MFSW Info for the B6 - Single Stage Airbag

[agentsmith988]

Had a couple of requests awhile back to gather the information together from my MFSW install I recently finished up. I know this information is out there, it's just takes some digging to pull it all up. Hopefully this helps some others out there!

I debated for a long time on just throwing a B7 MFSW in and calling it a day. However, the dual stage airbag debacle kept me from making the leap. I decided to start researching alternatives.

My project goals consisted of:
-Finding a MFSW to augment my RNS-e
-Finding a single stage airbag to augment not dying in a crash
-Finding a MFSW/ single stage airbag combo that mated without issue
-Keeping it cheap (this meant skipping the flat-bottomed wheel - didn't really care about this)

Here's my parts list/source/price paid:
- MFSW - from an A5 (2009-2014) - 8K0419091CB - ebay.co.uk (Ireland) $100
- Single Stage Airbag - from an A3/S3 (8V) - 8V0880201N 6PS - eBay.co.uk (Hungary) $300
- Single Stage Airbag/MFSW harness - 8U0971589C - (mine was included with the airbag I bought)
- Control Module - from a B7 A4 - 8E0953549Q - salvage yard - $100
- Clock Spring - from a B7 A4 - 4E0953541A - salvage yard - $60
- 4 pin connector - from a B7 A4 - 4E0972133 - local/dealer - $5
Total cost $565

Tools needed:
- Torx T8 screwdriver (Sears sells the one you need, 2.5" long - seriously, the Sears one is perfect)
- Torx T27 screwdriver
- Torx socket T55
- Allen Hex socket 4mm
- 10mm wrench
- Small flat screwdriver
- Lisle 56500 Terminal Tool - used for swapping wiring between connectors - (get it on Amazon, it's WORTH the 5-10 bucks)
- VCDS
- DIY instructions w/photos courtesy of DIYAudi


Additional info:

The unknown variables I faced at the beginning of my project were which steering wheel control layouts were compatible with the B6 and which wheels/airbags mated correctly with one another .

First, from my understanding (gleaning info from the very few sellers that offer the flat-bottom MFSW package and various threads), there are only some MFSW button layouts that work with the B6/B7.

I threw this diagram together in MSPaint to describe my understanding:



I went with the button layout from the first wheel because I'd seen it physically work before and it's the layout that HazzyDayz/Europrice both sell in their packages.

Once I knew which button layout to go with, I moved on to finding a single stage airbag that would mate with a MFSW. In my search, I found that the easiest wheel to source was an A5 wheel that had the hook style airbag attachment. The 8V0880201N 6PS airbag from the 8V generation A3/S3 has the hook style attachment and is single stage so it fit the bill as well.

Photo of the MFSW with hook style airbag attachments:



Notes on the install:

1. There are a few different versions of the yellow connector that go into the clock spring. The one I got with my airbag needed to be trimmed just a hair to plug in correctly to the B7 clock spring. If you wanted to make this perfect you could pick up the correct connector from a B7... I didn't care and mine functions just fine.

2. I did not need to code my control module with VCDS. It automatically set the proper coding with the MFSW installed. However, I did need to code the ABS module again as it had zeroed out (04275 for me). side note: I got excited when the ABS module zeroed out thinking that I'd be able to code properly for my larger B7 front brakes... it didn't.

3. For my install, I needed to swap wires on two connectors. First, the 4 pin connector that plugs into the control module. Second, my yellow airbag/MFSW connector needed to have the wires moved around to get everything working. There are 12 pins and my wiring matched this photo (credit to vinny.dtw for posting this here).



Pin Layout:
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6
7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

1 - Brown (Ground)
2 - Blue (Airbag)
3 - Black (Airbag)
4 - Green (Airbag)
5 - Empty
6 - Empty
7 - Empty
8 - White (MFSW Controls)
9 - Purple (MFSW Controls)
10 - Empty
11 - Empty
12 - Empty

Closing notes

Well, that's pretty much all of it. With some more patience on getting parts I know I could have done it even cheaper. I just got anxious.

All in all, I'm extremely happy. I'm still getting used to remembering that I don't need to reach over to my RNS-e for every little thing. Now I just need to source a Bluetooth module to get some more use out of these fancy new MFSW controls I have!

Let me know if I missed anything or if you have any questions!



