2006 A8L questions.
07-01-2012, 11:51 AM
#1
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Syracuse, New York.
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2006 A8L questions.
I would like to start off saying I just found out about your site recently. I have heard nothing but good things about AW and hope you are the people that can toss a few good tips my way! Maybe I can help back in the near future!
The car is a 2006 A8L, 4.2l. It has pretty much every package except the... executive? I think. The package with the monitors for the back seat, whatever that one is.
I would like to mention I have looked up every question I am going to ask previously. I have also tried several different methods to fix these problems with no luck. Most methods require lots of money, or total replacement of parts that are in no way damaged. So at this point I am looking to what works best for you and maybe it will work for me, I hope haha.
1. The MMI head unit clicks 3 times when opening. I seen the replacement parts are 200-400$. Is there a way to fix this short of buying the whole replacement gear/motor? It opens and closes fine, just lots of noise.
2. Aluminum around door/trims is oxidized a little. I read this problem all over the internet is not able to be fixed, is this true? Or is total replacement of all oxidized shinies the only way?!
3. Where can I get a vag-com for a decent price. I DO NOT plan on this being my only Audi, I am currently looking at a 11 W12. Is vag com universal, or will the VC I buy for the 06 not work with the 11?
4. Is adding AUX/replacing speakers really that big of a hassle. I replaced some in my older 05 BMW 750 before I sold it, that had bose that were digital, but Audi seems to really of went all out to make it special, thus being less accepting of aftermarket parts. Aux would really rock. The fiance wants the car, and she loves classical music that is hard to find with sat/FM radio.
5. Front bumper, the passenger side (american passenger) under fog lamp has small paint/hole from previous owner. Almost unnoticeable, but obviously there. I looked all around and did not see much damage, but is that plastic part (whole lower half of the front of car and under grill) easily replaced? I can't seem to find a place that sells them locally. Some on the internet run around 1500$ because they are kits to make your A8L look like a S8.
6. As for the above question, how do I remove the front bumper/assembly to see the timing setup and into the front light area. It would be cool to know how to do that, it seems self explanatory, but the last thing I want to do is damage my 'new' car haha.
7. Navigation dvd? I burned another copy of the one I had, but its so outdated its terrible. I think like 07-08 maybe. Do you just download it (I seen people post download links) or should I buy it to support the market? Also updating the MMI. I updated it, but so many different forums say so many different things of what version I need for what.... I also now seem to have different options in the MMI... Is that normal? I swear I had a speed limiter option, now its gone.
8. Halogen bulbs? probably should of went with question 5/6... But what is a good method of making them white (not blue, or blinding other drivers either) If its not possible to do it without causing unpleasing results for other drivers, than never mind. But I was just wondering if they made it so after you open that area up you can somehow get them traded out for led/hid. Some people say yes, but I see photos and they have these blue blinding lights that look nasty for anyone on the other side of it haha.
I really appreciate any help, even if its a link to another page/forum/topic or tutorial that works. I have very little time daily, and have a busy few years ahead of me. I would love to have a "perfect" all year round car to go with me through the next few years. If I get that W12 2011 then the fiance will take this, and I would love her to have a nice car also. (then we can get rid of the Cadillac that still sells for the same price we bought it for. shh!! don't tell my woman, she loves that thing, but I am sure I can convince her to love the Audi just as much.
)
Also I would like to mention the place where I buy all my parts if I cannot find them locally, these guys usually have it. If they don't... then oh ****! I am in trouble haha.
http://www.fcpeuro.com
http://www.rockauto.com
The car is a 2006 A8L, 4.2l. It has pretty much every package except the... executive? I think. The package with the monitors for the back seat, whatever that one is.
I would like to mention I have looked up every question I am going to ask previously. I have also tried several different methods to fix these problems with no luck. Most methods require lots of money, or total replacement of parts that are in no way damaged. So at this point I am looking to what works best for you and maybe it will work for me, I hope haha.
1. The MMI head unit clicks 3 times when opening. I seen the replacement parts are 200-400$. Is there a way to fix this short of buying the whole replacement gear/motor? It opens and closes fine, just lots of noise.
