I'm back !

[fbi]

Hi all,

I have been distant from the A2 scene for a while... Well, for almost 7 years.
Things have changed since the recent engine collapse on my Mercedes R350 CDI 4matic that used to be my daily driver and the family car (bought when my 3rd child was born). Very upset with that, but it's another story...
So now I'm back on the road with my trusty A2 FSI For something like 6 months (at least, I hope so) before a new car arrives.
In the meantime, I already had sorted last year the dreaded flaps problem in the inlet manifold with a "radical" solution : I had my ECU remapped by Pro Boost Engineering. That makes me think I still have to recode the cruise control with VCDS.
And for the rest (apart from the roof lining that now sags a little at the back corners ), it's in the state it was in 2015. So, a pretty well specced A2, but a work in progress regarding stereo/nav/etc.
So, I need some advices and help to complete a few things.

My A2 was factory fitted with Bose, 6-CD changer and RNS-D nav (which always comes with FIS, In think). No MFSW. I have upgraded the headunit with a mk2 RNS-E, using a CanGate to have the CAN signals issues sorted. So power on/off, lighting/dim, FIS display, ... are OK.
Before buying the R class, I had plans of fitting a Bluetooth module and a modern MFSW (with thumb rollers). And then make SDS work. I had even already bought an A5 MFSW with matching airbag, but the latter being dual stage, I eventually sold it, assuming that if I still wanted to do that upgrade in the future, I would follow the easier "single stage" route. Oh yes, I also bought (and still have) an A4 8E MFSW control module (part nr 8E0 953 549 R) that was said to be needed for the job.

But the first thing I need (quickly) is a handsfree solution (bluetooth).
Am I right that the Fiscon Plus is still the best one to get now ? In order to control the phone through the RNS-E and allow A2DP music streaming (stereo or mono ?)
This one, right ? https://shop.fiscon-mobile.de/FISCON-Plus-for-Audi-RNS-E-and-BNS-50_2

The point where I need more advices is the MFSW.
From what I recall, one has to find a model with a single stage airbag. And with the proper buttons...
I suppose it's easier to source the wheel and the buttons apart, than that looking for a proper wheel with the right buttons (you call that hen's teeth, yeah ? )
Talking about the buttons, there are several layouts. Here a 4 styles I've found.
I've never seen MFSW fitted on A2's with the "later" set of buttons (like style 4). Style 3 has the same functions as style 2, but is newer. Are they OK with the RNS-E on a A2 ?
How I imagine things is first having the horn and airbag loom sorted, then the MF buttons.

style 1

style 2

style 3

style 4


I have aftermarket (color coded) rear parking sensors fitted.
When I installed the RNS-E, I thought they were sufficient and didn't intend to fit a backup camera. But now I'm too used to it. My Mercedes has one (thankfully ! it's >5m long) , so do the others cars I drive. So now, I may be interested in fitting one on the A2... What does it involve ? I think another interface module for AV input for the RNS-E (what tells me "again money" and "room behind the headunit ??") and then a camera (what integration ?) and some cabling (including the reverse signal to my CanGate)...

First thing done on the to-do list : I have just upgraded my nav maps (now 2020 and SW 0220)

 

[gangitano85]

Welcome back, always nice to see a fellow Belgian on here

 

[2work]

Hi all,

I have been distant from the A2 scene for a while... Well, for almost 7 years.
Things have changed since the recent engine collapse on my Mercedes R350 CDI 4matic that used to be my daily driver and the family car (bought when my 3rd child was born). Very upset with that, but it's another story...
So now I'm back on the road with my trusty A2 FSI For something like 6 months (at least, I hope so) before a new car arrives.
In the meantime, I already had sorted last year the dreaded flaps problem in the inlet manifold with a "radical" solution : I had my ECU remapped by Pro Boost Engineering. That makes me think I still have to recode the cruise control with VCDS.
And for the rest (apart from the roof lining that now sags a little at the back corners ), it's in the state it was in 2015. So, a pretty well specced A2, but a work in progress regarding stereo/nav/etc.
So, I need some advices and help to complete a few things.

View attachment 98704

View attachment 98703


My A2 was factory fitted with Bose, 6-CD changer and RNS-D nav (which always comes with FIS, In think). No MFSW. I have upgraded the headunit with a mk2 RNS-E, using a CanGate to have the CAN signals issues sorted. So power on/off, lighting/dim, FIS display, ... are OK.
Before buying the R class, I had plans of fitting a Bluetooth module and a modern MFSW (with thumb rollers). And then make SDS work. I had even already bought an A5 MFSW with matching airbag, but the latter being dual stage, I eventually sold it, assuming that if I still wanted to do that upgrade in the future, I would follow the easier "single stage" route. Oh yes, I also bought (and still have) an A4 8E MFSW control module (part nr 8E0 953 549 R) that was said to be needed for the job.

