Enable VIM TV-playback using VCDS/VAG-COM in your Audi MMI
Now, this is something for the Audi folks. If your Audi is equipped with a MMI TV-module or a DVD-player, security restrictions have been applied to stop video-playback while your car is moving above a certain speed threshold. This feature is also called VIM (Video In Motion) lock. There’s a guy from Russia who offers a VAG-COM/VCDS based solution to disable this restriction but a) he wants your precious money for this hack and b) he needs online access to your computer and to your car to set the VIM threshold. There are also expensive, CAN-based programming cables on the market for the same purpose.
Changing the VIM-threshold requires you to set a higher threshold value to a so called adaptation channel in your MMI head unit. Unfortunately, this channel is read-only unless you use a proper login code first. The login code is derived from a unique component ID in your car. Once you know this number you can write to that adaptation channel and set the threshold to any value you want to, whenever you want to and as many times as you like.
Using some creative witchcraft (I can’t be more specific but it didn’t involve any of the mentioned commercial solutions) I figured out how the VIM unlock login-code is being calculated. I wrote a free web-based VIM-code generator so anyone can disable the VIM restrictions, you just need someone with a VAG-COM/VCDS to do it for you. If you don’t own a VAG-COM/VCDS diagnostic cable you may be interested to know that there’s a VAG-COM locator available.
Fortunately, the VIM unlock login-code generation algorithm is the same for the MMI 2G and 3G (at least as of July 2009), so yes, using the generated login-code you can enable TV/DVD-playback at all vehicle speeds for the MMI 3G as well!
Depending on the MMI system generation you want to VIM-enable, click one of the following links to get to the detailed instructions. This is MMI 2G/3G only, I won’t offer a solution for RNS-E based systems.
Click here to enable VIM for the MMI 2G
Click here to enable VIM for the MMI 3G
You can either use the links above to generate your personal login-code or download a Windows based generator here.
Warning/Disclaimer: Do not “watch and drive”! It may even be illegal in your country to watch video/TV while the car is moving! This is for experimental purposes only.
Use this link to translate this post to German or any other supported language.
You may also be interested to read:
- MMI VIM login-code generator Windows application
Due to popular demand there’s a MMI 2G/3G VIM login-code generator application available in the download area. Windows-only. And you need .NET Framework 3.5 in... - Unlocking the MMI 3G hidden menu
Just like in the MMI 2G, there’s a hidden menu in the MMI 3G too. I don’t encourage anyone to enable the hidden developer menu...
Comments(129)








Niiiiice!!!! A free web based VIM login code generator is a great start but something built into VAG-COM like the long coding helper would rock so much more!
Jeff.
I like the “for experimental purposes only” part :-))) Cheers Mate!
I’ll keep my eye on this, as I will soon have MMI 3G and would be extremely interested in that feature for the front passenger.
I just sent out the URL for the VIM login-code generator to the beta testers. I don’t have access to a MMI 2G so I have to rely on those guys for feedback. I think we may have some (hopefully positive) results within the next two weeks.
Hallo,
habe ein VAG-COM und würde gerne an dem Betatest für MMI 2G teilnehmen. Bitte um Zusendung des login-code-generator
Hi, I am also interested in beta testing your VIM-Code generator. I am looking forward to receive the access to your tool.
Thanks a lot for you work on this.
We’re in the final stages of the web-based VIM-code generator. I’m still waiting for some feedback from the beta testers but if they’re all positive, I think we can go live today or tomorrow.
Yippie ;)
Today, we successfully tested the generator on two MMI 2G head units and one MMI 3G head unit. It still needs some fine tuning but we’re almost there.
The MMI 3G controller number is incorrect as 07 does not exist. Please change the reference to controller 5F (J974).
[...] DVD – V.I.M. – Do it Yourself for FREE !! trick77.com Enable VIM TV-playback using VCDS/VAG-COM in your Audi MMI __________________ Audi B8 A4 Avant (worlds first FWD quattro ) Honda [...]
Thanks a bunch! I just VIM-enabled my shiny new Audi A4 2.0T MY 2010! Dude, you saved me 200 bucks!!
Can you make some aplication for XP ???
Many thanks Mate!!!!
I have try it today the VIM code generator and it works for me :)
I had Serial Number : 331CE087522224 and i get this codes :
02242 and 02224
and for me it works : 02242
and i have enabled it the channel 63 in 07 Head Unit – 10 Adaptation
from value = 0 to value = 255
thank you verry much for your work and for sharing it with us for FREE
Are you guys making a similar tool for the VW/Skoda/Seat navigation RNS-510 (aka MFD3) soon?