2. Aluminum around door/trims is oxidized a little. I read this problem all over the internet is not able to be fixed, is this true? Or is total replacement of all oxidized shinies the only way?!
3. Where can I get a vag-com for a decent price. I DO NOT plan on this being my only Audi, I am currently looking at a 11 W12. Is vag com universal, or will the VC I buy for the 06 not work with the 11?
4. Is adding AUX/replacing speakers really that big of a hassle. I replaced some in my older 05 BMW 750 before I sold it, that had bose that were digital, but Audi seems to really of went all out to make it special, thus being less accepting of aftermarket parts. Aux would really rock. The fiance wants the car, and she loves classical music that is hard to find with sat/FM radio.
5. Front bumper, the passenger side (american passenger) under fog lamp has small paint/hole from previous owner. Almost unnoticeable, but obviously there. I looked all around and did not see much damage, but is that plastic part (whole lower half of the front of car and under grill) easily replaced? I can't seem to find a place that sells them locally. Some on the internet run around 1500$ because they are kits to make your A8L look like a S8.
6. As for the above question, how do I remove the front bumper/assembly to see the timing setup and into the front light area. It would be cool to know how to do that, it seems self explanatory, but the last thing I want to do is damage my 'new' car haha.
7. Navigation dvd? I burned another copy of the one I had, but its so outdated its terrible. I think like 07-08 maybe. Do you just download it (I seen people post download links) or should I buy it to support the market? Also updating the MMI. I updated it, but so many different forums say so many different things of what version I need for what.... I also now seem to have different options in the MMI... Is that normal? I swear I had a speed limiter option, now its gone.
8. Halogen bulbs? probably should of went with question 5/6... But what is a good method of making them white (not blue, or blinding other drivers either) If its not possible to do it without causing unpleasing results for other drivers, than never mind. But I was just wondering if they made it so after you open that area up you can somehow get them traded out for led/hid. Some people say yes, but I see photos and they have these blue blinding lights that look nasty for anyone on the other side of it haha.
I really appreciate any help, even if its a link to another page/forum/topic or tutorial that works. I have very little time daily, and have a busy few years ahead of me. I would love to have a "perfect" all year round car to go with me through the next few years. If I get that W12 2011 then the fiance will take this, and I would love her to have a nice car also. (then we can get rid of the Cadillac that still sells for the same price we bought it for. shh!! don't tell my woman, she loves that thing, but I am sure I can convince her to love the Audi just as much.
)Also I would like to mention the place where I buy all my parts if I cannot find them locally, these guys usually have it. If they don't... then oh ****! I am in trouble haha.
http://www.fcpeuro.com
http://www.rockauto.com
07-01-2012, 01:12 PM
#2
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 714
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mr Wankaz? Sounds English...
OK, here we go, quick answers:
1) MMI. Not 100% sure, but fairly confident you can change out just the drive gears. Search Ebay or check on here. There's a big thread on it I seem to remember...
2)Aluminium door trims. Hmm, I was wondering the same thing, as mine are poor too. I'm going to try 'body clay' by Mothers or someone. Awesome results on the paint and glass, so maybe it will help on the trims...
3)IMO Vag Com is already a decent price. www.ross-tech.com. $350 to duplicate the dealer software (near enough..) no brainer I'd say. You could find someone nearby who has it, and yes, pretty sure it works for most VA Group cars.
4)Dunno
5)Looks like it's all one part, #1 in this diagram:
http://www.audiusaparts.com/parts/20...gramCallOut=27
Maybe used is the best bet, or specialist plastic repairer.
6) Here's where you need the Bentley manual (published by Bentley) available online, just google it and it'll take you right there.
7)MMI updates are close to Voodoo. There's threads on here, specifically with stuff being lost. Have a search on here and see what turns up. Pretty much par for the course though, I think.
8) Lights? See above. good threads on here.
Good luck!
K9
1) MMI. Not 100% sure, but fairly confident you can change out just the drive gears. Search Ebay or check on here. There's a big thread on it I seem to remember...
