AudiForums.com - Bluetooth Kit Install w/Steering Wheel Button Activation (pics)

I was puzzled to learn my Audi dealer had no interest in adding an "OEM" Bluetooth setup to my new A3. It has the steering wheel "Talk" button, so how hard could it be? Apparently impossible.

"They are mass-produced that way", the advisor lamented, pointing to the steering wheel. "You got the 3-spoke wheel with the Premium package, but without the other electronics, the buttons are non-functional, and we don't make modifications to enable them." He would be happy to sell me the sun visor-mounted Jitterbug Gootooth or whatever thingie. No thanks.

For $300 I was able to do what I wanted with an after-market kit from http://www.safewireless.com/. I did the install myself - I have the double DIN Concert (non-Bose) H/U in my 2008.5

Here were the pieces that were used from the kit. Not pictured or used were the Parrot wiring harness or Parrot talk/volume controller.

Attachment 47033

Use the VW radio removal tools to pull out the H/U. I got mine at Wally World for $8 (needed two sets).

Attachment 47034

Remove the main wiring harness from the back. The new custom harness fits in between the head unit and factory wiring harness. The jumpers off to the left go to the other components (Parrot "brain" and a interface controller). The factory H/U is a Blaupunkt if anyone cares.

Attachment 47035

Everything hooked up for a test. It worked first try.

Attachment 47036

The wiring cleaned up for re-install. Parrot box and controller are secured beneath the stereo mount, wiring is folded in - very tight fit.

Attachment 47037

It all worked well, retained the stock appearance, and enabled the steering wheel "Talk" button.

Attachment 47038

I have the microphone clipped to the right of the sun visor. I took my time to ensure the wire was as hidden as possible - the microphone placement here is good even with the sunroof vented.

Attachment 47039

The kit works as advertised in my car. The "Talk" button activates, hangs up, or switches the call to the handset, and the barrel wheel controls the volume. I found if your contacts have a first and last name in your phone's directory, voice dialing works like a charm. Otherise, "Mom" sounds like "Home" etc. Still have to use the phone handset for the "Mute" button.

Not sure what another dealer would have charged to add this, since mine wouldn't do it, but $300 and an afternoon was all it took for me, and now I'm rolling CA legal.