Project 250 (2005 Dolphin Grey TDI BHC)

Pure Autoporn! Love that wheel, is this from a TT or A1?
Thanks
Morning,

This iteration of FBMFSW is common to A3/4/5, I think it might even sit in a the A1 (S1) but cannot be certain.

You may also find it in some S-Line’s from the Q range.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
Afternoon all,

Some of you may have seen my lunchtime efforts on the Today I thread so apologies if this is old news.

For those if you who may not have seen it well here is a reminder of what I recently purchased:
E8BE34DD-3C26-41B1-B48F-E7D3406FEECF.jpeg


First up was to add the factory brackets using the factory fixings:
0DF3913D-6BB5-45DE-835A-369B90BB4A13.jpeg


Then seeing what the Swing item looks like in a Soul interior:
82108695-4991-484E-A2A5-2B237DB70B4C.jpeg


Think you'll agree that it just doesn't blend in well at all so it needed some of this:
4A08FB39-B308-42AA-B164-97D3AB693BEE.jpeg


But first it had to be taken apart for perfect paint coverage in both the inside and outside, to do this I employed my trusty friend:
C6092813-D88E-420D-844B-18344ADE29A2.jpeg


An hour later the Swing item looks like this:
0D48A826-41DB-4475-A0CE-6354A7AEC925.jpeg

Hopefully the Volico Soul paint darkens as it full cures over night.

Really happy for with the results here. Massive thanks must be pointed at Duncan @DuncanA2 for assisting with the purchase of the Rear Cup Holder and shipping to Leicestershire for me along with Erling @Erlingtheyounger for supplying the Volico paint (Sorry but I used the whole tin so will replenish your stocks Sir).

I took plenty of pictures during the dismantle process and will produce a How To Guide later on so you can have a go yourself.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
Afternoon all,

Just an update on the Rear Cup Holder painting. Looks like the paint has darkened over the last 48 hours (also become dirty from the boys in the car):
D5DADF01-CA9B-4A40-BAF5-2011665F333D.jpeg


The colour match is much better than it was when I shared the last picture (which was only 20 minutes after painting). You’ll hopefully also notice a replacement coin holder has been fitted (thank you Jeremy @sciroccorrado).

Kind regards,

Tom
 
Oh that looks spot on Tom. Well done. Another satisfying job for you I’m sure.
Thank you David,

I can confirm that as simple and straight forward as it was it was also very satisfying. Really happy with finish. It’s these small things on show that shout at me when I’m in the back cleaning up after the boys.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
Afternoon all,

I’m continuing to build on the collection of parts that are destined into this not so (anymore) budget specification A2.

Reading above you’ll see that I’ve already retrofitted the FBMFSW along with the Audi iPod Module, a couple of hours from start to finish of very satisfying work.

Items in the garage already include:

1. Soul Double DIN Dashboard
2. RNS-E PU (8J0035193 with A4 fascia)
3. Audi BT Telephone Module (8P1862335)
4. Audi QI Wireless Charger (same as in OEM which is performing perfectly)
5. And probably a few other things that I have forgotten.

So why am I posting this afternoon, well as I’m preparing to do a marathon retrofit session here to improve the look of the audio system and its connectivity to our devices then it also needs to sound spot on at the same time.

Therefore this has also now been added to the list of retrofits (does it ever end?):
441B859C-3506-47F2-8699-6E359C96B728.jpeg


It’s complete with Soul Bose Grills which is just brilliant and at a great price.

I’ve read quite a few threads on this actual retrofit and it does seem that it’s quite possibly a DIY installation if you’re confident enough.

I searched for some time and managed to find all that’s possibly required to understand and complete this upgrade.

There is a very useful link to understand the pinout and explains the swapping of the Blaupunkt Amplifier to the Bose on the German Forum (I used google chrome and it automatically translated the pages for me)

There is some soldering required for improved power lines along with adding shielded feeds to the amplifier from the head unit for the front speaker line outs, but if you’re a competent DIYer, understand what you’re doing then it should be achievable.

As the retrofit list keeps growing I’m not sure when I’ll have this done, probably over the Christmas/New Year period if things work out but my availability outside of work and family life is pretty tight right now. I’m sure most of us are seeing similar circumstances now there is some kind of routine flowing back into our lives as the restrictions in our places of work ease.
Kind regards,

Tom
 
Hello all,

Apologies for this thread going quiet for a month or 2. This next instalment reveals the recent major interior works on this truly amazing budget purchase, it shows what’s possible on a show string budget if you pounce on reasonably priced opportunities.

