In searching through some of the archives, I came across a reference that mentioned the Dealer could unlock it with "VAS 5051/5051b/5052". What exactly is this, and is this what I need to do?

...I know of at least one instance in which someone went to the dealership for them to retrieve the code for a unit bought on eBay only to find out the unit was stolen in Europe.

...I'll look for the thread

I wonder how car install shops handle add-ons in cases where they dont have the PIN

I just started a similar thread. I bought my unit from NAVParts.com and it was (according to the dealership) a european test vehicle. So it wasn't stolen, but it was installed in another Audi. However, I can't find my code and I just replaced my battery a few weeks back and I'm stuck on safe mode. I can't get ahold of anyone at NAVParts.com so I'm stuck with a $1500 brick unless someone has some helpful insight.

I did hear that some shops can re-do the mother board or something computer techie, just not sure I feel safe sending a $1500 unit to someone with cash and hope they mail it back to me.

weird that noone at NAVParts is responding.