But the first thing I need (quickly) is a handsfree solution (bluetooth).
Am I right that the Fiscon Plus is still the best one to get now ? In order to control the phone through the RNS-E and allow A2DP music streaming (stereo or mono ?)
This one, right ? https://shop.fiscon-mobile.de/FISCON-Plus-for-Audi-RNS-E-and-BNS-50_2

The point where I need more advices is the MFSW.
From what I recall, one has to find a model with a single stage airbag. And with the proper buttons...
I suppose it's easier to source the wheel and the buttons apart, than that looking for a proper wheel with the right buttons (you call that hen's teeth, yeah ? )
Talking about the buttons, there are several layouts. Here a 4 styles I've found.
I've never seen MFSW fitted on A2's with the "later" set of buttons (like style 4). Style 3 has the same functions as style 2, but is newer. Are they OK with the RNS-E on a A2 ?
How I imagine things is first having the horn and airbag loom sorted, then the MF buttons.

View attachment 98705 style 1

View attachment 98706 style 2

View attachment 98707style 3

View attachment 98708style 4


I have aftermarket (color coded) rear parking sensors fitted.
When I installed the RNS-E, I thought they were sufficient and didn't intend to fit a backup camera. But now I'm too used to it. My Mercedes has one (thankfully ! it's >5m long) , so do the others cars I drive. So now, I may be interested in fitting one on the A2... What does it involve ? I think another interface module for AV input for the RNS-E (what tells me "again money" and "room behind the headunit ??") and then a camera (what integration ?) and some cabling (including the reverse signal to my CanGate)...

First thing done on the to-do list : I have just upgraded my nav maps (now 2020 and SW 0220)

Hello there and welcome back,

After being away for some 7 years you’ll be glad to hear that there is no longer a requirement of the CANGate due to the release of RNS-E custom firmware.

If you have time it might be worth scanning the Project OEM thread as most of what you desire is included within it. I do admit it’s quite a lot to read but should be good to get you reacquainted with your aluminium friend. Any questions you might have them please do just ask. I’m here to help where I can.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[fbi]

Thanks @2work Tom !
I've started reading your thread. Indeed it's long, but it's well written, there are interesting pictures
It's nice and instructive to read.

I've already a question : in my DIS, navigation info comes only when there is a destination (navigation is active). Otherwise, the RNS-E chooses to display something else, music related (radio station or MP3 track info or CD+track). How do you manage to have, for instance, the compass direction displayed ?

 

[2work]

Hello,

Glad you’ve found the thread to be useful so far. To have the Compass to display in DIS you have to turn that feature on within the RNS-E setup pages:

Tap on NAV button along the bottom followed by SETUP button also along the bottom:

This will take you to the first setup page. Scroll down the first Page:

And onto the the second page:

On the bottom you’ll see the compass option. Simply click on it to select it with a tick and you’ll there after have the compass displayed whilst on the Navigation page of DIS when no destination is set.

To exit the setup pages either use the back button to take you back to NAV or one of the source buttons along the bottom.

Hope this helps. Here to try and answer anything else RNS-E PU related.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[fbi]

Thanks Tom
I had seen this compass option in the setup menu but didn't know it was also related to the DIS.
Great help !
Cheers,
Fabrice

 

[fbi]

Hi all,
After some thinking, I decided not to ask all my questions on this thread, but in the appropriate threads, and then provide a link to the proper thread. That's more "sorted" IMO.
So, here it goes for cruise control that I struggle to make it work again (post Pro Boost remap) :

Cruise control retrofit

Hi, I just received my cruise control stalk and a cable that comes with it. Now I need some help. I know that after the installation it must be enabled with VCDS, which I have. What I don't have are the wiring Instructions and VCDS instructions. Any help will be much appreciated, but I...

www.a2oc.net

Then later, @2work I'll have some questions regarding slip rings and pins position
I first thought it would be nice to read a page or two of your project OEM thread, but yesterday night, I just couldn't stop and finished all the reading
I'm very impressed by all you did ! In quite a short time, and just not with only one A2 ! Congrats, great result !
I also had the idea of fitting an induction charger for mobile in the tray under the handbrake. Big thanks for pointing a great way to do that ! Looks very OEM

Maybe you already have some suggestions of part numbers of MFSW to look for ? rather than searching "at random".
I wasn't first not especially after a flat bottomed, just a "sport" one, but seeing your pictures and reading your impressions, it has grown on me, I'm convinced.

