2025 Audi MMI Surround Sound Settings Missing TSB 2079965/1

Symptoms

Owners of affected 2025 Audi A5, Q5, SQ5, and S5 vehicles equipped with the Bang & Olufsen surround sound system in the headrests may notice that the controls for surround sound are absent from the MMI sound settings. Instead of the expected buttons, two unmarked bars appear on the screen. Attempting to interact with these unmarked bars will not affect the sound settings. This issue, described as "The buttons for surround sound in the driver and passenger head restraints are missing in the MMI sound settings," can occur sporadically and may temporarily resolve itself after the vehicle undergoes a bus sleep cycle.

Technical Background

Audi has identified the root cause of the missing "Audi MMI surround sound" settings as a software issue. This means the functionality itself is present, but the interface to control it is not being displayed correctly due to a glitch in the vehicle's infotainment software. The problem specifically affects vehicles equipped with the Bang & Olufsen surround sound system that includes speakers in the headrests.

Diagnosis

If you experience the "Audi MMI surround sound" settings missing, a dealership technician can confirm the issue. The complaint is reproducible in the workshop, meaning the technician can verify the absence of the surround sound controls in the MMI system. This diagnostic step ensures that the vehicle is exhibiting the specific software anomaly addressed by TSB 2079965/1.

Repair Procedure Summary

The resolution for the missing "Audi MMI surround sound" settings involves a software update to the vehicle's Multi Media Interface (MMI) system. This update is performed by an authorized Audi service center. The procedure includes connecting a battery charger to maintain stable voltage during the update process, which is crucial for preventing interruptions or data corruption. The software update itself follows directions specified in TSB 2079690, titled "00 Combined software update 03.10.00/C (28.13.01) KD2." This comprehensive update addresses the underlying software fault. After the update, a bus sleep cycle and a calibration drive may be required as part of the follow-up work to ensure all systems are correctly initialized and functioning.

Warranty Information

This service is covered under warranty for eligible vehicles. The Service Number for this operation is 9196, and the associated Damage Code is KD02. Labor operations for this software update are categorized under codes 0151 0010 (Software update, including connecting battery charger) and 0151 0040 (Fixed rate for software update, including all required preliminary and follow-up work). The fixed rate operation 0151 0040 allocates 130 time units (TU) for the complete process, including preliminary steps, the software update, bus sleep cycle, calibration drive, and handling potential aborted flashes. Warranty claims must adhere to the Audi Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. If the vehicle is outside of its warranty period, this Technical Service Bulletin serves as informational guidance, and costs may apply.

Important Production Information

Audi has implemented a production solution to prevent this issue in newer vehicles. The "Audi MMI surround sound" settings missing complaint will no longer occur in vehicles manufactured in week 42/25 or later. This indicates that the software fix has been integrated into the manufacturing process for vehicles produced after this specific timeframe. Owners of vehicles manufactured before this date should consult their Audi dealership if they experience the described symptoms.

Superseded Bulletin

This Technical Service Bulletin, 2079965/1, supersedes a previous Pending Service Solution (PSS) TSB. The superseded bulletin was identified as 2077615, also titled "91 PSS MMI sound: Settings for surround sound via head restraints are missing." This indicates that the issue has been under review and this current TSB provides the finalized or updated resolution.

Owner Action

If you own a 2025 Audi A5, Q5, SQ5, or S5 equipped with the Bang & Olufsen surround sound system in the headrests and are experiencing the "Audi MMI surround sound" settings missing from your MMI display, you should contact your authorized Audi dealership. Describe the symptoms, specifically mentioning the missing buttons and the appearance of unmarked bars in the sound settings. The dealership will be able to perform the necessary software update to restore the full functionality of your surround sound system.

NHTSA Source

NHTSA ID: 11026257