2003-2012

Radio code Audi A3 8P

The Audi A3 8P had a long production run from 2003 to 2012. Over those nine years, Audi used several audio systems, of which the Concert, Chorus and Symphony radios have a 4-digit security code. This article tells you exactly how to obtain the serial number — via VCDS, via the sticker or via the display — and how to enter the code using the P.SCAN and RDS buttons.

Summary

Brand: Audi
Generation: 8P
Production years: 2003-2012
Standard radio: Chorus 2; Blaupunkt/Becker
Radio option 2: Concert 2 / Concert 2+; Blaupunkt/Becker
Radio option 3: Symphony 2; Blaupunkt/Becker
Radio option 4: RNS-E; Audi

Which radio is fitted in the A3 8P?

The 8P was supplied with four different audio systems, depending on the trim level and year of manufacture:

Chorus 2 is the entry-level radio. Single DIN format, a reliable radio with a CD player. This system shares its platform with other VAG models such as the VW Golf V and Passat B6 — you can recognise it by its compact controls with a small display.

Concert 2 / Concert 2+ is the mid-range variant, more popular than the Chorus. Same DIN housing but with a slightly larger display and more features. The Concert 2+ (later production) added support for SD card or newer media.

Symphony 2 is the top version without navigation. Higher audio quality, more connection options and a better tuner. Less common in the A3 but present in higher trim levels.

RNS-E is Audi's DVD navigation system, exclusive to the brand. It only became available in the 8P from 2004. The RNS-E also uses a 4-digit code, but retrieving the serial number is a little more complex — more on that later.

What if my A3 has an MMI?

Later versions of the A3 8P were optionally supplied with an MMI Basic or MMI 3G+ system. These are fundamentally different infotainment systems — not DIN radios but integrated navigation computers. They are VIN-linked and have no traditional radio code. After a power interruption they simply restart without asking for a code. In doubt? If you see a joystick near the gear lever or a separate screen at the top of the dashboard, you have an MMI.

Where to find the radio code?

With new cars, Audi supplies a code card showing both the serial number and the code. This card was loosely enclosed with the documents or in the owner's manual. Check:

At the front or back of the owner's manual — Clipped in or loosely tucked in.
In the service book — Sometimes between the stamp pages.
On a sticker in the glovebox — Some dealers stuck it there on delivery.

Found nothing? Then the serial number is the way forward.

Removing the radio from the A3 8P

The Concert, Chorus and Symphony radios sit in a standard DIN housing with horizontal locking slots. You need four DIN keys in the Audi profile.

What do you need?

Four Audi DIN removal keys — Original Audi part 8E0051530, or the alternative profile CT22AU01. Price: £5 to £15 online or at a car parts shop.
A plastic trim tool (on some 8P variants there is a narrow trim strip around the radio that you need to remove first).

Step by step

Turn the ignition off.

Locate the four horizontal slots on either side of the radio — two on the left, two on the right, top and bottom on each side.

Insert the DIN keys into the slots, two per side. Push them in until they click into place.

Push the keys slightly outwards (away from each other) and pull the radio towards you.

Slide the radio five to eight centimetres forward.

Disconnect the connectors and the aerial cable. The sticker with the AUZ serial number is on top of the unit. Sometimes also on the side.

Reading the serial number — three methods

Method 1: Via VCDS (recommended)

VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System by Ross-Tech) is the most reliable way to retrieve the serial number, especially with an RNS-E or if the sticker is damaged.

Connect the VCDS interface to the OBD2 port (under the dashboard on the driver's side).

Open VCDS and choose "Select Control Module".

Choose module 56 (Radio).

Press "Advanced Identification (1A)".

The serial number appears in the list of values. VCDS reads the serial number but doesn't generate the code itself. You need the number to request the code from a service. ### Method 2: Sticker on the unit After removing the radio, there's a sticker with the serial number on the top. It always begins with AUZ followed by an alphanumeric string. Note it down including all letters and digits. ### Method 3: Via the display On some Concert and Chorus variants, the display shows the AUZ number as soon as code entry is active. Check whether a serial number is visible at the bottom of the screen when the display shows CODE. RNS-E: special case The RNS-E has no readable sticker as standard — it was removed by the dealer on delivery. In that case, use VCDS or engineering mode: hold the top-left cursor for five seconds, then the top-right cursor for five seconds, until the screen switches to the diagnostic menu.

Entering the code on the A3 8P

The entry procedure for Concert, Chorus and Symphony is identical:

Turn the ignition on (position 1, engine off).

Turn the radio on. The display shows SAFE or CODE.

Press and hold P.SCAN and RDS at the same time until the display shows 1000. Release the buttons.

Set the four digits using the preset buttons 1, 2, 3 and 4. Each press increases the digit by one. Want to enter code 4767? Press button 1 four times, button 2 seven times, button 3 six times, button 4 seven times.

Check the display — you'll see the four digits you've set.

Press and hold P.SCAN and RDS at the same time again until SAFE disappears from the display. Can't complete the entry within one minute? The radio may cancel the input. Repeat the procedure from step 3. With a correct code, the radio starts playing straight away. With an incorrect code, the counter goes down — after too many failed attempts, a lockout follows.

Resolving a lockout

After several failed attempts, the radio locks and shows SAFE. Here's how to reset the lock:

Leave the key in ignition position 1 (electrics on, engine off).

Wait one hour. The radio may be on, but doesn't have to be.

Do not disconnect the battery — that restarts the timer.

After the hour, 1000 reappears on the display. Request the correct code before proceeding, to avoid locking out again.

Requesting the radio code for your Audi A3 8P

With the AUZ serial number of your Concert, Chorus, Symphony or RNS-E, you can request the corresponding code directly online. You'll receive it within a few minutes by email.

Order your Audi radio code via RadioCodeOpvragen.nl →

Other Audi generations

Frequently asked questions

There are three ways: via VCDS (module 56, Advanced ID), on the sticker on top of the radio after removing it, or directly on the display when code entry is active on the Concert/Chorus.

Press and hold P.SCAN and RDS at the same time until '1000' appears on the display. Set each digit using preset buttons 1, 2, 3 and 4. Then press and hold P.SCAN and RDS again to confirm.

You need four DIN keys with the Audi pattern. The original Audi part is 8E0051530. Alternative: CT22AU01. They cost between £5 and £15 online.

No. Later in 8P production an MMI 3G Basic or MMI 3G+ was offered as an option. Those systems are VIN-linked and don't have a traditional radio code. Only Concert, Chorus, Symphony and RNS-E use a 4-digit code.

The RNS-E has no readable sticker without power. Use VCDS module 56 Advanced ID, or access the engineering menu by holding the top-left cursor for five seconds, then the top-right cursor, until the screen changes.

Need a Audi radio code?

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Laatst bijgewerkt: 2026-04-10