European Engine Start button

[zachf88]

I searched and search and couldn't find anything..... I was wondering if any of you guys put the engine start button from the european models in their NA-spec RS4's..... Can it be done??

[zachf88]

here's a pic with the armrest...

[asurugger]

dam thats sweet!!!

[Liam@TheGallery]

If you want it in the same location, it will require the center console to be replaced with an RoW version without cup holders. Also keep in mind it's really a just to have it to have it appliance. You still have to put the key in the ignition, turn to on, then press the start button.

[wkornfeld]

isn't that one of the crappy old style cupholders that they had in the B5 A4's that pop up and don't hold anything unless you're standing still?

[channad]

it's lame though, you still have to put the key into the ignition. Then you press start. Your hand is already putting the key in the ignition, might as well turn it.

[Cargo8]

it's lame though, you still have to put the key into the ignition. Then you press start. Your hand is already putting the key in the ignition, might as well turn it.

although, in another perspective, its pretty cool still, a la modern ferraris.

[nealRlett]

it's lame though, you still have to put the key into the ignition. Then you press start. Your hand is already putting the key in the ignition, might as well turn it.

exactly. If your key stayed in your pocket then that would be another thing. The only benefit being shown here is if someone had your key and was stealing your car it would slow them down, especially if you had your armrest down.

[ghoonk]

i would kill to be able to convert my head unit (concert) in the first pic to the RSN-E model in the 2nd pic. Not getting much luck on that front though, and it's driving me crazy.

[zachf88]

yeah, I like the look and I don't allow drinks in my car (only water bottles held between legs) and I think it looks really cool..... probably wouldn't hook it up though.... How much would all the parts cost?

[blur510]

Is that a phone on that picture? wtf they couldn't get a hold of an Iphone ot a BB? that looks like a house phone... I do agree that it should be just like the Japanese cars.. keep the key in your pocket, touch the door handles and the doors unlocks, push the start button and it starts.

[UberDave]

I think the phone in the 2nd pic is a Nokia Communicator, clamshell with a full keyboard and widescreen display when it's open. I'm with you though, I'm surprised they don't have a blackberry in teh pic.

[PenguiN]

exactly. If your key stayed in your pocket then that would be another thing. The only benefit being shown here is if someone had your key and was stealing your car it would slow them down, especially if you had your armrest down.

lol... true... "How do you start this thing!!!"

[cellg8]

exactly. If Your Key Stayed In Your Pocket Then That Would Be Another Thing. The Only Benefit Being Shown Here Is If Someone Had Your Key And Was Stealing Your Car It Would Slow Them Down, Especially If You Had Your Armrest Down.

[ghoonk]

I think the phone in the 2nd pic is a Nokia Communicator, clamshell with a full keyboard and widescreen display when it's open. I'm with you though, I'm surprised they don't have a blackberry in teh pic.

Correct, that is a Nokia 9500 Communicator

[b00st]

isn't that one of the crappy old style cupholders that they had in the B5 A4's that pop up and don't hold anything unless you're standing still?

i never split anything in my b5 a4, i would have been pissed if i did, since it would have destroyed my aftermarket HU. thats the only cup hold i used...i never used the ones below the armrest.

[channad]

although, in another perspective, its pretty cool still, a la modern ferraris.

I dunno, I'd want it to be more functional...like the Japanese cars. The 2008 S6 has this function and it works well. It still has the ignition, and you can still put the key and turn it, but it's not necessary. Keep the key in your pocket and hit the start button.

Slowly, but surely, the German's are learning from the Japanese.

[iconoclast]

I searched and search and couldn't find anything..... I was wondering if any of you guys put the engine start button from the european models in their NA-spec RS4's..... Can it be done??[/IMG]

why would you want to do this if you dont have a smart key that works with it?

[jaykato]

I know a guy with a 2006 S-Line A6 which, I believe, allows the driver to keep the key in his pocket to open the doors and start the car. But...I may be wrong.

[RAudi Driver]

next thing you know, they're going to embed a chip under your skin that will do the same thing as the key in your pocket. This stuff is starting to scare me. I'm going back to the old manual crank the car in the front to start it.

[zachf88]

why would you want to do this if you dont have a smart key that works with it?

Well, 1. I don't like smart keys, 2. I hate the cupholders! I never use them and they just collect dust. So I want something to cover them.

[cotmfk]

I dunno, I'd want it to be more functional...like the Japanese cars. The 2008 S6 has this function and it works well. It still has the ignition, and you can still put the key and turn it, but it's not necessary. Keep the key in your pocket and hit the start button.

Slowly, but surely, the German's are learning from the Japanese.

This would definitely be a mod I would pay for!

[iconoclast]

Well, 1. I don't like smart keys, 2. I hate the cupholders! I never use them and they just collect dust. So I want something to cover them.

i just dont understand why you would want to add a step to starting the car with a button? the whole point is to make it seemless and more efficient... by retrofitting the start button, youll still have to insert key and turn to on, then hit the button. not to mention the cost of buying a new centerconsole to accomodate all this.

[richib86]

i put this on my b6 s4 which had the same console as the eu rs4. its a pretty straight forward install (depending on how diff the rs4 ignition is from a b6)... relay to the ignition coil... other then the added factor of a cool start button that lights up and says engine start, its pretty worthless all the time because you can still start the car using the key without the button... i was toying with the idea of getting an aftermarket smart key remote to work with the start button, you press a button on the remote that powers the car on and then you just have to clutch and press, no key required. gave up on it when i found out there banned in the US and obtaining one would cost far more than its worth.... but hey it still looks cool haha

[Yupkwondo]

If you can still start the car with the key you installed it wrong...well maybe not wrong but the easiest way.

To do this you will need:

Euro Center Console (plus many other small trim parts for the console)
New hand brake assembly
Start button

and the guts to cut your ignition wires, and wire the start button in because the US RS4 has the same functions, but the plug running from ECU #1 to the start button was eliminated.

You essentially cut one wire from the key wire harness, and run it to the start button. You have to keep certain wires intact for the safety start function. If you wondered why you don't have to hold the RS4 key to start it, this is why...it was designed for the start button. The US and Euro RS4 are a lot closer than most people appreciate.

If someone is in the NE Ohio (Cleveland) area I would be willing to do the install for them. (for a negotiated price of course )

[zachf88]

i put this on my b6 s4 which had the same console as the eu rs4. its a pretty straight forward install (depending on how diff the rs4 ignition is from a b6)... relay to the ignition coil... other then the added factor of a cool start button that lights up and says engine start, its pretty worthless all the time because you can still start the car using the key without the button... i was toying with the idea of getting an aftermarket smart key remote to work with the start button, you press a button on the remote that powers the car on and then you just have to clutch and press, no key required. gave up on it when i found out there banned in the US and obtaining one would cost far more than its worth.... but hey it still looks cool haha

If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay for the parts?? If you feel uncomfortable, you can PM me the price! Thanks

Yeah, I think I may actually wire the button to something else.... I just want to get rid of those cup holders!!

[richib86]

i bought the start button and the holder/cigg lighter assembly in london for about $180 with the conversion... but it would come out to a fair amount more with all the parts and trim u need for the rs4.


yupkwondo: do you have a wire diagram on the pins and everything?

[Yupkwondo]

Actually I did, I will have to look for it...Most of it came from the bentley manual though.