S3 standard head unit options

[Westy]

What were the options available from Audi when ordering the S3? I have a double din unit with a tape unit and 6 cd changer but I have seen other S3s with just a single din.

The reason i'm asking is because I want to get a new stereo to replace the standard one but after some searches here and the ICE forum it seems to be a pain in the ****.

Is it easier to replace the double din with an after market double din or do I need a fascia plate off the stealers to fill the void if I go for a single din

I'm sorry that this question seems to have been asked a million times but I cant seem to find a definitive answer. If I end up fitting this myself I promise to make a tutorial with pics

 

[Effect]

A double DIN fascia adapter does NOT exists for the 8L S3/A3
Search all you like, you may find promises of one and even get as far as ordering one only to find when its delivered it wont fit.

Options I have seen used up to now.

Me personally had a double DIN and butchered an adapter for either an A4 or A6 (so long between ordering and fitting I can't remember now)
It was a ball ache and doesnt look bang on, neither is it securely held in, I can literally pull it out with a bit of force as it is using friction to hold itself in really, it won't come out without help but as I said it ain't perfect.
Looks wise you dont notice it isnt spot on until you start to really look at it so it's not like it will bug you unless you sit staring at it.

There was a young lady on here paid an ICE specialist to make her a custom fascia, can't remember the cost, but if you do a search it will pop up I did have pictures but they seem to have disappeared now.


Last option I have seen is to find someone who has single DIN who wants to swap.
The problems you may encounter going down this road are that the connections on the back of the air-con control module can differ and also some have heated seat controls on them and some don't.


James.

 

[Westy]

So what would happen if I was to get Halfrauds to fit the stereo for me? I'm guessing it will be as much of a botch job as me doing it myself, just more expensive!

So is everybody with an S3 who had a double din to single din riding round with a loose fitting head unit?

 

[1animal1]

nope, i have a double DIN and have just integrated an ipod link into it...... aftermarket HU's dont look right in this car, IMO of course:thumbsup:

 

[Effect]

Halfords wouldn't be able to do it, theyw ouldn't realise this at first though, either that or they will try and use a new shape S3/A3 adapter which doesnt fit either and also has rounded corners where as the 8L has square corners.

Most people just dont bother or they swap with someone who has single DIN, but I think all in all most people aren't prepared for the hassle.


Don't get me wrong my head unit is by no means loose it is tight fitting but required quite a bit of work to get it to fit and it can be pulled out by hand if i so wish to.

 

[Effect]

nope, i have a double DIN and have just integrated an ipod link into it...... aftermarket HU's dont look right in this car, IMO of course:thumbsup:

True that, I hate the way this HU looks but I had heard enough of the standard S3 stereo and decided all my old kit which was lying around that I was unable to sell might as well be put to good use.

I think a becker HU might look well in an S3 though given its plain Jane appearance

 

[1animal1]

yup, dont get me wrong im not against aftermarket HU's and wish the standard was better, just dont want to pay to make my dash look like a circus.... with it being double DIN, would make look even worse - sorry chaps

 

[Effect]

oooo just remembered option 4
RNS-E
this is the standard Audi sat nav you can sometimes pic them up from ebay but they aint cheap.

As for the circus, buy a becker unit then
also dont have to buy a double DIN aftermarket unit can buy a single DIN one

 

[Westy]

nope, i have a double DIN and have just integrated an ipod link into it...... aftermarket HU's dont look right in this car, IMO of course:thumbsup:

Have you got a link to the ipod kit you have. does it just plug into the aux?

I was all set on getting a new head unit with ipod kit and bluetooth but now I'm thinking I cant be bothered with the hassle

 

[Westy]

Ok. After a few more searches I have decided that I will probably just save some money and hassle by buying myself a denison ipod kit to fit to the standard head unit. I can live without a bluetooth kit as I have an ear piece.

 

[benr]

You could just get a nokia BT kit it will work with the standard headunit. I use one and its brilliant couldnt do without it.

 

[fran-s3]

Hi!

Here's you answer, had exactly the same issue!

http://audi-sport.net/vb/showthread.php?t=54204

(By the way im a guy just for the record) I'll take another pic as I've lost the old ones.

Cheers

 

[<tuffty/>]

I managed to find someone who had the parts for a single DIN who was willing to swap for my double DIN setup. Replacement headunits can look a little out of place though, mine doesn't look that bad but I think if I could find someone who makes the 'rubber feel' paint used on the Audi console bits then I could make the adaptor plate blend in a bit better.

<tuffty/>

 

[Westy]

Cheers Fran.

