DAB + retrofit.
 

So i already have DAB in my 8 (4E Feb 2010 VIN production date), but i have to upgrade to DAB+ since Norway is shutting down the DAB and FM network and migrating totally to DAB+.

So i want to get a DAB+ system that just show up as a new waveband or just replaces the old DAB waveband, not one that i have to access as a "Media unit".

What is the best way to go here? I have seen that Kaufatec sell unit for €569 that i guess is a "OEM" unit or something, but i hope that it's a more cost effective way to get the wanted result.

Thanks in advance guys.

Strangely that actually made the BBC news here in the UK today.

Is it worth asking Audi? This is something that has been planned for a while and they must know about and have to deal with?

I think your old radio is 4E0035061D

The part number used in other MMI 3G models with DAB+such as Q5 is 4G0035061J and it has a fibre MOST bus.
Hopefully it is a straight awap on the MMI 3G A8 too but have a look at your old one and see what the connections look like, are they the same?

Hehe yeah it's going around the news everywhere in Europe now a day's :ROFL:

I will contact Audi Norway if don't get "clear" way to go from you guy's. But knowing Audi Norway i don't have to high hopes :p

Uhm ok, where is that specific unit placed? If it's not to much work i'll check the number on it one of the coming days.

EDIT:

After googling 4G0035061J, the pic's coming up is just like the expensive alternative Kaufatec offers: https://www.kufatec.de/shop/en/oem-p...trofitting-vw1


How are you guy's in UK doing it? Or is both FM and regular DAB still going good so this ain't a problem being dealt with yet?

Good old FM is still alive and well here, can't see it going either despite various "interested parties" promoting DAB heavily - it's just rubbish reception in too many places.

The powers that be originally planned it (in 2010) for 2015 but the radio industry strongly rejected it due to the public having little interest in DAB so it was postponed and they have no plans for a switchover at this time.

There has been no DAB+ apart from a few local test transmissions in the past but the first three proper ones are launched on March 1st 2017.

Ah ok, i very much welcome the DAB/DAB+ system, but i think it's ridiculous closing FM _AND_ regular DAB to force us over on DAB+. I mean, had the whole continent went with the same solution, sure then i could accept it. But now it's only like Germany, Belgium(i think), Switzerland and Norway adopting it at this extent.

But hey, what to do :Confused:

Would at least love to achieve a "stock" config without dishing out €600 + freight and import taxes:(

Unit it self isn't that expensive second hand, £200-£250
Just checked with my supplier +++

Interesting, so your saying you could possibly help me get hold on a second hand WORKING original DAB+ unit? :love: :ROFL:

Of course mate +++
Triple check the part number, let me know and I will get on it.

The number of my existing unit or the one i need?

And by the way the existing unit is on the left side in the trunk right? :Confused:

No idea in D4 and part number required.
Also, I thought that 3G+ systems have tv, dab and sat nav in one unit ??

I have absolutely no idea :Confused:

4e is D3 which never had 3G plus.

That said it's quite possible the radio unit from a 3g+ will work on 3g systems

I forgot it's a D3 not D4
You can get 3G+ working, but then don't you have to replace other components to 3G+ when using oem parts ??
Maybe that why kufatec is so expensive/better choice as it allows that one unit to have a 3G+ function/spec on a 3G system without the need to upgrade other components ??

I just sent them a mail now and tried to formulate it so that i might get some OEM part numbers :ROFL: :

Let's hope they give up some secrets :D

They also sell the Fistune which is dab/dab+ and a lot cheaper

https://www.kufatec.co.uk/shop/en/fi...-mmi-3g-mmi-3g

Yeah i know, but then it won't appear under the Radio / Waveband menu, but as an Media device. And i don't want it that way :rolleyes:

I was of the understanding that it integrated to the mmi like factory unit.

Didn't seem like that judging by Kaufatec's answer :/

I'd ask them directly as the description says it does then kind of contradicts itself later in description.

I did ig you look at the mail correspondance i quoted in a post on page two here :/

I read your reply from them but they are a business and of course they will want to sell you the most expensive product they have.

But as I said earlier the description says it works in the dab menu.

The FISTUNE® fully integrates into the vehicle and allows you to access all functions through the MMI (MMI 3G / 3G+)
Control is given through the original DAB interface of the MMI
DAB text support
DAB and DAB+ codec i.e. older DAB stations are received
Usage of original cars antenna system
This results in best reception quality
As well as easy installation

There is mention of using a different item if you have dab already but my question to them would be if you remove your old dab can it then be replaced with the fistune and work properly.

I remember years ago, a man in Eastern Europe who was replacing a chip in the original DAB tuner for a DAB+ capable chip (same pinouts) - will see if I can find it.

I see what you mean there, but the problem is that since the old dab is integrated in the radio unit i can't remove just the DAB part of it :/


Interesting, or else it would be interesting to get hold of the part number of the expencive one Kaufatec sell since they more or less answered me yes that it's a OEM VW part:

Thank you for your request.

We have never had problems here. The audi dealer must only remove the component protection.

Just checked with my existing unit and like you said snapdragon it's a "4E0035061D".

And the connections look just like the ones as on a "4G0035061J" so.

I'm on the case already and I've just sent you a PM with update +++

Let's hope the 4G0035061J work :ROFL:

Long time no see, haha..

Well, 4G0035061J installed and component protection removed. But that didn't work(as anticipated). So the next step now is to update the MMI, witch brings the question, does anyone here know where i can obtain an update CD without paying and eye and a leg for it?

Edit: Just came to think of, what's the "name" for my MMI? Is it 3G High since i have the little joystick on top of the selection knob?

Your car is a 09/10 A8? That came with the 3G MMI. I THINK the only way to update the MMI is through the dealer (please correct me if I'm wrong).

I did that a last month and paid 1.500NOK for the update. They did have som trouble accepting the update so the car was at the dealer for almost 2 days while day where figuring it out. :ROFL:

So glad i asked for a fixed price ;)