So i searched the forums a bit but i still have some questions i would like answered. I own a 2008 Audi A4 with the stock in-dash 6 disc CD changer.

1. Is the Dice electronics interface the only product that you can control the ipod with the stock steering wheel controls?

2. Are there any other products that you can control the ipod with the stock steering wheel controls with?

3. Is there somewhere where i can purchase all the stuff ill need to install i.e. the removal keys, the interface, and all the wires?

4. Will i need the stereo code and if i do where can i get it?

Oh and by the way i would like to keep the total cost under a few hundred us dollars.

Thanks in advance

 

There are a bunch of options out there from DICE, USAspec, Dension, ...
Check out Enfigcarstereo.com, you cna input your car specs and it will show you all the options.

In my opinion the two real options are the DICE or the Dension. BOTH gets you steering wheel, radio, and ipod/iphone control of your music with great quality sound. But DICE will not show you text like the Dension can and will not allow you to search for songs/artists/playlists like the Dension can. For those added bonuses Dension will cost you ~$250 and you can get the DICE through Pacificstereo on Amazon for $113 shipped.

I personally just installed the DICE unit (i-AUDI-R/5V) about a week ago and love it. Funcationality is perfect for me and cost was where I wanted it. Install was easy (except getting the radio out, more on that below).

The DICE comes with everything you need for install EXCEPT if you want to keep your satellite radio you supposedly need an extra $30 harness (I am not sure about this as I have same setup as you, installed it without the harness, and my SAT button still works but I dont have a subscription so dont know exactly what the deal is).

You will need stereo removal keys (4 for double din radio). I went with eay 4 dollar POS keys. They made it a PIA to take the radio out. It did eventually come out but took me like 45min. So can try your luck with those or get OEM ones or get someone at an audio place to just get it out. Either way once its out, install is a breeze and all the wiring comes with the package.

No Code needed for your radio if you have the stock symphony radio. It has a "smart" code that knows its own car so you can disconnect the battery, remove it, and it will know it's in the right car upon reconnection. ASLONG as its the stock factory unit for that car.

Hope that helps, I am going to do a full DIY on the DICE unit install but haven't had time to get to it yet. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions, I'll try my best to help you out.

 

Okay so I checked out Enfigcarstereo.com and it directed me to the: Dension GW16AC1 Gateway 100 Audi12 Pin and it's $159.99. Now will this Dension allow all the text, and to search for songs/artists/playlists? Cuz you metioned it would cost $250.00. Do i need the Enfig AUDI SAT PASS 2? If i really have no need for SAT? And which cable is the right one Dension IPO4DC9 or the Dice Electronics Dock/5V? and sorry for all the questions

 

I am pretty sure you need to purchase an additional cable with the Dension that isnt listed there with the device. I would call Enfig, the guys there are really good and help out. I am not sure which exact cable it is. Sorry.

 

I am getting the Dension very soon. I watched the video on the website for our car and it looks amazing!

 

Alright dr_phil94 ill give them a call.

FatBoy give me some updates. Let me know how it works out for you.

 

I ordered my set up with the additional iPod cable and the keys to take the radio out but its on backorder. I ordered it on the 8th but it still hasnt shipped yet. As soon as I get it and install it I will let you know how it is. Total bill came to $220-something if you were curious.

 

Well I got everything installed and I am very happy. It wasnt that hard, it only took me about 25 min and about 10 min of that was trying to run the ipod cable through the glove box. Here is the break down.

1. Use 4 keys that I ordered to pull out stereo.
2. Unplug main harness assy and antenna cable.
3. Run special (purchased) iPod cable through a hole in glove box and cram your hand inside the stereo hole and hope that your right hand can guide it to your left. Once you run it through then plug it in to Dension box.
4. Plug in new harness to stereo and plug in old harness to that.
5. Plug in antenna wire.
6. Slide stereo back in and you are done.

Its a little confusing at first but now its great. No display of song info on stereo but it is on the dash display. $225 after shipping for everything! Love it!

 

Does anyone think that this will work with the iPad?