Audi iPod Adapter Cable – MMI & AMI
November 6, 2008

Depending on what Audi and what iPod Or iPhone you have will determine what cable you will use in order to connect the devise with the Audi interface. Above is a Sheet that will help with what cable you require with your Audi and your particular devise. You will have to be aware of the equipment level of the Audi and know if it has AMI with navigation or without. Failing to have the correct cable when interfaced with a iPod device and vehicle will cause your Bluetooth to be inoperative. Having the correct cable is only important if you plan on having the iPhone Bluetooth capable as well as the music interfaced.

This is what the blue I-Pod adapter cable will look like.

This is the blue Grommet

This is what the all black iPod adapter cable will look like

This is the all black grommet

When you look into the glove box of the Audi (except the Q7) you will see the iPod Dock.
In order to connect the I-Pod to the Audi you will need to open the door on the left portion of the iPod dock and pull the shelf out.

Place the iPod on the shelf and conect the cable to the vehicle and the iPod or iPhone.

After you have connected the device to the vehicle you can close the glove box and work through the AMI to choose your “Source”, it is in the top right of the screen after pushing the C/D-AUX button.
From here all you have to do is enjoy your music and enjoy your Audi.
I wrote this article to help you set up your iPod in your personal Audi. I will continue to showcase original content in order to be your top source for Portland Oregon Audi.
Related posts:
- Audi iPod Adapter
- Audi Music Interface – Bluetooth Adapter
- Audi 3G MMI + iPod Bluetooth Adapter
- AMI (Audi Music Interface) – Cable Compatability Music
- Setting Up Bluetooth – iPhone with Audi
Published in Technology & Advancements on November 6, 2008






