Audi MMI models: the features, the differences and how to find your model

MMI or Multi-Media Interface has been Audi’s in-house infotainment system for about two decades. Featured in all Audi’s today, the MMI models has been through years of evolution.

From the first MMI 2G Low/Basic to the latest MMI MIB gen 3, there have been significant improvements in Audi MMI models.

This has not only helped them to keep up with the competition, but a smarter, more, advanced MMI system means improved user experience and high customer satisfaction.

While a newer MMI system is a boon for new buyers, it creates a lot of complications for old Audi owners who are either looking for upgrades or simply want to troubleshoot, as the abundance of MMI versions not only makes it harder to identify but also makes it difficult to find the right upgrades.

In this article you will learn everything about MMI models, different available models, their functions, and how to identify and upgrade them.

What is the MMI for Audi ?

The Audi MMI system is a single-integrated interface just like BMW’s iDrive or Mercedes MBUX. Such interfaces, by using MOST technology, make the connection between various systems and allow control over multiple devices and functions inside cars.

In other words, the Audi Multimedia Interface is the center console that gives you control over all of your car’s functionality.

From basic radio to climate control and sat-nav, depending on your MMI model you can control all that, either from the center dial or the touchscreen display(if it is supported).

The most highlighted feature of the MMI system is also the central screen and the control dial on the center console with 4 different multi-purpose switches. This also serves as a differentiating factor between an MMI and a non-MMI console.

While MMI today is used in all Audi models, the first car to feature MMI was Audi A8 D3 in 2002. From there on, different Audi cars have featured different MMI models.

Depending on the specs, we currently have 10 different models of the MMI system excluding the latest MMI MIB 3.

Different MMI models, functions, and vehicles supported:

Audi MMI 2G

As mentioned before, the Audi MMI 2G was the very first MMI model released by Audi. Precisely known as the MMI 2G Low/basic, this model was an upgrade from Audi’s basic infotainment system.

Later on, Audi upgraded the basic to MMI 2G high which came with a 6.5 inch TFT color display, Sirius/HD radio/FM/AM/DAB, MP3 CD player, iPod support with MDI, Aux-In, USB, etc.

The MMI 2G was used till 2011 in several Audi A-series, Q-series, and R series. Cars that featured MMI 2G were the Audi A4(2009-10), Audi A5 (2008-09), Audi A6 (2005-09), Audi A8 (2002-11), Audi Q7(2007-09), and the RS6(2008-2011).

Audi MMI 3G

The Audi MMI 3G was the next-gen MMI that offered the same level of functionalities as MMI 2G High but faster and with a better/updated user interface.
The MMI 3G also came in various models such as the MMI 3G Basic(DVD Rom), MMI 3G/3G+ (HD), MMI High 3G, and MMI 3G+(connect).

Audi MMI 3G Basic:

The Audi MMI 3G basic offered a 6.5 inch TFT color display, Sirius/HD radio/FM, MP3 CD player, Aux-In, iPod(MDI), USB, and Bluetooth streaming via the use of after-market accessory.

The MMI 3G came standard in Audi A1(2011-18), Audi A4 (2010-13), Audi A6(2009-2012), Audi Q5(2009-13), and Audi Q7 (2009-12).

Audi MMI 3G+:

An upgraded version was later introduced as the Audi MMI 3G+. It offered a 7-inch TFT color display, four function keys (instead of eight), and a central control dial with joystick functionality.

Other standard functions included CD, SD-card support, DVD Audio/video, DVD drive, Sirius/HD Radio/FM/AM/DAB, built-in HDD, Aux-In, and USB connectivity.

The MMI 3G+ was equipped in Audi A4(2013-17), Audi A5(2009-18), Audi Q3(2015-19), and Audi Q5(2013-2018).

Audi MMI 3G High and 3G+ High (Connect):

The Audi MMI 3G High, despite having similar specs as the 3G+, offers a touchscreen, enabling handwriting recognition for better accessibility, and also had Bluetooth streaming as standard option. This model was fitted on Audi A8 2010.

Whereas the Audi MMI 3G+ High (Connect), with standard 3G High specs, also had a WiFi hotspot. The Audi A6(2012-16), A7(2012-16), and A8(2011-19) were models that came standard with the MMI 3G+ (Connect).

Audi MMI MIB

The MIB or the Modular Infotainment Baukasten is Audi’s modern MMI system based on a completely new architecture. Launched in 2013 with the Audi A3, the MIB MMI system incorporates two separate main units into a single housing.