You dont need to state that you're a guy mate, I wasn't going to try and chat you up

After a few more searches it looks like the denison isn't particularly good with the ipod controls through the standard head unit so I'm now either looking at a custom job like yours or swapping with someone who has a single din. You're right, this is a nightmare.

 

[Maz]

I've never had any problems with the dension on my symphony1 and that was one of the first things I got for the car nearly four years ago. Best upgrade iMO is the RNS-e which I will get round to at some point.

If you want a single din theres this on ebay at the mo - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/audi-s3-03-plate-center-console_W0QQitemZ180314541741QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item180314541741&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1301%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

 

[Westy]

I've never had any problems with the dension on my symphony1 and that was one of the first things I got for the car nearly four years ago.

Does the mp3 tag text work on the head unit? Have you got the bluetooth kit with yours too?

That centre console looks good but birmingham is miles away from me.

 

[fran-s3]

I can honestly say the Alpine X001 I use is the best Ipod integration I've ever seen. Sound quality is superb, looks spot on with the Red on dim level 2 with the dash red... Album artwork it shows is superb, you can listen to downloaded pod casts easily, I can search through my 30GB of music in literraly 2 seconds after I've turned my car on (only limit is the IPod, not storage card as with the RNS-E) optional bluetooth handsfree kit which I use which is superb, and you can take part of the face of when leaving your car. Also it means your Ipod can be easily hidden out of view in the glovebox..

my only only only only ever thing I'd absolutely love which isn't possible is to be able to play my movies on my ipod through my headunit. If Alpine ever bring that technology out on there headunit I'll be the first to buy it!!!

I'll post a pic up over the weekend so you can make your own judgement on how it looks.

 

[Maz]

Does the mp3 tag text work on the head unit? Have you got the bluetooth kit with yours too?

That centre console looks good but birmingham is miles away from me.

No text, which doesnt bother me to be honest as long as I can listen to my tunes its not an issue. No bluetooth either. (Will get the bluetooth add on with the RNSE and im pretty sure you dont get text with that either unless someone can clarify.

Can't you get him to send it to you?

 

[Westy]

His auction says no paypay payment either so i'm guessing he expects cash when you collect the item off him. I have a mate who has family in Birmingham so may be able to collect it for me (if I win the auction that is) over xmas. Then I have a choice whether to go single din after market or stick with standard and buy denison gear.

 

[benr]

I had an RNS-e in a courtsey car on monday. I wasnt as impressed with it as i thought i was going to be. Definatly the best looking unit you can fit to an audi but usability and quality wise there are a lot better double din units.

plug - anyone who has converted to double din have their center cubby hole that they want to sell me - you know the one with the up and over door under the climate. p.m me

 

[1animal1]

Maz, how do you use the playlists? ive plugged mine in and it jjust clicks through the whole ipod....

 

[Essflee]

Animal i'll help you out.....Phatnoise.........Lol !!!!!!!

 

[1animal1]

lol...smeeeee

 

[Maz]

Number your playlists 1 - 5 in itunes (dont use 6) and then press the relavent button on the headunit. Pressing Random also shuffles the songs.

 

[andyg0141]

id swap u my single DIN for your double if you wanted. If your just wanting an Ipod connection what about the Parrot Mk9200. Handsfree kit, can put SD cards, ipod, any media device with a 3.5mm jack or USB connection into it!

Andy

 

[1animal1]

na cheers Andy, ive just paid £100 to get the connectivity....plus sourced my car specifically to have double DIN as i think it looks better

 

[WildBruce]

Leshkin went through all of this, he is on holiday, but PM him, he may still have the parts. I seem to recall he converted to double DIN by getting an A4 bracket and cutting it to fit. After all the dash squeaking got on his nerves, he spent a weekend fixing that little problem with a couple rolls of eletrifcal tape around anything behind teh unit where plastic touched plastic, and everything seems sweet now, so he may be able to give some helpful hints, if not parts as well.

 

[1animal1]

Number your playlists 1 - 5 in itunes (dont use 6) and then press the relavent button on the headunit. Pressing Random also shuffles the songs.

Maz, do you have to name them specifically 1-5 or 'cd1' and 'cd2' etc?

also can you put a space then a name after the number?

cheers

Tim

 

[Effect]

Hi!

(By the way im a guy just for the record)

Sorry that's my fault, You're the first bloke I have ever known to be called fran.

id swap u my single DIN for your double if you wanted. If your just wanting an Ipod connection what about the Parrot Mk9200. Handsfree kit, can put SD cards, ipod, any media device with a 3.5mm jack or USB connection into it!

Andy

Where abouts in the country are you I might be interested.