2012 A6 MMI Audi Connect upgrade to support 4G LTE
03-24-2017, 12:06 PM
#1
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2012 A6 MMI Audi Connect upgrade to support 4G LTE
Hello, I have a 2012 A6 Quattro Prestige where I have T-Mobile 3G service via Audi Connect. Does anyone know if the MMI in my A6 can support a 4G update? If not in it's current configuration, does anyone know if it is up-gradable (via hardware) that will support 4G LTE? If so, does anyone know the extent of the upgrade and ball park cost?
Thanks!!
Thanks!!
03-24-2017, 08:32 PM
#3
AudiWorld Super User
No there is no upgrade to LTE, however there is technically an upgrade to HSPA (3.5G) and HSPA+ (3.75G). Your modem is limited to the slowest version of 3G called UMTS. Starting with MY2014, Audi added support for the faster 3.5G and 3.75G networks.
03-27-2017, 03:38 PM
#4
AudiWorld Junior Member
We recently bought a used 2013 allroad Prestige with the full MMI+ package, and found the original owner had never even activated the Connect feature, and that the 6-month free subscription had not been used. While it was great that they honored that and activated it for us, we have now learned about the T-Mobile network changes, as we're experiencing the degradation to 2-G speeds in many areas (which makes it all but worthless).
So upon inquiring of Audi where/how we might get the modem upgrade discussed in this thread, I was told that 1) it was not available to 2nd owners, and 2 & 3 - it was only available to those original owners who had activated and continued to subscribe to the service, AND lived in an area where the T-Mobile tower change-overs have taken place. While this - for a FREE upgrade, was not unexpected (though - I would assert that it should have been treated as a recall, and made available to any and all owners, regardless) - I couldn't believe I was told it was not available at all, for purchase!
It occurs to me that there must be some of this hardware (just a chip? or a modem...which these days isn't much more than a chip!) floating around somewhere. I would be most appreciative if anyone has any information as to where/how this might be found.
Also, in searching online I came across a story on a system upgrade to 4G LTE capability offered with a company called Gemalto (see: http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/au...-chip/)....but haven't found any further info about if/when/how this might be available (or for what models). Again - I'd appreciate any info anyone might have....
So upon inquiring of Audi where/how we might get the modem upgrade discussed in this thread, I was told that 1) it was not available to 2nd owners, and 2 & 3 - it was only available to those original owners who had activated and continued to subscribe to the service, AND lived in an area where the T-Mobile tower change-overs have taken place. While this - for a FREE upgrade, was not unexpected (though - I would assert that it should have been treated as a recall, and made available to any and all owners, regardless) - I couldn't believe I was told it was not available at all, for purchase!
It occurs to me that there must be some of this hardware (just a chip? or a modem...which these days isn't much more than a chip!) floating around somewhere. I would be most appreciative if anyone has any information as to where/how this might be found.
Also, in searching online I came across a story on a system upgrade to 4G LTE capability offered with a company called Gemalto (see: http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/au...-chip/)....but haven't found any further info about if/when/how this might be available (or for what models). Again - I'd appreciate any info anyone might have....
03-31-2017, 02:23 PM
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We recently bought a used 2013 allroad Prestige with the full MMI+ package, and found the original owner had never even activated the Connect feature, and that the 6-month free subscription had not been used. While it was great that they honored that and activated it for us, we have now learned about the T-Mobile network changes, as we're experiencing the degradation to 2-G speeds in many areas (which makes it all but worthless).
So upon inquiring of Audi where/how we might get the modem upgrade discussed in this thread, I was told that 1) it was not available to 2nd owners, and 2 & 3 - it was only available to those original owners who had activated and continued to subscribe to the service, AND lived in an area where the T-Mobile tower change-overs have taken place. While this - for a FREE upgrade, was not unexpected (though - I would assert that it should have been treated as a recall, and made available to any and all owners, regardless) - I couldn't believe I was told it was not available at all, for purchase!
It occurs to me that there must be some of this hardware (just a chip? or a modem...which these days isn't much more than a chip!) floating around somewhere. I would be most appreciative if anyone has any information as to where/how this might be found.
Also, in searching online I came across a story on a system upgrade to 4G LTE capability offered with a company called Gemalto (see: http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/au...-chip/)....but haven't found any further info about if/when/how this might be available (or for what models). Again - I'd appreciate any info anyone might have....
So upon inquiring of Audi where/how we might get the modem upgrade discussed in this thread, I was told that 1) it was not available to 2nd owners, and 2 & 3 - it was only available to those original owners who had activated and continued to subscribe to the service, AND lived in an area where the T-Mobile tower change-overs have taken place. While this - for a FREE upgrade, was not unexpected (though - I would assert that it should have been treated as a recall, and made available to any and all owners, regardless) - I couldn't believe I was told it was not available at all, for purchase!
It occurs to me that there must be some of this hardware (just a chip? or a modem...which these days isn't much more than a chip!) floating around somewhere. I would be most appreciative if anyone has any information as to where/how this might be found.
Also, in searching online I came across a story on a system upgrade to 4G LTE capability offered with a company called Gemalto (see: http://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/au...-chip/)....but haven't found any further info about if/when/how this might be available (or for what models). Again - I'd appreciate any info anyone might have....
03-31-2017, 04:00 PM
#6
AudiWorld Super User
MY2013 with the original modem cannot support the AT&T or new T-Mo 3G band.
