Need factory Audi tech help - script for 3G+ MMI modem upgrade to UTMS on 2013 B8.5

[alhutch]

So, long story short, if you have a 2013 MMI 3G+, you are most likely stuck with a 2G modem at this point in time (due to the migration of support from T-Mobile to AT&T). Audi offered (for a short time) an upgrade kit (part number 8T0-051-431) that included a newer UMTS modem and updated the firmware to support the new modem. This was under TSB 2099476/2 (later rev'd to #2099476/9).

These kits are NLA and I thought instead I could install a newer, 2014+ modem into my 2013 MMI and update to the latest MMI firmware (K0942_6). Found out after firmware update that a separate UMTS driver script is needed too. Due to research by fellow AZ user @rdowling, I see that I need to acquire this file MMI3GP_UMTS_Driver_Script.zip.

Any sympathetic factory Audi techs out there that can get their hands on this file? I'll quote rdowling's post from 11/17 for full info:

When available, the upgrade process involved swapping to a newer modem, installing a driver file, and upgrading to a newer firmware. I've installed a newer modem sourced from a junked 2015 head unit. I've also upgraded the firmware. However, I've searched far and wide for the driver file to no avail. My local dealer's service advisor was a downright jerk when I asked for their help. ("What if it affects your ABS brakes?") So here I am hoping that someone can help or point me to someone who can. I'm looking for MMI3GP_UMTS_Driver_Script.zip, which per TSB 2039476/1, should be on ServiceNet at ServiceNet >> AUDI >> Technician References >> Audi MMI Scripts. I believe this file to contain no Audi-owned software, only QNX drivers freely-provided by the modem manufacturer and scripts to install them. If I'm correct, I'd be extremely appreciative of any help obtaining them. I'm more than willing to offer compensation for time and effort. Thanks!

Thought I would try AZ first before hitting up my Audi Service Writer and thoroughly confusing him. Thanks for your time!

I solved this by throwing money at it, see post #6 below.

[byront8]

Would this upgrade kit work on 3G outside of the US, or does it contain the US only GSM module?

[JettaGetUpandGo]

If you are successful with this I would love to do the same. I picked up a 2013 CPO Allroad in 12/16 and did the 2-year subscription through Audi right away only to discover I had the older modem.

At that point in time the repair kit was still available but I was not eligible since I wasn't the original owner. After exhausting every available option through the local dealer, the regional advisor, Audi of America, T Mobile, and even my credit card company (initially they weren't even willing to refund the subscription a week into it), I gave up. I even offered to pay in full for the kit and labor. It was a shitshow.

I'm comfortable swapping the hardware, but the software side didn't seem feasible without assistance from the dealer which was less than willing to help.

[alhutch]

Would this upgrade kit work on 3G outside of the US, or does it contain the US only GSM module?

Byront8, I would think the kit described would be USA only. It was issued to specifically address T-Mobile abandoning certain 3G frequencies in our market.

- - - Updated - - -

If you are successful with this I would love to do the same. I picked up a 2013 CPO Allroad in 12/16 and did the 2-year subscription through Audi right away only to discover I had the older modem.

At that point in time the repair kit was still available but I was not eligible since I wasn't the original owner. After exhausting every available option through the local dealer, the regional advisor, Audi of America, T Mobile, and even my credit card company (initially they weren't even willing to refund the subscription a week into it), I gave up. I even offered to pay in full for the kit and labor. It was a shitshow.

I'm comfortable swapping the hardware, but the software side didn't seem feasible without assistance from the dealer which was less than willing to help.

If I can make this all work, I will do a full write-up on my steps and try and make the script freely available.

[alhutch]

Bump

[alhutch]

Long story short, I was finally able to get 3G connectivity (via AT&T/FreedomPop) in my 2013 Allroad. It required a UMTS capable modem (AT&T frequencies) from a 2014+ MMI 3G+ unit and the driver update package only obtainable from the Audi dealer (more on that at end of post).



Quick primer on how I got there. My 2013 MMI unit has a part number of 8R1 035 746 C (build date of 5/7/13), found on right side. First, I got the newer modem from a later MMI 3G+ unit (part #8R1 035 746 H, build date 6/1/15). 2014 or later build dates should be fine, but the "UMTS" text on new modem is key.



Using a T8 Torx, I removed the top 7 screws and 1 back screw (to remove the top and free the modem). Looking down, it is in the top right corner with the magenta color jack.





With the back side Torx out, the modem pulls straight up to remove.



The newer AT&T modem is on top (note added "UMTS" text on label), the older T-Mobile only is on bottom.

Installation is the reverse of removal. There is a pin on the bottom of the modem to help guide it into place, push straight down to seat. Replace the top and all screws and reinstall unit into car.