While the first unit is the basic Radio Car control the second main unit is called Multi-Media extension board or MMX. Integrated with Nvidia’s Tegra processor, the MMX controls all media-related functions along with voice control, telephone, and navigation. The MMX board can also be swapped in case an upgrade is required.

Thanks to this, the newer MIB system is not only visually pleasing with a smooth UI but Audi can now also provide over-the-air updates for MIB navigation. The map updates are also made free for the first three years from the production date of the vehicle.

Since the vehicles are activated from the factory, customers can also download map updates from Audi’s website, as many times as they want within the given time frame.

Currently, MIB has four different variants, the MIB 1, MIB 2, MIB 2 High, and the latest MIB3. While the MIB itself was a major upgrade from the standard MMI system, the MIB 3 is said to be considerably faster than the previous version.

It will be capable of advanced speech recognition with the ability to understand complex words and expressions.

Based on Linux, it will also incorporate Amazon’s Alexa as your personal Audi AI. Which ultimately will also grant you access to smart IoT devices installed at your home.

You also get a hybrid digital radio, Sirius XM with 360L, on-demand navigation, and a new myAudi app with access to real-time information and tons of beneficial features.

All in all, the new MIB 3 will be the most modern MMI system so far.

In 2021, All Audi models except the A1, A3, and Q2 will come standard with the MIB 3.

As for other models, the MIB 1 came standard with the Audi A1 (2018-19), the A3 and A3 e-Tron(2015 to 17) whereas the MIB 2 comes standard with the Audi A6, A7, A8, Q7, and the e-Tron Quattro in-between 2019-21.

Well, this was a basic overview of all Audi’s MMI models since 2002. But how will you tell which one is the one you have.

Which MMI model do you have on your Audi ?

A very simple way of learning exactly which MMI head unit or what version of MMI firmware is running on your Audi is by checking the version information displayed by your unit. To this end, follow these steps:

• First, press the Setup or Menu button on the radio.
• Then, go to Settings and scroll down to Version info.

As you access version information, you will see a serial code under Media/software version. The prefix of your software version will decide which MMI model is installed on your Audi. And the serial code under the Navigation database version, tells you about the version of Map running on your system.

The list below contains different MMI models with the prefix of supported software version written in front. Simply match the prefix with the version on your screen and you will have your MMI model.

• MMI 2G: SW: XX-XX XX.X.X XXXX
• MMI 3G Low/Basic: BNav_XX_XXXXX
• MMI 3G High: HNav_XX_XXXXX
• MMI 3G+: HN+_XX_XXXXX or HN+R
• MMI RMC: RMC_XX_XXXXX
• MMI Mib1: MHIG_XX_XXXX
• MMI Mib2: MHI2_XX_XXXX
• MMI MSTD: MSTD_XX_XXXX

Now that we have discussed all the different Audi MMI head units and learned how to identify them. It is time to talk about possible updates for all MMI head units.

Updating an Audi MMI head unit:

Whether we’re talking about a firmware update or a navigation maps update, different MMI models depending on their specs have different ways of receiving updates.

The current MIB models receive OTA (over the air) updates while the old MMI 2G needs to be updated by CD drive with the latest firmware on it. As for the MMI 3G, the updates can be done via SD card/CD/DVD/USB.

In case you have a MIB 1 in your 2015-16 Audi A3, you will also have to manually update your MMI via an SD card just like the MMI 3G. But for the MIB system after 2016, updates can be found on the myAudi website.

As for the update on MMI 2G and MMI 3G, you would need a manual download from third-party websites. Then you would have to burn it onto a CD for MMI 2G or load it on a USB drive for MMI 3G. Afterward, you install it manually on your Audi by using the hidden menu or the Green Menu, This menu can be reached by pressing and holding “Setup” and “Return”.

Do note that this menu in most Audi is not enabled and you would most likely need a indie shop to enable it on your car.

As for updating navigation maps, for the MMI 3G you have to follow the same procedure as for the firmware update, which we described above. The MMI 2G, on the other hand, uses maps DVD, so you would simply need to get a newer DVD with latest maps.

Needless to say, all MMI models are upgradable, but it’s slightly more unfriendly in older MMI models.

That being said, this was our post on Audi head units and how to identify which MMI model you have. Let us know what MMI unit you have and what upgrades you are planning to do.

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