Thank you, Scott – now perhaps you can enlighten us as to the function of the little plastic clips on the glovebox door just in front of the AMI…
From Biff on November 7th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
Yes, The clips on the glove box door are for a Pen. This is to secure it, so it does not slide back and forth in the glove box.
From Scott Mitchell on November 7th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Thanks. Very Teutonic – bit I was thinking it might be something more exotic!
From archinaut on November 8th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
How do I connect my Zune to my S5 MMI with navigation?
From Mark Tanenbaum on November 14th, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Mark, if you go to your Audi parts department you should be able to find an adapter cable for your Zune.
From Scott Mitchell on November 15th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I have the blue iPod adapter cably for my A5 (without Nav) but the AMI does not detect the iPod when it is connected. The iPod however shows the Audi word and symbol and says OK to disconnect. Any ideas what could be wrong?
From Darren on November 28th, 2008 at 5:01 am
Darren, I would try the black cable, that should solve your problem
From Scott Mitchell on November 28th, 2008 at 10:38 am
What about 2008 A6 and Q7’s which adapter do they require for Iphone 3G?
From Jose on January 9th, 2009 at 2:16 am
Jose, the black cable should work with the 2008 A6 & Q7.
From Scott Mitchell on January 9th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Hi Scott, I see there are 2 cables approved for use with the 2009 A4 w/ Nav:
4F0 051 510 E (black grommet)
4F0 051 510 L (black grommet)
What’s the difference?
From BMWBig6 on January 12th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
BMWBig6, The 4F0 051 510E is for the regular iPods.
The 4F0 051 510L is for the iPod Nano.
From Portland Audi on January 14th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Hi Scott, I just got my 2009 A4 Avant with Navi and my 3rd generation ipod isn’t being recognized. Is it too old? I’m also having a problem with my Treo 680. I can make and receive calls, but I can’t access my contacts. Help! Thanks, Rob.
From Rob LaDuca on January 23rd, 2009 at 1:55 am
Rob, Call your Audi service department your car may need a TSB (software update) or a new cable. Also not all phones have the ability to tranfer contacts over to the Audi.
From Portland Audi on January 23rd, 2009 at 11:05 am
Hello, I have an Audi A6 2005.5, new body style with an updated MMI and nav. I also have a six disk changer in the glove box, but it looks different than those above. Are there iPod and/or iPhone adapters avaliable for my car does anyone know?
Thanks!
Brian
From Brian on February 10th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Brian,
Yes, you can have an iPod adapter installed by your local Audi dealer, it is a bit pricey but it can be done.
From Scott Mitchell on February 10th, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Hi, I got the ‘09 A4 with Navi and I have 3G iPhone. I was given the L cable, however it doesn’t work as my iphone doesn’t recognize it. Will the K or the E cable work for the iphone?
From Eddie on February 23rd, 2009 at 1:15 pm
Great article – glad to see the images. I have a 2008 Audi A5 and I’m looking to retrofit the AMI into the glovebox. I went into my dealer and they told me the parts I would need. Once it arrived, I called the service dept. to schedule the install but don’t feel confident with them. How much is the labor for the AMI retrofit? I’m doubting their skills and wondering if I can do it myself too.
From Tony on February 23rd, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Yes, first try a new cable that should solve your problem, the iPhone will work with your vehicle they are very compatible.
From Scott Mitchell on February 23rd, 2009 at 11:04 pm
Tony,
Though I spent over 4 years in the Audi Service Department I don’t have the cost to install the Music Interface in the Audi A5, I don’t recomend trying this install your self. However to keep your local dealer honest just get some other quotes in your area for the same work, keep in mind there are many variables.
From Scott Mitchell on February 23rd, 2009 at 11:10 pm
Where can i connect an ipod cable in my 2007 audi q7?
From Brett on March 9th, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Brett,
You may not have an iPod port on your 2007 Q7 it was not standared untill 2008, if you do it would be under the center armrest.
From Scott Mitchell on March 9th, 2009 at 5:33 pm
Hi Scott! I just purchased an 08 Q7 a couple days ago. I’ve plugged
in my iPod Touch and my boyfriend’s iPhone but neither is recognized.
I have blac grommet cable and my owners manual states 5th Gen as the
highest compatible??? Should I ask the dealer for a blue grommet or
is it just not compatible?
Thanks in advance!
From Ms Tela on April 17th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Scott,
I just purchased the 08 Q7 a couple days ago. I’ve plugged in my iPod Touch and an iPhone and neither is recognized. I was given the black grommet cable and my owners manual states 5th Gen is the highest compatible. ??? Should I ask the dealer for a blue grommet cable or is my iPod Touch and iPhone just not compatible?
