Upgrading OEM Radio?

Hello,
This may be a dumb question or one which has been answered before which I haven't found in the forum. But....

Can you buy the OEM radios (eg. the navigation model) to upgrade the existing radios? I have a new A3 and it was only available in the color & options I wanted with the basic concert radio (has an iPod adapter but it doesn't seem to work very well) but I'd like to add bluetooth & sat and have it factory. Any suggestions?
Does Audi sell this directly (what would it cost, etc)?



Thanks in advance!

From looking at different models of the A3 and talking with the dealer, it isn't any easy swap.  I believe all the wiring is already there, so in that since it should be plug and play.  But if you look at some pictures of A3s with navigation or the Symphony radio, you will see that the radio sits at the top of the dash which means those indicator lights for the ESP and Passenger Air Bag and the slot for credit cards is moved to the bottom and its a different size.  I think the climate controls are also a different size. Try to find some pictures and you'll see what I'm talking about.  If you could find a totaled A3 that had all the components you need that would be your best option.

Changing from DIN to double DIN would require a lot of replacement dash pieces.

Plus - nav units, bluetooth, etc., have extra sensors and stuff that would need to be installed.

Hmm. Well then..... what would be my options for making the satellite radio operative? I have a switch for it (and I believe the antenna is preinstalled on the roof?) is there some form of plug in module which could facilitate that?

Thanks again.

Joe

Joe, I'm going down the same path right now with an 08' A3 and stock radio.  I'm trying to see what will work to get a nice nav unit.  If I succeed I'll let you know.  dr

There are people who have done the switch.  There is a double-din dash kit available for purchase (don't remember what site though), and oem navi systems are available (from ebay maybe).  It won't be cheap.  Prob better off going with an aftermarket navi system.  
 
Please forgive me if my post isn't all that informative and if it doesn't make much sense.  I'm all hopped up on sinus/allergy meds and I think I might have inadvertantly taken the 'night time' version on accident.

Thats a good point. Maybe the pioneer or something. Does anyone know if there is a way to tie the ipod adapter in the glove box into an aftermarket system?

Thanks,
Joe

Most new aftermarket stereos (at least higher end offerings) will have an ipod interface that will work MUCH better than oem. 

I'm not sure what model year you have, but if it's an '08 then I might have a suggestion for you.  I was at the dealership this morning and I saw an '08 A3 in the showroom and I started looking through it to see what has changed.  I saw on the window sticker that it had the ipod glove box connection installed and I wanted to see how good of a job I did installing mine compared to the factory/dealer installation.  Much to my surprise Audi has created a horizontal docking station in the glove box.  It's in the same place as the old style ipod connection, up on the top left in that pocket. 

Now to my suggestion.  That piece in the glove compartment can pop out without having to remove the glove box.  You could pop it out and replace the Audi supplied cable with your aftermarket radio supplied ipod cable.  Audi's new Ipod docking station looks really clean, but I can see that it could be difficult attaching the ipod in while sitting in the driver's seat.  I tried using my nano that I had in my pocket from the passenger seat and had a little difficulty getting it in there.  Maybe a full size ipod would be easier.  On my install I gave myself enough lead to allow me to pull the cable out beyong the glove box opening a foot or so.

If you do have this new connection type and are able to get it out of the car, be sure and post some pics (front, back, and side) so we can see how this is put together.

Thats a good point and a great idea. I like the looks of the Pioneer AV1c-Z2 but this is a double din and I haven't found anything other than a single din trim ring. My A3 is an '08 and I haven't found a wiring harness adapter for it either. Anyone seen these items out there?

Thanks,
Joe

Did you check vagparts.com?  They have a double din cage https://sslrelay.com/s74326199.oneandoneshop.co.uk/sess/utn;jsessionid=15473b44927b099/shopdata/index.shopscript although I don't think that is what you are looking for.  This was a really good write up with pictures on how to chagne out the enitre sound system of the A3.  http://forums.fourtitude.com/zerothread?id=2134080&page=1  There isn't any wiring harness as of yet.  you basically  have to forget about the factory wiring and run new wires.

My 08 A3 is in the shop now having the Pioneer Z2 put in with Bluetooth and XM w/traffic.  Installer was upfront that the steering wheel controls may not work (which will remove over $200 in parts/labor.  I can live with that as they are clunky to begin with. He had schematic for A4 to check compatability.  I'll give a report tomorrow.

quote:

ORIGINAL: dr6837

My 08 A3 is in the shop now having the Pioneer Z2 put in with Bluetooth and XM w/traffic.  Installer was upfront that the steering wheel controls may not work (which will remove over $200 in parts/labor.  I can live with that as they are clunky to begin with. He had schematic for A4 to check compatability.  I'll give a report tomorrow.

