I'm doing all you A3 owning iPod lovers a favor

[N3WBI3]

I'm going to visit PIE, the company that makes interfaces and install kits for most U.S. installers.

They want to see the Concert head unit and test their iPod interface to be sure it's compatible.

I'll let you guys know what the verdict is.

[CharlieP]

i love you

[robgmsft]

...if you can attach the ipod with a six-disc in-dash + satellite?

[N3WBI3]

PIE (which does not sell direct to mere mortals, but to stereo shops) tested their two iPod integration solutions on my base A3.

The base in-dash unit is a single CD receiver that says "Audi Concert." It is in fact a Concert II made by Matsu****a (Panasonic).

The first solution is not only for iPods, but for any device with a 3.5mm stereo mini jack for headphones (I think all of 'em have that). It's just an "auxiliary in." All operations go through the interface of the iPod or MP3 player and you just have a plug hanging out from behind the dash. I didn't look into that too much because it's crude and operating a loose player in the car while driving makes no sense. But it does work.

Solution #2 was the one I took. This is for iPods only. A modular plug harness goes into the back of the Concert II and the Factory wiring plugs into that (this step wouldn't be necessary if the car were prewired for cd changer, but mine wasn't.)

Then an electronic module the size of a cigarette pack goes behind the radio (lots of space back there). A long-ish cord comes out and ends in the long bus connector for the bottom of the iPod.

Again, the Concert II thinks it's looking at a CD changer, but this time, you have six disks, each with 100 subfolders holding 100 songs (your playlists are the "disks." The Concert II completely takes over control of the iPod to the point that there is no interface display on the iPod, just a large checkmark and the words "okay to disconnect." You start and stop play by selecting and deselecting the CD changer. You can page through disks or scan through subfolders and scan through songs 1 at a time or 10 at a time. It's fairly simple when you see it. I won't try to describe it fully here.

The part numbers you want from PIE (through your installer) are VWR PCPOD (control module) and AA3HAR (plug harness). PIE can give support to your local installer over the phone.

There is probably a way to route the connector calb efor the iPod through the side of the glovebox to keep everything hidden. I'll hopefully figure that one out tomorrow.

The bottom line is that we don't have to wait for the Audi solution (the dealer parts counter guy was not encouraging about it).

[N3WBI3]

Here's the control module I was speaking of:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=7968779862

[N3WBI3]

But it may prevent using the changer. Sorry, I didn't ask. But a good installer can get an answer from PIE quickly on that.

[valtorr]

Hi,Just wondering if you could post how to remove the Concert II radio. Do I need special tool?
Thanks.

[kb5ql]

Thanks for this great post. I installed it and it works great.

• Audi A3 Install - Detailed Pics

[N3WBI3]

Hi, yes, you need a pair of special tools that are common to Becker, Blaupunkt, etc. They look like little knife blades with loop handles. They are incredibly cheap stamped metal and probably cost all of $0.15 to make. I suspect most installers have a set that you might borrow (you dont' need them once the radio is initially slid out).

Some tool on eBay tries to get $12 a pair for them, but I think if you felt the need to own a set you could probably buy them from the dealer's parts counter for a few bucks.

[S3AL]

Does this give you Txt display on the OEM Head Unit?