UPDATE: If you want to use a TT 8S wheel like the one seen below, you'll need a highline LIN1.3 to LIN2.0 (updated highline communication protocol introduced in 2009) adapter harness to get the MFSW to work with the B6. Gosser has a contact/mini write-up later in this thread here if you're interested in going this route.

[Steve Bassen]

Money, thanks for the writeup! I've got an A5 S-line wheel already (with perforated sides), and also have the A3 airbag on the way (from Hungary, so probably from the same ebay seller); can't wait to get it installed. BTW, how long did it take to get your airbag?

[agentsmith988]

Money, thanks for the writeup! I've got an A5 S-line wheel already (with perforated sides), and also have the A3 airbag on the way (from Hungary, so probably from the same ebay seller); can't wait to get it installed. BTW, how long did it take to get your airbag?

It took a few weeks. I know they get creative with the shipping method in order to get the airbag over. I'm not sure what all is entailed.. I just know it takes a bit longer.

It's worth it though!

[k909068]

Nice write-up!

[k909068]

Solved

[Dubsport Inc]

It appears that there are multiple versions of your steering wheel, that work with your airbag. 8K0419091BL being the one with zero buttons on it whatsoever, your PN being the perforated S-line, and 8K0419091BN being the solid leather/non-perforated regular A5 (non S-line).

Buttonless 8K0 419 091 BL:

I hope the above wheel will work, since I just ordered it...

I also think that there's another suffix part revision letter change, indicating that the wheel is grey leather.

You can also buy a cheap B7 wheel and add the steering wheel controls in anytime...

[agentsmith988]

It appears that there are multiple versions of your steering wheel, that work with your airbag. 8K0419091BL being the one with zero buttons on it whatsoever, your PN being the perforated S-line, and 8K0419091BN being the solid leather/non-perforated regular A5 (non S-line).

Buttonless 8K0 419 091 BL:

I hope the above wheel will work, since I just ordered it...

I also think that there's another suffix part revision letter change, indicating that the wheel is grey leather.

Are you planning on swapping the MFSW controls into this wheel?

[Spike00513]

Are you planning on swapping the MFSW controls into this wheel?

Maybe one day. oCarbon also makes a nice carbon wrap of the MFSW trim. I don't like how shiny the gloss black is, I think it's distracting. The buttons would help, but I still won't have the Audi soft-touch material (or whatever they use) on the bottom part of the MFSW trim. I'm sure the piece can be bought separately.

[nefkntym]

I have a new single stage airbag with harness for the newer round steering wheels above for anyone that wants a setup like the OP.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/612734-2012+-Round-Steering-Wheel-Facelift-Airbag-single-stage

[Spike00513]

Looks like the Euro SQ5 wheel fits too...not sure about US-spec ones..

Maybe it's just me, but it looks smaller too, which I'm guessing makes the car more fun to drive, as long as it doesn't make it harder to turn. Which I doubt it would, since we have reportedly overboosted steering hydraulic steering..

[diagnosticator]

OP, PM sent.

[Fouad1013]

Thanks for the write up agentsmith. Ive been looking for a MFSW with a working airbag, and IMO that A5 wheel looks much better than the b7 one.

[agentsmith988]

Thanks for the write up agentsmith. Ive been looking for a MFSW with a working airbag, and IMO that A5 wheel looks much better than the b7 one.

No problem! I've had this setup for a few months now and love it more and more. And since adding the OEM Bluetooth module I get even more use out of it to activate SDS/select contacts.

[Steve Bassen]

Yeah, thanks for doing the writeup, it worked great for me when I did it a few weeks ago to mine, as well. Most time consuming part was just dremeling the B7 airbag connector to fit the new airbag harness.

[claudiovagkraft]

How about this from an A6? Would be great since you'd get the added heated wheel feature.

[agentsmith988]

How about this from an A6? Would be great since you'd get the added heated wheel feature.

Unless anyone has confirmed otherwise, I don't think that button layout would be compatible. If you could find a heated wheel with a button layout that is compatible (see one of my earlier posts in this thread for compatible setups) then I don't see why you couldn't get the heated function to work.

[k909068]

It took a few weeks. I know they get creative with the shipping method in order to get the airbag over. I'm not sure what all is entailed.. I just know it takes a bit longer.

