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AMI Retrofit Info


Mitchet
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Just fitted AMI over the weekend and all is working fine. The parts from Peterborough Audi were only £219 (4E0 057 785 B [AMI Module & Casing] + 4F0 051 592 [MOST, PSU and iPod + USB cables]) They also supplied 4F0 051 510 P, but didn't need it as it came with the MOST cable kit.

Installation took no longer than 10 minutes. You don't need to remove the glovebox, but will need VCDS to enable "Media Centre 1" within module 19. I can't believe that Audi want to charge £399 for supply and installation :eek:

I've also re-ran the MMI update software and upgraded the AMI module to version 850. I now have my entire music collection in the car and it all sounds great on the Bose surround system. :grin:

If it helps anyone, I can scan the installation instructions that came with the kit and post them (though it make the installation look much harder than it actually is!).

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Hi Mat,

You'd need access to a VAG-COM (VCDS) cable, or you could just ask your Audi dealer to re-enable the battery level option and the board computers (DIS). If you have a local independant Audi specialist, they could probably do it for you too.

The reason why Audi tell you the car is too old, is the MMI software version needs to be at least 3460. Below is information Craigyb gave me on the subject:

"AMI can be fitted to any A8 2003-2009, but the MMI software has to be version 3460 or higher. Audi dealers will not upgrade any cars below 3460 and that is why they will not spend time fitting AMI to cars with MMI less than 3460." - craigyb

I bought a set of genuine Audi MMI upgrade CD's from ebay for £15.50 (if you do go down this route, then be sure to buy the ones for the A6/A8 MMI High).

I've heard you can download the CD's from the internet, but a few people had issues which corrupted the cars software due to dodgy CD-R's or corrupt downloads.

The upgrade process takes between 2 to 3 hours in total,which I guess is the reason why Audi aren't keen on doing the upgrade.

If you're any where near Peterborough, I'll gladly give you a hand and lend you the MMI software set?

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I was all ready to remove the glovebox, but after I removed the CD changer and the plastic trim round the bay next to the CD changer, there is enough space to feed the cables between the two bays (out the back of the glovebox), and enough slack on the cables to allow you to make the changes to the MOST fibre cable. Just make sure you don't snag or excessively bend the fibre cable when pushing the CD Changer / AMI unit back into the glovebox!

It was honestly so quick to install, I doubted myself after it was all done and was expecting to have missed something!

Instructions look complicated(ish), but most of it either doesn't apply, or is overly comprehensive for the actual work that needs to be done. I can email you the instructions if you like (pm me)... as it's a 2MB PDF which exceeds TSN's upload limit.

Edited by Mitchet
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Cheers Mitchet and Psyche! Always good to know I shouldn't be biting off too much...

Mitchet: I may well be around P'borough in a month or so and I doubt I'm gonna do the ami before then so I may well take you up on that offer! Obviously I'll trade in a beer or two!

Cheers again,

Mat +++

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I'm also considering the AMI install, but first I'll need to update my 3.5 year old MMI firmware, and I'll also need to buy VCDS.

Regards firmware, there are CD sets on ebay for around £15, but messages here suggest it's actually cheaper from the dealer. I guess I'll have to call them and check. If this firmware gives me MP3 CD capability, I might not even need the AMI.

Regards Vag Com, for my D2, I just bought a USB lead on ebay and away I went. What's the best approach for the D3? I only intend to make very occasional use of it, but am prepared to spend the money as it seems like a worthwhile investment.

I guess I can now chuck my old lead back on ebay!

Ian

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You won't get MP3 functionality with a firmware upgrade as it's a completely different CD changer model.

I think dealers were a little over £10 for the disks, but I may be wrong.

Proper VCDS leads are excellent, I had two ebay leads die on me with my D2 and neither were CAN leads so wouldn't work with the D3 anyway..

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Thanks for the info regards MP3 - guess I need to go the AMI route, which is no bad thing.

It must be said, the CD player not handling MP3s and the Bluetooth not handling A2DP was a double disappointment.

Regards Vag Com, my D2 ebay special lead was fine. But I'm looking at maybe getting one of these this time as the guys are in Huddersfield so close to me.

