Aftermarket Stereo options (apple carplay)

[SerJay311]

I'm a new owner of a 2017 SQ5 Presitge with the nav and technology package. Quite underwhelmed by the Audi dash set up and would like to do one of a few of the following:

1. Completely upgrade the in-dash receiver (if possible), while keeping the integrity of Audi Drive select and other stuff in tact.
2. Go through the MMI to mirror my iphone... I've seen some threads on here about an hdmi to rca to rca adapter set up, with mixed results and also requiring access to a vag com cable.
or
3. Simply add apple carplay, somehow. (shocked that a 2017 audi wouldn't have this...or an aux....or a usb port)

Curious to know if anyone has success upgrading their stereo system and what the path of least resistance might be?

Thanks, all.

Note: I'll definitely look to replace / delete the stock subwoofer and run upgrade 10", but that seems like one of the few simple mods to the system by connecting to the existing amp and running ground via a handful of options.

[djn876]

There is a ton of info on upgrading the MMI with the most popular being RSNav. Do some searching and you'll find several threads out there, including a huge one on the s4 forum. There are a couple of similar options out there. You can find dongles out there that will let you use apple car play as well but if I remember right the reliability can be hit or miss. Maybe the newer ones function better.

Audi's strategy has been to refresh their tech with model updates so it is what it is.

I've also found that the stock system can sound much better just with some EQ and a good source (i.e. not Bluetooth). I did the RSNav replacement and play music through Poweramp and the difference is night and day. I was looking at replacing or upgrading components until I did the swap, but it really sounds great now. I do have the B&O system though too.

[SerJay311]

There is a ton of info on upgrading the MMI with the most popular being RSNav. Do some searching and you'll find several threads out there, including a huge one on the s4 forum. There are a couple of similar options out there. You can find dongles out there that will let you use apple car play as well but if I remember right the reliability can be hit or miss. Maybe the newer ones function better.

Audi's strategy has been to refresh their tech with model updates so it is what it is.

I've also found that the stock system can sound much better just with some EQ and a good source (i.e. not Bluetooth). I did the RSNav replacement and play music through Poweramp and the difference is night and day. I was looking at replacing or upgrading components until I did the swap, but it really sounds great now. I do have the B&O system though too.

Yeah, i've read up on most of those, including the s4 "ultimate guide" or whatever that thread is called. It's a bit all over the place and most of the back and forth happened a couple years ago. Hoping there are some updates or better options.

Again, all the dongle options mentioned having to mess with the vag com (which i don't have a cord nor knowledge nor desire to pay $200 to get one). Was curious if anyone had luck with this method WITHOUT altering vag com.

What do you mean by a "good source"? There are no sources outside of bluetooth or the MMI connection in the glove box for me. Can you confirm this is the replacement you used? And it comes with a usb so i can hard-wire in and connect apple carplay? https://rsnav.com/collections/s3-and...4-a5-s5-q5-sq5

[SerJay311]

Yeah, i've read up on most of those, including the s4 "ultimate guide" or whatever that thread is called. It's a bit all over the place and most of the back and forth happened a couple years ago. Hoping there are some updates or better options.

Again, all the dongle options mentioned having to mess with the vag com (which i don't have a cord nor knowledge nor desire to pay $200 to get one). Was curious if anyone had luck with this method WITHOUT altering vag com.

What do you mean by a "good source"? There are no sources outside of bluetooth or the MMI connection in the glove box for me. Can you confirm this is the replacement you used? And it comes with a usb so i can hard-wire in and connect apple carplay? https://rsnav.com/collections/s3-and...4-a5-s5-q5-sq5

Also, did you have to do anything with vagcom for this / bypass the "no video while driving" ?

[terzinator]

I also did the RSNAV unit. There are a few videos out there on install, which are easy to find, but these are the ones I found best:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC_pygXw82Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=she_EUFW-JE

Audio source is iPhone (generally cd-quality TIDAL or QOBUZ download or streaming) through RSNAV and I used a WIRED connection vs bluetooth. (As the phone is charging on the proclip mount while I'm driving anyway, and the sound is better, so why not?)

The RSNAV unit runs off the Aux input. If the AUX IN isn't active on your car, you'll need to get a OBDeleven device to activate the "green menu"... and then from the green menu, you can activate the AUX IN input from your media sources.

The one thing I wish was different was that it would be a touchscreen. (You get used to navigating carplay with the rotary MMI knob, but a touchscreen would be waaay more intuitive. It's possible there are replacement screens out there with touchscreen capability, but I haven't done much digging yet.

