The Multi Media Interface (MMI) system is an in-car user interface media system developed by Audi, and was launched at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show on the Audi-Avantissimo concept car. Production MMI was introduced in the second generation Audi A8 D3 in late 2002 and implemented in majority of its latest series of automobiles.
Concept MMI consists of a single integrated interface, which controls a variety of devices and functions of the car. The system consists of the MMI terminal and the MMI display screen.
The central element of the MMI terminal is the control dial. This dial can be rotated to navigate up and down through menus, and pressed to activate a selected function. Starting with the MMI 3G system, an integrated joystick in the main control dial can be used to (for example) navigate the map. Depending on the MMI generation and configuration, four to eight function buttons surround the control dial, which launch the various features. The MMI screen is a five-inch monochrome black-and-red or seven-inch 16:9 full-color display, depending on the variation of MMI fitted in the car. MMI uses Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) technology to interconnect the various systems. Harman Becker Automotive Systems manufactures the MMI system, utilizing QNX Neutrino's Real Time Operating System (RTOS) software.
Functions MMI operates in car entertainment components, car electronics, and other functions. Depending on the actual car model, along with which version was specified (MMI Basic, MMI High, etc.), only some, and not all functions will be applicable or available. Satellite navigation, including traffic management (TMC) Radio tuner Media sources (CD changer, Audi Music Interface, aux audio port,Audi MMI 2G aux audio source activation and wiring TV tuner, two external AV sources) Telephone and directory Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, climate control, and seat heating Car setup (e.g. central locking and convenience function (coming home/leaving home, power sunroof and windows) options, global audio settings, suspension settings, interior lighting, Audi Side Assist settings etc.) Rear view camera and parking sensors Driver information (e.g. fuel economy statistics (often encompassed by "trip computer" functions), battery level,Audi MMI battery level status 2G 3G oil level, tire-pressure monitoring, etc.) User manual (full on-board car user manual, displayed on screen) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2014 and later model.
Cars Audi models for which MMI is available:
MMI Generation RNS-E
Certain cars have a "pseudo" type of MMI. These are the Audi A3 (8P), A4 (B6 and B7), A6 (C5), TT (8J), the R8, SEAT Exeo, and Lamborghini Gallardo - when fitted with the RNS-E DVD-based "Audi Navigation Plus" system.Audi navigation systems - MMI RNS BNS RMC differences While appearing to be a similar layout, and operating similarly, these two systems are very different, are unable to share mapping disks or software, and are not able to control non-ICE functions (such as climate, convenience or suspension settings).
On members of the B8 family of vehicles (the A4 (TYP 8K), A5 (TYP 8T), and Q5 (TYP 8R)) without full navigation capability, Audi does not describe this infotainment system as MMI. However, an MMI-esque control dial and function keys is provided on the radio/CD head unit.
MMI Generations 2G through 3G+ The MMI system has been improved over the years and now features internet connectivity through MMI Connect introduced in recent models.
MMI Generation Feature MMI High 2G (DVD-Rom;7Q2) MMI 3G Basic (DVD-Rom;7T2) MMI 3G HIGH (HD;7T6) MMI 3G Plus (HD; 7T6) MMI 3G+ (Connect) Display 6.5-inch TFT color display with a resolution of 480x240 6.5-inch TFT color display with a resolution of 480x240 7-inch TFT color display WVGA resolution (800x480) 7-inch TFT color display WVGA resolution (800x480) 7-inch TFT color display WVGA resolution (800x480) Input Total number of function keys reduced from eight to four. MMI dial now incorporates a joystick functionality. A touchpad feature was introduced in the 2011 A8 which enables handwriting recognition which allows input multimedia, navigation and communications commands. MMI TouchPad or dial Radio Sirius/HD-Radio/FM/AM/DAB Sirius/HD-Radio/FM/AM/DAB Sirius/HD-Radio/FM/AM/DAB Sirius/HD Radio/FM/AM/DAB+ Sirius/HD Radio/FM/AM/DAB+ Media MP3 from CD, iPod (MDI), USB, Aux-In, Bluetooth streaming through separate accessory MP3 from CD, SD Card, iPod (MDI), USB, Aux-In, Bluetooth streaming through separate accessory MP3 from CD, SD Card, DVD Audio/video, built-in Hard disk, DVD drive, iPod (MDI), USB, Aux-in, Bluetooth streaming available through aftermarket solutions MP3 from CD, SD Card, DVD Audio/video, built-in Hard disk, DVD drive, iPod (MDI), USB, Aux-in, Bluetooth Streaming MP3 from CD, SD Card, DVD Audio/video, built-in Hard disk, DVD drive, iPod (MDI), USB, Aux-in, Bluetooth Streaming, WiFi hotspot Vehicles A6 (4F) Lim. Week 05/2004>Week 44/2008A6 Avant (4F) Week 02/2005>Week 44/2008A6 Allroad (4FH) Week 12/2006>Week 44/2008 A8 (4E) Week 26/2002>Week 36/2008 Q7 Week 06/2006>Week 21/2009A5 Week 08/2007>Week 35/2008A4(8K) Lim. Week 36/2007>Week 21/2009A4(8K) Avant Week 03/2008>Week 21/2009 A4 Week 22/2009> A4 Allroad Week 22/2010> A5 Week 22/2009>A5 Sportback+Cabriolet Week 45/2008> A6 (C6) Week 45/2008>Q5 Week 22/2009>Week 24/2012Q7 Week 22/2009> A1 Week 34/2010> A1 Sportback Week 45/2011> A4 Lim.