Thanks in advance!
From Ms Tela on April 17th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Scott,
Do you know if the USB cable that is all black should be able to work with a 2009 A4 w/out nav? I would like to just use a hard drive instead.
From Jack Pitts on April 17th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
Is there an iPod cable connector for an A4 2003 Audi. I would like to disconnect the CD changer in the symphony II Bose system and use the iPod instead. I would prefer to do this myself. I have removed the radio several times already since cd’S GET STUCK in the CD player on occasion when I go over a bump.
Appreciate your fedback.
From George Czornyj on April 18th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
Are there any alternative options besides the dealer to install an iPod interface? My 09 a4 was ordered without the ipod interface
From Alan on April 22nd, 2009 at 7:32 am
I have a 2008 A6 with Nav and AMI. My 1st Gen iPhone worked fine with it until the Apple 2,0 (or so) upgrade to the iPhone. Now when I attach the iPhone, I get the “Initializing the device…” message, then it often just sits there for a couple minutes and says “There are no playable tracks on this device”. If I unplug the iPhone, select iPod on it and start a tune playing, then plug it back in to the AMI, it will start to stream the sound through (still showing the Initializing message) and. *sometimes*, will succeed in connecting, other times not. After two or three tries, it usually connects. When it does connect, it always starts playing the first song (alphabetically) by the first artist (alphabetically). It does not pick up and start where the iPhone was playing. Local Audi Service says there are no applicable AMI firmware updates but Apple says there is at least one (mainly for bluetooth) that can help. Any suggestions?
From Grey on May 9th, 2009 at 10:37 am
hi, i have an S Line Q7 and live in Dubai.
Audi wants to charge me USD 1700 to have it connected.
i was wondering if there is an AUX connnection some where?
From Warren on May 10th, 2009 at 10:48 am
I have a 2008 Q7. I bought the USB adapter for my Zune but it won’t read it. Anyone have an idea for me?
From Paul on May 11th, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Quick question (hopefully): Am preparing to install retrofit AMI in my 2006 A6. I’m having my dealer update the MMI codes. I’d prefer to keep both my cd changer and the ami unit. Question: Do I need to have my dealer change any VAG-COM codes to use both together? I’ve read various posts. Some say no change is needed if you replace the cd changer with AMI but I’m unsure if I need to enable a media position if I use both AMI and changer. Thanks!
From Jeff J on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:42 am
Is there an AMI cable to connect my Microsoft Zune to my 2009 A4?
From Angel Torres on June 9th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Hi, I have an S5 with Sat Nav I assume this means I require the Blue Cable for my iPod to connect.? DO you know where I can get one other than Audi themselves who seem to charge a lot for a cable.
From Zoe Ashley on June 19th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Hello, just picked up an A4 3.2 with Nav, and MMI. Have an iPod Nano, and an iPod touch. Not sure which cable to order. Will the version ending in K work for both of them?
From Karl on June 23rd, 2009 at 8:22 am
Hi, and thanks for sharing all your knowledge here! I have a 2009 A4 with NAVI, and of course it can play music from my iPhone in iPod mode. However, I’d like to be able to listen to streaming audio, such as Pandora Radio. When I connect the phone, I can hear the streaming audio for a few moments, and then the Audi switches the phone to iPod mode. I switch back to the Panodora app and hear a few more seconds of music, and then the Audi switches it back to iPod. Is there any way to tell the Audi not to switch the phone to iPod mode? It looks like you can stream any audio source through the new Bluetooth interface, or get an AMI adapter to plug into the headphone jack, but either way I’d lose the ability to charge the phone, and it seems a shame to do that when all the wiring is already in place to transfer the audio and charge the phone through the iPod interface; it just seems like a software problem. Any ideas? Also, what is the most recent software version for the MMI on this car?
From John May on July 29th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Hello,
Where can I purchase the AMI for a 2007 Q7?
From Scott Needham on August 6th, 2009 at 3:49 am
Scott,
Great question! we can provide the AMI (Audi Music Interface) for you here at Sunset Imports and send it out to you. Sunset Audi has the most competitive prices on parts & service as well as new and Certified Audi’s. Call our parts department and let them know Scott from i am audi refered you and you will get the best price.
Scott Mitchell
http://www.iamaudi.com
From Scott Mitchell on August 6th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Hi Scott I have 2009 A4 P+ without Navi. My software version is SW 0231, and I can only use the SD card, no SDHC. Is there a software update for the Symphony 6 cd?
