Dab retrofit to a4 3g mmi

[Gingadee]

I quite fancy getting dab radio in my 62 plate a4 (mmi 3g). Read a few bits of info I've found saying it can be retrofitted? Anyone done this? I have found a few genuine second hand dab units which apparently fit in the boot with all the other mmi gubbins and connect with certain cables to the mmi, all which can be bought online quite cheaply? Then use a 3rd party aerial which can be mounted on top of the side panel next to the rear quarter light?

Question is, is it that easy or does it need a software change as well?

Anyone done this successfully?

Thanks for any help!

[James]

Geoff, may be worth chatting with these guys:

 

http://www.advanced-incar.co.uk/audi-vw-factory-fitted-kit

 

Looks like they have quite a comprehensive range of OEM Audi stuff that you can upgrade to...

[Gingadee]

Thanks for the reply James. Had a look and definitely an option, but fancied fitting oem if possible. A few are available on eBay for around £250 so with cables would be a similar price and with oem you just get an addition waveband in the list on the radio. These aftermarket ones seem to appear as an a new input on the mmi with their own style of menu system, I'd prefer oem if I can do it - to keep a simple functionality I guess :-)

I guess it's just the the question of if there are additional problems with trying to do an oem fit rather than this aftermarket one?

[Gingadee]

...actually just searched the website again and yes they do sell the oem kit as well, but that's £600! I'd like dab, but not that much ;-)

[James]

...actually just searched the website again and yes they do sell the oem kit as well, but that's £600! I'd like dab, but not that much ;-)

 

Yes I did see the OEM stuff on there hence the link.

 

Just thought it may be worth tapping them for a bit of info such as what is involved and then getting the bits yourself from eBay  ;)

 

You never know though they may be able to help with any software/coding issues too?

[Gingadee]

Hmmm...spoke to these guys and they doubted if get a good reception from the built in dab aerial in the rear quaterlight window? So, has anyone fitted a dab unit? Any views on reception quality without having to stick an ugly aftermarket aerial in the front screen?

Geoff.

Yes I did see the OEM stuff on there hence the link.

Just thought it may be worth tapping them for a bit of info such as what is involved and then getting the bits yourself from eBay ;)

You never know though they may be able to help with any software/coding issues too?

[James]

Hmmm...spoke to these guys and they doubted if get a good reception from the built in dab aerial in the rear quaterlight window? So, has anyone fitted a dab unit? Any views on reception quality without having to stick an ugly aftermarket aerial in the front screen?

Geoff.

 

 

Do you already have the DAB aerial installed then? Surely if Audi are happy with the OEM aerial then it should be good enough?

[Gingadee]

Well, their experience is that DIY fitting the amplifier for the arial is not always as sucessful as the dealer doing it, not sure why, but without any experience I cannot argue?....so they basically were saying to use a windscreen stick on arial instead, which in my opinion is a no go as they are ugly things and want to do this the oem way. they would say that as they sell the windscreen arials too ;-)

 

I think the problem I have found when searching is that there is nobody saying how they have done this, but plently of people saying it is doable. I can get a unit off eBay for £250 which is a massive saving on Audi charging £800 plus fitting, plus vat....and a saving on the £500 for a non audi retrofit from these guys....even adding the extra bits needed like the fibre cable and the arial amp.

 

I'm keeping searching, but what I need is to find someone who has done it, then I can find out what's involved so I don;t waste money buying kit which is either beyond a DIY fit or just doesn't give a good enough reception to be worth doing.

 

 

Do you already have the DAB aerial installed then? Surely if Audi are happy with the OEM aerial then it should be good enough?

[James]

Well, their experience is that DIY fitting the amplifier for the arial is not always as sucessful as the dealer doing it, not sure why, but without any experience I cannot argue?....so they basically were saying to use a windscreen stick on arial instead, which in my opinion is a no go as they are ugly things and want to do this the oem way. they would say that as they sell the windscreen arials too ;-)

 

I think the problem I have found when searching is that there is nobody saying how they have done this, but plently of people saying it is doable. I can get a unit off Ebay for £250 which is a massive saving on Audi charging £800 plus fitting, plus vat....and a saving on the £500 for a non audi retrofit from these guys....even adding the extra bits needed like the fibre cable and the arial amp.

 

I'm keeping searching, but what I need is to find someone who has done it, then I can find out what's involved so I don;t waste money buying kit which is either beyond a DIY fit or just doesn't give a good enough reception to be worth doing.

 

Yes I'm not aware of anyone who has done it either so will eagerly be awaiting to hear how you get on if you decide to take the plunge.

 

Out of interest have you tried speaking to Audi about this or do they say it can't be retrofitted?