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2003-2006 Audi A3 Head Unit Kit
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  • DM Plus head unit kit$790
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2003-2006 Audi A3 Head Unit Kit

Series 8P

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: An 11.5″ display may overhang and foul the upper vents/hazard on this dash—stick to standard double-DIN sizing for a clean fit.
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

OEM-match upgrade for the 2003–2006 Audi A3. The unit slips into the single DIN (Or replaces the double DIN slot in some models) and allows enough space to access the controls behind the screen. Steering-wheel controls stay active and the factory camera is retained where fitted. Fast to launch, smooth to use, and built to stay stable through long Australian summer heat.

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
2003–2006
Series
8P
Trims
Attraction, Ambition, 3.2 quattro, 2.0 FSI, 2.0 TDI, S3
Steering wheel controls
Retained if present
Premium audio systems supported
BOSE sound system
Camera retention
Retained if present
Market name
Second-gen A3 (Typ 8P). AU sales began in 2004; scope here covers 2003–2006 build years.
11.5″ caution: An 11.5″ display may overhang and foul the upper vents/hazard on this dash—stick to standard double-DIN sizing for a clean fit.

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

The A3 of this era takes a proper double-DIN, so the kit drops in neatly with an OEM-match finish. You get a bright, modern display without turning the cabin aftermarket. In traffic or on a weekend run, it responds quickly and keeps the basics simple: tap, glance, go.

2003-2006 Audi A3 Head Unit Kit

Factory Fitment & Controls

Designed to suit the A3 console with an OEM-match look. The fascia lines up with vents and switches, avoiding gaps or overhang. Suits factory double-DIN cars and tidy single-DIN-to-double-DIN conversions. Steering-wheel controls are retained, and the factory reverse camera is kept where fitted. Clip-in trim adapters and labelled looms keep it straightforward.
  • OEM-match fascia
  • SWC retained
  • Camera kept where fitted

Audio Tuning & BOSE Support

Tune with DSP/EQ tuning without tearing the cabin apart. You get a 16–31-band EQ, per-channel time alignment, and Hi-Res playback for clear detail. Bluetooth with aptX-HD keeps streaming crisp. Adding an amp later? The upgrade path is easy, and the system supports BOSE when optioned.
  • 16–31-band EQ
  • Per-channel time alignment
  • aptX-HD Bluetooth

Wireless CarPlay / Android Auto

Go wireless via CarLink 2.0 and keep pockets free. Tap Maps, swipe music, and use the voice assistant for calls and messages—no cables. It’s fast to launch and keeps prompts glanceable, so the dash stays calm and modern in the A3. Favourite apps like Google Maps and Spotify are right there.
  • Wireless via CarLink 2.0
  • Calls, messages, voice
  • Maps and Spotify

Offline Maps & Torque (OBD2)

Outside coverage or saving data? Download offline map areas before you head out and navigation keeps rolling even when bars drop. Pair a small OBD2 dongle and open Torque to glance at temps, trims, or boost on the A3—handy for weekend checks on an older build. Simple, useful, ready to go.
  • 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 (8P) if it’s still single-DIN?

Yes. Convert the Audi A3 (8P) to double-DIN using standard parts; once converted, this head unit fits neatly with an OEM-match fascia.

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

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

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

We don’t recommend it. In the Audi A3 (8P), an 11.5″ panel can overhang and foul vents/hazard—stick to standard double-DIN sizing.

How does this work with BOSE on the Audi A3 (8P)?

It supports factory premium audio on the Audi A3 (8P), including BOSE. Use EQ and time alignment to refine staging; amps can be added later.

Is it wireless for CarPlay/Android Auto on the Audi A3 (8P)?

Yes. The Audi A3 (8P) setup uses CarLink 2.0 for wireless connectivity, so you can keep your phone in your pocket.

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

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

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.