You're not thick TPS haven't been around for a long time and I only stumbled on them by accident when I was getting a lot of VAG servicing coming my way.

TPS are Trade Parts Specialists, they are owned by the VAG group (VW, Audi etc) and general VAG genuine service parts are approx 40% off list, though I've found A8 parts, due to low volume, only get 10-15% off, plus normal parts (trim etc) only get a similar level of discount.

They usually only deal with trade sales but you can sometimes blag a cash account and get the discounts - plus if you have a local one they will deliver free +++

Not sure of the difference I'm only going on what I've been told by the parts guy at Chester Audi, I wouldn't want the hassle of buying something not compatible and not knowing for sure if the unit was faulty or just incompatible.

The AMI has just arrived, I've just checked the contents and it seems the Audi parts guy didn't tell me I needed a media cable to go from my device (ipod / drive) to the AMI so I'll need to order one of those :-(

I did ask if all cables including connector cables were included and he confirmed they would be so I'm a bt frustrated.

So I can't play yet, at least I can get on with updaing the MMI

Hi Godders
Does this set up allow you to maintain the CD changer?
Look forward to hearing more mate
Cheers
Glyn

ps will check out TPS

+++

Shame I didn't stumble across your earlier post-I would have told you that you were an interface lead missing :(

Nick, the acurate price is £243.29 (including everything to play & keep your CD player also)

I am at Audi today so will sort out payment arrangements with them.

These are not generic part numbers accross all D3 A8's/S8's. Found this out when pricing up a kit for Tonupkid

My part numbers are different on my 07 '8. So make sure if anyone orders a kit you make sure you have the right part numbers for your own chassis number. +++

OK so MMI updated, AMI fitted and I've worked out how to get an external disk drive working with the AMI (much cheaper than an iPod)

I'm in the process of doing write ups, including one on managing mp3 tags and creating playlists but can somebody help me on how to post large pdf files ?

It's easier to create them in this format than post pics and text but the upload function restricts the filesize to 19.5K, the MMI doc is 478K, so not large by any means.

Also for those who have fitted the MMI to the cubby by the side of the CD player did you find the aperture wasn't deep enough for the unit (approx 4mm too short), if so what if anything did you do to make it fit (I feel the Dremel is itching to come out of its box) ?

I believe to make it fit in the A6 the back of the glovebox has to be cut out (friend had one professionally fitted recently and that is what was done).

I'd rather not resort to this kind of thing, plus the 8 has a mounting screw for the glove box behind where the cubby lies.

There is, as far as I can establish, only one part number for the AMI so I think the cubby housing, on the AMI, is standard and there isn't a shorter one. The aperture for the AMI in the glove box is deeper on the left to the right on a RHD car. I'm just wondering if the AMI was designed for a LHD car so the deeper part of the aperture would be in the correct place for the AMI cubby as the glovebox would be a mirror image of our cars - hope this makes sense.

Godders, did you take the whole glove box out or just drop it down slightly?

I installed the AMI into the cubby next to the CD player and found no fitment fouling. (I dropped the glovebox down and didn't toally remove it)

However, the clips which hold it in place were rather tough, and you have to be completely sure the MOST cables are not kinked etc in any way before committing to the last "push". You do have to be quite positive, the clips are tight. This iirc is probably the last 4ish mm you are asking about.

You'll struggle getting it out again afterwards I think :D:ROFL:

Try using a hosting site like http://www.filefactory.com/. Then link to them from the write up. I'm wary of allowing too large file sizes as server space is limited.

:o

Removed the box first but if I had to do it again I'd leave it in place, there's enough room to get the cables fed around the back

None of the cables were kinked, I took time messing about with it and took out the CD again so I could pull the cables through to stop that happening.

I did think about the 'last push' but that'll be a last resort.

