Help!! New MMI High Navigation Installation / Audi A3 8V

[sanrivera]

So, I took the plunge! I purchase the MMI High versions of the LCD and Main Unit (in addition to the center console with touchpad) for my 2015 Audi A3 (United States).

My issues:
1) One connector did not 100% fit. The Sirius antenna needed massaging, but then it fit. Anyone know why??

2) I installed the components and nothing works! Not the radio, Sirius, GPS, telephone, nothing. Is that normal??? Not even a radio signal?

3) Now, I know that component protection removal and coding may be required. But, I am new to this. Someone please help!

4) Is it possible that I need a new wiring harness also? I've asked around and most say that I do not need a new harness. I only need to remove the component protection and coding.

5) The unit says that it does not have navigation installed. I assume I must bring to the dealer for this?

5) I was given (for free) the AMI interface, but no cable. Does anyone know a part number?

 

[pat15312]

I imagine you will have a significant amount of VCDS coding to do to get this to work, have you done any of this?

 

[mjcourtney]

I'm impressed someone has bitten the bullet and given this a go!

I think you're the first person I know of to have tried this. With regards the radio antenna; The MMI High system uses a triple tuner, so I imagine there may be a different antenna / connector fitted for this.

You're into uncharted territory here so this may be the blind leading the blind! There is a lot of VCDS knowledge in this forum though, so hopefully someone can advise on what settings you may need to change in the software to enable some of this to work.

Good luck!

 

[cemerson]

I imagine most of it will be down to VCDS, but you'll need the licence/map data/activation done for the sat nav to work by a dealer, which will be an extra £400 or so at least.

 

[Schizophonic]

Not much of an input but good luck. If you do get any progress or anyway through the build, share it with us.

I want to do this mod too and if it means forking out £500+ for the unit I'm happy to do. I want this so badly.


Retromods have been done, check out this storyline on this build
Audi A3 8V APS samt S-line læder

 

[sanrivera]

Not much of an input but good luck. If you do get any progress or anyway through the build, share it with us.

I want to do this mod too and if it means forking out £500+ for the unit I'm happy to do. I want this so badly.

Retromods have been done, check out this storyline on this build
Audi A3 8V APS samt S-line læder

Thanks to all. Yes, I will keep everyone updated.

I have not updated VCDS. I'm ordering the cable now.

I think I have been able to answer most of my questions - I do not need a new wiring hardness. I need to use VCDS to remove protection and perform coding.

My current issue - I will contact a dealer. But, in search part numbers, I do not see an activation license for Sat Nav in the US. You can see the available part numbers here:

SD cards: https://www.dropbox.com/s/lg7xsmvooagpaqm/SD Card Part Numbers.jpg
Activation codes: https://www.dropbox.com/s/eiha3h0qw39duu8/Activation Part Numbers.jpg

It almost seems like I may need to license and install the European maps. I can download the US maps from MyAudi for free. I may be able to download and install the US maps after the Navigation system has been installed and activated. Does anyone know if this is possible??

Does anyone else have information to share?

 

[sanrivera]

So, I'm reading online that I will need to go to the dealer in order to remove component protection????

Is that true? I thought I could get this done with VCDS???

 

[sanrivera]

Success!!

Even though many dealers told me it was not possible, I have successfully installed the MMI High equipment and the touchpad and navigation work great!

I did the installation myself. Total out of pocket equipment cost was $1,000 US.

Some tips so that I can give back to the community:
1) Make sure you purchase correct head unit. I originally purchased European head unit. Once I got NAR version, all was great.
2) No VCDS coding required.
3) No new wiring hardness required. Only the LCD connection will need to be shaved in order to fit.
4) Component protection must be removed by dealer.
5) Separate GPS antenna is required. You can potentially use an OEM triple integrated tuner (Antenna, Sirius, GPS), but I found it so easy to use a generic GPS antenna.

 

[Fanoe]

Congratulations, great news I have been wanting to do this mod for the last year, but like you, everybody told me it was not possible. But I guess it's time to search on eBay again

 

[lewart_waw]

Congratulations, also wants this modification.
What you had to do a new installation?

 

[sanrivera]

Congratulations, also wants this modification.
What you had to do a new installation?

As far as equipment is concerned, you will need new head unit, new LCD and new center console (touchpad). All three of these must be changed in order to have full MMI high and touchpad capabilities.

These are my additional tips:

1) Make sure you purchase correct head unit. I originally purchased European head unit. Once I got NAR version, all was great.
2) No VCDS coding required.
3) No new wiring hardness required. Only the LCD connection will need to be shaved in order to fit.
4) Component protection must be removed by dealer.
5) Separate GPS antenna is required. You can potentially use an OEM triple integrated tuner (Antenna, Sirius, GPS), but I found it so easy to use a generic GPS antenna.

 

[Schizophonic]

As far as equipment is concerned, you will need new head unit, new LCD and new center console (touchpad). All three of these must be changed in order to have full MMI high and touchpad capabilities.