Anyway, for $300, I think it's definitely worth it.

[SerJay311]

I also did the RSNAV unit. There are a few videos out there on install, which are easy to find, but these are the ones I found best:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC_pygXw82Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=she_EUFW-JE

Audio source is iPhone (generally cd-quality TIDAL or QOBUZ download or streaming) through RSNAV and I used a WIRED connection vs bluetooth. (As the phone is charging on the proclip mount while I'm driving anyway, and the sound is better, so why not?)

The RSNAV unit runs off the Aux input. If the AUX IN isn't active on your car, you'll need to get a OBDeleven device to activate the "green menu"... and then from the green menu, you can activate the AUX IN input from your media sources.

The one thing I wish was different was that it would be a touchscreen. (You get used to navigating carplay with the rotary MMI knob, but a touchscreen would be waaay more intuitive. It's possible there are replacement screens out there with touchscreen capability, but I haven't done much digging yet.

Anyway, for $300, I think it's definitely worth it.

First off, $300?!?! The link i found https://rsnav.com/collections/s3-and...4-a5-s5-q5-sq5 has it listed for $650.... what am i missing?

I have no problem running a wired connection and if i'm running carplay from my phone, isn't that essentially the touch screen anyways?

I don't think i have aux, and there are no aux inputs in the car. I'm not familiar the OBDEleven or what it does... is that something a reputable audio installation shop would access to? I might just bring it to one if i were to get a new unit anyways so i don't have to worry about chasing wires and scratching up my new dash.


https://files.slack.com/files-pri/T0...e_from_ios.jpg (what my dash looks like)

[SerJay311]

Ah, I'm seeing the $300 option now... just the conversion box, which includes a USB cable harness. So, did you run a USB from the RSNav box into your armrest? That seams like it would be a cleaner option (vs. having it stick out at the ashtray area, which is shown in the second youtube video). Just confirming the USB harness provided was long enough for that.

Again, once this is up and running and you plug in your iphone, couldn't you control carplay directly from your phone?

Side question: what did you use for your phone cradle (link)? I really like where you located yours.

[terzinator]

glad you found it; here's a link for posterity.
https://rsnav.com/products/wireless-...-3g-3g-mib-mmi

Yep, conversion box and harnesses. Everything I needed, except radio-removal tools. Had some, but not the right ones for the Audi.

You certainly can control from phone, but the phone's touchscreen doesn't mimic the carplay screen. Can use both as desired. The MMI knob works pretty well, and the steering wheel controls work for volume and I think to move between apps, if needed.

I fished the USB cable down behind the console and out into the passenger-side footwell. No drilling or anything.



Phone mount, specific for B8 SQ5/Q5:
https://www.proclipusa.com/product/8...p-angled-mount

Then I added a spigen magnetic mount to that. I have these in all my cars, with whatever car-specific mounts, so I can just place the phone on the mount and the magnet holds like crazy. They're awesome.
https://www.amazon.com/Spigen-Premiu...dp/B01AMGFY5M/

(the spigen unit i removed all the extra ball-mount bits, and just used some 3M exterior black double-stick tape to attach it to the proclip mount. Super sticky stuff.)

[terzinator]

I don't think i have aux, and there are no aux inputs in the car. I'm not familiar the OBDEleven or what it does... is that something a reputable audio installation shop would access to? I might just bring it to one if i were to get a new unit anyways so i don't have to worry about chasing wires and scratching up my new dash.

The OBDEleven unit is a little dongle that you plug into your OBD port (under the dash) and the thing communicates with your phone via bluetooth. Allows you to change/customize settings and find/clear fault codes. About $100. It's pretty easy to use.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-obdeleve...4871obd02~obd/

If your AUX IN source isn't active, you'll need to do a couple things.. (the aux in port is actually in the glovebox, right side).

First you need to use the OBDEleven dongle to activate the secret Audi Green "Development" menu.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQDBhBX-rGE

then, once you have that activated, here's a vid on how to activate the AUX IN source
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCuHrZasZi0

I do believe you need something plugged into the AUX IN port, or it won't recognize it anyway. (Even if it's active.)

