TwoSeven

I read many posts about how to do this mod, and the procedures ranged from possibly scarring your dash to completely destroying your US-spec sealed compartment. Not really satisfied with these methods, I came up with my own. Using this method, and the "special tools" needed, you can swap out your existing unit and replace with the Euro one (or change back) in a minute or less without damaging anything.

You will need two 2" disposable plastic putty knives. These are available at any Home Depot or similar place, and probably also your local hardware store. I got mine at Home Depot for $0.59 each. I strongly recommend buying these Wal-Pro brand knives, as they are perfect for this job. Every Home Depot carries them.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/115228/knives.jpg">

The sunglass compartment is fastened to the dash by two tabs on the top of the compartment, labeled in the image. These click upwards into slots in the dash to hold in the compartment - that's it, nothing else.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/115228/tabs.jpg">

So, to remove, simply insert the two plastic putty knives as far apart from one another as they will go in the slim gap between the top of the cubby and the dash material.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/115228/tabwithknife.jpg">

(In the last image, you can see that this centers the knife over the tab.) This will damage nothing. The knives taper slightly, so once you have pushed them in as far as they will go, they will have not only pushed the tabs out of their slots, but also wedged themselves stuck between the sunglass compartment and the dash. Because they are stuck between the dash and cubby, when you pull both knives out towards you slowly, the cubby simply slides out with them. Once it is out (it will come out a half inch to an inch before the knives just come free) you can grab the cubby and remove, damage free. Takes under a minute, even the first time you do it. Enjoy!

Roverte

I searched the archives, but couldn't find any picture links that were still active. What's the difference between this and the standard cubby that you removed?

Thanks,
Alex

TwoSeven

Hi Alex,

I don't have any pics, sorry. If you really want them, I can take some tomorrow. The US-spec cars come with a hollow plastic box and a faceplate or door which is fixed shut by means of two metal pins. Although the pins can be removed to access the compartment, it is not lined and the door does not stay open on its own.

The European cars come with a felt-lined compartment which opens by pressing on the face of the door. The opening mechanism uses dampers and springs to slide the door up and away from the compartment gently so you can store items such as sunglasses, spare keys, etc. It is my understanding that the US cars did not get this great feature (storage space is limited in the Cab!) due to fears that the door would obstruct or puncture the passenger's side airbag if the door is open during a crash. Personally, I think the bag would break the door and send shards flying - not safe either, but I will take my chances.

The Euro storage box is a great addition, and can be purchased from a number of sources, including the dealer in most cases. I also removed my armrest cupholder (dumb idea anyway) and the ashtray (my phone fits where it used to live, and now it can hide under that neat wooden door.)

Roverte

Very odd, but mine operates exactly as you described. I'm the second owner so I guess the original owner must have done the mod.

Incidentally, I think our cars might be twins. Mine is Moro (blue roof) and black interior.

Alex

kocour

I bought my cab. new in 2005 and it has the sun glass compartment so I assume that Audi added it to later models shipped to the US.

TwoSeven

Not quite, mine has the "silver" interior (used to be called Ecru back in the day.) As for later models, mine is an '05 as well...

LISN2ME2003

Do you have the part number or where you bought it?

Stardog

Thanks--very useful!

TwoSeven

I bought mine from another user here (paulroad) after he traded in his Cab. I can't tell if this item from genuineaudiparts is the Euro or US storage box. I also could not locate it anywhere on eBay. I think the dealer may be the only choice here, and I have heard of others getting them from dealers for not much money, as in around the price for the one in the link. I'd just email genuine and ask!<ul><li><a href="http://www.genuinevwaudiparts.com/partlocator/index.cfm?action=getJointLocator&amp;siteid=214407 &amp;chapter=&amp;Sectionids=0,2648&amp;groupid=26 48&amp;subgroupid=7385&amp;componentid=0&amp;make= 2&amp;model=S4%20Cabriolet&amp;year=2

AUDIQSS

There are two small round headed aluminum pins holding the door closed. You can see them just to the left and right of the red circles in the second picture. Pull the pins and the door opens. Granted it is not spring loaded, etc. Attach some sort of handle to the door and it can be used. If you don't lke it this way, you can always go buy the European version.