These are my additional tips:

1) Make sure you purchase correct head unit. I originally purchased European head unit. Once I got NAR version, all was great.
2) No VCDS coding required.
3) No new wiring hardness required. Only the LCD connection will need to be shaved in order to fit.
4) Component protection must be removed by dealer.
5) Separate GPS antenna is required. You can potentially use an OEM triple integrated tuner (Antenna, Sirius, GPS), but I found it so easy to use a generic GPS antenna.

awesome, great news to the modding community. get any pictures of steps how to do certain things?

 

[sanrivera]

Sorry, no pictures yet. Perhaps in the near future. I know this will be helpful to everyone.

 

[cemerson]

Is this the 'tech pack', or with connect as well? Congrats on figuring it out though!

 

[sanrivera]

So, I have an issue!

After I removed CP at the dealer, the maps locked up and require activation. However, it looks like the part is not yet available in the US. Does anyone know if the European version might be able to unlock US maps?

I believe I need the SD card and code:

Activation code:

SD card:

 

[veeeight]

If you have installed MMI high, the maps are normally stored on the internal HDD, only the low-nav uses the SD Card Navigation.

Or maybe you load the maps onto the HDD from the SD card?

 

[cemerson]

I imagine the maps can be loaded via the SD card (just as with an update), but if you've had it working before all you should need is the activation code.

 

[sanrivera]

If you have installed MMI high, the maps are normally stored on the internal HDD, only the low-nav uses the SD Card Navigation.

Or maybe you load the maps onto the HDD from the SD card?

Thanks veeeight.

You're correct. The maps are indeed stored on the HDD. I was under the assumption that I needed the SD card in order to perform activation. I guess I do not?

The Audi has contacted their technical support and they have instructed the dealer that I need part number 8V0 051 884E, which is the SD card. Mind you, the Audi dealer (and their technical support) also told me that it was impossible to remove component protection and then they successfully (accidentally) remove the component protection!

So, it sounds like I only need the code?

Now, once I have the code, what do I do with it? Does it need to be brought to the dealer? Anyone know if the European code will unlock the North American maps???

Thanks for your help.

 

[sanrivera]

I imagine the maps can be loaded via the SD card (just as with an update), but if you've had it working before all you should need is the activation code.

Thanks, cemerson.

The maps were 100% fully functional prior to removing CP AND if I go the Engineering menu, it briefly unlocks the nav function for 2 minutes before it recognizes the need to re-activate. So, I know that the maps are loaded and work great. I just need to activate the maps!

The dealer is telling me that they need the SD card part number with no mention of the activation code.

Does anyone have experience in entering the activation code? Does the dealer need an SD code in order to do that?

 

[cemerson]

I would imagine you'd need one for the American maps, but no idea really - just guessing. I can't imagine they'd have universal activation codes like that though.

 

[sanrivera]

I would imagine you'd need one for the American maps, but no idea really - just guessing. I can't imagine they'd have universal activation codes like that though.

That's what I thought as well. But, in the Audi parts catalog, they don't even offer a US activation code! It's crazy trying to figure this out.

 

[cemerson]

That is strange. I can only suggest keeping on at Audi for help, but I don't believe their response that you need the SD card... unless that's the only way you can get an activation code for the maps?

 

[sanrivera]

That is strange. I can only suggest keeping on at Audi for help, but I don't believe their response that you need the SD card... unless that's the only way you can get an activation code for the maps?

I agree 100%, but it looks like no one can help! I can't believe that everything works like a charm but Audi does not know how to activate the maps!

 

[gogoevo]

I agree 100%, but it looks like no one can help! I can't believe that everything works like a charm but Audi does not know how to activate the maps!

Hello Sanrivera,

Any progress on this project? I am looking to do the same mod, however, I already have the display and center console (nav buttons etc.). My Audi dealer tells me that they will give it a try if I can find the head unit but they won't make any guarantees.

Thanks!

 

[sanrivera]

Hi gogoevo,

I'm still working with the dealer on this. They're still struggling to activate the maps. I am told that they are making progress. I should know something by the end of the week.

Apparently it has something to do with matching my VIN with the new radio. Once that it does, the maps can be activated by Audi SVM (internet link to Germany).

 

[gogoevo]

Hi gogoevo,

I'm still working with the dealer on this. They're still struggling to activate the maps. I am told that they are making progress. I should know something by the end of the week.

Apparently it has something to do with matching my VIN with the new radio. Once that it does, the maps can be activated by Audi SVM (internet link to Germany).

Fantastic! I just bought the car for my wife's birthday this past Friday and I'm already looking to "tinker" with it I wondered about the VIN# being transferred to a new head unit as I noticed that in the existing system. I also noted that there are two keys programmed for this car. I wonder if that will present any additional challenges.

Kudos for pioneering this mod. Please keep us posted, and good luck!!

 

[sanrivera]

Thanks. I will definitely update everyone.

