R8 iPod adapter installation

[Piri]

I will describe how I installed an iPod adapter in my R8, but first look at the following YouTube video so that you know what to expect in terms of an iPod interface. The video shows a Lamborghini Gallardo but the end result is almost identical:

Lamborghini Gallardo iPod adapter with text - RNS-E Navigation Radio - Dension Gateway 100 GW16VC1

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8h3_FoPo_4&feature=related[/ame]

So if the interface is good enough for you and you want an iPod connection then you should buy the T10057 Radio Removal Tool from:

http://buy.equipmentsolutions.com/login/login_va.aspx

Buy the Dension GW16AC1 Gateway 100 Audi12 Pin - Audi & Lamborghini iPod interface with Multi Function Display (MFD)text display adapter from:

http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_s...I_R8_R_08.html

Although I took pictures of the installation I find that the following video, with some exceptions, describes the process much better:

Exceptions:
• I don't think there's a need to open the screen
• The Radio Removal Key is the T10057 (the set includes the 4 keys needed for installation)
• Accomodating the cables back into the space provided is more time consuming than pulling the radio out.

T10057.jpg

Audi iPod adapter with text installation Dension GW16AC1 Gateway 100 2008 Audi A3

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkRB7b7toXk&feature=related[/ame]

I thought removing the glove compartment to pass the cable would be a simple chore, but there's just too many screws and panels to remove so I ended up removing a single screw, passing the cable through a hole and passing it just behind the glove compartment door:

glovedoor.jpg

Finally, using the reset button in the wiper arm. *This part I'm not completely sure of* you can turn the 'computer screen' off so that the temperature display will go away while giving your iPod two lines of scrolling text. Here's some more pictures before the guys at enfig helped me figure out how to reveal the second line of text.

dension.jpg
display.jpg
Ough.jpg

Now here's a video how we would all like it to work, but apparently the R8 radio uses optical inputs so the adapter seen in this video isn't compatible with it, get ready to drool:

Dension Gateway 500 iPod and USB Adapter in a 2005 Audi A6

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k07GX7kATro[/ame]

Maybe some day we'll have an optical adapter! Hope this helps anyone interested in an iPod adapter.

Finally, thanks to my brother, for helping me take apart the R8 without having me have a nervous breakdown.

EDIT 1/6/09: Audi USA informs me that the previous video shows an iPod system in an A6 with a fiber optic system. Apparently, the R8 uses copper wiring so it's not compatible with that iPod adapter.

EDIT 1/10/09: Final word on the radio after Audi called B&O is that the radio uses copper connections except to the amplifier where it uses optical. In order to have two lines of text in the display all you have to do is press the reset button until the 2 lines of text become visible.

[R84ME]

Great post and you're right, you want that fiber optic connection!

I installed a Dension Gateway 500 iPod - USB Adapter in my Porsche (with a MOST fiber optic bus). All stereo components (radio, CD changer, amp) are connected to this bus but, unfortunately, I did not have the PCM navigation so functionality on the head unit was even more limited than the Lamborghini video. I found it was easier to use iPod directly to select music rather than using the head unit. Another note - if you don't have any experience splicing fiber optic cables, it's a SCARY learning curve. I feel like a network engineer now...

[harrison]

Can pictures or video be shown on the navi screen??

[stella polare]

This kit fit in a 5.2 with NAVI, B&O and CD Changer??
thanks

[AnOutsider]

5.2 is supposed to come with iPod integration. If you already have yours and it doesn't, the OEM option will likely be better.

[Davey_Dee]

5.2 is supposed to come with iPod integration. If you already have yours and it doesn't, the OEM option will likely be better.

Is that integration available along with CD changer or is it just Audi Music Interface in place of CD changer that you're talking about?

[stella polare]

5.2 only with cd changer (optional)
no ipod interface in my 2009

incredible!

[Piri]

Can pictures or video be shown on the navi screen??

No, all you get is what you see in the You Tube video.

[stella polare]

thanks _D

[willyjp]

thanks _D

Northstar: if you check out the two sticky threads on the RNS-E forum over at audiforum:

http://www.audiforum.us/rns-e/

and read all that chatter about trying to hack into the new system, extract the software/firmware changes, upgrade old systems, what hardware has changed, etc., etc., I think you'll agree that the NEW RNS-E system WILL have iPod integration built into the software/firmware, even if it doesn't have the iPod dock; what isn't clear is, will you be able to cable your iPod to it and have the full integration? (without the docking, charging station of course); I think the answer is YES, but I think we're just going to have to wait and see....until YOU or I or someone out there actually gets their hands on a 2010 R8 and tries it!