Let's move on to the next step: Color DIS

65961 Views 93 Replies 27 Participants Last post by major27, Jun 7, 2010

AudiA4B6US

Discussion Starter · Apr 21, 2005

I just saw a question on AudiWorld about the color DIS. Since retrofitting the RNS-E is no problem anymore and thanks to Proxus the XM question got answered too, the next logical step would be to get the color FIS. One reason is because the red FIS sometimes doesn't display street names properly. The other reason because it looks really nice.

On ebay.de there are once in a while clusters with color FIS. But they are always with km/h instead of miles/h and they are in most cases missing the PIN to get it coded.

I tried to get an answer on the German boards but they always talk about replacing the whole cluster and recoding, but never about replacing only the little LCD in the middle.

Anybody here who played with this mod and tried to upgrade to the color DIS? Or is the only way to pay $700-800 and get a new one from a dealer?

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S4atlast!

· #2 · Apr 21, 2005

Do you have pics of the color FIS? I am so impressed with the mono-chrome FIS integration with the RNS-E, I would be interested in this mod.

AvanTTix

· #3 · Apr 21, 2005

you've seen this before but here it's again for everyone...

Let me try to to summarised what i've been told and understood...

The cluster stores a security code called the SKC code. In order for the cluster to function properly, the code in the cluster needs to match the one stored in the ECU. For a used cluster, my understanding is that the only way to get that number is to get it by reading the ECU of the vehicle the cluster is coming from. The dealerships no longer have access to these codes for security reasons. All is done via internet from a site in Germany downloading all the info directly into the ECU...

So the easiest way to install a colour cluster instrument would be to buy a brand new one from the stealership and have it install there. Brand new clusters are coded only once they're installed.

However that would probably be quite expensive. Audi charges quite a bit for new clusters and even more if the old one isn't exchanged for a new one. Or so I've been told.

Alternatively, from time to time auctions for colour clusters can be found on eBay.de... I was actually watching one of these just yesterday... but these are rare and the chances that the part number of the auctioned cluster matches the number one would need makes it even thougher... Also in order for the mileage of a used cluster to be changed it has to be under a 100kms and no more otherwise it cannot be changed by the dealership. My understanding is that the swap has to be done at the dealership regardless it's brand new one or not. One might be able to use a VAG (full-specs needed) to do that but that hasn't been confirmed.

So unfortunately it's not quite a straight forward swap...

Also remember that clusters are really specific to MY and engine... there quite a few of them listed in ETKA/ETOS, so before getting one make sure you've double check what the part number of the cluster you need is. The VIN number is needed to do so.

I only know of only one person who has been able to "upgrade" to a colour cluster: Nico (on AW occasionally), b/c he was able to buy one on eBay.de w/ the SKC code, unfortunately his mileage is all screwed up, b/c the cluster was already over a 100kms...

call me crazy but I'm actually considering bitting the bullet and buying one at the stealership...

AvanTTix

· #4 · Apr 21, 2005

10

some pics from Nico's cluster...

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S4atlast!

· #5 · Apr 21, 2005

I have had to replace my display (as many other B5 owners) because of lines or rows of crystal going out. because of the fact that the whole instrument cluster is very expensive, many tried to repair the center display or replace it without any luck. I think the whole cluster would have to be replaced in this case, and I wonder if all the electronics to get that disply to work properly exists in our cars being that the displays are different.

PetrolDave

· #6 · Apr 21, 2005

I'm intrigued by this screen ...

I've got the colour DIS, and I've never seen anything like this screen.

Is this something extra? Or maybe a "hidden" diagnostic screen?

Love to know more ....

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AudiA4B6US

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 21, 2005

The newer models have some VAG-COM features build in. I drove an A3 Sportback the last time I was in Germany and it allowed me to configure quite a lot. But it's specific to the car, not the cluster, what you can do and what you can't.

rosnik

· #8 · Apr 21, 2005

2

The Upper pictures are from my A4 B6 Avant 2002 .
Thank you StÃ¨ph

I get same mouths ago the extended menÃ¹ for trip computer.
It is controlled by the on dash selector.

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David

· #9 · Apr 22, 2005

Ok Now I'm intersted in the last picture. Where is that controller located and what model and year is it from?

AudiA4B6US

Discussion Starter · #10 · Apr 22, 2005

Isn't that the controller for the small navi (BNS), the one without the bigger screen in the HU? It would sit right next to the cigarette lighter with the navi unit in the trunk.

PetrolDave

· #11 · Apr 22, 2005

rosnik said:
The Upper pictures are from my A4 B6 Avant 2002 .
Thank you StÃ¨ph

I get same months ago the extended menu for trip computer.
It is controlled by the on dash selector.

rosnik - I've got a 2004 B6 S4 Avant, please tell me (all of us) how you got the extended menu on the trip computer.

rosnik

· #12 · Apr 22, 2005

8

Now I get same extra picture for you.
than I'll explain how to do the work 8)

PS: do you like my speed warning?:shock:

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BayrischerS4

· #13 · Apr 22, 2005

How do you get to this menu?

PetrolDave

· #14 · Apr 23, 2005

Explain now please ....... 8)

ober

· #15 · Apr 29, 2005

Hello!

I'm from Italy and new in this forum...

At 1st compliments for the forum, it is very informative and complete!

For who is interested in, i have found the following items on ebay for the AUDI A4:

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=99194&item=7971374212&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=99194&item=7970326918&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

:wink:

bye
ober

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ober

· #16 · Apr 29, 2005

ober said:
Hello!

I'm from Italy and new in this forum...

At 1st compliments for the forum, it is very informative and complete!

For who is interested in, i have found the following items on ebay for the AUDI A4:

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=99194&item=7971374212&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=99194&item=7970326918&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

:wink:

bye
ober

Here another one for the Audi S4:
http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...0390938&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW#ebayphotohosting

rosnik

· #17 · May 1, 2005

Hi Ober,
I'm form Italy too.

ober

· #18 · May 1, 2005

rosnik said:
Hi Ober,
I'm form Italy too.

That's fine... and where are you exactly from (region)?

I'm asking you that in english, so the other users can understand what we say

Ciao e saluti,
ober

:wink:

GTi 1.8Turbo

· #19 · May 2, 2005

I have a UK S4 cluster with less than 50miles if anyone intrested...
8E0 920 980 L

email me:
[email protected]

S4atlast!

· #20 · May 2, 2005

What year S4 is that from?

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