2)Aluminium door trims. Hmm, I was wondering the same thing, as mine are poor too. I'm going to try 'body clay' by Mothers or someone. Awesome results on the paint and glass, so maybe it will help on the trims...
3)IMO Vag Com is already a decent price. www.ross-tech.com. $350 to duplicate the dealer software (near enough..) no brainer I'd say. You could find someone nearby who has it, and yes, pretty sure it works for most VA Group cars.
4)Dunno
5)Looks like it's all one part, #1 in this diagram:
http://www.audiusaparts.com/parts/20...gramCallOut=27
Maybe used is the best bet, or specialist plastic repairer.
6) Here's where you need the Bentley manual (published by Bentley) available online, just google it and it'll take you right there.
7)MMI updates are close to Voodoo. There's threads on here, specifically with stuff being lost. Have a search on here and see what turns up. Pretty much par for the course though, I think.
8) Lights? See above. good threads on here.
Good luck!
K9
07-01-2012, 01:25 PM
#3
AudiWorld Super User
##2 and 3 replies, plus ding on #7
2. On door trim, check to see if original delivery plastic film is still on it. If so, hope for the best and peel it off pronto. Stuff gets under the film and then ruins the trim. A mistake dealers or first owners sometimes make leaving it on. Audi issued a "no-no" TSB on this a long time ago.
3. As long as you buy the current CAN cable, you will be fine on any D3 and any current Audi model, or VW's and some others for that matter.
7. Gotta ding: if you are buying a car like this for the money, why copy Nav DVD's? And that's aside from the possibility the code is screwed up. If you must, why not buy them legit but used on EBay. Non current revs are sold at a discount, and little changes in short periods of time. Navteq has always been quite vague on the exact year over year changes. Bigger picture, if you think of the car as just another PC--they aren't--to find code updates floating around the net on, you could end up bricking something. It's happened.
3. As long as you buy the current CAN cable, you will be fine on any D3 and any current Audi model, or VW's and some others for that matter.
7. Gotta ding: if you are buying a car like this for the money, why copy Nav DVD's? And that's aside from the possibility the code is screwed up. If you must, why not buy them legit but used on EBay. Non current revs are sold at a discount, and little changes in short periods of time. Navteq has always been quite vague on the exact year over year changes. Bigger picture, if you think of the car as just another PC--they aren't--to find code updates floating around the net on, you could end up bricking something. It's happened.
07-01-2012, 03:21 PM
#4
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Syracuse, New York.
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2. On door trim, check to see if original delivery plastic film is still on it. If so, hope for the best and peel it off pronto. Stuff gets under the film and then ruins the trim. A mistake dealers or first owners sometimes make leaving it on. Audi issued a "no-no" TSB on this a long time ago.
3. As long as you buy the current CAN cable, you will be fine on any D3 and any current Audi model, or VW's and some others for that matter.
7. Gotta ding: if you are buying a car like this for the money, why copy Nav DVD's? And that's aside from the possibility the code is screwed up. If you must, why not buy them legit but used on EBay. Non current revs are sold at a discount, and little changes in short periods of time. Navteq has always been quite vague on the exact year over year changes. Bigger picture, if you think of the car as just another PC--they aren't--to find code updates floating around the net on, you could end up bricking something. It's happened.
3. As long as you buy the current CAN cable, you will be fine on any D3 and any current Audi model, or VW's and some others for that matter.
7. Gotta ding: if you are buying a car like this for the money, why copy Nav DVD's? And that's aside from the possibility the code is screwed up. If you must, why not buy them legit but used on EBay. Non current revs are sold at a discount, and little changes in short periods of time. Navteq has always been quite vague on the exact year over year changes. Bigger picture, if you think of the car as just another PC--they aren't--to find code updates floating around the net on, you could end up bricking something. It's happened.
2. I checked for it when I bought the car. Its down to the raw anodized layer. Whoever owned the car before me was a freak of nature. He has done every service in the manual, plus 50+ other serviced to the car. Stuff that was not even broken was replaced. So at some point someone from Audi must of pulled it off. (they even did the tranny fluid swap, that most 03-07 needed done.