 
Doesn't the Z2 have a remote control (or 2)?  In my F150, I NEVER used my steering wheel controls because I had a remote.

Quote-"My 08 A3 is in the shop now having the Pioneer Z2 put in with Bluetooth and XM w/traffic. Installer was upfront that the steering wheel controls may not work (which will remove over $200 in parts/labor. I can live with that as they are clunky to begin with. He had schematic for A4 to check compatability. I'll give a report tomorrow."


Cool, let me know how it looks!. I guess my concern there is the trim ring that is used to make it fit and if there is going to be a harness available because I hate the idea of having to cut the existing wires or pulling the trim and running new stuff.

Ok many points to address here, I'll try to be as brief as possible.

Upgrading OEM: It is possible to add satellite and Bluetooth to your existing stereo. It is also possible to upgrade to the OEM double-DIN nav unit, but you will need a new double-DIN cage, new set of buttons (flashers, airbag light, ESP, etc) and possible a new climate control unit. All of these upgrades are covered in detail at http://www.audidiy.com, you can also find most/all of the part numbers needed from their write-ups. Cheapest option for the nav unit, sat tuner, etc. is going to be eBay. You can order these parts from the dealer, but they will be exponentially more expensive.

Aftermarket: Be prepared to get your hands dirty with the wiring. There is a Metra harness that will fit the A3 (I'm using it myself) but it requires a bit of extra work. The power and ground wires coming out of the harness are reversed, and the A3 has no provision for switched 12v or illumination lead. If you decide to go this route, let me know and I will go into more detail. As for running an aftermarket iPod cable into your glove box, I just popped out the left insert and dremeled out the port in the back (used for a CD changer) and passed the cord through. The hole is only about 1" x 0.5". If you decide to go with a double-DIN aftermarket unit, you are still going to need all of the parts to rearrange your dash (climate controls, buttons, DIN cage etc.) Also, with ANY aftermarket stereo, you are going to need an antenna adapter if you want to retain AM/FM capability.

Whatever you decide to do, be sure to post up with any questions. I went through a bit of hassle installing my aftermarket stereo and I can help you avoid the common pitfalls. Also, if you do go aftermarket, PLEASE contact me before you cut up your stock harness! The Metra harness is about $20, but it will retain your stock speaker wires and factory amp connection. The two extra wires you have to run are nothing compared to pulling new wires for your rear speakers and bypassing the amp.

quote:

ORIGINAL: converted

I'm not sure what model year you have, but if it's an '08 then I might have a suggestion for you.  I was at the dealership this morning and I saw an '08 A3 in the showroom and I started looking through it to see what has changed.  I saw on the window sticker that it had the ipod glove box connection installed and I wanted to see how good of a job I did installing mine compared to the factory/dealer installation.  Much to my surprise Audi has created a horizontal docking station in the glove box.  It's in the same place as the old style ipod connection, up on the top left in that pocket. 

Now to my suggestion.  That piece in the glove compartment can pop out without having to remove the glove box.  You could pop it out and replace the Audi supplied cable with your aftermarket radio supplied ipod cable.  Audi's new Ipod docking station looks really clean, but I can see that it could be difficult attaching the ipod in while sitting in the driver's seat.  I tried using my nano that I had in my pocket from the passenger seat and had a little difficulty getting it in there.  Maybe a full size ipod would be easier.  On my install I gave myself enough lead to allow me to pull the cable out beyong the glove box opening a foot or so.

If you do have this new connection type and are able to get it out of the car, be sure and post some pics (front, back, and side) so we can see how this is put together.

Regarding the '08 A3 you looked at, you popped out the iPod glove box cradle and looked at the back? It had a standard iPod dock connection? Was the dealer cool with you popping it out to look at? Ever since I saw that piece in the '08s, I've been thinking about adding that to my install. I'm just worried about what kind of connection it has, I've got an aftermarket unit with a normal iPod dock cable connection and I want to be sure that it will plug into the OEM piece.

Were you at the dealership on Southside and Gate? I may stop in there and see if they'd let me take a look at it. If I can get the part number off of it, I'd like to order one for myself.