From memory the depth of the cubby is around 180mm and the AMI unit is 184mm. I think my big size 12 will be brought into play +++

Absolutely or it'll shoot out like Arkwrights till drawer :ROFL:

Thanks for that I have done and created a new post with the link

I don't blame you trying to keep storage to a minimum

Well I'm not sure why yours wouldn' fit. Audi wouldn't manufacture something fitted from factory that doesn't go straight in :Confused:

I think you should push it right in properly before you cut behind your glovebox unnecessarily. It does fit +++ Like I said, it's a rather positive push, then you will hear the satisfying "click" :D

The only thing I can think that might mean it wont sit "home" is there is something a miss when you re-installed the glovebox. See I didn't remove mine because I had been tol it didn't have to be removed when I did my homework (mainly on here-thanks all :D) Maybe thats why I didn't have any issues. Took literally 10 mins max from start to finish

Hi Bex
I've PM'd you. I'm itching to put all the advice on here into practice :)

Hi Nick, I am picking it up for you tomorrow +++ Sorry I have been a combination of ill and busy this week which has sucked royaly-but I am feeling better a few days into the antibiotics ;)

Will text you tomorrow and let you know I have your AMI :cool:

Unfortunately, in this instance, I think Audi have, unless I was either given the wrong part number (though it was a dealer) / the original has been superseeded and the housing changed or there are numerous AMIs with different mounting systems. The AMI I have is too long to fit the hole it's meant to occupy. After I'd dismissed the idea of cables stopping it being pushed home I got out the tape measure and the moulded plastic housing is around 4-5mm too deep and I'm not prepared to force it 'home' - with that distance to bridge something will get damaged, the stress on the plastics will be too great.

I've had too many years spannering cars to 'force' things and spent heaps of time fixing faults where other technicians have and then broken something.

I took the drawer out last night and it has a higher back to it to stop anything falling out of the back so I'm going to get the dremel out this weekend and 'modify' the AMI plastic housing. I'm not happy about this after spending this amount of money but once it's in I'll forget about it.

Maybe the cubby on the later cars, like yours, is deeper.

A friend had an AMI professionally fitted recently (he was too impatient to wait and let me do it) to his 2007 A6 and the installer (who does this day in day out) cut a section out of the back of his glove box with a Dremel to make it fit.

Sounds like you both have the wrong AMI then. I'd be taking it back-no way I'd dremel my '8 in a million years.

Hope you get it fitted soon +++

Nick-I have collected your AMI from Audi today, I've lost your number to call you-doh!

Cheers Bex. Hope you bounce back & I've pm'd me number to you

I agree with Beks, I wouldnt be taking a dremel to the back of the glovebox either. did you move the changer to the cubby side and install the AMI where the changer was?

I had seen reference to several A6 owners doing this but never an 8, I believed the different part numbers were actually to do with software etc not different sizing.

The problem is that the early models weren't designed for the AMI, so the right hand side of the glovebox is too short. Either cut it out, or swap the AMI for the CD changer like I did :)

I thought you were meant to switch the CD over to the spare side and the AMI into the CD hole

It's not essential, the AMI is fitted where the spare cubby hole is from factory-but, if you prefer it the other way around you can switch them. Personal preference +++

Psyche has a very good point, if you have an older D3 that may be your problem +++

:(Blimey getting this AMI sorted is a complete minefield, would appreciate your thoughts on my experience today :Confused:

I had made contact with a main Audi dealer a few weeks back and got the part number and price using the chassis number of the car this is the quote from the email..............
Item 4E0057785F
Description
AMI Retrofit Unit
Application
A4 week 46 / 2007 > week 21 / 2008, A5 week 45 / 2007 > week 21 / 2008, A6 week 45 / 2007 > week 21 / 2008, A8 week 45 / 2007 > week 21 / 2008, Q7 week 45 / 2007 > week 21 / 2008
Information
For vehicles with MMI High (Most Bus). Please refer to bulletin AU0430-08 for required additional parts.
Detail
Price
£189.00 All Prices Are Inclusive Of VAT.