Cheers,
Fabrice

 

[Erlingtheyounger]

Hi all,
After some thinking, I decided not to ask all my questions on this thread, but in the appropriate threads, and then provide a link to the proper thread. That's more "sorted" IMO.
So, here it goes for cruise control that I struggle to make it work again (post Pro Boost remap) :

Cruise control retrofit

Hi, I just received my cruise control stalk and a cable that comes with it. Now I need some help. I know that after the installation it must be enabled with VCDS, which I have. What I don't have are the wiring Instructions and VCDS instructions. Any help will be much appreciated, but I...

www.a2oc.net

Then later, @2work I'll have some questions regarding slip rings and pins position
I first thought it would be nice to read a page or two of your project OEM thread, but yesterday night, I just couldn't stop and finished all the reading
I'm very impressed by all you did ! In quite a short time, and just not with only one A2 ! Congrats, great result !
I also had the idea of fitting an induction charger for mobile in the tray under the handbrake. Big thanks for pointing a great way to do that ! Looks very OEM

Maybe you already have some suggestions of part numbers of MFSW to look for ? rather than searching "at random".
I wasn't first not especially after a flat bottomed, just a "sport" one, but seeing your pictures and reading your impressions, it has grown on me, I'm convinced.

Cheers,
Fabrice

I’ve a spare mfsw with correct air bag and buttons I’d be willing to part with if you’re interested. It would give you essentially this look but minus the flappy paddles;

 

[fbi]

Does it have also the white stitching ?

 

[Erlingtheyounger]

Does it have also the white stitching ?

No. This is it but with the correct buttons now;

 

[2work]

Evening Fabrice,

That must have been a late night as the thread is some 23 pages long so far. Well done for completing it in one sitting.

Then later, @2work I'll have some questions regarding slip rings and pins position
I first thought it would be nice to read a page or two of your project OEM thread, but yesterday night, I just couldn't stop and finished all the reading
I'm very impressed by all you did ! In quite a short time, and just not with only one A2 ! Congrats, great result !
I also had the idea of fitting an induction charger for mobile in the tray under the handbrake. Big thanks for pointing a great way to do that ! Looks very OEM

Thank you very much for these kind comments. It takes me back to when I had way much more time on my hands and done plenty of research and experiments whilst my A2 wasn’t being used so much. A very exciting learning curve that made retrofitting fun and so cheap whilst we were in isolation from each other.

Maybe you already have some suggestions of part numbers of MFSW to look for ? rather than searching "at random".
I wasn't first not especially after a flat bottomed, just a "sport" one, but seeing your pictures and reading your impressions, it has grown on me, I'm convinced.

Looks like you’re no longer after part numbers as you’ve been saved by Erling @Erlingtheyounger with a very nice offering there. Here to help out where I can with further information from what you've read on the OEM thread.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[Erlingtheyounger]

It’s a round bottomed version of this;

 

[fbi]

Thanks for the information Erling !
You have a PM

 

[fbi]

Well, things are evolving positively
Since I'm in Belgium and the country of @Erlingtheyounger is no more within EU we came to the conclusion that it wouldn't be economical for me to bought his MFSW and airbag. That are nice BTW
(Customs fee, VAT, import taxes... that's what the Brexit has brought for people like me who used to make their little shopping on UK 2nd hand market. And the same goes the other way around, for sure )
@Erlingtheyounger kindly helped pointing me towards the right direction on what to get or not. Big thanks to him
So, basically, that's how to proceed :
1. start from the airbag that has to be one-stage
2. the buttons have to be of one specific kind, not the most common unfortunately : it's important that there is the "MODE" button (it's on the left cluster). The overall shape/aspect ratio/dimension is also important, because they may look the same but they aren't.
3. knowing this, look for the steering wheels that host the 2 particular things. I don't have a comprehensive list, but I think A1, A3, A4 and A5 wheels from some period of time match the criteria
4. be aware that all airbags don't match all steering wheels, if only for a matter of shape, dimensions and obviously matter of fitting the 1st on the latter.
5. the ideal and cheaper is to find directly the wheel with the right buttons, but considering sourcing them separately increase the opportunities.
Note that for instance, the A1 never came with the right MF buttons (so do the A3 ?), so separate sourcing is really a plus.
In my case, I bought an A1 steering wheel with no buttons (a super great deal from Audi Tradition, thus a brand new one, red and black leather. Round shape. And suggested to me by @Erlingtheyounger ; one more time, thanks!).
I bought a 2nd hand A1 airbag and I had the chance to find locally the MF buttons. They are a 4L0 part (= Q7 1st gen, but it is used in a wide range of cars : A4, A5, Q5, Q7, roughly between 2010 and 2016). The part nr of my set of buttons is : 4L0951523E.

