I recently completed the installation of a Dension Gateway 500 MMI iPod interface into my 04 A8L and wanted to share some thoughts and pics.

Like many MOST-based MMI vehicle owners (D3 A8, C6 A6, and Q7) I have been waiting for a solution that allows full integration of an iPod into the vehicle's entertainment system. Although, I'm impatient, I haven't been waiting as long as many of you because I've only owned my CPO'd A8L for 30 days.

The components of the GW500 are:

- The gateway unit which connects: iPod, USB, and RCA audio. The USB port is important because that's how you'll flash your iPod, and the gateway with the latest Dension firmware on an ongoing basis. The gateway itself is approx 3.5"W, X 7"L

- Two fiber-optic cables (fragile) that connect in the MOST loop from the MMI unit to the OEM CD changer.

All in all the connections are effortless, as long you take your time, and follow the procedure outlined in the manual. It's also a good idea to wrap the fiber optic cables in protective friction tape to keep them safe from wearing against other parts.

The pics:

A shot of the RCA connection housing w/switch to toggle back to CD changer mode. To the right is the USB cable, and to the far right, my iPod Mini which is dedicated to the car. I use my Nano as a portable player for the gym, etc. The gateway unit, power connections, and fiber cables are installed behind the small storage bin concealed out of sight. Installation required removing the storage bin, and CD changer. (you'll need two radio removal tools to pull out the CD changer) Sorry for the poor quality..low light shot without a TriPod


Here's the iPod Music menu on the MMI screen. Position #1 takes me back to the iPod main menu. The selections can be made with the MMI joystick.


A shot of the playlist screen. The "Audi iPod" list is my full song library. "Audi iPod" is the name I gave to my iPod Mini when I reset it using iTunes. There are additional playlists in positions 7 and higher. Position #6 is always the "return to menu" selection.


Song shuffle can be activated through the MMI CD Control function. However shuffle is deactivated once you advance to the next song manually. (kind of frustrating) But most iPod music selection functions are available through the MMI interface. An example - list by "artist".


A listing of my main song library


And finally, the same song library listing available through the steering wheel control. This function works the same as it does for radio stations and CD's.


By the way, I've got to mention the experience I had with the Dension dealer I bought the GW500 from. I placed my order for the unit with Enfig car stereo (http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_sc/store/html/audi_iopd.html) soon after I bought the car. Christian at Enfig was very helpful, and did not ask for a credit card # till he was sure he was going to receive units from Europe. Sure enough, Christian called me last Fri at 4:00pm and told me the unit was in. Of course, I asked him to ship it overnight for Sat AM delivery. (Since we're in the same time zone, I expected him to say "no, it's too late") Christian surprised me, and said "yes", I got it at 10:00am Sat morn. I believe in recognizing those who go above and beyond for your business. Christian, thanks a ton!