I tried to find the needed UMTS driver package "in the wild" but came up empty. I finally decided to pay the dealer (1 hour of labor). The updated TSB is #2039476/9. I gave them a printout of the beginning of this thread and the TSB and they had no issue completing the driver update and testing the unit with a service department AT&T SIM card (3G!). As a separate issue, I had them update the maps (additional cost) as well.

Long story short, it cost more than I would have liked, but if you want to get 3G connectivity in your 2013 MMI 3G+, this is your only option. Post any questions below and I'll try to answer them.

[JettaGetUpandGo]

Thank you for coming back to update the thread. There's a second Audi dealer that's not too far from me. It's probably worth making the drive out there to see if they would be willing to perform the software update before tracking down a modem and installing it.

[alhutch]

Thank you for coming back to update the thread. There's a second Audi dealer that's not too far from me. It's probably worth making the drive out there to see if they would be willing to perform the software update before tracking down a modem and installing it.

Yes, might as well make sure you can get the drivers installed before messing with it. Hope the 2nd dealer is more cooperative. My SA was very good with it (documentation helps, so they don't have to search it out themselves).

[IbisB8.5]

So is this one only part you ended us swapping out?

You used you stock unit and just swapped the module?



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[alhutch]

So is this one only part you ended us swapping out?

You used you stock unit and just swapped the module?

Yes, installed later UMTS capable modem into my stock 2013 MMI 3G+ unit (same method as the factory modem upgrade kit that is NLA). The key is getting the new modem drivers/firmware installed, which I could only source from the dealer.

[IbisB8.5]

Yes, installed later UMTS capable modem into my stock 2013 MMI 3G+ unit (same method as the factory modem upgrade kit). The key is getting the new modem drivers/firmware installed, which I could only source from the dealer.

Dude I love you so much! I didn’t know there was an upgrade or I could even do this! Now I can use my FreedomPop!!

Is there anything specific I should ask/tell the dealer so they can understand what I’m talking about?


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[alhutch]

Dude I love you so much! I didn’t know there was an upgrade or I could even do this! Now I can use my FreedomPop!!

Is there anything specific I should ask/tell the dealer so they can understand what I’m talking about?


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Read post #1 and #6 carefully. Once you obtain and install the newer modem, you will need the dealer to run the UMTS modem driver update script as described in TSB #2039476/9. My Audi SA had no trouble getting it done when I provided him with a printout of post #1 and explained what I was trying to accomplish (which is replicate the factory AT&T modem upgrade kit that is no longer available).

[johnb415]

having the 2G speeds really bugged, so i called the audi dealer in torrance ca. they wanted like $1200 for the modem, install, and to get everything working. i think i will make it the absolute last thing to do on my list.

[alhutch]

having the 2G speeds really bugged, so i called the audi dealer in torrance ca. they wanted like $1200 for the modem, install, and to get everything working. i think i will make it the absolute last thing to do on my list.

Well, you can get it done for far less than $1200 if you are willing to find a scrap MMI unit to source the newer modem (I paid $50 shipped for one on eBay) and an hour of dealer labor for the driver upgrades. The documented modem swap (post #6) is quite simple.

[JettaGetUpandGo]

I could have a spare modem available as my local dealers seem less than interested in helping.

[adamazing]

I'm glad I jumped on this when TMUS first announced they were shifting their 3G bands to a different spectrum. Audi was offering this upgrade for free to affected customers for a short period of time.

[johnb415]

I could have a spare modem available as my local dealers seem less than interested in helping.

JettaGetUpandGo, Thank you for the modem! i got it and planning to do this install at the end of the week.

Question for you alhutch, If i am reading all the steps above in this thread right, once I install the modem, I need both these things from the dealer: (1) a unit flash (TSB #2099476/2) and (2) a driver update (TSB #2039476/9)? and these are two separate things from the dealer?

[Theiceman]

Could sone one explain to a nube why you need this ? Isnt a gps just a gps ?? What am i missing?


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[alhutch]

JettaGetUpandGo, Thank you for the modem! i got it and planning to do this install at the end of the week.

Question for you alhutch, If i am reading all the steps above in this thread right, once I install the modem, I need both these things from the dealer: (1) a unit flash (TSB #2099476/2) and (2) a driver update (TSB #2039476/9)? and these are two separate things from the dealer?

John,

If you install the modem yourself, you might need an overall firmware update for the MMI (current version is K0942_6) along with the UMTS driver update. I imagine your dealer would update your MMI firmware to most current before attempting the modem driver update, but might be worth mentioning at service appointment time.