It's worth it though!

I did the upgrade today, no error code, no light. I can use the volume +&-, channel +&-, but no mute function(push the volume roller). Is this normal?

B8 RS4 FBMFSW
B7 SC+module
Symphony2+

[agentsmith988]

I did the upgrade today, no error code, no light. I can use the volume +&-, channel +&-, but no mute function(push the volume roller). Is this normal?

B8 RS4 FBMFSW
B7 SC+module
Symphony2+

Here are the functions of that wheel in a B6:

Mode: Opens Bluetooth phone book on the DIS (scroll with OK wheel and select with OK wheel click)
OK Wheel (scroll): Channel/Track up/down
OK Wheel (click): Seek/Scan and Answer/Hang-up for phone calls

Voice: Activates Bluetooth SDS (Speech Dialogue System)
iNav: Nothing
Volume wheel (scroll): Volume up/down
Volume Wheel (click): Repeat Navigation instruction

So yup, it's functioning as it should. Mute can only be accomplished via the head unit itself (both RNS-E and Symphony) . Time to install some more goodies to get more use out of the controls!

[k909068]

Here are the functions of that wheel in a B6:

Mode: Opens Bluetooth phone book on the DIS (scroll with OK wheel and select with OK wheel click)
OK Wheel (scroll): Channel/Track up/down
OK Wheel (click): Seek/Scan and Answer/Hang-up for phone calls

Voice: Activates Bluetooth SDS (Speech Dialogue System)
iNav: Nothing
Volume wheel (scroll): Volume up/down
Volume Wheel (click): Repeat Navigation instruction

So yup, it's functioning as it should. Mute can only be accomplished via the head unit itself. Time to install some more goodies to get more use out of the controls!

Guess I'll have to get a RNSE for the mute function lol.

[agentsmith988]

Guess I'll have to get a RNSE for the mute function lol.

Doesn't pressing the volume knob on the HU mute the audio on the Symphony II+?

[k909068]

Doesn't pressing the volume knob on the HU mute the audio on the Symphony II+?

Yes, it does work. I just thought I can mute the HU by steering wheel before retrofitting.

[Matt Devo]

Guess I'll have to get a RNSE for the mute function lol.

you can't mute the RNS-E from the steering wheel either

[k909068]

you can't mute the RNS-E from the steering wheel either

Lol, thanks for the info!

[ReinS]

Thanks for this writeup agentsmith988!
Did this mod today. Parts as yours. All connections did as you described. Works great. As i use 1-din Alpine CDE-123R with UNI-SWC.2 not audi stereo, there is some differences. With B6 MFSW i had vol +&- and seek +&-. Also changed cd and usb tracks, but no preset station change on wheel. With new wheel -1)Left roller-stations seek up and down. Cycle through preset stations when pressed continuously. 2) Right roller - vol up and down. Push-mute. MODE - cycle through radio/disc/usb. So great improvement to me. Think i have to add BT module also. Again thanks a lot for this DIY!

[xhackerekx]

control module parts 8E0 953 549 T work with this setup ? also yellow plug have 6 wires for controller and from steering wheel only 3 ?

[UofU_USP]

Great threads/write up! Should have seen this before I ordered my new setup. I love it!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[agentsmith988]

control module parts 8E0 953 549 T work with this setup ? also yellow plug have 6 wires for controller and from steering wheel only 3 ?

I believe the T module should work. As long as it's from a B7 I think that you're good to go.

I'm not sure which plug you're talking about though...

Great threads/write up! Should have seen this before I ordered my new setup. I love it!

Thanks!

[martyj200]

Thanks for your brilliant write up on the mfsw upgrade,
i am also like you with a B6 and wanting to do the upgrade but sceptical about going for the dual stage air bag on the B7 model.
I have found a 2007 A5 steering wheel which looks identical to the one in your picture with the same button function configuration.only difference seems its smooth leather and not perforated.
I dont know the part number of the wheel but do you think it would fit based on the information i have, so i can then purchase the A3 8v single stage air bag?
Any advise would be much appreciated thank you
martin

[k909068]

Thanks for your brilliant write up on the mfsw upgrade,
i am also like you with a B6 and wanting to do the upgrade but sceptical about going for the dual stage air bag on the B7 model.
I have found a 2007 A5 steering wheel which looks identical to the one in your picture with the same button function configuration.only difference seems its smooth leather and not perforated.
I dont know the part number of the wheel but do you think it would fit based on the information i have, so i can then purchase the A3 8v single stage air bag?
Any advise would be much appreciated thank you
martin

I think you're good to go, just make sure you source a right SW with this hook style.

