Remote Starter For A8

[rgogan]

Has anyone had success with a remote starter install? Many brands such as designtech recommend against installation on Audi's newer than 1999. Suspect the alarm system might be too complicated. Crimestopper looks like it might work and apparently has a range up to 1500 ft.
Bob

[bhb399mm]

the problem is.... to install a remote start you would have to disable the immobilizer (system that won't allow your car to start without the radio encoded key). in order for your car to start w/o the key, the immobilizer would be disabled making your car much easier to steal.

[pksharp]

I'd like to get a remote start installed on my A8L, too. If I had known all the quirks in the car I would have never bought it.

And I don't care if the immobilizer had to be disabled or not. I'd just like to get it done!

Anyone have ideas, successes, resources, suggestions?

[pksharp]

Found something of profound interest to myself and anyone else looking to put a remote start on the new A8L models (2004 and 2005). The link below gives the details on the bypass kit that allows success:

http://bypasskits.fortinautoradio.com/bypa...?bypasskitid=24

Additional information:

1 - This is the only company I have found so far that makes a bypass for the Audi A8L (also fits the VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne): Fortin Auto Radio in Canada. When you call them they begin speaking in French but speak English just fine after you reply.
2 - They make their bypass for only one manufacturer's remote starter kits: Firstech of Seatlle, WA. Fortin sells both the bypass and the remote start kit together.
3 - Firstech's starter kits all use the same control module. You get the attendant remotes and matching antenna for the type of access you want (basic, 3000 feet, two-way remote that shows the status of the start, etc. - their top of the line is a rolling frequency thing but I've been told that it's slower than the simpler models). See their website for difference in models, even though they all use the same control module.
4 - Fortin sells two different models but if you want a different one you can contact Firstech directly (interesting name for their website considering the product and company name, but...): www.compustar.org. I bought an upgrade for $60 to have the 3000-foot range. Not a big deal, and if you live outside an area where they have distributor/sales/install/shops, they'll sell to you directly. Their starter kits seem to be high quality (guess I'll find out if not - but I've been impressed so far).
5 - The install is very simple. Any experienced installer should have no problem and it can be done in a couple hours max.
6 - Fortin's kit includes a modified "barrel" which is the ignition part where you inert the key. You pay a $250 deposit (the cost of the part) and after you return your original barrel they refund the deposit. You can view and print the installation instructions right from Fortin's website.
7 - As mentioned, the starter kits are sold together with the bypass kit by Fortin. So go directly to Fortin. The cost was very reasonable in my opinion(!) at under $300. Then if you want an upgrade to the type of remote/range combination, talk to Firtstech.

I found a local installer to do the job. I would have been happy to give them the info, let them become a dealer if they wanted, and then buy from them, but they alreayd had a number of lines and didn't want to take on another; doing the install (under $100) was no problem for them, however.

I have had remote starts on the last 5 cars I've owned and loved them. I find them most practical given that the climate here in the mountain west is both cold in winter and hot in summer. Given the hassle I went through trying to find a way to get one installed on this A8L (2 shops gave up after trying for a day and numerous others had no answers and weren't even interested in trying), finding this solution was a very fresh breath of air.

Hope this is helpful to others out there.