I really should consider a name change now as the total cost has gone well beyond what I first had in mind. Not that I have spend a fortune but this was supposed to have remained the base specification Special Edition vehicle that it was at the time of purchase, but the retrofitting bug and my admiration of the RNS-E PU running custom firmware got the better of me!

Most of you will have seen some pictures on various threads that I’ve had my head in the footwells over the festive period to finally make best use of the buttons of the FBMFSW I retrofitted a few months ago.

Namely going from this:
D7383F78-5141-45B3-BC52-8020D69C9E30.jpeg


A9399C26-D20D-485B-B99C-AC618C30C4CE.png


Temporarily to this:
9627A508-D09F-49B4-9E1A-5F3A467AABB5.jpeg


Finally to this
906ACEC1-581C-4032-8A69-D2F92CDB3D25.png


A0E2E50A-F15F-4E60-98AE-3478F6313446.png


I’ll continue to add to this thread as I plan on fitting a few other items.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
Last edited:
Me again,

As stated above, I really do like the Audi Navigation Plus unit, it just looks at home within the A2 cabin.

As you’d expect for any such unit retrofitted into one of my vehicles, it will of course be running the very latest custom firmware along with the paid for extra feature pack and navigation by SD card. I’m still amazed that these sort of things can be done to such an aged head unit.

This particular fitted unit you see above is the bargain TT head unit (8J0035193 no revision letter) I got for £150 and swapped to a fascia (FOC) that can be shaped to fit the A2 dashboard aperture. My thanks again go to Neil @Neilf for assisting in its collection from the Gumtree seller and shipping it to me and Bart for supplying the fascia:

It went from this
A90997DE-E08C-4E4B-8CA3-5D575291A116.png


To this
AAD5E5D8-25C2-4363-8FED-9014C790E708.png


Amazing what can be achieved with some precision torx screwdrivers and a Dremel. I’m sure you’ll agree it looks terrific and that it looks quite at home in its new setting.

Not content with just the head unit, it has the factory peripherals connected to it which are housed within passengers footwell compartment.

First up is the 99p A3 Bluetooth Telephone Module (8P1862335):
C062BFB8-330F-495C-B21C-C86DFDAD2742.png


Such a bargain as I know these retail at 100x more than I paid here. This of course brings perfect clarity handsfree calling should the need arise. Hands down better than any aftermarket item I’ve tried. It also integrates beautifully with the MFSW for scrolling through your telephone directory. Unfortunately this A2 is yet to have DIS retrofitted. A job for another day!

Another bargain with the Audi Music Interface (AMI) (8P0035785):
78D39427-A4C4-472B-B6C1-D5DDD42ED9E4.jpeg


This is the very best item for perfect streaming quality from your device. Unfortunately I had to go a stage further to keep my CFR (cable free rash, it’s a thing you know!) at bay and purchase an additional item for a complete cable free environment just like in Project OEM…

All the above retrofitted items had its Plug and Play harness adapters sourced from VAG Retrofits which Bart stripped and consolidated into just 1 loom to keep the bulk behind the head unit to an absolute minimum. Very reasonable rates I must say. If you purchase anything from him please do remember to mention that you’re part of the A2OC to get some discount applied.

Bluetooth connectivity for the AMi is achievable with a Bovee or ViseeO Tune2Air WMA1000 or WMA3000, either will do:

3A4675D8-DD0A-4196-9BE1-93C67B654341.jpeg


These aftermarket adapters for the AMI provide perfect streaming without the loss of quality over Bluetooth.

To continue the cable free infotainment environment as seen in the Project OEM thread I just had to get another Audi QI Wireless Carger:

B73B078E-0B89-4718-B7EC-83489E947CD1.jpeg


All the above items were obtained so cheaply as I was in no rush to purchase them. Keep your eyes peeled people and shop around as these type of bargains do come up quite often.

Pictures of all these items fitted into this great ‘well beyond’ Special Edition specification A2 to follow.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
Evening all,

Next up to make the cabin a little more refined was to fit an A6 C5 armrest. I placed a Wanted advertisement for a bracket that was not yet fitted into an A2. I was saved by Erling @Erlingtheyounger, thank you very much Sir.

