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1996-2002 Audi A3 Head Unit Kit
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  • DM Plus head unit kit$790
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1996-2002 Audi A3 Head Unit Kit

Series 8L

Head unit
Display
HD IPS
Chip
UIS7862S, 12nm
Memory
4GB
Audio
AKM7738 DSP
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Includes all our features with impressive audio and performance that won't let you down.

Discover DM Core
Display
QHD QLED
Chip
UIS7862S, 12nm
Memory
6GB
Audio
AKM7738 DSP
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Same great performance as DM Core, incredible display. Our recommendation for most.

Discover DM Plus
Display
QHD QLED
Chip
UIS7870, 6nm
Memory
8GB
Audio
AKM7739 DSP
Bluetooth
aptX-HD
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

A noticeable jump in performance and studio quality audio. For the power users.

Discover DM Pro
11.5″ caution: The A3 dash leaves limited clearance around the double-DIN area; an 11.5″ display would likely overhang and may obstruct the upper vents/hazard. Stick to standard double-DIN sizes.
Display
QHD QLED, 11.5"
Chip
UIS7862S, 6nm
Memory
8GB
Audio
AKM7738 DSP
Bluetooth
aptX-HD
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Big is good. If you want your head unit to be your portable cinema, this is the one.

Discover DM Max
Display
QHD QLED
Chip
UIS7870, 6nm
Memory
12GB
Audio
AKM7739 DSP
Bluetooth
aptX-HD
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Google Play Store
  • Micro-SD capable

Complete overkill, created simply because we could. If you want the absolute best in performance and lossless audio, here it is.

Discover DM Flagship
Compare specifications
Dash camera

Dual Cam DVR Dashcam

Two high-definition cameras record the road and cabin, giving you crisp coverage of what’s ahead and inside the car.

  • Easy phone connectivity
  • Loop recording
  • 24/7 parking monitoring

Triple Cam DVR Dashcam

Capture every angle of your journey with three high-definition cameras that record the road, cabin, and rear—so you don’t miss a thing.

  • Easy phone connectivity
  • Loop recording
  • 24/7 parking monitoring
Microphone
Extras
Delivery4–⁠11 business days
Total$790

About this kit

Factory-look upgrade for the 1996–2002 Audi A3. Single/Double DIN drop in that allows access to stock controls while giving it a modern upgrade. Steering-wheel controls stay active and the factory camera is retained where fitted. It wakes quickly, feels smooth, and stays stable through long summer drives across Australia.

Supports Apple CarPlay & Android Auto via CarLink 2.0 (pre-installed).

Android head unit installed, showing split-screen maps and music

Compatibility at a glance

Years
1996–2002
Series
8L
Trims
Attraction, Ambition, Ambiente, 1.6, 1.8, 1.8T, 1.8T quattro, 1.9 TDI, S3
Steering wheel controls
Retained if present
Premium audio systems supported
BOSE sound system
Camera retention
Retained if present
Market name
First-gen A3 (Typ 8L). AU sales began in 1997; scope here covers 1996–2002 build years.
11.5″ caution: The A3 dash leaves limited clearance around the double-DIN area; an 11.5″ display would likely overhang and may obstruct the upper vents/hazard. Stick to standard double-DIN sizes.

What’s included

  • Head unit of your choice — select your preferred tier
  • Vehicle-specific fascia — OEM-match finish
  • Core plug-and-play harness; trim-specific adapters added if your car needs them (free of charge)
  • Factory reverse camera retention (where fitted)
  • Antenna adapter (where required)

Install snapshot

Time
60 mins
Difficulty 1 to 5
2
Tools
Trim Tools, Phillips Screwdriver, 10mm Socket

Ask a fitment question

Built for Australian conditions

AU warranty

Built for Australian conditions: heat-tested hardware, local support, and a 12-month AU warranty.

  • Active fan & heat-sink
  • Voltage-stable power stage
  • 12-month local warranty

Features you’ll use

Early A3 models used single-DIN; later cars (or those converted) accept double-DIN. This kit brings a factory-look stereo to that space with tidy edges and no awkward gaps. In traffic or on a hot highway run, the display stays readable and the system stays snappy so you can just drive.

1996-2002 Audi A3 Head Unit Kit

Factory Fitment & Controls

The fascia suits the A3 console with a tidy, factory-look finish—no weird gaps or blocked switches. Built for factory double-DIN and cars converted from single-DIN using standard parts. Steering-wheel controls are retained, and the factory reverse camera is kept where fitted. Clip-in trim adapters and clear instructions keep the install straightforward.
  • Tidy factory-look fascia
  • SWC retained
  • Camera kept where fitted

Audio Tuning & BOSE Support

Dial in cleaner sound with a 16–31-band EQ, per-channel time alignment, and Hi-Res playback. Bluetooth with aptX-HD delivers crisp streaming. Planning an amp later? It’s an easy, amp-friendly upgrade path. The system also plays nice with BOSE where fitted, letting you correct staging and tighten bass without ripping the cabin apart.
  • 31-band EQ options
  • Time alignment per channel
  • aptX-HD Bluetooth

Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto

Go wireless via CarLink 2.0. Your phone stays in your pocket while you tap Maps, swipe music, and use voice for calls and messages. It wakes quickly, keeps notifications glanceable, and makes everyday driving in the A3 feel modern without adding clutter. Favourite apps like Google Maps and Spotify are a tap away.
  • Wireless via CarLink 2.0
  • Calls, messages, voice
  • Maps and Spotify

Offline Maps & Torque (OBD2)

Heading out where reception drops? Download offline areas before you leave so navigation stays steady and you save mobile data. Pair a small OBD2 dongle and open Torque to glance at temps, trims, or boost on the A3—handy on older cars. Simple, useful, and ready for weekend drives beyond the city.
  • Download offline areas
  • Save mobile data
  • Torque app with OBD2

The DriverMods difference

Real performance — and real transparency

The current standard is still 28 nm—slower and hotter, with only the highest end units running 12 nm.
Our units start at 12 nm for smooth, lag-free performance (Core & Plus), stepping up to 6 nm in Pro/Max/Flagship for lightning-fast response.

