L.


Compatibility:

The retrofit kit manual says that the AMI can be installed into the:
A4 (8K) 2008 and above
A5 (8T) 2007 and above
A6 (4F) 2005 and above
A8 (4E) 2003 and above

The AMI control unit will only work in models with 2 long drive slots (these are behind the glove box door above the glove box container; the CD changer takes up one and the empty shelf take up the other one). This means that 2003 A8 models will need additional parts (retainer - 4E1 857 193B and dash panel box - 4E1 857 104 X and also a switch box must be ordered with the chassis number to get the correct part. Your parts department will likely need the manual that comes with the AMI retrofit kit in order to understand how to order the additional parts). It appears that it can be made to work with a 2003 A8 model but it will be more expensive due to the additional parts and labor. According to the installation manual, the switch box was revised in 2004 so newer A8 cars will be easier.

lkeneston

anyway you could Scan the instructions saying that it fits a 03 and up A8 my dealer won't believe me

mmaguire2

Based on varioius posts here and the lack of information flow to dealers, costs may vary widely from one dealer to the next.

Ringmeister

~ $1200 USD for parts and labor

Ringmeister

I have no way to scan it but if your parts department at your dealer is too lazy to do the research, try another dealer or order the Retrofit kit which includes the manual that explains the process.

lgball

I would love to see the instructions as well. Can you fax them to me? If so, I will post a link to a scan.

Fax number is 405-553-2855

One other question - is the tray big enough to hold an iPod Touch/iPhone?

Thanks!

Larry

Ringmeister

The initial message you get on your iPhone suggests you need to switch to Airplane mode to connect to AMI and listen to music, but after a few seconds, the iPhone recognizes the AMI as an official iPod accessory. As long as you have Bluetooth enabled on your iPhone and a BT-enabled car, you will be able to listen to the the iPhone music by pressing the CD button and selecting the AMI as the Source, and still receive incoming calls with MMI Bluetooth integration.

Sorry but I don't have the manual with me.<ul><li><a href="http://extratech.blogspot.com/2007/08/audi-announces-iphone-support.html">Audi announces iPhone support (Aug 2007 - Blogspot)</a></li></ul>

Rowlie

what version of MMI did they upgrade you to?

Ringmeister

SW: D3-HU 33.6.0 0632

Rowlie

Thanks. That's the version I already have on my car. What's the last coding step? Can it be done with VAG-COM?