Al

[alhutch]

Could sone one explain to a nube why you need this ? Isnt a gps just a gps ?? What am i missing?


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It's more than GPS at play here. Upgrading the connect speeds to the available maximum for our equipment (3G in this case) means Google Earth & WiFi hotspot functionality in our cars will be the fastest possible.

[Theiceman]

I see. Thanks for the info. Not sure my car even needs to be a hotspot when my phone can do it.
Guess it would be good for traffic. But since i use waze it kind of renders it obsolete.


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[johnb415]

John,

If you install the modem yourself, you might need an overall firmware update for the MMI (current version is K0942_6) along with the UMTS driver update. I imagine your dealer would update your MMI firmware to most current before attempting the modem driver update, but might be worth mentioning at service appointment time.

Al

Thanks Al, i will for sure mention it

[pstonge]

I would like to try this. Does anyone know where I could locate the replacement modem? While I’m at it, is it possible to replace the Sirius module in the MMI and put a SiriusXM module in its place?
Thanks.

[alhutch]

I would like to try this. Does anyone know where I could locate the replacement modem? While I’m at it, is it possible to replace the Sirius module in the MMI and put a SiriusXM module in its place?
Thanks.

I purchased a used MMI dash unit (the DVD player part) from eBay. See post #6 above for part number you want to search for.

[pstonge]

Thanks. No luck with that search. What year models can I buy that will fit?

[Jcarreira]

3G is too slow to work as a hotspot, if you have 2 clients connected, the internet comes to a crawl, 4G/LTE should be possible if Audi wanted it, just a swap of the modem, however i dont think they will do it, but maybe someone with the required technical skills can retofit a 4g/LTE modem.

What do you think guys?

[alhutch]

Thanks. No luck with that search. What year models can I buy that will fit?

All needed info is in post #6. Years 2014-2016 should have the upgraded modem (A4, A5, S4, S5, Q5, etc), but a part number check of the unit should be done to confirm.

- - - Updated - - -

3G is too slow to work as a hotspot, if you have 2 clients connected, the internet comes to a crawl, 4G/LTE should be possible if Audi wanted it, just a swap of the modem, however i dont think they will do it, but maybe someone with the required technical skills can retofit a 4g/LTE modem.

What do you think guys?

Short answer is no. No hardware exists to do what you want, and even if it did, no firmware to drive it.

[pstonge]

Thanks!

[krisuumax]

Hello. I bought a MMI 3G+ unit with SIM number 8R1035746K (America) I was doing conversions, maps uploaded, software upgraded to K0942. I replaced the module from Telit UC864-AWS-AUTO with Telit UC864-E-AWS-AUTO. After starting the navigation, the SIM is still not visible. I started the green menu, in the Phone tab in the UMTS Module section you can see (not). I suggest I need to upgrade my UMTS software. I have access to ODIS with VAS head online, but I don't know where I can find this update option because probably the ASO service did this option. There's someone who can help me. Greetings

Real photo problem

https://zapodaj.net/b300865cae767.jpg.html
https://zapodaj.net/29395788ce1b3.jpg.html
https://zapodaj.net/b309dfd062505.jpg.html

[lukjod]

Musisz uzyc vagcanpro i parametryzowac modem uzywajac pliku zdf

Wysłane z mojego SM-G965F przy użyciu Tapatalka

[Gunnark100]

zdf

ZDC Lukasz:)

[lukjod]

Ups, thx Gunnar
Best regards from Warsaw

Wysłane z mojego SM-G965F przy użyciu Tapatalka

[krisuumax]

https://zapodaj.net/6fbbff0db6895.jpg.html

what the name file umts ?

[krisuumax]

i open file "a4_MMI3GP.zdc" and see file UMTS. How activate this ? https://zapodaj.net/adf6ce65cb774.png.html

[krisuumax]

I use zdc mmi3gp with sim, upload to 5F success, but new module not visable... in eeprom delete umts after conversion USA ?


Wysłane z iPhone za pomocą Tapatalk

[Gunnark100]

I use zdc mmi3gp with sim, upload to 5F success, but new module not visable... in eeprom delete umts after conversion USA ?


Wysłane z iPhone za pomocą Tapatalk

Was this factory K version(MMI unit on label is which version?)-as you said in first post or after update was K? As K is new and not Telit inside but other company module

[krisuumax]

unit 8R1 035 746 K. Module new installed Telit UC864-E

[Gunnark100]

unit 8R1 035 746 K. Module new installed Telit UC864-E

Interesting, factory K should be 2016 and inside must be Cinterion not Telit, at least this Lukasz has inside with same year.

[krisuumax]

Unit is a North America, factory module remove, new is EU TELIT.

[lukjod]

**