[agentsmith988]

I think you're good to go, just make sure you source a right SW with this hook style.

What k909068 said. You need that hook style to pair with the single stage 8V airbag. If you've got that and a compatible button layout, you're good to go.

[StraqAttaq]

I've been reading pretty much everything I can about doing this swap. Glad to see there is a single stage solution instead of trying to fit a dual stage airbag into my B6. Really great write up agentsmith! My question is actually in regards to the controls. I have a B7 MFSW and was wondering if the buttons would fit and function in the A5 steering wheel or if I would have to get new buttons?

[PreciseD]

I've been reading pretty much everything I can about doing this swap. Glad to see there is a single stage solution instead of trying to fit a dual stage airbag into my B6. Really great write up agentsmith! My question is actually in regards to the controls. I have a B7 MFSW and was wondering if the buttons would fit and function in the A5 steering wheel or if I would have to get new buttons?

They are different. Also the controls from the A5 wheel will work on a B6. I have a few wheels and have tested them all.

In case you are interested in this swap I have the airbags and steering wheels in for sale.

[StraqAttaq]

Thanks PreciseD. Was hoping they were the same. I'm actually having Nexon Motors build me a custom carbon fiber wheel but trying to get all the specs right before hand. I would need the airbag and now buttons for the wheel as they only build the core. They do offer the other parts but it's a lot cheaper finding them yourself. I don't see the items under your for sale section. I would be looking for the single stage airbag w/ harness and the control buttons, what would that run me?

[PreciseD]

Thanks PreciseD. Was hoping they were the same. I'm actually having Nexon Motors build me a custom carbon fiber wheel but trying to get all the specs right before hand. I would need the airbag and now buttons for the wheel as they only build the core. They do offer the other parts but it's a lot cheaper finding them yourself. I don't see the items under your for sale section. I would be looking for the single stage airbag w/ harness and the control buttons, what would that run me?

You will need to make sure you use the correct A5 buttons. I think the USA version has too many and will not work on the B6. They need to be EURO.

Did you get my PM?

[diagnosticator]

I did the upgrade today, no error code, no light. I can use the volume +&-, channel +&-, but no mute function(push the volume roller). Is this normal?

B8 RS4 FBMFSW
B7 SC+module
Symphony2+

This wheel has shift paddles, are you using with a tip trans or just not using them? If not with a tip, they can be removed, right?

[agentsmith988]

This wheel has shift paddles, are you using with a tip trans or just not using them? If not with a tip, they can be removed, right?

My wheel came with the paddles and I removed them. However, removing the paddles leaves little indents where they used to be. I had intentions of making a filler when I removed them but have since stopped caring. I never notice/see them anyways.

[StraqAttaq]

Does anybody have experience doing this retro with an aftermarket nav/stereo? I ask because these days there are better systems than the Audi RNS-e and they are cheaper too. I don't care about having the OEM part in my B6 but do want to have the steering wheel function. My thought is that I would perform the retro as if I had an RNS-e and the aftermarket stereo/nav should work the same way. Is my thought process correct?

[blitz2190]

Does anybody have experience doing this retro with an aftermarket nav/stereo? I ask because these days there are better systems than the Audi RNS-e and they are cheaper too. I don't care about having the OEM part in my B6 but do want to have the steering wheel function. My thought is that I would perform the retro as if I had an RNS-e and the aftermarket stereo/nav should work the same way. Is my thought process correct?

as long as the aftermarket HU responds to the same signals then yes it should work, there are some nice ones now on ebay(not drastically cheaper) but that look like the rns-e but have way more functionality such as built in bluetooth pairing.

[StraqAttaq]

Exactly what I was looking at @Blitz2190. Thanks for the response.

[sleuthnorange]

So I made the fatal error of not taking a picture of the where the wires go on the the 4 pin connector? I think I have it right but I want to be sure. There are only two wires: Its a yellow and a white wire. Can anyone hook me up with the pin out of that connector?