I had the Pioneer Z2 installed a couple of days ago.  Here's what I found out.  On the late model A3's the two interface units that Pioneer requires to operate steering wheel controls on the A4 and A6 do not work on the A3.  I don't like giving up some features on a brand new car but they were clunky to begin with and for $20 you can get a remote that's not much bigger than a key fob.  If you can live with that the good news story (after spending all that money!), the standard speakers and amp in the basic Concert radio sound really great on cd's.  I have a few 24/96 hz mastered music dvds and they are even better.  The installation looks as good as factory and since there are no knobs it cleans up and improves the look of the dash center-all of that is my opinion, of course.
   If I understand the dimensions of a double DIN (180mm X 100mm) I think the factory unit is a double. I'll try and add a couple of pics.

quote:

ORIGINAL: dr6837

  If I understand the dimensions of a double DIN (180mm X 100mm) I think the factory unit is a double. I'll try and add a couple of pics.

Some of the factory units are double DIN (such as the nav unit) and some are single (like the base Audi Concert unit). Just depends on what options the car came with from the factory.

Glad to hear you're enjoying the Z2. I'd love to see some pics whenever you get time. You were getting XM w/ NavTraffic, right? Did the installer retain the factory sat antenna? Did they have to install a new antenna for the GPS?

I'm not smart enough to drag a pic here but this link should take you to three pics I took on the installed unit.  As far as the sat antenna I'm guessing it's placed right next to the GPS unit at the front center of the dash.  Each one's footprint is a little larger than a quarter.  The mike is clipped to the forward edge of the driver visor. 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14219494@N06/2040922372/
Hope this works. 
 

Wow, looks nice! It really does clean up the dash nicely. Were you able to get the buttons' illumination to match the dash?

Good question.  Got off me duff and checked.  Sorry but they are blue.  Would match a v-dubb nicely, but I'll live with it.

quote:

ORIGINAL: BAMF

quote:

ORIGINAL: converted

I'm not sure what model year you have, but if it's an '08 then I might have a suggestion for you.  I was at the dealership this morning and I saw an '08 A3 in the showroom and I started looking through it to see what has changed.  I saw on the window sticker that it had the ipod glove box connection installed and I wanted to see how good of a job I did installing mine compared to the factory/dealer installation.  Much to my surprise Audi has created a horizontal docking station in the glove box.  It's in the same place as the old style ipod connection, up on the top left in that pocket. 

Now to my suggestion.  That piece in the glove compartment can pop out without having to remove the glove box.  You could pop it out and replace the Audi supplied cable with your aftermarket radio supplied ipod cable.  Audi's new Ipod docking station looks really clean, but I can see that it could be difficult attaching the ipod in while sitting in the driver's seat.  I tried using my nano that I had in my pocket from the passenger seat and had a little difficulty getting it in there.  Maybe a full size ipod would be easier.  On my install I gave myself enough lead to allow me to pull the cable out beyong the glove box opening a foot or so.

If you do have this new connection type and are able to get it out of the car, be sure and post some pics (front, back, and side) so we can see how this is put together.

Regarding the '08 A3 you looked at, you popped out the iPod glove box cradle and looked at the back? It had a standard iPod dock connection? Was the dealer cool with you popping it out to look at? Ever since I saw that piece in the '08s, I've been thinking about adding that to my install. I'm just worried about what kind of connection it has, I've got an aftermarket unit with a normal iPod dock cable connection and I want to be sure that it will plug into the OEM piece.

Were you at the dealership on Southside and Gate? I may stop in there and see if they'd let me take a look at it. If I can get the part number off of it, I'd like to order one for myself.

 
Yes I was at Audi Jax.  I didn't pull the ipod dock out.  I was referring to the fact that the pocket the ipod dock is in can pop out because that piece is no different than ours.

Ok thanks. 

I reeeeeaaaaally need to find someone who has an '08 with the iPod option so I can check this out!

dr- Got some more questions for ya! Sorry if I'm bugging you, I was just checking out the specs on the Z2 and I'm curious. You may not be able to answer these until you have some time to get acclimated to the unit, but here goes: Have you tried out the voice command yet? Is it pretty accurate? DO you have to train it or does it learn over time? What about the NavTraffic? Are you in a city that's got decent coverage? Is it very helpful? Are most of the roads in your area covered, or just main highways? And finally, did you get the iPod kit? Is the browsing interface laid out well? Is it responsive?

Sorry again for bombarding you, I'd like to hear your impressions once you've had some time to adjust to it.

I have an '08 with an ipod adapter. What do you want to know?