2023-2024 Audi MIB3 Outlook Contacts Not Accessible in MMI

Audi has released Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) 91 24 66 2071056/3 to address a common concern for owners of 2023-2024 Audi vehicles equipped with MIB3 infotainment systems and Apple devices. This bulletin, which supersedes Group 91 number 23-43 dated November 1, 2023, explains why some Outlook contacts may not be accessible via the Multi Media Interface (MMI) when using an iPhone.

This issue specifically impacts the functionality of the Audi e-tron Outlook contacts MMI integration, preventing a seamless display of all user contacts.

Symptoms

Owners typically report the following observations:

• "Only some of their phone's contacts are shown."
• "The customer is using the export function from the Outlook app on their iPhone. These contacts are not shown in the vehicle."

This means that while some contacts may appear, those specifically exported or managed through the Outlook app on an iPhone are not fully synchronizing with the MMI system.

Technical Background

The root cause of this problem lies in recent software changes within the Outlook app. These changes have led to restricted compatibility with the vehicle's Bluetooth function, which is responsible for transferring contact information to the MMI system. The way Outlook now stores or exports contacts from an iPhone is incompatible with how the Audi MIB3 system expects to receive them.

Important Warnings for Owners

Audi has issued specific guidance regarding this issue that owners should be aware of:

• "Do not perform any repairs. Any repairs for this concern may be denied." This indicates that the problem cannot be fixed by replacing vehicle components.
• "This problem is caused by a third party application and therefore cannot be resolved by Audi." The manufacturer states that the issue originates from the Outlook app, not the vehicle's hardware or software.
• "This concern is due to a third party system and is not covered by any Audi Warranty." Owners should not expect this issue to be resolved under their vehicle's warranty.

Recommended Solution

Since this is not a vehicle defect, Audi provides workarounds rather than a repair. To ensure your Audi e-tron Outlook contacts MMI displays correctly, customers are advised to integrate their Outlook contacts directly into their iPhone's phone book using the operating system's built-in functions. This can typically be done by navigating to:

Settings -> Contacts -> Accounts -> Add Accounts -> Microsoft Exchange

By adding the Outlook account this way, contacts are stored in a manner that is compatible with the MMI's Bluetooth function. Alternatively, owners can use Apple CarPlay to access their Outlook contacts, as CarPlay provides a direct interface for phone applications.

This TSB, identified as 91 24 66 2071056/3, outlines these steps as the primary method for resolving the contact visibility issue.

Source: NHTSA ID 10250334.