Moving to Wiesbaden, GM

[GC31]

Hello Everyone,
I am moving to Wiesbaden in August. I have many questions about the area.
Is it possible to flash the us firmware to the euro firmware?
Is there any difference in the cost of repairs between Germany and US?
Does anyone has any experience with TUV cert and VAT form?
Thanks for your support!
GC

[drdrewusaf]

I replied to your post on Audiworld...here's the same info:

Is it possible to flash the us firmware to the euro firmware?

What firmware are we talking about here? The GPS or the ECU? I know the RNS-E can be flashed, not sure about the MMI - but I'll be digging into that soon when I get my S5. For the ECU, there is an APR tuner in Berlin and one in Switzerland. The Swiss one is super expensive.

Is there any difference in the cost of repairs between Germany and US?

Euro to US Dollar conversion rate will apply. Also, all of the prices include the 19% VAT. That said, every repair/maintenance I've had done has been Dollar to Euro comparable and the shop accespted VAT forms.

Does anyone has any experience with TUV cert and VAT form?

Be more specific on the TUV cert - I'm not sure what you're asking... If you're asking if a US Spec car is OK to drive in Germany, then the answer is yes. No TUV involvement. The VAT form is for purchases up to 2500 Euro (over 2500 requires more paperwork). It will exempt your purchase from the 19% VAT in Germany, but only at vendors that participate in the VAT form system. VAT forms cost $5 each for up to 5 forms and $2 for every form above 5, but your max is 10 forms (if you bought 10 forms it would be $30 total). Most places won't bother with a VAT form on purchases below 100 Euro.

If you have any other questions, let me know. I've been at Ramstein for 3.5 years. Have a safe trip over the pond.


Drew

[GC31]

Drew,
Thanks for your prompt response and sorry for the confusion. I'm looking for information regarding my GPS (RNS-E), I ask if a US Spec car is OK to drive in Germany.
Sorry for the delay in reply!
GC

[drdrewusaf]

Drew,
Thanks for your prompt response and sorry for the confusion. I'm looking for information regarding my GPS and yes, I ask if a US Spec car is OK to drive in Germany.
Sorry for the delay in reply!
GC

No problem... I don't know enough about A4's to give you a direct answer on the GPS part (specifically if it's an RNS-E or MMI). But, like I said before, if it's an RNS-E, it is 100% convertible to EU and back. You'll need a couple of home-brew upgrade CDs, a Euro map DVD, and someone with VAG-COM to do it. At this time, I have the upgrade CDs, but I don't have the correct VAG-COM adapter to work on an A4. However, by mid to late August I will. If you want to venture into the woods of US to EU conversion of an RNS-E around then, I'll be happy to help...I did it on my A3 a few years ago.

US spec cars in Germany are a non-issue. Again, the TUV thing is kind of ambiguous here. Although the reg says that all parts have to be TUV certified, it's not like the inspectors are going to research your parts to make sure they have a TUV cert during inspection of your vehicle. I've never heard of anyone failing inspection because of TUV certification. Here's a link to the actual regulation that Americans have to follow (scroll to Section II): http://www.hqusareur.army.mil/rmv/re...190-1.htm#AppC.



Drew

[NuVega]

Wiesbaden, nice area, you'll be close to Frankfurt and Mannheim, I was stationed at Spangdahlem AB near Trier/Bitburg during my time in Germany. Dealers accept VAT forms no problem, and prices like said above are comparable to US prices once you do the conversion. Try and schedule anything a few days to a week prior though. Also if you have an issue, drive to the dealer and the service rep will gladly walk out to your car and you can point out what is wrong, unless you speak German really well or happen to get a service tech who speaks English. Customer service was second to none in Germany too. Since you'll be in Wiesbaden you'll be about 1hr 30mins away from Neckarsulm, where there is an Audi production facility and where the RS models are made...English speaking tours are on Thursdays at 1300hrs if I'm not mistaken.

Have fun, enjoy!

[GC31]

No problem... I don't know enough about A4's to give you a direct answer on the GPS part (specifically if it's an RNS-E or MMI). But, like I said before, if it's an RNS-E, it is 100% convertible to EU and back. You'll need a couple of home-brew upgrade CDs, a Euro map DVD, and someone with VAG-COM to do it. At this time, I have the upgrade CDs, but I don't have the correct VAG-COM adapter to work on an A4. However, by mid to late August I will. If you want to venture into the woods of US to EU conversion of an RNS-E around then, I'll be happy to help...I did it on my A3 a few years ago.

US spec cars in Germany are a non-issue. Again, the TUV thing is kind of ambiguous here. Although the reg says that all parts have to be TUV certified, it's not like the inspectors are going to research your parts to make sure they have a TUV cert during inspection of your vehicle. I've never heard of anyone failing inspection because of TUV certification. Here's a link to the actual regulation that Americans have to follow (scroll to Section II): http://www.hqusareur.army.mil/rmv/re...190-1.htm#AppC.



Drew

Great! Thanks for all the info. I will contact you when I get there.

GC

[GC31]

Wiesbaden, nice area, you'll be close to Frankfurt and Mannheim, I was stationed at Spangdahlem AB near Trier/Bitburg during my time in Germany. Dealers accept VAT forms no problem, and prices like said above are comparable to US prices once you do the conversion. Try and schedule anything a few days to a week prior though. Also if you have an issue, drive to the dealer and the service rep will gladly walk out to your car and you can point out what is wrong, unless you speak German really well or happen to get a service tech who speaks English. Customer service was second to none in Germany too. Since you'll be in Wiesbaden you'll be about 1hr 30mins away from Neckarsulm, where there is an Audi production facility and where the RS models are made...English speaking tours are on Thursdays at 1300hrs if I'm not mistaken.

Have fun, enjoy!

Ranger,
Thanks, I really appreciate it. I can't wait to take the tour.

[GC31]

Drew,
I just got my car yesterday and I was wondering if you could help me to convert my RNS-E to Europe settings.
Please let me know if you can help me.

GC

[drdrewusaf]

Sure...Let me know when you're available. Also, make sure you have the card with the unlock code on it. At some point during the process, the radio will think it's getting stolen.



Drew

[GC31]

Drew,
I will receive my Household goods in two weeks. After completing my move, I will contact you to discuss a convenient time and place.
Thanks for your help!

GC