Audi A4 B8: How to Reroute the AMI Cable to the Center Console
Have your music player within arms reach by rerouting the AMI cable. These instructions will show you how.
This article applies to the Audi A4 B8 (2008-2015).
The AMI cable is a fantastic feature in the Audi A4. It allows you to not only plug in a phone or music player and have it play music through your stereo, but it also charges it at the same time. The only problem with this feature is the cable is stuck inside the glove box. Obviously, if you're driving the car, it's just another hassle to open the glove box and plug in your phone or music player. One simple fix would be to plug in a Bluetooth adapter and just connect using Bluetooth, but then you won't get to charge your phone or music player. Another option is to take the plug in the glove box and reroute it to the center console armrest. It's really simple to do and we'll show you how.
Materials Needed
- AMI adapter cable (lightning, AUX, or microUSB depending on what you use)
- Extension cable (lightning, AUX, or microUSB)
- Flat head screwdriver
- Bent coat hanger (optional)
- Dremel with small cutting wheel (optional)
Step 1 – Pry out the passenger side panel
To access the AMI cable, you'll need to pry off the outside panel on the passenger side. It can be easily pried loose using a flat head screwdriver. You'll immediately notice a small fuse box, but if you look through the gap next to the fuse box, you should be able to see the AMI cable.
Step 2 – Connect your cables
Open the glove box. Remove the plastic retainer around the AMI cable by pinching the top and bottom of the retainer and pulling it away from the plug. Now reach around from the other side and pull the AMI cable towards you. It can be difficult to reach because the gap is not quite big enough for a hand. If you're having trouble reaching it, try using a bent coat hanger to fish it out.
Once the AMI cable is within reach, connect your adapter cable and your extension cable. In total, you'll need about six feet of cable.
Step 3 – Route cable to the center console
Drop your cabling through the bottom of the side panel. Pull up on the trim and route it along the side trim until you get to the passenger seat. Then route it underneath the passenger seat rails to the center console.
Figure 4. Route the cabling under the side trim. 
Figure 5. Route the cabling under the passenger seat.
Step 4 – Install cable to the center console armrest
Use your flat head screwdriver to pry out the vent on the back of the center console. Pry it out from the top, then pull it out. Inside you'll see an air tube that you will need to pull out.
Now, if you open the center console armrest, you should see in the back that there's a small cover that blends in. With the vents removed, you should be able to push that cover out from the back using your screwdriver.
Pull up the center console side paneling and route the rest of your cabling through the center console. Then fish the cable up and through the hole in the back of center console. At this point you've finished the reroute. All you need to do is return the vents to the back of the center console and the passenger side panel. You can now plug in your phone or music player to the plug in the center console and enjoy music while charging your device.
Figure 8. Route the cable through the back of the center console. 
Figure 9. Seamless modification.
Pro Tip
If you don't like the hole in the back of your center console, you can cut out a small strip from the cover using a dremel and slip the cable through that. Replace the cover and the modification will look seamless (Figure 9).
Related Discussion
- AMI Armrest Cable Reroute Express Version - AudiWorld