+ Avant Week 22/2009>A4 Allroad Week 22/2010>A5 Week 36/2008>A5 Sportback+Cabriolet Week 45/2008>A6 (4F) Week 41/2008>A6 (4G) A7 A8(4E) Week 36/2008>A8 (4H) Q3> Q5 2009>2012Q5 Hybrid Week 26/2011>2012Q7 Week 22/2009> Audi A8 (4H) Week 45/2010> A4 Lim.+ Avant Week 2011> Audi Q5 2013> Audi A8 (4H) Week 45/2010> A4 Lim.+ Avant Week 2011> Maps 2D Maps (3D from software version 3460) 2D Maps 3D Maps 3D Maps 3D Maps enhanced with Google Earth, Google Local Search, Google Voice Local Search and myAudi Destinations Latest Navigation Database 2018 4E0 060 884 FF 2023 4G0 060 884 AN 2023 8R0 060 884 KL
(needs activation SD Card) 2023 8R0 060 884 KL
(needs activation SD Card) 2023 8R0 060 884 KL
(needs activation SD Card)
Issues While seemingly intuitive and user-friendly, MMI can be difficult to operate when driving. Attempts have been made to improve access: the MMI 3G features a new Joystick on the central knob to make it easier to, for example, input a destination using the navigation map. However, the issues remain. The Audi Q5's MMI infotainment control system is difficult to navigate, partly due to the location of its controls low down on the center console.
Software updates MMI 3G and 3G+ systems have to be updated by an Audi dealer. The MMI 2G firmware can be updated by car owners. MMI 2G systems can be updated via a CD containing the firmware update. Navigation maps are read in real time from DVD drive located in the trunk.How to update Audi MMI 2G maps MMI 3G and 3G+ systems can be updated by using a SD Card/USB/CD/DVD containing the software. The total update process can take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. Once the updated software is applied it requires a PIN to re-activate the navigation system. To enter the MMI software update menu, the [Setup] and [Return] buttons have to be pressed simultaneously for 5 seconds. This menu also enables import/export settings to USB or SD Card, the settings are saved as an AES encrypted zip file. Software version format varies by MMI system type: MMI 2G: SW: XX-XX XX.X.X XXXX MMI 3G Basic: BNAV_XX_XXXXX MMI 3G High: HNAV_XX_XXXXX MMI 3G+: HN+_XX_XXXXX [A1 A4 A5 Q5 Q7] HN+R_XX_XXXXX [A6 A7 A8 Q3] MMI RMC: RMC_XX_XXXXX MMI MIB1: MHIG_XX_XXXX MMI MIB2: MHI2_XX_XXXX MMI MSTD: MSTD_XX_XXXX MMI MIB3: MHI3_XX_XXX MMI 2G software version history Partnumber Firmware Version Region Details 4E0 906 961 B0770 (07.7.0) Europe / Rest of the World Note: Other earlier versions exist (290,350,500) but no part numbers available. [Possibly only installed in cars and never available as update CDs].0890 (08.9.0)Europe / Rest of the WorldIt's possible to update direct to 5150 from this level. 4E0 906 961 E0900 (09.9.0) Europe / Rest of the World 4E0 906 961 H 1110 (11.1.0) Europe / Rest of the World This level believed to be needed to upgrade to 5150 from versions before 0890. [It includes an intermediate level U385]! 4E0 906 961 L 2120 (21.2.0) Europe / Rest of the World 4E0 906 961 N2830 (28.3.0)Europe / Rest of the World 4E0 906 961 T 3460 (34.6.0) Europe / Rest of the World Brings 3D view in GPS navigation 4E0 906 961 AA 4220 (42.2.0) Europe / Rest of the World 4F0 906 961 AB 5150 (51.5.0) Europe / Rest of the World To update from (0600–2750) to 3360 5170 (51.7.0) Europe / Rest of the World 4L0 998 961 5570 (55.7.0) Europe (A6/A8/Q7) 3-CD set (SVM-Code: MMIEUK1006) 8K0 998 961 5570 (55.7.0) Europe / Rest of the World (A4/B8/A5) 3-CD set 0600 (06.0.0) North-America 1070 (10.7.0)North-America 1190 (11.9.0) North-America 2750 (27.5.0) North-America 3310 (33.1.0) North-America 4F0 906 961 AB 3360 (33.6.0) North-America Versions below 1070 must be updated 3360 before any newer versions can be installed. Navigation DVD ver. 5 is also required 4L0 906 961 H 4140 (41.4.0) North-America Update to 3360 before attempting to update to 4140. Updating from earlier versions can corrupt the MMI controller. 4F0 998 961 4610 (46.1.0) North-America Versions 1070 and newer can be updated directly to 4610. Some <2005 build cars also require a newer version CAN-Bus gateway module to maintain full audiopilot function.
MMI 3G and 3G+ MMI software version history
All 3G systems are on HDD; P=Shipped with car; K=Installed by Update
BBT seems to be for Basic without Navigation, BNAV for 3G Basic, HNAV for 3G High, HN+/HN+R for 3GPlus