Hey, I have the 2009 A4 B8 Prem Pkg. I still couldnt figure out how I would get this MMI to work because I dont have the Navi package. Is it still able to work and me some how able to unlock the GPS ?
kristoffer, no there’s no plan to work on a non-Audi VIM-generator.
Paulo, a Windows-based generator will be available today.
Cheers,
Jan
Thanks guys! I’m getting my new S4 B8 in 2 weeks. Will let you know if I got it to work
Hi,
tried on an Audi S3 8P (2009) and it didn’t work.
1. I’ve neither an controller on adress 07 nor on anress 5F. The information for VIM is saved in the radio-controller (56) on channel 5.
2. The range for VIM is only 0 or 1 which means 0 for US (0 km/h) and 1 for Europe (up to 5 km/h).
3. My serial no. starts with AUZ…. and not with digits. I tried both login-codes but i got only error messages.
Can anyone proof this?
Chris, this is only for A4-A8, Q5, Q7, S4-S8 with the “real” MMI, not for the RNS-E which is what your car has.
@Jan: I supposed so… but perhaps s.o. gets the trick with my “RNS-E” ;) Because there are lots of S3s with a TV-module. :D
niiiiiiiiiiice, it works with VCDS:-)
Audi A5 MMI 3G
thanx
Thanks very much, it works for my A8 D3 2008 with MMI 2G.
Thanks very much, it works for my Q7 4L 2009 with MMI 2g.
Can this also be used for removing component protection from for example cd changer or amplifier ?
Works on 2008 A5 US Model.
Gaudi: no, this has nothing to do with component protection.
Chris:
For RNS-E systems see here:
http://audiforum.us/rns-e/4750.....rns-e.html
Worked on MMI 3G, A4 2010 Model.
Thanks!
Works on a Canadian 2009 Q5 (MMI 3G).
Thanks for the hack!
I tried it on my Feb A4 B8 MMI 2G; and the code was acceoted but when i try to read channel 63 it find nothing. I tried with standard as well as with beta versions of VCDS. looks like there is no channel 63 in my MMI2G. it is the module 7 all right… am i doing something wrong ?
today i tried on my MMI3g A5 and that works. I am guessign that on my MMI2g A4 (i have both) my MMI version unlocking channel is not 63 and must be another one…. if someone know which one to look that would be be great as the login code was accepted but since there is no data in channel 63 i can’t unlock it.
Works for my german S4 MY 2010, MMI 3G, too.
(The first login code was accepted)
Hey habe heute mein DVD im MMI3G freigeschaltet, hat super funktioniert. Danke an die die das möglich gemacht haben ;-)
Done yesterday on my A6 2009 (facelift, MMI 3G) and works fine. me happy! thanks a lot!
In my A8 2003, value from the “Serial number” field in the form is 00000000000000 (14 x 0), and login-code generator say: code is 00000 (5 x 0). After that VAG-COm say: wrong number.
Please help.
As I said before, it won’t work with any RNS-E or MMI 1G. MMI 2G/3G devices are only installed in cars built within the last 3-4 years.
Yes, it is very cool.
Do you think so?
WOW, work perfectly the first time. Thank you sooooo much. Audi 2009 Q5 – Please keep up the great work!!!
It#s Works….THANKS!!
Received my 2010 S4 Avant this week. Mod words perfectly! Great watching/ listening music DVD’s over B O 5.1 stereo :)
Thank you very much!
Hi, does anybody know how to enable VIM with a VAS 5051 (original VW-diagnostic)? Thanks
There are some steps pointed out in the instructions of the online generator page. The rest is the same.
“If you’re using a VAS 505x use channel 001 to get the serial number (first field) and remove the leading zero from the generated login-code (4 digits instead of 5).”
…just made it with VAS505x, login-code without the “0″ at the beginning, setting Channel 48 to from value 0 to 255, safe, restart of MMI… but no TV function in “Media”. Did I made anything wrong?
Thanks!
Will this work with the VW RNS-510?
Karl, this is not about a TV function in “Media”. It’s about playback while driving if there IS a DVD/TV already there.
DesertRat: No, it won’t. MMI 2G/3G only.
How do I find out what is my “Serial Number”
Ray, please re-read the post and follow the links, it’s all there.
Hello, my A8 BJ. Februar 2003 with MMI 2G have this serial.number:300AG037514776
the login from VIM login-code genberator is 07164 or alternative 01476, but this two codes are wrong. please can you help me ???
regards Mark
Mark, this generator won’t work on your MMI 1G. This is not the 2G in a 2003 A8. MMI 2G devices are only installed in cars built within the last 3-4 years.
Hello Jan, have you a idea for the login code for
my a8 mmi 1G ?
regards Mark
Mark, I’m afraid, I don’t have any information about the head unit in the 2003 A8.