Only yesterday I secured and collected a Soul Black armrest with leather lid, just 10 minutes from the office!:

CAA7AD1C-05C5-4E72-8836-F3470A69DDE1.jpeg


Yet another bargain which is quite the theme with this A2.

I’ll have the drill and tap set out this weekend to have this fitted.

I’ll take plenty of pictures whilst doing so to provide an easy to follow write up for anyone who is yet to fit their bracket.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
Hello all,

Apologies for not keeping you all up to date with the works on this truly amazing budget purchase. I’ll continue to show you what’s possible on a show string budget but for the origins of this project then Part 1 of this thread can be found here.

I really should consider a name change now as the total cost has gone well beyond what I first had in mind. Not that I have spend a fortune but this was supposed to have remained the base Special Edition vehicle that it was at purchase but the retrofitting bug and my admiration of the RNS-E PU running custom firmware got the better of me!

Most of you will have seen some pictures on various threads that I’ve had my head in the footwells over the festive period to finally make best use of the buttons of the FBMFSW I retrofitted a few months ago.

Namely going from this:
View attachment 91042

View attachment 91043

Temporarily to this:
View attachment 91046

Finally to this
View attachment 91047

View attachment 91048

I’ll continue to add to this thread as I plan on fitting a few other items.

Kind regards,

Tom
Looks so good
 
Hello all,

Apologies for not keeping you all up to date with the works on this truly amazing budget purchase. I’ll continue to show you what’s possible on a show string budget but for the origins of this project then Part 1 of this thread can be found here.

I really should consider a name change now as the total cost has gone well beyond what I first had in mind. Not that I have spend a fortune but this was supposed to have remained the base Special Edition vehicle that it was at purchase but the retrofitting bug and my admiration of the RNS-E PU running custom firmware got the better of me!

Most of you will have seen some pictures on various threads that I’ve had my head in the footwells over the festive period to finally make best use of the buttons of the FBMFSW I retrofitted a few months ago.

Namely going from this:
View attachment 91042

View attachment 91043

Temporarily to this:
View attachment 91046

Finally to this
View attachment 91047

View attachment 91048

I’ll continue to add to this thread as I plan on fitting a few other items.

Kind regards,

Tom
What’s the long wire string for from the windscreen?
 
Looks so good
Evening Edd,

That is a great price for a DIS cluster and sure someone will snap that up. Unfortunately that item is for a petrol engined A2.

Whilst it might be possible to swap a few parts to convert it to work on a diesel A2, it is beyond my knowledge and ability. I’m after a Q revision cluster to conduct the DIS retrofit. Thanks for having me in mind though and do let me know if you spot a TDI variant.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
What’s the long wire string for from the windscreen?
Hi again Edd,

The string is attached to the short loom that goes to the sun light sensor. Without having this loom extended with string makes it impossible to locate once the dashboard is placed into position. With a long length of string attached and fed through the sensor opening before the dashboard is fitted, you can gently pull on the string once the dashboard is in place until the looms connector comes through and then plug it into the sensor. Hope that makes sense.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
Aha yes good stuff. In that state of undress doe it make it easy to access the temp control flaps motor on side of hvac? In passenger footwell? Also do you need vcds to put everything back in etc like dash clocks and such? Just wondering if I need to do this to make my life easier to change temp flap motor. Thanks
 
Aha yes good stuff. In that state of undress doe it make it easy to access the temp control flaps motor on side of hvac? In passenger footwell? Also do you need vcds to put everything back in etc like dash clocks and such? Just wondering if I need to do this to make my life easier to change temp flap motor. Thanks
Evening Edd,

I’ve not worked on the temperature control mechanism before so couldn’t say if it’s any easier working in that area with the dashboard removed than with just the glove box removed. That said I found it easier to change the G263 sensor (Project OEM) with the dashboard removed as my fingers couldn’t achieve it using the different methods I’ve read on here.

It’s obviously a lot of work to remove the dashboard but something that can be done in no time once you’re proficient, the first time I done it a few years ago at a breakers yard was exactly 2 hours which is pretty good going by all accounts. You’d be surprised how simple it is and no special tools required. 3/8 ratchet with various length extensions along with torx bits, 10mm and 8mm sockets and a cross head bit for the dashboard and trim panels. A M12 spline bit on a 3/4 ratchet to remove the steering wheel from the column. From memory that’s it but it’s been a few weeks since I last conducted this procedure and didn’t document it. Perhaps I should produce a step by step guide when I do the dashboard conversion/transplant in Project RN53.

