The Multi Media Interface (MMI) system is an in-car user interface media system developed by Audi, and was launched at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show on the Audi Avantissimo concept car.^[1] Production MMI was introduced in the second generation Audi A8 D3 in late 2002 and implemented in majority of its latest series of automobiles.

Concept

MMI consists of a single integrated interface, which controls a variety of devices and functions of the car. The system consists of the MMI terminal and the MMI display screen.^{[citation needed]}

The central element of the MMI terminal is the control dial. This dial can be rotated to navigate up and down through menus, and pressed to activate a selected highlighted function. Starting with the MMI 3G system, an integrated joystick in the main control dial can be used to (for example) navigate the map. Depending on the MMI generation and configuration, four to eight function buttons surround the control dial, which launch the various features. The MMI screen is a five-inch monochrome black-and-red or seven-inch 16:9 full-colour display, depending on the variation of MMI fitted in the car. MMI uses Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) technology to interconnect the various systems. Harman Becker Automotive Systems manufactures the MMI system, utilizing QNX Neutrino's Real Time Operating System (RTOS) software.^{[citation needed]}

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  MMI-Menu on Audi virtual cockpit, Audi TT 8S
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  A left-hand drive 2014 Audi A8 (D4), showing the MMI controls
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  MMI interface, music section, display integrated in front right side seat, view from rear seat, 2014 Audi A8
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  Older generation MMI menu on Audi Q7
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  The MMI controls (to the rear of the gear lever) on a left-hand drive Audi Q7
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  A right-hand drive 2005 Audi A6 (C6), showing the Multi Media Interface (MMI) controls
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  An Audi A8 Multi Media Interface control screen for its Adaptive Air Suspension
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  Nvidia-based Multi Media Interface control screen in a Lamborghini at Consumer Electronics Show

Functions

MMI operates in car entertainment components, car electronics, and other functions. Depending on the actual car model, along with which version was specified (MMI Basic, MMI High, etc.), only some, and not all functions will be applicable or available.^{[citation needed]}

• Satellite navigation, including traffic management (TMC)^{[citation needed]}
• Radio tuner^{[citation needed]}
• Media sources (CD changer, Audi Music Interface, aux audio port,^[2] TV tuner, two external AV sources)^{[citation needed]}
• Telephone and directory^{[citation needed]}
• Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, climate control, and seat heating^{[citation needed]}
• Car setup (e.g. central locking and convenience function (coming home/leaving home, power sunroof and windows) options, global audio settings, suspension settings, interior lighting, Audi Side Assist settings etc.)^{[citation needed]}
• Rear view camera and parking sensors^{[citation needed]}
• Driver information (e.g. fuel economy statistics (often encompassed by "trip computer" functions), battery level,^[3] oil level, tire-pressure monitoring, etc.)^{[citation needed]}
• User manual (full on-board car user manual, displayed on screen)^{[citation needed]}
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for 2014 and later model.^{[citation needed]}

Cars

Audi models for which MMI is available:^[4]

MMI Generation RNS-E

Certain cars have a "pseudo" type of MMI. These are the Audi A3 (8P), A4 (B6 and B7), A6 (C5), TT (8J), the R8, SEAT Exeo, and Lamborghini Gallardo - when fitted with the RNS-E DVD-based "Audi Navigation Plus" system.^[5] While appearing to be a similar layout, and operating similarly, these two systems are very different, are unable to share mapping disks or software, and are not able to control non-ICE functions (such as climate, convenience or suspension settings).

On members of the B8 family of vehicles (the A4 (Type 8K), A5 (Type 8T), and Q5 (Type 8R)) without full navigation capability, Audi does not describe this infotainment system as MMI. However, an MMI-esque control dial and function keys is provided on the radio/CD head unit.

MMI Generations 2G through 3G+

The MMI system has been improved over the years and now features internet connectivity through MMI Connect introduced in recent models.

Issues

While seemingly intuitive and user-friendly, MMI can be difficult to operate when driving. Attempts have been made to improve access: the MMI 3G features a new Joystick on the central knob to make it easier to, for example, input a destination using the navigation map.^[18] However, the issues remain.^[19] The Audi Q5's MMI infotainment control system is difficult to navigate, partly due to the location of its controls low down on the center console.^[20]

Software updates

MMI 3G and 3G+ systems have to be updated by an Audi dealer. The MMI 2G firmware can be updated by car owners.

• MMI 2G systems can be updated via a CD containing the firmware update.^[21] Navigation maps are read in real time from DVD drive located in the trunk.^[22]
• MMI 3G and 3G+ systems can be updated by using a SD Card/USB/CD/DVD containing the software. The total update process can take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.^[23] Once the updated software is applied it requires a PIN to re-activate the navigation system.^[24]
• To enter the MMI software update menu, the and buttons have to be pressed simultaneously for 5 seconds. This menu also enables import/export settings to USB or SD Card, the settings are saved as an AES encrypted zip file.^[25]
• Software version format varies by MMI system type:
  • MMI 2G: SW: XX-XX XX.X.X XXXX
  • MMI 3G Basic: BNAV_XX_XXXXX
  • MMI 3G High: HNAV_XX_XXXXX
  • MMI 3G+: HN+_XX_XXXXX HN+R_XX_XXXXX
  • MMI RMC: RMC_XX_XXXXX
  • MMI MIB1: MHIG_XX_XXXX
  • MMI MIB2: MHI2_XX_XXXX
  • MMI MSTD: MSTD_XX_XXXX
  • MMI MIB3: MHI3_XX_XXX

MMI 2G software version history

MMI 3G and 3G+ MMI software version history

All 3G systems are on HDD; P=Shipped with car; K=Installed by Update

BBT seems to be for Basic without Navigation, BNav for 3G Basic, HNav for 3G High, HN+/HN+R for 3GPlus

MMI 3G and 3G+ navigation database versions