Cheers
Jan
Thank you
Works with 2010 Q5 US
I just took delivery of my 2010 Audi S5 and when I have already downloaded the VAG-COM software from the ross tech website but I need the cable.
Ross tech says that for my S5 I need the VAG-COM HEX-USB CAN which is expensive. Are you guys that are doing the mod on your cars going to a garage and asking to use their cable or are you buying an aftermarket cable. I do see some on ebay for $US 10 to 30 dollars but most that I see are for the older version of the software and I am not sure those cables will be compatible.
It works great!! Just did it at a 2010 Audi A4 8K.
Thanks to you guys
Great. First Code Works perfect.
Audi A4 avant MY2010 german
thanks for the App.
Many many thanks. My MY2010 A4 Avant 3G MMI was collected today and the VIM change was the first thing I tweaked. My dealer now wants me to do his car!! Cheers!
Worked perfectly on my brand new 2010 S5. Thank you very much…
Also worked perfectly on my new Q5 MY2010. Thanks a lot for your great job!
Hey all just got a new 2010 S5. I’m dying to get the dvd player going on the move. has anyone figured it out? I’d appreciate any input. I see most of the posts are for ‘09 cars so I don’t want to screw it up.
Thanks!!!!
Don’t worry, I personally tested it on two MJ10 cars, you can’t mess something up if you follow the instructions.
Cheers,
Jan
Also worked on my new A4 Avant MY2010, 3G MMI, Belgium.
Thank you
Works with 2004 A8 CZ
Thanks, its working perfect on the new RS6 from 2008!!!
Works on an 2006 A8L with VCDS and VAG-COM
Danke Jan
Works perfectly on a 2006 C6 S6, and VCDS.
Great tool and great website!
Many thanks for sharing this with us!
i have an A4 2010 w nav……anyone know a website for tv tuners that would work?
Hi
I have just bourght a Q7 (03/2007), how do I know if i have a 2G MMI or 3G MMI?
Hallo,
vielen Dank, habe VIM bei meinem MMI 3G freigeschalten … hat perfekt funktioniert !
Thanks a lot, I enabled VIM on my MMI 3G – worked perfectly !
Gordon
Hi Gordon
Do you have your own VAG-COM/VCDS?
Hi,
Congrats, great stuff and great website.
Would it work on my RS6 with MMI 3G?
Additionally I’m having same trouble to find somebody with VAG-COM/VCDS diagnostic cable in Geneva Switzerland. Any help?
Thanks a lot
Thanks it worked great!
hey!
thank you very much for your great work – it worked perfectly with the first code!!! ;-))
i used it on an A5 2.0 TDI MY 2010.
thank you for publishing such good work for free!
Yes, yes it WORK on my A8 2002/2003
(I had lot’s of problems but RFM ;-)).
Thanks, thanks.
Worked perfectly on Canadian spec B8 S4, 3G MMI with NAV. First code worked. Thanks for this
Thanks so much for the great work. The first code works right away.
2009 Audi Q5, MMI 3G
Thank you Very much!!!
This info is great, but where do I find the serial number?
Worked great on a 2010 Audi A6 MMI 3G!
Thanks!
Works well on my Audi A6 MMI3G (2009)
first code worked right away.
thanks a lot!
this the real deal.works a dream on audi q7 2007.key gen worked first go and instructions spot on. many thanks.
Works perfect on Audi A8 W12 from july 2007 MMI2G
First code worked,
Thanks a lot.
Workr perfectly on MY09 Audi Q5 R8 with MMI3G.
First Code worked.
Thank you.
Worked like a charm 2008 Q7
Thanks a lot
Thanks, Just worked perfectly on a 2010 S5 Cab.
Many Thanks Audi Q7 (4L) 2007.
It works for me on a Audi Q5 MMI3G Modelyear 2009.
Many thanks!
THANKS VERY MUCH WORKED FIRST TIME ON AUDI Q7
works on 2010 Q5 MMI3G
2010 audi q5 from Russia! Thanks a lot. Works!!
2010 Audi S4- done in 2 min. thanks.
worked perfect without any problem on a Q5 2010. nice tool thx
Tested ok on Q5 Italy Nov 2009 first code was good and also the guide was perfect!
2010 Q7 MMI VIM Login-code generator worked fine… Thanks
AUDI S8 2008 it works perfect, thank you guys!!!!
Audi A4 8K 2009 works perfect, thanks!
MMI 3G AMI – Handyvorbereitung – DVD/TV Freischaltung nachrüsten!…
Wie das mit der DVD/TV-Freischaltung funktioniert kann man ja hier nachlesen. Kostet noch nichtmal einen kleinen Beitrag….
WORKS PERFECT ON A4 2010 3G MMI 40G HDD NAVIG. PLUS
Worked on my ‘06 A8.
