I asked this on another forum and didn't get any answers, thought I'd try here:

Wife wants an A8, we'd be looking for her at least an '00 because she wants side curtain airbags.

I was just wondering if the factory radio is integrated into any other aspect of the car, for example, does anything quit working if the factory radio is removed? Do you have to use the factory radio to set up or control any options/features?

If not, are there any harness and dash bezel/install kits for the A8?

How about steering wheel control interfaces? I'm specifically looking at the PAC SWI-PS which works with the 2000 A6, how different is the A8's SWC's?

Also, do all A8's have the cluster navigation, and if so, is that built into the radio or separate?

 

Short answer. Yes. On the facelift A8s the radio is linked with the immobilizer. I think people have gotten around it but it's a pain in the ***.

Try audipages for more info. And do a search on audiworld for the steering wheel interfaces. I know it's been done to one degree or another.

 

I browsed the audipages, but didn't find any info on the link between radio and immobilizer. Got a direct link?

 

Sorry, i don't have a direct link. Try doing a search on Audiworld. I do remember reading about it somewhere.

 

Yeah, I searched there too, didn't find anything.

Sure wish I could download a service manual someplace, that should have all the answers.

 

You'd be surprised how little the "experts" know about out car. I'll see if I can find the article. You can also try www.tyresmoke.net.