From Tony S. on August 10th, 2009 at 8:15 am
Hey Scott!
Quick question. Do you know if there is a longer mmi cord, or extension. I’ve got a s5 and would like to run the cable closer to the driver, Me!
Luis
From Luis H. Arruela on August 15th, 2009 at 10:22 am
Luis,
Sorry they do not make an extension, your devise will stay in the glove box and will charge as you control it through the MMI (Multi Media Interface. Let me know if I can answer any more questions.
From Scott Mitchell on September 5th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
Scott thanks for sharing all your knowledge. I have 2010 Q5 2.0T without Navi and i have the AMI. Will the K or the E cable work for my ipod touch, black or blue ?
A friend from Bogota, Colombia
From Juan Cendales on September 8th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
Juan,
Welcome to I Am Audi and in regards to your question you should be uing the blue cable, it is the most updated. If you need us to send you a cable let me know and I will have our parts department contact you. Thanks again and send us some pictures of your 2.0T Q5 in Bogota Columbia.
From Scott Mitchell on September 9th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Hi Scott
i have 2009 A4 with no Navi.Now i am thinking to get a Navi.What are my options.If Navi is not possible,can i install OEM DVD system and do you recommend any ?
Thanks
Raj
From Raj on September 22nd, 2009 at 11:28 pm
Raj,
Sorry unlike past years it is very costly to install Navigation after the fact, my best recommendation it a hand held version, not as nice but it works.
From Scott Mitchell on September 24th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Scott -
how can I hookup a non-ipod mp3 player or my Blackberry 8320 to play thru my 2006 A6 MMI ?
thanks in advance.
- Pete
From Pete on October 27th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
If you call your local Audi Parts Department and let them know what devise you are trying to connect they can get you the right cable. A number of cables work for a number of seperate devices, but there is a cable for the Blackberry.
From Scott Mitchell on October 28th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
newbie question: I have a stripped down 2007 A3 2.0 with the Concert; no MMI. I’d like to connect my iPhone 3GS. Help!
From Name (required) Jocelyn Boberg on November 1st, 2009 at 7:35 pm
Boberg,
In order to connect your iPhone 3GS you have to have Bluetooth. Look in your armrest to see if there is a mount, if not you don’t have the mount you don’t have Bluetooth. A3’s have never come with MMI, they come with Nav Plus. Remember all questions are good questions.
From Scott Mitchell on November 2nd, 2009 at 10:18 am
Hi Scott, I have recently purchased an A3 1.6 FSI sport (2006). I would like to connect my Ipod to the Audi car stereo, what is the best way to do this considering i dont have the AMI in the glove box?
Many thanks
From Richard Bannister on November 4th, 2009 at 6:47 am
Richard,
You can have an iPod adapter installed, it is a great feature that goes right in your glove box.
From Scott Mitchell on November 8th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
does anyone know where one of these ipod adapter cables can be purchased? i just need the cable, no the rest of the ipod adapter. the little metal “teeth” on the sides of the part of the cable that goes into the ipod broke off it seems. now the cable won’t stay in the ipod.
thanks
From jason on November 12th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Jason,
Call 1-800-346-0182 and ask for the Audi Parts – let them know you saw it on I Am Audi and they will make sure to take great care of you.
From Scott Mitchell on November 12th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Hi Scott, If I have the 2007 Audi q7 with out the thing under the armrest, then what are the options and prices for getting my ipod connected? Is there any simple cord I could buy? And what is AMI? Thanks for your help!! Mary
From Mary on November 16th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
I own a 55 reg Audi A4, with the bose sound system syphany… Any ideas@@
From Name (required)hywel on November 24th, 2009 at 7:51 am
Installing an iPod adapter can be done on your year and make of Audi // call your local Audi dealer and speak to the service department and have them give you full details.
From Scott Mitchell on November 25th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I have a Audi A4 2009. When I try to play Pandora through my iphone it starts to play a song but then it goes directly to my ipod and only plays music from my ipod. Is there not an option to disable the ipod and play only Pandora? The only time Pandora worked is when my iphone said “There are no playable tracks on this device”
