I'm in the process of buying a 2009 A4 2.0T quattro Sedan "Premium", but haven't placed the final order yet. I'm going with the 2.0T because I like the performance as well as the fuel economy.

The options begin to drive the price up quickly. Never having owned an Audi before, I would like opinions on whether the following options are worth the cost. Of course, I understand the decision is really based on personal preference, but I would be interested to hear whether others see value in these options.

1) Navigation Package ($3,500) - expensive when you consider an adequate Navi system can be bought at Best Buy for less than $300. BUT - without the Audi Navi package I would lose the backup camera, rear parking assist, and speech recognition which all seem like worthwhile options.

2) Drive Select ($2,500) - again, very expensive. Reviews imply this makes a "real" difference to the way the car handles but I have yet to test drive a 2009 A4 with this option.

3) Bang & Olufson stereo upgrade ($1,100) - I'm no audiophile, but I've heard good things about the B&O systems, including the fact that in the A8 the B&O upgrade is worth $8000. Maybe this is good value even for a lower B&O system. Is the base stereo in the A4 B8 any good?

4) Technology package ($2,200) - I think this might be what provides the iPod interface but I'm not sure. Audi literature indicates that the Tech package only includes: side assist, adaptive headlights, homelink, advanced key with start button. The only item that seems worthwhile is the start button (and the iPod interface, assuming this is what provides that).

Any thoughts on these items, please let me know. I'm looking at over $60K+ for all of these options and need to cut back somewhere.

 

For about $1000 - 1200 you can purchase a Pioneer AVIC-F90BT Nav stereo. It has a 7" display, full navigation system, full Ipod support and Bluetooth interface, backup camera input, plus it's also a DVD player, has a SD and USB interfaces and voice recognition.

You of course would need to have it installed and purchase a camera, but it's alot less money than the 3500+1100

bg

 

What is Drive Select? If it is just upgraded sway bars and usually only lowered etc. you can do after market parts for half that price and get 2X the performance

 

I have the navigation system in my 2007 A4 and to tell you the truth I use the $300 Tom Tom more, works better, easier to use and I can upgrade easier

 

Thanks for the replies on the options.

BRG - if the Pioneer system is added to the '09 A4, where is the screen placed. Since 7" is larger than the Audi NAVI system, I assume it would have to be mounted somewhere other than in the centre of the dash where the Audi screen would sit.

Also, would the Pioneer integrate with the MMI controls, or would it use it's own control system.

Good comment on the Tom Tom being more functional than the Audi Navi. That's disappointing considering that Audi is asking $3,500 for this option. The only problem with the Tom Tom's, Magelan's etc. is that I assume you need to mount it on the windshield, which means you have wires to contend with (but for the cost savings, that might be worth it).

Thanks.

 

The more experienced users can correct me if i'm wrong, but it goes where your existing stereo goes. I personally don't like it since the Audi unit is connected to the little info screen inbetween the speedo and tach...also i don't think it will be connected to the stereo controls on the steering wheel which is probably what you mean by MMI controls (someone correct me if i'm wrong) but i guess its personal taste. Heres a picture of what it looks like.

http://www.pioneer.fr/images/product...eer/audia4.jpg

also here is a step by step instuction for installation on an A4 but I think this is for a B6...
https://www.audiforum.ca/general-d-i...4-pioneer.html

Looks much better than any other aftermarket radio on an Audi but I still prefer the original.

And 09 Audi?! DAMN I'M JEALOUS! lol
PS...please make sure you get the LED strip on the headlight...I don't know if its standard or part of the package, but it is aesthetically AMAZING!

 

I now see what you mean, it looks like the stereo space is only 1.5 DIN and display has been moved up higher in the dash on the 2009. Wondering if some makes a unit with a fold out display in the 1.5" din package?

I'm not sure about the MMI interface, I think it's a CAN bus and could not be connected directly to the Pioneer. Someone may make an interface for it.

Sorry about that, I'm looking at getting a 2007 and did the research to make sure the Pioneer would work OK in it.

BRG

 

I just got my 2009 A4 last week up here in Toronto. Love it. I added options like the bluetooth phone and warning sound when in reverse. The Ipod kit was not available yet as an add on. B&O interface with the steering wheel is great. I did not get the LED daylights. Some people like them but I thought it looks weird. I bought the A4 2.0T base and added the options I needed.

I did not want the nav since it was expensive and I will be able to keep up with GPS tech advances by buying the portable devices.

It beat the 2009 BMW 328Xi on price and the Infiniti EX35 on space. Those were my other choices.

Drives like a charm. The AWD in the winter will be a big plus.

 

Drive Select changes steering response, throttle response, and most noticeably, damper stiffness - all on the fly. I've driven a demo with it and it's quite remarkable how the driving dynamics change instantly with a touch of the button. The dampers use magnetorheological fluid. Much more dramatic than other adjustable suspension setups I've driven. It's definitely on my option list.

 

I think the wisest thing to do is to go out and test drive one WITHOUT the "Drive Select" and drive it hard or the way you will drive it. Then see if you feel anything is missing...

When I took it out, I really pushed it, and found it beautifully responsive even with just the base model (without drive select). Same goes for the upgraded stereo but YMMV.

As for Navi, I would personally NEVER pay for that. Plus, with the huge screen that already comes standard in the '09, who knows.... maybe in a year or so, someone will come out with a way to use a Tom Tom through the onboard Audi display, thus integrating the whole thing!

As a correction, the "Premium" trim level already includes Bluetooth and Ipod, so the Tech package does not add these items. That being said, I don't know if I can justify $2.2k for a remote starter!

Just my two cents...
But again, it's all relative!

Kamshaft