I am about to pull the trigger on the purchase on an '04 allroad from the dealer. I am trying to figure out my all in budget including some electronics. I would like the vehicle to have a nice system including Sirius and Nav, bluetooth integration for the phone and iPod connectivity would be nice bonuses.

It currently has the Bose system with XM radio. I have asked the dealer to swap the XM for a Sirius module as part of the deal. The dealer is playing hardball and claiming this will cost $500-$750 extra. First of all, can anyone confirm if this is reasonable? This seems like it sould be a simple chip switch, and they are just trying to get more $$.

Anyway, if the dealer does swap in the Sirius free of charge, I could just look at a portable nav unit such as the Garmin 660. If the dealer insists on charging $500-$750, I think this money could be better spent on a comprehensive after market system such as the Pioneer AVIC-D3. This would give me the Nav, Sirius, Bluetooth integration for my phone, and iPod all in one.

I would appreciate any advice on an after market system such as this (Pioneer or otherwise). My main questions are:
- Are there any audi (allroad) compatibility issues
- Can I just purchase the head unit and integrate in with the existing Bose system and how is the resulting audio?
- If properly installed, do the steering wheel controls work to control volume, channels, etc?
- Anything else I am missing?

If an after market system does not integrate well, can I also consider having the audi Nav+ installed at the dealer? It looks like this costs around $1,200 plus (from reviewing the threads).

Thanks in advance for your advice. Reviewing these boards has been extremely helpful in researching my purchase.

Gabatta I just installed the Pioneer unit in my A6 and love it! I had the Bose system but chose to do an entire car rewire. I know you can integrate to the Bose system but sorry I don't have any info for you. The rewire was not difficult just very time consuming. Biggest problem I ran into was finding a dash install kit but now that's been solved. I went with the bluetooth, iPod and Sirius extras as well as using a PAC kit for the steering wheel controls. Everything works just like factory for the steering controls. Just be prepared for a hefty install fee from a shop if you end up gutting the Bose system. Good luck!

nav is really slick check it out
www.alpine-usa.com

Because of the way the Bluetooth adapter and Ipod cable are daisy chained, the noise caused by the Bluetooth adapter can be heard if you're playing your Ipod. Supposedly Alpine is working on this but so far no answers.

Also, the Alpine does not have nav built-in. You either need the really expensive DVD nav unit to or you can dock the portable Blackbird to get nav.

I know this was an issue for the earlier Pioneer units. The safety feature is not as easy to defeat as it is on other brands because the Pioneer uses the GPS to detect if you're moving.

can be found on a few different websites, also the tech article for the a4 is a great resource for installing the unit

-Zach

As Amatoo04 states unfortunately you cannot control the nav functions without e-brake engaged. I haven't purchased the bypass but plan on doing it very soon.

I'm trying to install my Avic-D3 into my 2001 A4 and I have not found any instructions as to how to remove the stock symphony radio. Do I need a tool? Do I need to remove anything in getting to the radio?