So popped in there today and asked about ordering this, mentioned that I was aware it would require certain cables to allow the cd to work and the ipod to be connected. They seem a bit suspect of anyone wanting to fit this themselves! :tuttut:
He said I suggest you try a place called mobile comms nearby who will do this cheaper, we send most of our work there????
So I thought I would, out of curiosity really! Went there and they they quote £350 fitted. I explained I wanted the parts only, and said Audi Main Dealer was 189 and showed him the email! He said is what they buy them in for and that the cost covers them ammending the system to work with AMI fitting etc, I pointed out I had upgraded the software myself for this and the fitting didnt appear to be a great problem once I could get my hands on the parts!

So I thought b*gger this and headed for another Audi dealer (local to work) as I needed to get back to work and was running out of time. (Tamworth)

Spoke to the chap there who whilst very helpful said this was now an obsolete part and factory fit only (not retrofit??) but he would check with Audi head office. Stated cables required would be £75 ish. As he was waiting for Audi to come back I said I would phone them later as I needed to get to work. :(

Phone call this afternoon
Sorry this part won't fit your car the AMi will only fit cars after week 22 build 2007. My car is a late 06 build registered in 07.
I pointed out I know of cars and owners with earlier cars who had fitted this and think they are wrong but they stood their ground and state this part is not suitable for the car and my car is not compatible with AMI!!! :tuttut:
Frankly I lost interest at this point and they suggested I speak to Audi customer service. I had a meeting to go to, so thought sod it for now !!!
What do we make of this?
Whilst I am not in a major rush I was hoping to have this sorted but am at a loss with these dealers!
Cheers
Glyn

each dealer will tell you something different, upshot is most of them havent a clue, the people on this and other audi forums have retrofited and fixed things the main dealer wouldnt dream of attempting

2 of them told me they have never heard of component protection, the third got rid of it in 30 minutes. have faith, buy the bits, you will have it working 20 minutes later.

+++
I don't doubt it I just couldn't believe the attitude, they just don't seem to want to sell me the parts.
When I get the chance I'll head back to the dealers and just order the parts.
What a shower !

They're all a bunch of donkeys... Just don't give em the chassis number and tell em it's a 2007 :)

Glyn, PM me your chassis number-I will get you the part numbers you need to order +++ If you wait a little while I can try to order it for you (I may be over my quota for a lil while) :D

Bex

EDIT- scrap that I have your old pm, I will get on this for you tomorrow +++
I can deffo get you the correct part numbers, will see about whether I can order it for you too but can't promise anything ;)

As many have said it seems some dealers are clueless or not interested in your money.

I was told by Cheshire Oaks Audi (parts) that the prices have recently come down and have listed the parts numbers and current prices elsewhere in this thread. Though get the AMI part number for your specific car.

I did give my chassis number to the parts guy and was told it was the correct one for my car, it sat proud of the cubby hole so I had to modify it to fit. I'm not sure if there are many variants of the AMI.

Now it may not be the case with later cars but it is not possible on my 2003 car to switch positions of the CD and AMI, the CD is deeper than the AMI and this is reflected in the housings in the glovebox so just be aware.

You don't need to remove the glovebox to fit - just bendy wrists :), just take your time and read the instructions first and it should take no more than an hour.

I'll be doing a write up soon on fitting including how to get a USB drive working with it too. I meant to do it before now but I've had other issues with the car to sort out.

Many thanks Bex
Let me know what you can find out for me much appreciated +++
I must be honest I was a taken back and they just didn't want to listen to me whatsoever.
Thank heavens for this forum as without groups of owners like this your well and truly on your own with these idiots at dealers!
:ROFL:
And Audi customer services! :rolleyes:

Cheers
Glyn

Thought I would just add an update to the AMI saga
I had another dealer tell me the car isn't suitable for AMI so I have just rang Tamworth Audi and ordered the parts
These are the numbers I have got for the bits required
The part number for the AMI unit is 4E0057785F (this has superseded from 4E0075785B). The wiring is 4F0051592A. The iPod cable is 4F0051510L.
£263 total supposedly being delivered tomorrow
I will let you know how I get on!