So maybe start there. Plug in an AUX IN dongle to the port to see if your AUX is already active. Amazon has aftermarket ones, but can't vouch for those.
https://www.amazon.com/audi-a4-aux-c...di+a4+aux+cord

ECS has VW/Audi genuine ones (much more expensive tho)... or could just go do dealer I reckon
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...BoCwsgQAvD_BwE

[SerJay311]

The OBDEleven unit is a little dongle that you plug into your OBD port (under the dash) and the thing communicates with your phone via bluetooth. Allows you to change/customize settings and find/clear fault codes. About $100. It's pretty easy to use.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-obdeleve...4871obd02~obd/

If your AUX IN source isn't active, you'll need to do a couple things.. (the aux in port is actually in the glovebox, right side).

First you need to use the OBDEleven dongle to activate the secret Audi Green "Development" menu.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQDBhBX-rGE

then, once you have that activated, here's a vid on how to activate the AUX IN source
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCuHrZasZi0

I do believe you need something plugged into the AUX IN port, or it won't recognize it anyway. (Even if it's active.)

So maybe start there. Plug in an AUX IN dongle to the port to see if your AUX is already active. Amazon has aftermarket ones, but can't vouch for those.
https://www.amazon.com/audi-a4-aux-c...di+a4+aux+cord

ECS has VW/Audi genuine ones (much more expensive tho)... or could just go do dealer I reckon
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...BoCwsgQAvD_BwE

This is helpful, thank you very much.

While i do not have an aux port, i do have a single MMI adapter that is currently being occupied by a lightning cable. If I were to replace that with an MMI to Aux cable, would that somehow change / signal an Aux input?

Motion / Parking sensor for video: would the vag com (ODBEleven) tool all for me to turn off the feature that stops DVD's from playing when the car is in motion?

[terzinator]

This is helpful, thank you very much.

While i do not have an aux port, i do have a single MMI adapter that is currently being occupied by a lightning cable. If I were to replace that with an MMI to Aux cable, would that somehow change / signal an Aux input?

Yep, this is what I mean. It's a port in the glovebox that you can plug in an aux or lightning cable to.



So, if aux isn't one of the selections from your source menu, you just need to activate it for Aux In.

You don't need to change out the lightning cable, but you'll want to keep it plugged in.

[terzinator]

Motion / Parking sensor for video: would the vag com (ODBEleven) tool all for me to turn off the feature that stops DVD's from playing when the car is in motion?

Never tried the video-in-motion trick, but it appears that it's possible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbxiRHPw2sQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNOXaXLeTxY

[SerJay311]

Yep, this is what I mean. It's a port in the glovebox that you can plug in an aux or lightning cable to.



So, if aux isn't one of the selections from your source menu, you just need to activate it for Aux In.

You don't need to change out the lightning cable, but you'll want to keep it plugged in.

Okay, so that's exactly what i have in there. In terms of the cord, i was asking more in general. IF i were to change that cord with one that had a an Aux at the end (instead of lightning port) would the option change on the dash and Aux would actually come up.. i'm assuming that's a no and i'd still need to get in and add it as a selection.

Another side question: What is that blank key for? I have one as well.

[terzinator]

Okay, so that's exactly what i have in there. In terms of the cord, i was asking more in general. IF i were to change that cord with one that had a an Aux at the end (instead of lightning port) would the option change on the dash and Aux would actually come up.. i'm assuming that's a no and i'd still need to get in and add it as a selection.

Another side question: What is that blank key for? I have one as well.

Not 100% sure, but I think you'll need to enable the port. I did not try to put an aux adapter into the port. But enabling the thing made everything work happy happy.

The key is a case for your little black emergency key. (That you should have gotten when you got the car.) You can use that key to start the car when it's in the case, and you can use it to unlock the doors.

[djn876]

Looks like you got a lot of good info here, by good source, I meant a higher quality music file (doesn't have to be lossless but decent quality), played either hardwired, or on the unit itself, since that will avoid the additional compression from the Bluetooth.

I have a gen 1 RSNav, so a couple versions back, but yes, they should have a USB that you can plug the phone into and the newest version doesn't need an adapter to run carplay or Android auto, just plug in and go.

[kdubaudi]

I know everyone says to buy an OBDEleven to unlock the green menu, but if you are cheap like me, just buy a Carista for $30 on amazon. It comes with a trial subscription that give you more than enough time to unlock the green menu and also tweak other settings like your windows, lights etc.

[Thxrick]

Good thread. Very helpful. I bot a CarPlay version via Aliexpress. Haven't installed it yet. One thing I have had great success with is TIDAL as a streaming service. All lossless files the sound quality is night and day. Worth the $12.99/month and I have apple Music too (for the family).