Looking at the wiring looms on the airbag assembly and the MF buttons, I made the following observations :
There are 7 wires on MY A1 airbag assembly : 2 for airbag (black , green), 2 for horn ( brown , blue : open circuit - closed when activated) and 3 for MF buttons (purple, white, brown)
There are 6 wires in the main (yellow) connector (again, from MY airbag assembly).
Only 6 because the brown one splits in two wires : one for the MF buttons and one for the horn. That's a ground wire.
For the small loom to the buttons, it's obvious because of the matching connectors.
MF buttons : purple, red, brown, void (3 wires in a 4-wires connector)
purple goes with purple from the airbag assembly
red goes with white from the airbag assembly
brown goes with brown from the airbag assembly (ground shared with horn, so).
I've not yet taken my A2 airbag apart, so can't comment right now on the wiring/pins/connectors between airbag assembly and slipring.

So, that's a good start because for the rest of the job, I've found an incredible "how-to" guide, step by step, with all part numbers, detailed pinouts, etc. It describes hot to fit a "modern" MFSW on a A3/S3 8L. What's very interesting is that it looks like the slipring on the A3 8L is the same as on the A2 (and a batch of other VAG models of that era, apparently). So, one has to "guess" somehow for the wiring between the airbag assembly and the slipring (the aim is to modify the loom of the new airbag with A2 connectors, in order to connect to the slipring). After that, between slipring and new steering module (used only for the MF part of it) and on the "other side" of it, between that module and the CAN Bus (+ live & negative feeds), everything is globally the same as explained in the guide
Well, enough said, here it is !

8L MFSW Conversion

If anyone is interested in fitting a MFSW to their S3 8L I have written a guide on how I did mine using a 2015 A5 wheel with an 8V airbag. Link below for PDF. http://heliosmediapc.com/MFSW If anyone spots any mistakes please let me know and I will amend. First guide I've ever written so take...

www.audi-sport.net

Go download those precious PDF's

!!! EDIT : I echo the warning already present in the PDF : danger of death if an airbag blows in your face !!
So if not 100% sure of what you're doing, pass it to a professional.
That still leaves all the interesting job about the MF buttons, what's the core of this upgrade.

I wish that manual had already been available when I was looking for information about that MFSW retrofit, many many years ago. The post on the forum is from 2018. But better late than never

More to follow...
I also plan to fit a bluetooth module and a CAN music interface at the same time. And a wireless charger, while I'm at it
So it will take some time before I can source all what is needed to undertake all this. Including connectors, pins, cables...


Oh, nothing to do with the rest but today I bought (in my small city !) a set of wheel, intended to be fitted later with winter tyres.
They are a nice model (IMO) from the Golf IV. Seven spokes, 6,5Jx16 ET42 (so a little more inwards than OE A2 rims or my 17" rotors). Should be perfect with 195/50-16 tyres.
I had previously a set of winter wheels (Conti WinterContact on 15" OE 6 spokes) but I sold them to a friend who needed them, then his wife crashed his A2 and they sold it with the wheels on

Here's a picture of my new 16", from the listing :

Does someone know if there are aftermarket "star shaped" center caps for 5x100 rims ?
OE parts (previous A1) cost an arm and leg ... and the fit is not guaranteed

This one is a genuine Audi A1 part:

 

[2work]

Evening Fabrice,

Well isn’t that a great find and I wish you the very best of luck using this awesome guide. I know this information is spot on, it’s the very same guide I found that enabled me to retrofit the FBMFSW in Project OEM nearly 2 years ago.

Be very careful with the looms and study everything within the guide, finally only connect things up one you’ve checked and double checked your work. Remember to insert your key into the ignition and switch it on before you reconnect the vehicle battery once any assistance are outside the vehicle.

With the inclusion of the QI wireless charger and RNS-E peripherals on the horizon then your cabin will be equally specified to Project 250. Such a joy to be in when I occasionally get to drive it.

