In searching the archives for info on the cell phone installation, I found many references to retrofitting handhelds, etc. to the factory wiring, but I'm curious about what's involved in installing the factory kit (around $500 with armrest kit from Clair). Is it plug and play like the changer? Who programs the phone? Anyone add the kit themselves or is this something only to be done by the dealer? Thanks!

When I bought my 99.5 A4 I went to Cellular One to inquire about a Motorola TX400 (now 2910) phone. They said it would be $60 installed (Note: they were already my carrier so no activation fee). I asked the installers if a needed the $125 Audi installation kit (fancy backet and antenna) and they said that without it the phone would get stuck way down inside the armrest and would be inconvenient (not easy) to get in and out. Anyway, I sprung for the kit and it is really slick. The installers used the antenna that came with the kit, but would have provided one for free (they actually gave me one). The only difficult part they had was getting the C-piller cover back on. It uses the built-in microphone. It answers all by itself. I still haven't got the radio speaker or mute to work so the sound comes out the telephone speaker on the back of the handset. According to the Audi Technical Bulletin the radio needs to be programmed with a VAG tool which I haven't done.