Your keys will not present any changes. The programming of the keys is not at all affected by the MMI system.

Congratulations on the purchase!

 

[iceorbital]

i read conflicting information about the a3 sedan having the gps antenna installed regardless of whether it was a nav equipped package or not. Could that be one of those things that is enabled on VCDS?

 

[veeeight]

i read conflicting information about the a3 sedan having the gps antenna installed regardless of whether it was a nav equipped package or not.

Market dependent.
In the UK, yes.

 

[cuke2u]

It's not just the sedan though..

 

[EduardoGSR]

Do you have any update on the maps issue and possible some photos of the final product?

I am looking forward to do this upgrade!!!

 

[rcnacura]

When you put this all in, when you installed the AMI port, was the wires already there? Also I bought the touchpad dial and it has the start/stop button (I have the premium normal key) was the wires there so I could use the start/stop button too? Thanks in advance!

 

[sanrivera]

Hi gogoevo,

I'm still working with the dealer on this. They're still struggling to activate the maps. I am told that they are making progress. I should know something by the end of the week.

Apparently it has something to do with matching my VIN with the new radio. Once that it does, the maps can be activated by Audi SVM (internet link to Germany).

BUMP.

To recap, I purchase the MMI Navigation Plus equipment. The system goes by various names (MMI High, MIB, Discover Pro). In addition to the head unit with HDD, I purchased the 7" LCD and touchpad center console. Dealer helped me to remove the component protection, but they could not activate the navigation maps.

So, after escalating with Audi of America and Audi AG, Audi AG told me flat out that they cannot activate retrofit installations of the MMI Navigation Plus systems. Variety of reasons, particularly liability.

There are now several places that can do this activation (via hacking). The ones I know of are located in Australia and the Ukraine.

Does anyone know of a place in the US that is capable of activating navigation maps for an MMI Navigation Plus (sometimes called MIB) system?

 

[rcnacura]

Thats incredibly unfortunate news! I thought it was weird that my dealer wouldn't even allow me to by any of the suspension parts for my A3 (to get the sport springs) - said it couldn't be done. Looks like anyone with this car or future Audi's will be stuck with what they originally purchased or only aftermarket. Not exactly what I like to hear, especially if you purchased your car.

 

[Vertigo1]

Can't say I'm surprised Audi won't touch it - as you said there are serious liability issues with them being seen to be "condoning" or even encouraging the retro-fitting of options which should only be done during the factory build, especially in the US which is the litigation capital of the world.

Imagine if someone retro-fitted the adaptive cruise control and an Audi dealer coded or otherwise "activated" it for them, then it went haywire and ended up killing someone. Can you imagine the court case?! Ok you're only on about infotainment equipment but the principle is the same and you can't have a subjective "line" between some options and others really.

 

[wdk]

Hi Sanrivera,

We're you able to figure out how to activate it? Or are you still left with unusable maps? Also, do you have the contact of where you bought all the parts from? I'm looking at doing this myself.

Thanks!

 

[ErVaLt]

Hello, I am from Germany and also tried to do this to my car originally fitted with the standard 5.8" MMI. Unfortunately no luck for me.
The parts purchased where:
8V0857273C = 7" Screen
8V0919614D = Center console
8V0035020 = MMI High headunit

After fitting everything (GPS antenna already present), all worked (navigation,touch,bt pairing) but the sound. Everything related to the sound was grey and trying to change volume would bring up the message "currently unavailable". I did not have any component protection warning wich usually is why the sound is muted but i visisted the garage anyway and asked for it to be removed.
Removing CP did not enable the sound and a quick vcds scan revealed plenty of infotainment errors, some irrelevant such as the missing dab antenna, and others regarding the software level of the headunit and the fact that it was not properly coded into the gateway of the car. After two more trips (and more $$ for diagnostic) to two different audi garages I was told there was no way that the headunit could be coded in my car.
The car at this point also started to act up a bit - the fuel gauge stopped working - and i was told to refit everything back to avoid losing warranty.

After putting the old mmi back everything started working again. (fuel and sound)
I dont know if this is a problem of the headunit being the wrong model - maybe too old (are there even different mmi high headunit apart from the one with and without sim???) or the fact that maybe in europe garages have different rules. Anyway if somebody has an idea it would be great otherwise I might have to sell all the parts.

Cheers

 

[lay]

You have to check your adaptation channels!! The new unit is probably coded for B&O.. What you have to do is make a label file of your ADP channels (Original 5F), swap the unit and compare them and change the settings.. Everything should work fine after that.. Good luck!

 

[ErVaLt]

Yes indeed, I reached that conclusion aswell. I havent tried yet since I re-installed my original headunit and I will have again a CP error with the new high headunit. I might try to install it and ingore CP until i fix all the other vcds errors and only then bring it to a dealer.

 

[lay]

There are companys in eastern europe that can disable CP for you, then you can also install satnav in a car that has a factory radio system..