How to identify your VAG head unit (Harman, Technisat, Delphi, Alpine, LG, Aptiv)
MIB units are built by several suppliers, and each supplier's hardware uses its own firmware. Downloading a file for the wrong supplier or train is the most common way to brick a unit. This guide explains how to identify your head unit before you download anything.
Suppliers and their archive codes
The archive is organised by supplier/platform code. Matching your unit to the right code is the key step:
- Harman - MIB2 High. Archive folder: MHI2 - HARMAN.
- Technisat / Preh - MIB2 Standard. Archive folder: MST2 -TechniSat Preh.
- Delphi - MIB Standard/High variants. Folders: MST2 - DELPHI and MHS2 - DELPHI-MIB-HS.
- Alpine - Folder: MH2P - ALPINE (used on some Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini applications).
- LG - Folder: MEN2 - LG.
- Aptiv - MIB3. Folder: MHI3 - APTIV, plus related MIB3 families MEN3, MOI3, MPR3 and MS2p.
Use the part number
Every head unit has a VAG part number (for example a number beginning 5Q0035..., 3Q0035..., 5F0035... and so on). The part number identifies the exact unit and therefore the firmware train it accepts. Note it down from the sticker on the unit or from the vehicle's build data.
Our search box accepts part numbers: type the number and the archive will surface matching files.
Use the engineering / version menu
Most MIB units expose a hidden engineering or service menu that shows the hardware, software train and dataset version currently installed. Reading this before you change anything tells you exactly which train you are on and what to match.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I tell if my MIB unit is Harman or Technisat?
- Harman units are MIB2 High with navigation and more storage; Technisat/Preh units are MIB2 Standard. The surest way is the part number and the version menu - match it to the MHI2 - HARMAN or MST2 -TechniSat Preh folder in the archive.
- Where is the head unit part number?
- On a sticker on the unit housing, and in the vehicle build/configuration data. It typically starts with a code like 5Q0035, 3Q0035 or 5F0035. Enter it in the site search to find matching files.
- Why does the supplier matter?
- Each supplier's hardware runs its own firmware. Flashing a file built for a different supplier or train can brick the unit, so always match the supplier code and part number first.