VAG Diagnostics Ltd - VCDS Vag-Com 908 Cables

Ian

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They say -

---------------

Our VCDS 908 cables allow fully activated and unlimited access to all features of Ross Tech's VCDS 908 software and can be used with all VAG vehicles (Audi, VW, Seat & Skoda) from 1994 to 2010, including the new Audi Q5/7, A6, A8, all Golf-5 platform cars (Golf, TT, A3 Leon), new Seat Ibiza, and pretty much any VAG with an OBDII port (and some without!).

Our cables work just like the the official CAN-HEX-USB Ross Tech cable and provides full fault code scanning and clearing, full module coding and adaptation, datalogging, output tests, airbag resetting, and service interval/light resetting as well as many more features to enable you to diagnose and set-up your VAG vehicle like you want it.

------------------

However, they add -

---------------

Our software is exactly the same as Ross Tech's version apart from our cables are coded specifically to work with our software. Due to this, do not try to use our cables with any other software (even from Ross Tech) as this can permanently damage the cable.

---------------

Is this licenced software, perhaps with restrictions, or is it software with h/w dongle checks hacked out? Perhaps I'll email them,

Ian

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They say -

---------------

Our VCDS 908 cables allow fully activated and unlimited access to all features of Ross Tech's VCDS 908 software and can be used with all VAG vehicles (Audi, VW, Seat & Skoda) from 1994 to 2010, including the new Audi Q5/7, A6, A8, all Golf-5 platform cars (Golf, TT, A3 Leon), new Seat Ibiza, and pretty much any VAG with an OBDII port (and some without!).

Our cables work just like the the official CAN-HEX-USB Ross Tech cable and provides full fault code scanning and clearing, full module coding and adaptation, datalogging, output tests, airbag resetting, and service interval/light resetting as well as many more features to enable you to diagnose and set-up your VAG vehicle like you want it.

------------------

However, they add -

---------------

Our software is exactly the same as Ross Tech's version apart from our cables are coded specifically to work with our software. Due to this, do not try to use our cables with any other software (even from Ross Tech) as this can permanently damage the cable.

---------------

Is this licenced software, perhaps with restrictions, or is it software with h/w dongle checks hacked out? Perhaps I'll email them,

Ian

That sounds quite suspicious to me... If you're buying VAG-COM, why can't you use the official one?

Most cases of that from the ebay leads is becuase they run a hacked firmware that gets trashed if you use a newer version. Given that V10 is in beta, I'd give that one a miss myself.

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It is a little bit expensive, but I reckon it's saved me that already in dagnostic charges and hassle at the garage.

Keep an eye out on the marketplace.. Leads sometimes turn up there, that's where I got mine.

Or if you have a CAN lead already, then just buy the licence from ross-tech and it'll work with a generic lead.

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Below is information Craigyb gave me on the subject: "AMI can be fitted to any A8 2003-2009, but the MMI software has to be version 3460 or higher. Audi dealers will not upgrade any cars below 3460 and that is why they will not spend time fitting AMI to cars with MMI less than 3460." - craigyb

As Mitchet suggested in another thread, Peterborough Audi will quote for this job, even from software older than 3460.

I went up there today and they upgraded me to 5570 from 11something. I didn't have a way to keep my battery topped off, so thought I'd let the dealer have that hassle. Everything seems to be OK so far, fingers crossed. Groundwork laid for AMI, then.

One thing - for some reason - I hadn't realised I'd lose was my ability to customise the list of items in the two DIS displays (economy, average speed, range etc). It used to be in the Systems menu along with Battery Level (which I didn't mind losing...).

So, humbly, does anyone have VCDS or equivalent in the Cambs area who wouldn't mind adapting my channels for me?

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One thing - for some reason - I hadn't realised I'd lose was my ability to customise the list of items in the two DIS displays (economy, average speed, range etc). It used to be in the Systems menu along with Battery Level (which I didn't mind losing...).

Oh, drat, I didn't know those went either. I have Computer 2 totally suppressed and don't really want it back.

Right, I guess I need to buy my VCDS before I do the updates. Anyone know how to get battery and DIS control back with VCDS?

Ian

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