Simonitz

The question is essentially what the compatibility issues would you run in to when changing the instrument cluster from one model to another. (I am would follow the procedures for swapping a instrument cluster using the VCDS provided by Ross-tech.)

Currently I am thinking if it would be possible to swap the instrument cluster / panel (4B0 920 981 G) from the US -version A6 2.7T Tiptronic Quattro (250 hp) to Euro -model.

For instance, one available cluster for an A6 2.5 TDI (Diesel) 2003 has the code 4B0 920 933 G, while another is for an S6 QUATTRO 4.2 has the cluster code 4B0 920 933 Q.

Provided both cluster use the similar crypto and IMMO3, might there be other problems than some speedometer and RPM meter mismatch? (I would recode location from US miles to Euro km.) For instance, might the engine size, transmission type, gasoline vs. diesel cause problems? Might there be electrical problems on the connection cable pinouts or incompatibility with the embedded software?

georgeb944

Depending on the year of the car, you may have to bring it to the dealer to have it authorized to talk to the ECU, etc.

I know that when I had a bad ECU and bought one from ebay (same part number, same year, 2001, same model, same engine, same trans) I had to take it to the dealer to have him communicate with the Audi computer in Ann Arbor to get it to work.

I would think that complicating that with a different part number, different engine, etc. would make a plug and play even less likely than my own situation.

Module Masters might be the cheapest and most reliable fix available.

Simonitz

Ok, thanks. Sure, Module Masters seems to be getting good feedback. And that might well have been a great option, but right now I live in Europe and the shipping cost may well be a bit high.

I did find pretty good guides on a similar forum at Audizine.com:
- Thread: DIY: How to swap instrument clusters in cars with Immobiliser
- Understanding differences between Audi A6 clusters and the compatibility issues

The safest bet seems to be to stay with the same model (+year), engine, transmission, and type of immo system.