  • spec transparency
  • modern silicon
  • fast boot
  • cool, stable runs
Displays you enjoy looking at

No dim, plasticky panels.
Our Plus / Pro / Max / Flagship use QLED QHD for razor-sharp maps, media, and text.
Our Core tier unit uses a bright, vivid HD IPS display—clear, clean, and easy on the eyes.

  • higher resolution
  • higher brightness
  • premium panel tech
Bigger screen, less bezel, factory-style fit

More screen, minimal bezels, tidy fascia—designed to look like it belongs in your dash.
Controls stay accessible and integration stays clean.

  • OEM-style fit
  • modern look
  • tidy install
Tuned software that makes life easy

Lean, fast, and stable—plus full customisation.
Keep our optimised setup or download and swap to a different launcher if you prefer.
With an Android OS head unit, the options are endless.

  • fast UI
  • no bloat
  • choose your launcher
Memory & storage that keep up

Gone are the days when 4 GB of RAM was “top-end.”
Ours start at 4 GB and go up from there, so app switching stays smooth.
Add maps and media with microSD expansion and you’re set for offline trips.

  • more RAM
  • smoother multitasking
  • microSD for expandable storage
Built for value, backed locally

Top-tier hardware at fair pricing, with AU support and clear documentation.
We care about the experience after install just as much as unboxing day.

  • local help
  • real warranty
  • easy ownership
Why we do it

The concept isn’t new—the standard should be.
Modern processors, better panels, lean and fast software, fair pricing.
We build head units that make driving feel effortless, not frustrating.

Checkout & shipping — how it works

  1. Order your kitChoose your preferred head unit tier and place your order.
  2. Upload a photoAfter checkout, we'll provide a link for you to easily upload a photo of your dash and any steering wheel controls.
  3. We assemble the correct kitWe confirm your exact model and include any needed adapters and the correct fascia. Correct-fit guarantee applies.
  4. Tracked shippingAU-wide tracked delivery in 4–⁠11 business days.

FAQs

Will this fit my Audi A3 (8L) that’s still single-DIN?

Yes—our kit suits the double-DIN aperture on the Audi A3 (8L). If your car is single-DIN, use a standard OEM/aftermarket conversion to double-DIN first; once converted, this stereo fits cleanly.

Do steering-wheel controls work on the Audi A3 (8L)?

Yes. Steering-wheel controls are retained on the Audi A3 (8L), so volume, track, and call commands continue to work after install.

Can I run an 11.5″ screen in the Audi A3 (8L)?

We recommend standard double-DIN sizing. In the Audi A3 (8L), an 11.5″ panel can overhang and may interfere with the upper vents/hazard area.

How does this work with BOSE in the Audi A3 (8L)?

The system supports factory premium audio on the Audi A3 (8L), including BOSE. Use the built-in EQ and time alignment to refine staging; external amps can be added later if desired.

What tools and time should I allow on an Audi A3 (8L)?

Plan about 30–60 minutes at difficulty 2/3. Typical tools: Trim Tools, Phillips Screwdriver, 10mm Socket.

Can I use offline maps and Torque with my Audi A3 (8L)?

Yes. Download offline areas before a trip to keep guidance running without data, and pair an ELM327-type OBD2 adapter to use Torque for live engine readings on the Audi A3 (8L).

Learn more

Want to dive deeper into features and how everything works? These guides break it down and help you choose the right setup.

Compare head units

DM Core
$685
DM Plus
$790
DM Pro
$990
DM Max
$1,170
DM Flagship
$1,450
Screen size9.0 - 10.1″9.5 - 10.36″9.5 - 10.36″11.5″—
ResolutionHDQHDQHDQHDQHD
PanelIPSQLEDQLEDQLEDQLED
Brightness1100 nits1500 nits1500 nits1500 nits—
UI refresh60 Hz60 Hz100 Hz60 Hz—
CPUUIS7862S 2× A75 + 6× A55 2+6 @ 2.0 GHzUIS7862S 2× A75 + 6× A55 2+6 @ 2.0 GHzUIS7870 8x Cortex A76 @ 2.7 GHzUIS7870 2× A75 + 6× A55 2+6 @ 2.0 GHzUIS7870
Processor Node Type12nm12nm6nm6nm6nm
RAM4 GB LPDDR4X6 GB LPDDR4X8 GB LPDDR4X8 GB LPDDR4X12GB
Storage64 GB eMMC 5.1128 GB eMMC 5.1128 GB UFS128 GB UFS—
DSPAKM7738AKM7738AKM7739AKM7738AKM7739
Pre-outs3 × 2.5 V3 × 2.5 V3 × 4.0 V3 × 4.0 V—
Optical outNoNoYesYes—
Coaxial outNoNoYesYes—
USB 2.02233—
USB-C 3.20011—
In shortIncludes all our features and great performance that wont let you down.Same great performance, incredible display. Our recommendation for most.A solid improvement in performance and studio quality audio.Big, is good. If you want your head unit to be the focus point, this is the one.Complete overkill, created simply because we could. If you want the absolute best in performance and lossless audio, here it is.