Technical Features
4 Season S5 Report: Bluetooth Music Streaming for Audi Music Interface
By
Oct 21, 2009, 14:54

14,998 miles - 16,212 miles

From an infotainment perspective, one of the serious advantages of the new B8 chassis as utilized for the S5 is the use of the MOST fiber optic system. By upgrading its latest B-segment offerings to MOST, Audi was able to install its MMI (Multi-Media Interface) functionality first pioneered in the A8. Along with MMI came the compatibility of the Audi Music Interface, a component that can pair most any MP3 or music device with the S5’s sound system, including full integration of an iPod or iPhone.

Our 4 Season Audi S5 came standard with MMI and included the optional Audi Music Interface from the factory ($290). In as much, we’ve been enjoying access to devices like our iPod and iPhone since day one. The former has become the default in-car jukebox while the latter mounts and charges the same way, connecting to the car via Bluetooth for integrated phone use.


For those unconcerned about phone charge or looking for the convenience of music streaming music from your phone, Audi has developed a Bluetooth attachment for AMI. Up until last June Apple's iPhone wasn’t compatible but new A2DP communication logic that is required for compatibility with Audi’s Bluetooth music adapter, but the iPhone OS update has changed that by adding A2DP compatiblity.

The kit itself from Audi is easy to install. An AMI software update is included on a USB memory stick connected via the music interface’s basic USB cable. If your car needs the new software, attaching the memory stick to your AMI will get you up to date. Our June 2008 build S5 did not require the software update and alerted us to that when we connected the USB.


Once loaded and the Bluetooth attachment in place, you’ll need to pair your device to the Audi Music Interface. This is a separate pairing than the car’s Bluetooth phone communication.


Our iPhone had no problem pairing with the S5, though you will find access to the phone via Bluetooth is more limited than a cable connection. Once you see the device paired with the music interface in the MMI system, you’ll need to choose the ‘Forced Audio Connect’ option. From there, music navigation is handled via the controls on the iPhone itself.


When playing, we did notice there are still some bugs in the system. Sound would occasionally cut out, perhaps due to the Bluetooth’s inability to transfer song data fast enough. Other times, the music would play at a slightly faster tempo.

Given the method of connectivity where audio control is done on the device itself, this offers a new set of flexibility. Want to watch a movie or YouTube video over your iPhone with sound piped through your Audi's audio system? Maybe you’ve downloaded the TomTom or NavTech navigation applications and want to hear directions through the car's speakers. Both should function with no problem, and pairing devices such as a portable navigation device should also be possible.


The verdict? The convenience of not having to plug the phone or device into MMI was a plus, though our need to navigate via the iPhone’s controls dialed down the convenience factor of the install. For now the system does have its weaknesses, though convenience certainly isn’t one of them.

PART NUMBERS:

4F0-051-510-J Bluetooth Adapter for Audi Music Interface (Includes Blutooth Unit, USB Cable for AMI and USB Stick with Software

MORE INFORMATION:
4 Season Audi S5 Index

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