ecoangel
Well-Known Member
There are plenty of other threads on here for seat heating, but hopefully this will clear up a few mysteries - if nothing else I think I'll order from new if I ever get the chance to buy a car that way in the future!
That's rather unlikely so this is about retro fitting Seat heating to an A2 with existing leather (Cream Sports Seats with Lumbar control).
PART 1:
A. To fit or not to fit?
Many rumours persist about Audi having built all the leather seats with seat heaters fitted but cables cut off for (mostly UK) markets that didn't want warm backsides in a mild winter!
I have searched far and wide and it seems to be only the replacement leather covers that come with heating attached not the originals if not specified. Certainly none fitted to my seats.
Also the Seat heater elements are not available for Leather seats because they are built in to new covers and differ in design from the regular VAG seat heaters which are wire type. the after market Carbon seat heaters are closer to the original Audi leather versions.
So you are left with a choice of:
(i) Buy all new seat covers - V. EXPENSIVE!
(ii) Buy After Market seat heaters - as detailed elsewhere
(iii) Buy VAG seat heaters and retro -fit.
I went down the latter route - not the cheapest but I hope it will prove the best matched system.
B. Which VAG parts to use?
Some have looked into Mk1 Audi TT Seats (non Recaro Pole Positions - nice though those are!).
The 8NO reference doesn't seem to be available from Audi anymore.
The next best thing is the 2004/2006 VW Golf Mk4/ Passat and Seat Leon This gives you 1J0 963 555B and 1J0 963 557C Seat Heater element packages.
Costs have risen since the earliest threads - 4 elements for two front seats is now the best part of £330 RRP !
However, Pete at VW Teesside will send a set to you for around £170 incl shipping UK.
C. What else do I need?
Well having installed these with Hog Rings in the pleats you'll discover that the seat back element needs connecting to the base element and both ends are MALE and rather lacking in the cable department!
You will need the rear seat heating harness - VAG Part number 3BO 971 306B - this will set you back another £25 a pair from aforementioned supplier but that's still cheaper than from VW/Audi.
Then there is the illusive heater controls - Some have tried to get the built in Air Con units on ebay but I have never seen one in 13 years of A2 ownership!
The alternative is to use aftermarket switch gear - again much cheaper than VAG, However if you are careful you can pick up Audi A8 Seat heater switches ( 8DO 963 563D or the later 4DO 963 563D. NB: These look identical but the later ones have an extra spade terminal on the rear (instead of circular plastic spigot of 8DO versions) so make sure your loom has the right sockets to accept them! Original Heated Seat A2's had 8DO's fitted.
So where to put these switches?
You need the small cubby hole / dashboard unit. Yes it is available to order from Audi - again not cheap at £41.02 ! I picked on up today from Nottingham Audi.
First gently remove the outer cover of both the switch and the cubby fascia. Then slot in the switches either side before replacing the cubby cover. This allows the rotating barrel of the switch to protrude out of the unit whilst allowing the illumination to shine through the correct slot above the dial.
I'll let you know more soon!
Meanwhile enjoy the pics!
Lukas
www.lukafoto.com
That's rather unlikely so this is about retro fitting Seat heating to an A2 with existing leather (Cream Sports Seats with Lumbar control).
PART 1:
A. To fit or not to fit?
Many rumours persist about Audi having built all the leather seats with seat heaters fitted but cables cut off for (mostly UK) markets that didn't want warm backsides in a mild winter!
I have searched far and wide and it seems to be only the replacement leather covers that come with heating attached not the originals if not specified. Certainly none fitted to my seats.
Also the Seat heater elements are not available for Leather seats because they are built in to new covers and differ in design from the regular VAG seat heaters which are wire type. the after market Carbon seat heaters are closer to the original Audi leather versions.
So you are left with a choice of:
(i) Buy all new seat covers - V. EXPENSIVE!
(ii) Buy After Market seat heaters - as detailed elsewhere
(iii) Buy VAG seat heaters and retro -fit.
I went down the latter route - not the cheapest but I hope it will prove the best matched system.
B. Which VAG parts to use?
Some have looked into Mk1 Audi TT Seats (non Recaro Pole Positions - nice though those are!).
The 8NO reference doesn't seem to be available from Audi anymore.
The next best thing is the 2004/2006 VW Golf Mk4/ Passat and Seat Leon This gives you 1J0 963 555B and 1J0 963 557C Seat Heater element packages.
Costs have risen since the earliest threads - 4 elements for two front seats is now the best part of £330 RRP !
However, Pete at VW Teesside will send a set to you for around £170 incl shipping UK.
C. What else do I need?
Well having installed these with Hog Rings in the pleats you'll discover that the seat back element needs connecting to the base element and both ends are MALE and rather lacking in the cable department!
You will need the rear seat heating harness - VAG Part number 3BO 971 306B - this will set you back another £25 a pair from aforementioned supplier but that's still cheaper than from VW/Audi.
Then there is the illusive heater controls - Some have tried to get the built in Air Con units on ebay but I have never seen one in 13 years of A2 ownership!
The alternative is to use aftermarket switch gear - again much cheaper than VAG, However if you are careful you can pick up Audi A8 Seat heater switches ( 8DO 963 563D or the later 4DO 963 563D. NB: These look identical but the later ones have an extra spade terminal on the rear (instead of circular plastic spigot of 8DO versions) so make sure your loom has the right sockets to accept them! Original Heated Seat A2's had 8DO's fitted.
So where to put these switches?
You need the small cubby hole / dashboard unit. Yes it is available to order from Audi - again not cheap at £41.02 ! I picked on up today from Nottingham Audi.
First gently remove the outer cover of both the switch and the cubby fascia. Then slot in the switches either side before replacing the cubby cover. This allows the rotating barrel of the switch to protrude out of the unit whilst allowing the illumination to shine through the correct slot above the dial.
I'll let you know more soon!
Meanwhile enjoy the pics!
Lukas
www.lukafoto.com
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