sparkhill

I was wondering about the feasibility/ease of installing non-Audi XM radio.

Dr.Aronis

the Audi Sat Radio is $400.00 and takes ten minutes to install, did it myself. Fully integrated, works great, no antenae to install, no holes to drill, wires to run....

You can see the song and artist in your indash display, etc.

Why would you want a non-audi one? If you want a removable one to 'use' at home too, the hell with that, just by a separate one for home, it cost $7.00 more a month to have the second account.

Even if the aftermarket one with all gear is cheaper, I don't know how much money you want to save to have someone running wires in your $85,000 car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mike

16 Wins

do you have pics of your install?

sparkhill

The dealer made it sound like it might be somewhat difficult to install. Who knows their motivation? I was mostly just curious as to whether or not the Audi XM sat radio was similar to others out there.

I can call around to some other dealers to see if they have one in stock. Any tips on the install?

Dr.Aronis

I installed my own and it took me ten minutes, maybe it was 15..LOL...

You can take out the mount for the CD changer (just to get extra working room). The mounting bracket for the Sat Radio is behind that flat panel onwhich the CD changer mounts. It is between the outer sheet metal and this braket. It comes out with two or three screws. The biggest problem I had was realizing the braket was there, since I would have expected it to be a bit more inboard, a minor fender dent would hit the sat radio LOLOLOL.. The cables are all there, two antenea leads, the main connector and a second connector. It's a snap.

The unit is the same one used in the A4 and A6 line, thus the cause of the back order. The part number for the A8 line is different, so those are specific for the A8.

With the Sat Module you also need four screws of the proper size to mount it to the mounting bracket.

It's a bit tricky to get the module on the bracket back in place, but work it slowly, push the wire side up towward the front of the car a bit and work it in.

As far a dealer info, you really need to talk to a mechanic who can look you in the eye and say, YES I HAVE INSTALLED ONE....

I have had problems with hot shot installers on other things, so I am always skeptical.

I can take some photos later, have to pick up my digital camera from the office later.

Mike

sparkhill

Exactly! Thanks for the install info.