If you live in in one of the updated T-Mo locations, dealers should be able to supply the part and do the upgrade with you paying for it. If not, Superswiss, one of our Audi Connect experts, had a link to the module available for purchase online. I can't locate the post right now but perhaps he will show up and repost it.
While this - for a FREE upgrade, was not unexpected (though - I would assert that it should have been treated as a recall, and made available to any and all owners, regardless) - I couldn't believe I was told it was not available at all, for purchase!
It occurs to me that there must be some of this hardware (just a chip? or a modem...which these days isn't much more than a chip!) floating around somewhere. I would be most appreciative if anyone has any information as to where/how this might be found.
It occurs to me that there must be some of this hardware (just a chip? or a modem...which these days isn't much more than a chip!) floating around somewhere. I would be most appreciative if anyone has any information as to where/how this might be found.
03-31-2017, 04:14 PM
#7
AudiWorld Super User
MY2013 with the original modem cannot support the AT&T or new T-Mo 3G band.
If you live in in one of the updated T-Mo locations, dealers should be able to supply the part and do the upgrade with you paying for it. If not, Superswiss, one of our Audi Connect experts, had a link to the module available for purchase online. I can't locate the post right now but perhaps he will show up and repost it.
If you live in in one of the updated T-Mo locations, dealers should be able to supply the part and do the upgrade with you paying for it. If not, Superswiss, one of our Audi Connect experts, had a link to the module available for purchase online. I can't locate the post right now but perhaps he will show up and repost it.
However, the part alone won't do you any good without a dealer willing to install and code it. Finding a dealer who is willing to do the work seems to be a challenge. One person so far has successfully convinced their service advisor to do the work. See https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a6-.../#post24945112
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03-31-2017, 05:24 PM
#8
AudiWorld Super User
The part # is 8T0-051-431. ECS sells it. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...kit/8t0051431/.
However, the part alone won't do you any good without a dealer willing to install and code it. Finding a dealer who is willing to do the work seems to be a challenge. One person so far has successfully convinced their service advisor to do the work. See https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a6-.../#post24945112
However, the part alone won't do you any good without a dealer willing to install and code it. Finding a dealer who is willing to do the work seems to be a challenge. One person so far has successfully convinced their service advisor to do the work. See https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a6-.../#post24945112
Converter Kit | Genuine Audi | 8T0-051-431 : Audi Parts | audionlineparts.com
04-04-2017, 01:14 PM
#9
AudiWorld Junior Member
Thanks, snagitseven and superswiss.
My first inquiries at my local dealer's service and parts department found a distinct lack of knowledge/information (much less than I now have from this and a few other threads!) on this topic - as well as on how the "system update" function of the MMI+ works) - though I haven't yet made an effort to work my way thru the personnel to find someone who really can help.
I'm quite disappointed in Audi, generally...in the user interface, capabilities, upgradeability etc. - of this supposedly premium, state-of-the-art system. Even my first generation Samsung Note 1, still in backup use while years older than this allroad, is far superior for data, music, WiFi, maps etc. (examples - apps update constantly, Google Maps runs efficiently....uses micro-SD without limitation of FAT32 formatting...and on and on!).
My better half, whose allroad this is, will probably be happier sticking with her phone, other than connecting via bluetooth for speaker and other phone functions (these do seem to work well). I certainly can't see spending several $ hundred paying for parts and Audi service labor - to end up with a STILL obsolete 3.5G system!
What really would be useful IMHO would be an interface that allowed the smart phone to do all the work, with the Audi MMI simply controlling it and using the car's screen like an external monitor for the phone. Or even an elegant, built-in dashboard mount for a smartphone, or docking station for a tablet! Then the technology could advance at the speed of the telecom industry, while Audi sticks with all the other things it does so well.
My first inquiries at my local dealer's service and parts department found a distinct lack of knowledge/information (much less than I now have from this and a few other threads!) on this topic - as well as on how the "system update" function of the MMI+ works) - though I haven't yet made an effort to work my way thru the personnel to find someone who really can help.
I'm quite disappointed in Audi, generally...in the user interface, capabilities, upgradeability etc. - of this supposedly premium, state-of-the-art system. Even my first generation Samsung Note 1, still in backup use while years older than this allroad, is far superior for data, music, WiFi, maps etc. (examples - apps update constantly, Google Maps runs efficiently....uses micro-SD without limitation of FAT32 formatting...and on and on!).
My better half, whose allroad this is, will probably be happier sticking with her phone, other than connecting via bluetooth for speaker and other phone functions (these do seem to work well). I certainly can't see spending several $ hundred paying for parts and Audi service labor - to end up with a STILL obsolete 3.5G system!
What really would be useful IMHO would be an interface that allowed the smart phone to do all the work, with the Audi MMI simply controlling it and using the car's screen like an external monitor for the phone. Or even an elegant, built-in dashboard mount for a smartphone, or docking station for a tablet! Then the technology could advance at the speed of the telecom industry, while Audi sticks with all the other things it does so well.
04-05-2017, 07:58 AM
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I was just at the dealer with my 2012 Prestige. The service manager says they no longer sell or install the modem upgrade because it was not working properly. He said I'm basically SOL and will have to deal with the useless 2G in my area. They also want $500 for a map update....yikes!