This 8 channel DSP amplifier can be found in all variants of Audi A6 from 2006 onwards. It’s easily identifiable as being fitted to the car as the speaker grilles have the ‘Bose’ emblem on them. Each channel has a max 40 watt output, the sub-woofer output rated at 80 watts (4 ohm). The total max output is 360 watts.
There are two variant of this unit – a 2G system and 3G – they are not interchangeable – also the suffix A B C ect. relates to the revision of the unit – notably the later are prone to failure unrelated to water damage ( usually signs of burnt / heated components ) these are still repairable but may often need recoded to the vehicle on return – the circuit boards on these units are a blue colour – early ones are green.
The unit is similar to the Audi TT amplifier with the addition of a fibre optic (MOST) signal input stage ie. sound is transferred to the unit using fibre optic light and not copper wire. The switching on/off function is also controlled by light/fibre – often a common complain is the amplifier not switching off and causing battery drain.
With over 800 units repaired per year .. we are confident of having a 97% success rate.
Check our warning about counterfeit Bose units here.
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These units are ‘paired’ or component protected to the original vehicle – so simply swapping one over will result in only one operation channel .The reason for this is down to Audi protecting the modules of each car – the VIN number of the car is stored in the amplifier module – when the unit is being recoded the VIN number is compared online against a database of blacklisted VIN numbers , coding can not proceed if there is a match, rendering the unit useless.
Coding can only be achieved using VAS online or ODIS which connects to factory database
Water Damage
In the Audi A6 The Amplifier sits in the boot. If the rear wash wiper hose splits due to freezing conditions it can later leak water onto the amplifier causing water damage. Our repair technique results in a 95% success rate for water damage and we implement a water proofing to some of the more sensitive parts of the circuitry. We do of course recommend you check your hose for water leakage before re-installation.
Other Reasons For Failure
Impact can fracture the boards. Heat damage can sometimes be repaired. The cheapest way for us to diagnose the likelihood of a successful repair is for you to take apart the amplifier and send us a picture of the board.
Diagnosis
My Audi A6 stereo / head unit turns on and off. The MMI (Multi Media Interface) will often simply turn on and back off if the amplifier has problems. There may also be no sound or also a constant battery drain .
Is It Definitely The Amplifier?
The Audi A6 contains an Amplifier, the Tuner Unit (the radio module) or the navigation drive (the CD/DVD unit). If any one of these fail then the system as a whole will fail. Identifying the failing unit is relatively straightforward. The best and most successful way of doing this is to use a fibre optic bypass loop – using computer based software can lead to mis diagnosis on most occasions.
2006 – Onwards AUDI A6 Amplifier
First of all the unit is disassembled and inspected and also electrically tested on our jig. The board is then cleaned of all corrosion and the factory applied protective coating is removed. The board is inspected in closer detail.
We use factory sourced production line components to ensure the sound quality is as precise as a Bose should be.
Finally, once assembled – the unit tested on our fibre optic test bench
Lastly we coat the unit with a hard plastic sealer – we do this to protect the circuit board and modules , this won’t make the unit completely waterproof but it does give the delicate parts excellent protection against water / salt.
Occasionally we see units that are beyond repair , this happens when one or more output modules fails to a dead short across the supply rail . As there are no fuses in the unit , the circuit tracks superheat causing the board to burn out – sometimes even catch fire.
It is not possible to repair or safe to attempt a repair when this happens – the fibreglass circuit board becomes conductive potentially causing a fire.
In the boot on the left hand side – pull the compartment flap open , the amplifier is the top unit.
Tools for removal are;
It’s easier to access the unit by removing the grey trim panel – its held in place by the boot seal and plastic clips.
Image of Bang and Olufsen unit – Bose is in the same location
Model numbers are usually located on the underside of the amplifier.