3. Appreciate that info. I was just being cautious about a "big" investment. After buying a home out right, my fiance is sort of getting on me about money lol.
7. I probably should of mentioned. The nav dvd I got with the car was scratched to hell and would not read. So I copied it to my pc, and reburned it and it works great. I was mainly asking if burning the DVD is a good idea, or something that the Audi fanatics out there are skornful towards haha. I want to buy that DVD. But it would not be for months until I could convince the fiance of that type of purchase. So is burning the disc ok? Should I just wait? If I do burn it should I burn a specific one?
About the MMI. I was just trying to figure out (after the complete update to the MMI I did) if my car was fully up to date. How do you even know something like that? I borrowed my friends MMI update stuff. But he got it in 2010 or so. Just wanted to see if the MMI 2.0 had anything done since then, or there was a site where I can view what FW/SW version each piece should be at. When I got the car, the BT was not at all working, after the update the BT now works. So I figure something else tiny could be inoperable. Its nice to be fully updated and know your car is at its prime, not only mechanically, but with today's cars, software based also.
Thank you for your replies. I appreciate the time you spent.
07-01-2012, 03:29 PM
#5
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Syracuse, New York.
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
OK, here we go, quick answers:
3)IMO Vag Com is already a decent price. www.ross-tech.com. $350 to duplicate the dealer software (near enough..) no brainer I'd say. You could find someone nearby who has it, and yes, pretty sure it works for most VA Group cars.
6) Here's where you need the Bentley manual (published by Bentley) available online, just google it and it'll take you right there.
8) Lights? See above. good threads on here.
Good luck!
K9
3)IMO Vag Com is already a decent price. www.ross-tech.com. $350 to duplicate the dealer software (near enough..) no brainer I'd say. You could find someone nearby who has it, and yes, pretty sure it works for most VA Group cars.
6) Here's where you need the Bentley manual (published by Bentley) available online, just google it and it'll take you right there.
8) Lights? See above. good threads on here.
Good luck!
K9
My name was a childhood name I came up with. After watching some random TV show. I then played pro in some video game tourneys with the name, so it just stuck from there on. Easier than changing it and telling everyone my new one lol.
I appreciate all the time you spent reading my questions.
6. I did order the bentley disc. Still in the mail waiting on it haha.
3. One question. Is the 350$ Vag Com the best for me? The USB-CAN? I plan to replace the entire back brake assembly. I heard I need to use Vag Com to release the parking brake. So if you think the 350$ one is the best. I will bite the bullet and do it.
8. The lights, I was just worried about following a guide that I randomly found on the internet haha. Really do not want to mess this car up at all. I think my real reasoning, besides ugly halogen, is how bright the halogen is. Holy cow, the dealers, and mechanics, say that is normal. But comparing to other A8's, my lights are like the sun compared to a flame. I feel like the previous owner changed them, but the dealer and mechanics do not notice it.
Again I appreciate your time, thank you.
07-01-2012, 07:02 PM
#6
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 714
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No worries mate...
re 3. if you go to the Ross Tech site (www.ross-tech.com) there is a page on there titled 'which product do I need'. Try that and if you don't get a definitive answer, shout me back. I would say that if you plan on doing rear brakes, which yes, require the software to release the pistons, then VCDS (VAG-COM) is an almost essential tool. Maybe compare the price for the $tealer to do the brakes for you, vs. the cost of the pads alone. I suspect that will pretty much make your mind up for you, especially if you have any interest in lowering the car, having the windows or sunroof controlled by the key fob, or any other tweaks done.
Incidentally, I've had a nightmare with my head lights, and had to reprogram the instrument panel to the 'rest of the world' (ROW) setting away from USA setting (I thought USA was the whole world...)to enable me to use the centre halogens as my main beams. Interesting you say your lights are so good... If you push your column stalk forwards into the 'high beam' position (as opposed to pulling it towards you into the flash/pass position) and the centre halogens come on and stay on with the stalk pushed forwards, your car has already been programmed that way. Apparently halogen main beams are not exactly DOT legal in the states. But like I've said before, neither is 100mph...
