The 97 Audi Bose radio requires the use of two removal tools. They are placed in the the small horizontal slots near the bottom of the radio. They retract two clips that hold the radio in place. After inserting the tools and moving the radio out by about a half inch there is nothing else for them to stick on.

How far out did the radio move??

 

Sorry I see you answered the question about the distance the radio came out....

It is highly unlikely the wires have been shortened so I suspect either the wires are caught on something or a part of the radio is bent outwards. try the spatular trick to see if you can find where it is binding . Other wise it is time to take the dash apart.

 

I've had the ground wire get hooked on a screw head, doing the same thing you describe.

 

I had this issue with my left key not allowing the radio all the way out i found out thought that above your radio wehre your fog light, hazard and etc are located, to the left and right are what look like a blank spot... i cannot remember exactly but if you pry at the top or bottom of them they should pop off and reveal a screw on each side, undo them and keep pulling at the stuff that gets loose... eventually you should have the entire top of the radio somewhat easier to get at and i just got the one key that worked in and pried the other side with a screw driver and it just popped out... if you want i can post a quick video on youtube to show you... i was so aggravated by my stock radio i was about to take a screw driver and just drill it all out but this was much easier.