Well done and do update us all with your progress.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[fbi]

Hi,

Steering wheel received from Audi Tradition
As I already knew when ordering, the shade of red is much lighter and orange-ish when Amulet red is darker and burgundy-ish.
Here's a picture of the test I did with the leather dye I had ; color match is not perfect, but rather good. A bit too cherry-ish, maybe.
That's not bad, but not very uniform (although on the right, there are 2 coats, and only one on the left - doesn't make a lot of difference).
Those who have used leather dye, do you have some tips for getting the best result ? Use little product, or apply generously ?
With a rag ?
Some surface preparation ?
Thanks in advance

 

[2work]

Afternoon Fabrice,

No expert here but have played with Volico, Furniture Clinic and TRG restoration creams to revitalise leather finishes. The TRG Cherry Red when I had the very same coloured interior as you.

When I applied the TRG restoration product I slowly masked up the non red parts with cling film, avoided masking tape of any kind due to being worried about the tape adhesive pulling the leather colouring off or leaving any sticky residue. It took a while to fully prepare to protect any parts I didn’t want red but was so worth it in the end. Time spent on preparation will always show a much better finish.

As for applying the cream, similar to using a rattle can on the coachwork, more thin coats are the way to proceed opposed to a couple of thicker coats.

Putting the cream on too think doesn’t provide you with the best way to control the final colour and you may end up with darker areas than wanted. Keep at it with thin layers/coats buffing off after the cream has set before applying the next layer. This will result in a controlled colour change and also be quite resistant to its future use in your hands.

I must admit that when I went through what you’re doing I did end up with different shades of red within the interior. I recall the seats and steering wheel being noticeably darker that the armrests, and other touch items. Had to makes these other items a little darker to look better on the eye.

Suppose the lesson I learnt was to only do this colour change in daylight and keep offering up the smaller items to the seats to ensure you get the colour match/change just right. Having to darken the 4 seats to match an over darkened steering wheel would be a pain.

Good luck with this venture.

Kind regards,

Tom

 

[fbi]

Hi Tom,

thanks for the answer and the tips
Using cling film and protecting all the rest was indeed what I had in mind.
Now that you mention it, applying successives thin layers makes sense
So does the tip to do this in daylight
And for applying the dye, a rag ? Or I think a little sponge is maybe better ?
The product I have is from Aliexpress. Bought it years ago... but it's still on sale now : https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004000496571.html
(I chose the "wine red").
I wonder if I shouldn't also color the "black" part with black dye because as is, it's rather charcoal/anthracite, and very matte.

Is there also a thread about your previous A2 with the red interior ? I'm curious to see the work you did on it, I'm sure it's interesting too

Regards,

Fabrice

 

[Tomscar]

Hi Tom,

thanks for the answer and the tips
Using cling film and protecting all the rest was indeed what I had in mind.
Now that you mention it, applying successives thin layers makes sense
So does the tip to do this in daylight
And for applying the dye, a rag ? Or I think a little sponge is maybe better ?
The product I have is from Aliexpress. Bought it years ago... but it's still on sale now : https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005004000496571.html
(I chose the "wine red").
I wonder if I shouldn't also color the "black" part with black dye because as is, it's rather charcoal/anthracite, and very matte.

Is there also a thread about your previous A2 with the red interior ? I'm curious to see the work you did on it, I'm sure it's interesting too

Regards,

Fabrice

Hi Fabrice, just to add to Tom's good advice above ... I rejuvenated my steering wheel a while back ... firstly make sure you degrease it or it could end up patchy, I used the wife's nail polish remover then gave it an overall light sanding with 600 grade wet and dry and then a further degreasing.
Applied the dye in thin coats using the sponge that was supplied in the kit and then let it dry for a couple of days before finishing with Carr's Leather Oil ... it came up as new as did the gear knob and gaiters.

 

[fbi]

Thanks @Tomscar !
That reminds me that I had found a (French) company selling various products for repairing, renovating, dying, ... leather.
Here's their website (in English) : https://www.renovation-du-cuir.fr/en-gb/car
They have a very broad range of colors, sorted by car makers, and Audi's Amulet Rot is amongst them. The prices are of course very different from generic cheap products, but better paying a little more that ending with a cheap result, what would be sad after having spent hours and hundreds on a new MFSW... And on top of that, being the exact match (at least, I hope so), the dye will allow to make "invisible" touch up on the seats where required.
I''ve loaded a payed a shopping cart, well, rather a basket (the external bolster on the driver's seat of my MG TF needs also some little attention to avoid getting more serious)
Now awaiting delivery.

PS : on that site, they say they use a 240 grade sanding paper, and acetone for degreasing the leather. (I guess nail polish remover is mainly acetone)