I’ve recently bought an 03 S4, and so far I just really love the car. I do want to fit a satnav, so I’ve done some research, and I’ve been lurking (with intent) on here for a while, and I wanted to do a brief write-up of what I intend to do, just to check if anyone has comments. I started out wanting to fit satnav, but I soon realised I wanted to get Bluetooth kit as well, and voice activation seemed like a good thing to get on the satnav, and how about a multi function steering wheel... It sorta all got a bit out of hand...
Vag-Com
I’ve realised that with my wish list I would be well advised to get a vag-com cable and software. Reading here and elsewhere on the web, it would appear that the best thing to do is to buy this from Ross-tech. I understand that I can get away with a dual K-line cable, but since we’re considering getting a newer A6 for the missus, I might as well get the HEX-USB+CAN for $349 from them. I do see cheaper cables available on eBay, but considering what I want to do, as well as the obvious legal issues, I don’t think £100 or so extra is too much money to spend. I will definitely have to do a fair bit of re-programming in order to fit the bits I need. Comments on this are very welcome.
Sat-Nav
Looking around, it would appear that the box to have is the RNS-E. Looking on here, it would appear that the age of the RNS-E matters very little, as it can easily be updated with newer software. I would also need the facia for the S4/A4 as well as a GPS anthenna, Code card, and a map-DVD. There are plenty of these available on eBay, and since I have the Symphony II unit it would appear that this is a very straight swap. I will need to get the removal keys from eBay as well, but I don’t think I need to get any cables apart from what I listed above. Again, comments are very welcome.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth units compatible with the RNS-E are plentiful on eBay, but from what I can understand some of these may be slightly old, and would not necessarily support all phones. These have a number of the format XXX XXX XXX Y, where Y is a letter designating age of the software on the box. I have seen units on eBay from A to Q, and I would assume that I should go for as late a box as I can possibly find. The software on these does not appear to be upgradable, and I will need a wiring loom as well. It may be a good idea to buy the microphone for the kit direct from Audi. I also don’t know where I should fit the unit..
Comments please...Multi Function Steering Wheel
There are lots of these on eBay as well, and I will need one to support Radio, Phone, and voice control, but since my car is manual, that is all I have to worry about. I’m not sure if all available MFSWs will fit the S4, but I would assume that a steering wheel from any recent Audi would fit. I’m also unsure about whether any extra cabling is necessary, or if this is available in the steering column.
I do wonder a bit about all the Audi bits on eBay selling from eastern Europe (RNS-E with western Europe maps, etc.), as it would appear quite likely that a few of these are stolen. Has anyone got some eBay sellers you would recommend? Anything else I should think about? I have seen pictures on eBay of cars with MF buttons around the gear gaiter, although I think this was on a Tiptronic A6. Anyone seen this on a manual 4?
Thank you very much for your help.
Martin
Newbie in Newcastle.....
