I'm fairly new to this board and I have a question about aftermarket CD changers. Is the Panasonic CD changer the only one that will hook up to the stock radio in a 99.5 A4? I don't know much about stereo systems, but I have a 99.5 1.8T qms on order and did not get the $1200 bose option, but I want to install a CD changer. I've searched all over and it seems that the Panasonic DP601 or DP801 (8 disc changer) are the only ones with an adapter that will hook up to the pre-wiring in the A4.<p>I found that Autotoys.com had the cheapest one, $230+ and it includes the adapter cable, shipping. Anyone know of other options? Thanks for your help.<p>Mark<br>Anxiously waiting for 1.8TQMS

Call the parts dept at your Audi dealer...I called to find out what the parts cost and my memory tells me the changer was maybe $230 and the mounting kit..which is a sort of toolbox / cd changer mount was about $60. I think this is the way to go...it works perfectly and because it looks stock you could probably convince a dealer that it came with the car...i.e. if it breaks within 3 years they gotta replace it free o' charge.<p>BTW - this is not what I did in the end..the dealer screwed up and left off my trip computer so I made him give me my money back for the trip comp...then I made him give me a free changer while he was at it...you know further compensation for my loss :)

<br> I'm getting ready to purchase a 99.5 a4 avant 1.8 and the dealer quoted me a price of (can you<br>believe it) $700 for the cd changer. And $125<br>for mudflaps!!<br> Don't think I'll be buying those accesories<br>from that dealer, although the overall price of<br>the car aint to bad ($26,800) with sunroof, all<br>weather and sport sterring.

If I remember correctly I paid about $280 for the changer and the mounting kit. These are the stock parts, and it took less than 30 min to install, no muss, no fuss. You will find instructions in the FAQ.

"Mark: The CD-changer is $249.95, pre-wire $121.97, mounting bracket $63.75.<br>Shipping is $9.99 in the 48 states and the warranty is a 1 year AUDI<br>warranty good at any Audi dealer.<p>Barry"<p>That comes to $445.66!!! How come such a big difference from what you payed? By Clair, you did mean www.clair.com right? I even mentioned the "Special Internet Discount #98", and told them I was refered to them through A4.org, but if this is how much it costs, I'll just get the $230 Panasonic CD changer from Autotoys.com, it includes everything!<p>Is the stock CD changer from Audi a Panasonic or Bose?<p>Mark

"pre-wire $121.97"<p><b>I'm not sure about the new A4's, but my '97 came from the factory "pre-wired" for the CD-changer....all I had to do was pull the trunk liner away and plug it in.</b>

I think I paid about $220 for the changer, and the $64 sounds right for the mounting kit. Didn't need any "prewire", so I'm not sure what that is.

I guess I assumed that the "pre-wire" charge of $121 was for the adaptor cable to plug the CD changer in with the exsisting pre-wiring in the trunk liner. But I guess buying a stock changer from Audi should already come with that. I'll call dealers in my area and see how much they would charge.<p>Thanks to all who posted.<p>Mark

From this board I believe the consensus was that a AUDI unit should be covered under the 3 year warranty as is the car. The extra $50 over the panasonic is sort of extended warranty coverage I suppose. Plus the panasonic does hook up, however, it will not allow random function to work. Not that I care that much but it is a minor difference.<br>Skimants 98.5Qspt-tip

When I called to inquire about getting an Audi changer, they said all I needed<br>was the unit, the $64 bracket and that's it. None of this pre-wiriing BS. I can't recall who I talked to, but obviously he was more knowledegable than your guy. Give 'em another try. I know once I get my A4 and find out for sure the location of the changer in the 99.5's, that I am ordering the unit from them.<p>Stewart

I have the Alpine unit ....and I got it from them...and installed myself. Mark (the manager) and Barry (the guy who deals with audi stuff) do know what they are talking about.<p>Steve S.<br>97 2.8QM