From 7EVEN on December 3rd, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Hello Scott. I just bought a 2010 Q7 which is factory fitted with bluetooth and AMI (no navigation). In the glove box there is no iPod dock but rather a connector (on the top inner part of the glove box) that’s supposed to be receive the iPod or usb cable. I intend to keep on using my iPhone 3GS (bluetooth is working fine right now). Can you please advise me which iPod cable is needed and if you have in stock. I’m currently living in Lebanon and my daughter whose in the US is visiting me for X’mas. I am hoping to order before she leaves from R.I. Thanks in advance for your help.
From Charlie Aoun on December 8th, 2009 at 2:24 am
Hello Scott,
I just stumbled across your website hoping to find an answer. I just purchased a 2007 Audi A8. I am wondering if there is an interface for the iPod/iPhone similar to that is listed here?
Your help is much appreciated.
Thank you.
Amin
From Amin on December 14th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Scott,
I have a 2007 Audi A4 1.8T. I do not have a nav unit – just the normal radio with a 6 cd changer in the dash. I wanted to hook up an ipod adapter to the unit but the dealer told me that if I do that I will lose my cd changer. Is this the case? I havent found any info on this online. Also, would I lose the text display on my dash? If I am mis-informed can you guide me to the correct type of adapter that would allow me use both my cd changer and the ipod adapter?
From Pete on December 14th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Scott-
I have a 2009 A4 w/o Navi. I also have an iPhone 3G. My MMI isn’t “initializing” when I connect the iPhone using the cable inside of the glove box. I have the cable with the blue end. My service techs are not saying much. I find it hard to believe this car and this phone is having such a problem. Can you assist?
From Rodney on December 28th, 2009 at 11:19 am
Hi Scott, this is a great article and helps clear up some of the confusion I had!! My only query is in my Q7 (with Audi MMI and SatNav), is it true that if I use the cable to connect my IPhone 3GS 32GB so I can listen to music through the MMI, it cannot receive calls (via Bluetooth connection) ? Many thanks.
From Andy Cheetham on January 19th, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Hi Scott, I’m hoping you can help me with a problem I’m having with my new 2010 Q7 with MMI and Nav. The iPod hook up works as it should except that a “track” in the song is always missing so the song doesn’t sound right. For instance, Yellow Submarine by the Beatles plays except the lyrics are missing. When November Rain plays, the violins and cellos are missing. My kids listen to Snack Time by the Barenaked Ladies but notice that there is always a part missing, i.e. drums in one song and bass in another. Can you help me out?
From Martin Ignasiak on March 4th, 2010 at 9:02 am
Scott, Martin again. I should mention that when I unplug the iPod and listen with headphones or on my sounddock at home, the songs play properly.
From Martin Ignasiak on March 4th, 2010 at 9:04 am
Martin,
I would say with almost 100% certainty that this is a software issue with your Q7 or possibly a faulty iPod cable. Now it could be something else however I would bring it to your Audi dealer and let your service department know what is going on, my guess is that it is simple. Please keep me up dated on what they find I would love to know.
Scott Mitchell
From Scott Mitchell on March 4th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
Hi Scott, I bought an Audi q7 2009 but our audi agency did not put an ipod extention and if I want it I have to pay $1334 how to made it or installation? I hope you understanding me.
Thanks,
Abdu
From Abdu on March 6th, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Hi,
I bought a 2009 Audi A4 without the navigation package and I wanted to now retrofit if for factory navigation. The problem is I do not have a specific nav button, instead the controls are on the dashboard. Is it possible/is there a way to bypass not having the nav button and still to get the factory navigation? Thank you.
Pete
From Pete on March 9th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
Pete,
I get this question a lot and the simple answer is at this time there is no solution. It is not cost effective to try and install a factory Nav. system in your new A4, if I get any updates on products being introduced I will let you know.
Scott Mitchell
From Scott Mitchell on March 10th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
Hey Scott,
I have a 2009 A4 Prem Plus with Nav. When I connect my Ipod Nano the music plays fine but when I shut the car off and turn it back on the AMI says the device is initializing and then it starts playing the first song on the Ipod and not where it left off. It does this about 75% of the time and the other 25% of the time it keeps playing where it had left off. Why?
From Chris on March 17th, 2010 at 10:26 am
Hi Scott, new to this site but in desperate need of answers !!!
I took delivery of an audi a5 s line (09 reg) recently and would like to hook up my ipod 30gb video version through the head unit. I was able to do this on my old A3 (04 reg) & an A4 (07 Reg) using the kit I purchased though connects 2. Is it possible to hook this up without having to have Audi charge me £399 for the privelege !!!!!
Your help would be much appreciated as I have been looing into this for weeks.
Cheers, Grant
From GRANT RUSSELL on March 18th, 2010 at 3:43 pm