If anyone has some info on what you did and how you fit this all I would be grateful before I start over the holiday weekend.
Drop me a PM and perhaps email me some details if it's no trouble.
Just upgraded to an Iphone 4 as well which works with the BT system in the car fine so I should be rocking and rolling soon :)
Cheers
Glyn

Theres already a few write ups on it around the forums, you dont need to remove the glovebox, so you shouldnt have trouble, took 15 minutes for me and that was due to having trouble getting the cd player out.
take out the cd, be careful with the fibreoptic ends,
connect in your new splicing cable to the original that came from the cd,
take out the middle insert to make room for the cd,
feed the cable through connect the end to the cd and slot the cd back in, again be careful with the fibre optic ends,
do the same with the ami.
connect the ipod lead and ipod and your good to go

did i miss anything

Glyn,

The only 'worry' may be that the back of your glovebox cubby will need cut out if you want to keep the AMI and the CD Changer. If your MMI is up to date, you can swap them in two minutes.

Cheers Chaps+++

I am tired of my CD's. It's one of those things that once you have had it it's hard to go back :rolleyes:!! I do miss the choice of music from the Ipod.
Parts supposed to be here tomorrow at the dealers so will keep you advised how I go on
Cheers
Glyn

i know what you mean , i didnt bother putting my cd back in, got more use as a cubby hole. im using the 250 gb hard disk so plenty of room .

Update
 

Morning All
Thought I would give you the last chapter in my AMI saga!

Picked up the bits yesteday from Audi, the parts mans face was a picture as I had ordered them over the phone.
Although he is a decent chap so I took the time to explain to him what "I" thought was the issue. (possible size difference in the space?)

Got them home £263 lighter in the wallet
Three items the AMI the Optical cable and power splitter which is £50 ish alone and the Ipod link cable. Oh and the two small tools to remove the CD changer!
Got the instructions out, looked very easy tbh. Tells you to take out the glove box remove the cubby and connect the various wires.

I went to the car unable to wait now (as with most things) had a careful look around the job. Popped out the CD checked out how that was wired. Popped out the Cubby, no need to remove the glovebox even with my big hands you can manage to get the wires routed around neatly.

Added the wires where required, popped the CD back in then wired up the AMI and switched on, and there's she was, working from the word go. I had checked the size of the removed cubby against the new AMI unit and it was about 5mm smaller in length. But I thought I'll see if this fitts as from what I could see on mine there was space at the rear of it.

Slid the AMI unit in the righthand space careful to make sure the wires weren't trapped and it click home first time.
All done, probably 20 minutes and I only used one small screwdriver, which you need to pop the small cable lock on the optical cables. +++

Then I spent the next three hours trying to find the bl**dy Ipod which I had of course stored somewhere safely whilst it wasn't being used in the car! :ROFL:
Nicked my son's Nano for a check and everything works comes up on the MMI as it should, but my god his taste in "music" has gone down hill since the days he used to listen to Queen with me :(....now where have I put that damn Ipod ....Arh yes after a bottle of wine last night I had a solitary bright though this morning and found it :p

Many thanks for all of you who gave me the push to just ignore Audi and buy this and fit it myself. +++
Cheers
Glyn

Result mate... I can't believe how hard Audi make it to get and fit these.

I found the iPod battery would drain if I hadn't driven for a day or two and it'd lose where I was, so I swapped to the 250Gb HDD (plus it means I can keep the ipod in the house for listening to).

It was actually harder to get the CD changer back in the AMI sloted in easy and looks superb. Almost feel like driving down to the dealer to show them!

Hard drive sounds good,I might do the same mate, I use the "lossless" ripping function in Itunes so need a decent bit of space. The ipod I use is a 60gb fat one. I find with a decent set up you can tell the difference, almost want to take it for a drive now to have a good listen. Oh the long lost days of being able to afford to just go for a drive eh!!
Shouldn't moan I guess the A8 is returning 38 on ave and over 40 on a run. Still when the total hits £110 to fill up I still wince :mad:

your right about telling the difference, i had to go about changing many of the songs and albums that wern't up to scratch.

The Audi Hdd is available on ebay like the one below, have a look around though I got mine for about £60 and it included the AMI - Hdd lead which will set you back another £20 - £30 from audi on top of the hdd.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Audi-250GB-Har...item230bb672b3