Greetings All,

Having just purchased a beautiful 2005 Audi A8L, I now endeavor to integrate bluetooth and mp3 capability without disfiguring my car's dash or console. I'm looking for an elegant solution that allows me to take phone calls through my car's audio system and also play media thru the OEm audio system via my iPhone 5.

I've seen a lot of discussion about the Audi AMI. Today I called four separate Audi dealerships in different parts of the country. Their response was disturbingly identical -- in that the AMI does not appear to be an available option for my vehicle.

With regard to bluetooth, worse comes to worse, I would be willing to integrate an Onstar FMY unit and I think this would solve the phone call issue. But as for being able to play my iPhone's mp3 media, not sure if something like the iSimple IS76 would be best, or if something else would be better.

Really hoping to avail myself of the benefit of your collective wisdom. Thanks in advance!

 

Even on the cover of the instructions it shows the older years. Specifically, you need:

1. MMI software version 3.3.60 (aka 3360) minimum. If your MMI was ever updated you may be in luck, but more likely you are on a version at the 1xxx level if it's never been touched. Current rev is 4610 and you can just as easily (or more so in various ways) upgrade to that. The disks are available inexpensively from the dealer if you habve the right part number. I recommend you do that and skip the Ebay or other copy stuff.

2. A Nav version 5 disk or higher. As a 2005, you should have v5 as it came with the car--the version is the model year unless someone already upgraded it to a later year. Basically, only the 2004's often have an issue here.

3. A glove box with two spaces for things. If you have a CD in one now, and what looks like an empty slot with some plastic trim in it , you have the right one. Again, typically this is likely an early 2004 issue only. You can get rid of the CD if you want, but that precludes updates like #1 above.

That's it besides the hardware: the AMI "drive" unit, a connector cable for the iPhone and the combo optical loop splice + power jumper cable (all sold as one). Lots of posts on that, including an old one in my auto sig below.

And...lose the iPhone 5 for this purpose. There is no native connector for it first of all. Secondly, you don't want to constantly plug and unplug your phone. Definite unnecessary hassle. Instead, just use an old iPod or even a discarded prior iPhone, as long as it has the old analog connector. Then just use it as a dedicated slave music device you sync from iTunes or whatever your library. In my case, I just use an old iPod Touch 32G, several generations old. Just sits in there with its thousands of songs and hundreds of albums, all done at the highest bit rate from the CD's over the years. Then my phone stays in my pocket and not all clogged up memory wise with the high bit rate versions either.

Bluetooth--if you are OnStar, others can chime in, or just search archives.

 

I just ordered ipod/iphone interface for my 06 a8. AMI is the original Audi Music Interface, I think you need MMI software updated to 3360. The original AMI just a plug and play using MOST communication system. I didn't want to spend $400-$450 for a music player, so I just got the after market one that only plays ipod/iphone for $150.

About the phone, navigation, MMI is great, my kids do have fun with it and I use it daily.


Cheer,

Louis

 

My 2004 has OnStar but never used it. If you have Motorola V60 phone cradle (B type) you can buy a blue tooth module which will allow you to use the hands free phone option with most bluetooth phones.( motorola razor or ?) Phone automnatically recongizes my phone and you program in MMI phone info. Can't access phone memory put can store phjone numbers in MMI , HOME, WiFE, etc or use dial feature to dial phone. Roger
https://forums.audiworld.com/a8d3/msgs/40456.phtml - 2007-03-27 13:18:14
It also worked with my friends I PHONE. Selling in classified

 

Retrofitting OEM Bluetooth Module is fairly easy job and everything works as it should. I installed mine in the back. Better spot if it comes to flood. Also used Sirius connections. Just two wires for the microphone from underneath drivers seat floor mat to the back. Besides module you need 54 pin harness.

 

Thanks Louis, sounds like you've solved the primary issue I'm trying to put to rest. You mentioned an aftermarket option for $150 or so. May I ask what specifically you're referring to? i.e. do you mean the connection hardware or something else?

Thanks!



angeno

 

Thank you for the excellent information. I have one more question, but I'll post it below the responses on this thread.

 

Thank you. Because the options are really quite broad (apparently) I wonder if someone has a suggestion for a local Northern NJ Audi dealer familiar with this stuff, or even an aftermarket Car Audio guru who knows how to skin this cat in more than one manner. I just want to make sure that I have the benefit of the best possible 'eyes-on' advice.

 

I bought the Xcarlink module for my D3 a8 and i love it. It charges my iphone while playing music and also have an extra aux port for a non apple product. Also prewired for a back up camera. its only about $200 and easy to wire. The only downfall is that you cant controll the iPod/iphone with mmi.

 

Hello Angeno,
Ipod/Iphone music interface works the same as AMI, the only thing it's only for ipod/iphone (mp3 or acc). AMI from audi can have USB cable hooked up for USB hard drive. Well, I have tons of dead battery ipods laying around, I don't need USB hard drive.
It works the same way, daisy chained with the CD player (according to the seller), it won't be here for another week or so. If you want it, I'll give you the guy from Romania who sells those.

Cheer,

Louis