If you're a pro gamer, the '8 will be a cinch for you. You can find someone on the internet to tell you pretty much anything you want (not trying to be patronising) but I've found, as a career skeptic, that the opinions and advice on the AW forums is both consistent and accurate. I'd advise sticking with this forum for your q's.
Let me know if you need anything else....
K9
Incidentally, I've had a nightmare with my head lights, and had to reprogram the instrument panel to the 'rest of the world' (ROW) setting away from USA setting (I thought USA was the whole world...)to enable me to use the centre halogens as my main beams. Interesting you say your lights are so good... If you push your column stalk forwards into the 'high beam' position (as opposed to pulling it towards you into the flash/pass position) and the centre halogens come on and stay on with the stalk pushed forwards, your car has already been programmed that way. Apparently halogen main beams are not exactly DOT legal in the states. But like I've said before, neither is 100mph...
If you're a pro gamer, the '8 will be a cinch for you. You can find someone on the internet to tell you pretty much anything you want (not trying to be patronising) but I've found, as a career skeptic, that the opinions and advice on the AW forums is both consistent and accurate. I'd advise sticking with this forum for your q's.
Let me know if you need anything else....
K9
My name was a childhood name I came up with. After watching some random TV show. I then played pro in some video game tourneys with the name, so it just stuck from there on. Easier than changing it and telling everyone my new one lol.
I appreciate all the time you spent reading my questions.
6. I did order the bentley disc. Still in the mail waiting on it haha.
3. One question. Is the 350$ Vag Com the best for me? The USB-CAN? I plan to replace the entire back brake assembly. I heard I need to use Vag Com to release the parking brake. So if you think the 350$ one is the best. I will bite the bullet and do it.
8. The lights, I was just worried about following a guide that I randomly found on the internet haha. Really do not want to mess this car up at all. I think my real reasoning, besides ugly halogen, is how bright the halogen is. Holy cow, the dealers, and mechanics, say that is normal. But comparing to other A8's, my lights are like the sun compared to a flame. I feel like the previous owner changed them, but the dealer and mechanics do not notice it.
Again I appreciate your time, thank you.
I appreciate all the time you spent reading my questions.
6. I did order the bentley disc. Still in the mail waiting on it haha.
3. One question. Is the 350$ Vag Com the best for me? The USB-CAN? I plan to replace the entire back brake assembly. I heard I need to use Vag Com to release the parking brake. So if you think the 350$ one is the best. I will bite the bullet and do it.
8. The lights, I was just worried about following a guide that I randomly found on the internet haha. Really do not want to mess this car up at all. I think my real reasoning, besides ugly halogen, is how bright the halogen is. Holy cow, the dealers, and mechanics, say that is normal. But comparing to other A8's, my lights are like the sun compared to a flame. I feel like the previous owner changed them, but the dealer and mechanics do not notice it.
Again I appreciate your time, thank you.
Trending Topics
07-05-2012, 05:41 PM
#8
AudiWorld Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 714
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Update...
'Mothers' clay bar and 'show shine' (I think that's what it's called, it comes with the clay bar), removes the oxidisation to an acceptable level so you can barely see it.
K9
K9
07-05-2012, 06:04 PM
#9
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Syracuse, New York.
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Awesome news! I was going to go for a clay bar before. But now for sure I am going to clay the hell out of that!
07-11-2012, 03:04 AM
#10
Audiworld Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Syracuse, New York.
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just wanted to update everyone on what happened with all my questions. I got some good PM's and replies here. I also did a ton more research, then went with the most popular (or most educated) answers.
I didn't want to quote my whole post, so here is the answers by number.
1. Gear was part number 4E0857273D. That worked for my 2006, I am sure it will work for other D3 models also with the MMI low/high. Job was super easy, just take apart and put back together essentially.
2. Mothers clay bar and some wax/detailer helped a lot, thanks to K9 for that. Some of it still looks terribly milky and cloudy however. So I buffed it a little with a wool pad on a orbital buffer and some polishing compound, then cleaned it. Still no help, but it shines a whole lot more than before, and is only noticeable for oxidation very very close.