Thanks for sharing mate :)
Folks, so sorry for the newbie questions. I have a 2007 A8L (US model). it has the CD changer (but not the AMI). can I still take advantage of the VIM and other restricted options? if so, what do I need to do/add, etc.? many thanks.
ASK
Worked great on the 2010 Audi Q7 (3G MMI)
Fortunately, I did not need to purchase the $300 VAG-COM programming cable. Found someone on Craigslist who was renting it for $5.00 per day!
2010 S4 B8. First code worked like a charm. Thanks! Probably the same guy from craigslist who rents it for $5/day or $20 per week.
How do I know which VAG COM cable I need for my 2010 S5?
Micro-CAN or HEX CAN Series.
http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/canbus.html
Cheers,
Jan
Worked for me. 2010 Audi S5. Thank you very much for the hard work and clear instructions.
Is it possible to remove component protection as well with the generated login code? Maybe changing some adaptation value…
Newbi question here: Just picked up an A5 with 3G MMI and was wondering if the VIM can be programmed without the VAG COM cable.
Hello,
PlaesE help on this
Submit the value from the “Serial number” field in the form below. If there’s more than one serial number, use the first one!
witch code is it, the one i need to generate?
Thx
Some of the latest MMI 3g (after Feb 2010) does not work. Security code is a mixture of characters.
ex) Login code: 02R6Q
Is there no way? Please help me ~
PS.VAG-COM security code can only enter numbers.
help~
MK, that’ not good news. Judging from your feedback it looks like Audi changed the algorithm. Please include any links to forum posts of users in the same situation if you have them.
If it’s as easy as before to reverse engineer the new algorithm, I’ll certainly update the VIM unlock code calculator. As for now I have no information if or when that may happen. You may want to add a subscription to this feed so I can let y’all know when beta testers are needed.
Hi & thanks for the information.
Works perfectly with my Nov 2009 A6 Le Mans. The first code worked perfectly.
Just to check – the value 255 – is that the threshold in KPH? Could I set it to 30 for example to get VIM at slow speeds but not motorway speeds?
Yes Pete, that should work.
Cheers,
Jan
Splendid Jan, thank you.
Also, do you know whether this leaves a footprint (for warranty purposes) if I was to set it back to “0″ before taking it to a dealer?
Thanks for all your hard work by the way!
Pete
Pete, you could always revert the change the way you mentioned. I’t’s highly unlikely you will have any warranty issues with this modification anyway as it’s the official way doing this.
Cheers,
Jan
I have a friend doing VIM to may car 2010 Audi A5 sportback, but now i save radio station list, radio settings, navigation settings. but after 30 minutes after car stops and lock, the settings are gone and goes back to the settings before VIM. is this possible ? if i do it your way… will be saved the settings i want and all the radio stations list?
sorry for wrong written words but my keyboard is such a pain right now.
Thank you so much!! It worked right away. Got my new Audi S5 Year 2010 unlocked. The numbers in the current (german) VAGCOM have slightly changed. Security Access is 15 instead of 16 for example. However even without the correct numbers the process worked like a charm! Thanks again
Thanks so much Jan. Just had my Audi A5 2010 MMI3G unlocked.
I can’t believe this works. I almost bought a plug-in. Special thanks to Peter B. in Anaheim, Calif. for the use of his VAGCOM.
Hi Jan,
As for a few others, I just cannot figure out where to find the ID number that you have to input into your VIM unlock-code generator.
Is it the car unique ID number (chassis number, ex WAUZZZ4F…) or is it a number that you can find inside the MMI system itself?
JLock, please re-read the steps 1 and 2 in the online generator. You need VCDS for this.
Cheers,
Jan
serial number: K5FAN1 49A01MM
can’t calc login code, help….
THX
Serial number: K5FAN1 49A04MK
can’t calc login code, help….
THX
WORKED GREAT!!! First code worked and I then tested system to prove it. Thanks!!!
Anyone has tried with the very new version of MMI 3G? i.e. The new Audi Q5 2010?
I am asking because people have found difficulties for engine chip tuning in that car model (end 2009-2010), with a necessity to physically open the engine chip box to access the parameters. A classic through VAG-COM cable is not feasable!
Would that be only for engine chip tuning with access still ok for MMI changes?
I meant to add that my 2010 Q7 4.2 fsi was delivered 2/1/2010 and has the latest MMI 3G.
Very happy.
all the VAG cars made after 05/2009 have tuning protection active on. mine too. 2010 A5 sportback 3.0 tdi quattro.
2010 A4 3G MMI/NAV – worked with the 2nd auth code :)
Works on 2010 Q5 (delivered March 2010)
Works Great on brand new 2010 Q5 delivered March 2010. Thanks so much!