There is no requirement for any VCDS tweaking for refitting the same items that are removed during the dismantle process.

Make sure you tape the slip ring to keep it in exactly the same position, if it’s not taped up then there could be a need to recalibrate it using VCDS. Tape it up to avoid this requirement.

Personal safety is paramount so please do your homework before commencing. The online manual is very helpful if followed to the letter. It should go without saying, the battery must be removed before you start this procedure and do not reconnect it until everything is back together and all connectors are correctly fitted. Put the key in the ignition and switch it on before reconnecting the battery and remain outside of the vehicle whilst doing so just in case an airbag deploys.

Here to remotely provide support or advice if need be. Hope this helps.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
Evening all,

I’ve been informed by this A2’s owner that it’s a bit of a waste having heated seats in an A2 (Project RN53) that’s not in use when they could better serve their purpose elsewhere. Guess I’ll be swapping interiors over in the morning. Hopefully I can remove the stuck rear seat.

Therefore the next big task in this vehicle will be to retrofit the looms for electric lumbar and seat heating. I have searched our pages for information and studied the wiring diagrams, I consider myself fully armed and ready to go. Should have time towards the end of the month to make up the looms and have this correctly installed.

I’ll get some pictures to you tomorrow as I’ve already had the centre console out this evening and drilled a couple of holes…

Kind regards,

Tom
 
Morning all,

Just had the tools out and made the interior a little darker. Also made good use of the 2x 5mm holes I drilled last night. Tapped them both out to 6mm and fitted the Soul Black leather lidded armrest recently purchased on eBay. Looks good and functional.

161A9048-E5B5-4CD6-A5FD-1EC705DD07E9.jpeg

Still not managed to get the rear right seat out of Project RN53. I’ll have another go next weekend.

OSF
E5E06680-F0E4-407E-9B63-F5B610515930.jpeg


72A9AD50-F23E-4813-BDFC-26D856F1E85D.jpeg


NSF
A7D1E3F0-79FF-4875-B93C-76D3C3F16386.jpeg


E7E05DA4-516C-4C27-AFDB-666369C5FAD5.jpeg


OSR
63B0C083-3B2A-4BE8-99A8-7F878B189DA1.jpeg

Definite grey elephant in the rear there!

NSR
FC8B0E64-A8AC-41E0-9EF4-C446B942BFFF.jpeg


Looks much better and Project RN53 looks just as nice with its replacement Swing leather interior.

You’ll notice that it has incorrect front headrests. Actually really comfortable along with plenty of movement for various positioning. I’m sure I’ll replace them over time though.

Next up will be to conduct the retrofit of the necessary looms to have the electric lumbar and seat heating fully functional.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
Afternoon all,

Not really had much time to update this thread recently. A couple of new additions though…

After catching up with Graham @rosiedog a couple of weeks ago I obtained a collapsible spare wheel kit with a brand new battery bracket. After it had sat in the boot of the A6 for so long I decided that today was time to fully install this kit into this ‘well above’ Special Edition run out model specification. I had to first fit the thread inserts into the top mounting holes as they were empty followed by drilling a 10mm hole in the lift up access cover. It’s now all complete and peace of mind for the other driver here when out and about in this fantastic A2:

Bracket fitted
BAE44C00-DEE7-4C5C-BE00-3CA26C0DD5AB.jpeg

just need to find another M6 hex bolt to finish it off!

Spare wheel secured
4961D51E-D36A-4549-B527-BFF03A19287E.jpeg


It needs a bit of a clean but that’ll happen when I have time.

Also obtained a couple of sets of perfect headlights. Put a replacement drivers side headlamp onto this A2 which has made a massive difference in appearance and saves attacking it with the mop and metal polish to cut it back to crystal clear again. Whilst I was there I thought I’d add a set of headlamp protectors as have also acquired a second set:

2E4A119F-1DE4-4FE3-B1DE-BD8203F6F725.jpeg


Must get the bucket and sponge out and give this vehicle the attention it deserves.

Kind regards,

Tom
 
Nice work Tom, that interior looks nearly new and much more modern.

Interested to see the armrest fitted - do you have a set of plastics coming from Paul to disguise the mounting?
 
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