3. I bought the VCDS hex+can to USB off VCDS, I also got a 5$ ebay wire to compare. They work identical, and the 5$ ebay wire did what I needed it to do with pirated VCDS software (change headlamp setup, release rear calipers). So in a pinch look for a 11.11.0 OBD2-usb wire. But I do highly recommend if you can afford it easily, to grab the ross tech VCDS wire for your car. Support the people (although I still think 350 bucks is steep, 150 seems more acceptable!)
4. Aux is easily possible with this http://www.installer.com/item/displa...php?it=FMM-100
I know a few people at the local audi dealer that recommended that. Or for the more adaptable, add the AMI to your car. This page also had a ton of good ideas http://www.installer.com/cars/by_car.php?carid=194 . They are idea starters, like you see the one product, then you search for equivalent products and find what you are truly looking for.
5. hofele..... seems to be the only logical choice other than OEM from Audi for nearly $1400 painted (not installed) So if you need front work done. Either go custom with hofele, or stock with Audi. (other options exist, but the prices for body work/DIY are fairly high also, and the quality is questionable, going with a full replacement is the best choice for me)
6. I kept hearing about it, now I ordered it. The Bentley service manual hardcopy. The repair manual just does not compare, so shoot for the service manual if possible.
7. Most up to date version burned worked great, I ordered the DVD from navteq, been a week now and no sign of my order tracking info. Burn it if you cant afford it, otherwise, buy it off the nets.
8. I do not want to get into this here. Easiest method is to turn your halogens off permanently with VCDS. Otherwise the full HID convert (fog and all) is pricey, and too many opinions and salesmen ruin the experience of talking and looking into it. I will stay with my dim halogen uglies for a little longer until a permanent solution arises (VCDS thing was cool, but I couldnt get my fog to go on after I set the Xenon to always be on. So I reverted)
I didn't want to quote my whole post, so here is the answers by number.
1. Gear was part number 4E0857273D. That worked for my 2006, I am sure it will work for other D3 models also with the MMI low/high. Job was super easy, just take apart and put back together essentially.
2. Mothers clay bar and some wax/detailer helped a lot, thanks to K9 for that. Some of it still looks terribly milky and cloudy however. So I buffed it a little with a wool pad on a orbital buffer and some polishing compound, then cleaned it. Still no help, but it shines a whole lot more than before, and is only noticeable for oxidation very very close.
3. I bought the VCDS hex+can to USB off VCDS, I also got a 5$ ebay wire to compare. They work identical, and the 5$ ebay wire did what I needed it to do with pirated VCDS software (change headlamp setup, release rear calipers). So in a pinch look for a 11.11.0 OBD2-usb wire. But I do highly recommend if you can afford it easily, to grab the ross tech VCDS wire for your car. Support the people (although I still think 350 bucks is steep, 150 seems more acceptable!)
4. Aux is easily possible with this http://www.installer.com/item/displa...php?it=FMM-100
I know a few people at the local audi dealer that recommended that. Or for the more adaptable, add the AMI to your car. This page also had a ton of good ideas http://www.installer.com/cars/by_car.php?carid=194 . They are idea starters, like you see the one product, then you search for equivalent products and find what you are truly looking for.
5. hofele..... seems to be the only logical choice other than OEM from Audi for nearly $1400 painted (not installed) So if you need front work done. Either go custom with hofele, or stock with Audi. (other options exist, but the prices for body work/DIY are fairly high also, and the quality is questionable, going with a full replacement is the best choice for me)
6. I kept hearing about it, now I ordered it. The Bentley service manual hardcopy. The repair manual just does not compare, so shoot for the service manual if possible.
7. Most up to date version burned worked great, I ordered the DVD from navteq, been a week now and no sign of my order tracking info. Burn it if you cant afford it, otherwise, buy it off the nets.
8. I do not want to get into this here. Easiest method is to turn your halogens off permanently with VCDS. Otherwise the full HID convert (fog and all) is pricey, and too many opinions and salesmen ruin the experience of talking and looking into it. I will stay with my dim halogen uglies for a little longer until a permanent solution arises (VCDS thing was cool, but I couldnt get my fog to go on after I set the Xenon to always be on. So I reverted)