GOLF MK5 IPOD
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I helped a friend look at this - the iPod connectivity options are pretty limited and functionality is weak, whether its the official VW kit or an aftermarket addon. None of them will give you full navigation through the stereo, so you're limited to 6 playlists and (AFAIK) no tracknames etc.
I'd either get a Brodit active mount and use an aux in and navigation on the ipod itself, or replace the stereo with a decent aftermarket unit. I did this with my friend the other weekend, its a big job as the dash has to come apart but the end result looks pretty good
I'd either get a Brodit active mount and use an aux in and navigation on the ipod itself, or replace the stereo with a decent aftermarket unit. I did this with my friend the other weekend, its a big job as the dash has to come apart but the end result looks pretty good
VW do an official Ipod cable which costs about £300 for a dealer to fit. It is basically an just a connector cable that fits into the Aux in socket on the back of the standard Golf RCD300 head unit. The dealer will route the other end of the cable into the glovebox or the centre front armrest (if you've got one). The 6 CD buttons then control playlists on the ipod, but the RCD300 display isn't clever enough to show track text.
Be warned though that if you've got the 6CD auto-changer, you 'll lose functionality of this, as the changer and I pod connector use the same port.
If you want track text, I believe you'll have to go for a third party head unit.
Not being funny buy any chance of some pics? My brothers have a MK5 Golf and were looking to get an aftermarket unit put in, but I can't help but think it would look odd given the shape of the VW unit.
Will ask him to snap a pic, don't know if he'll do it anytime soon though!
He was very concerned about the appearance of it, there are a few pictures floating about online but he was still unsure - going mad at the lack of music made him do it though. We were both pretty impressed when we got it back together.
The fascia plates are the same shape as the stereo and give you a little pocket underneath which is a bonus. Its a tricky job - first the top vents and dash fascia have to come off - use plastic or wood tools to avoid scratching the dash. The second problem is the lack of a switched live feed because of the CANBUS system, so a standard adaptor will mean the stereo stays on even when you turn the ignition off. You can get more advanced adaptors but they are pretty expensive (about 70 quid). The alternative is to run a switched feed from elsewhere - the cigarette lighter is the easiest which means removing the gearstick gaitor and the ashtray then feeding a cable through the back to the connector block. A special aerial adaptor is also necessary because of the signal booster, which requires a live feed again - the blue aerial live from the stereo is ideal. There's 2 aerial connections, not sure why - we found one gave an AM signal but no FM and the other gave both so make sure you test them.
Once its all connected there's actually load of space and fitting is relatively easy from there, just be careful when refitting the dash bits
Soldato
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- 10 Oct 2006
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It depends on the headunit fitted, late 2007 Golfs onwards could have full ipod/usb control accessed via a touchscreen headunit which shows track names and allow full access/browsing of a ipod/usb device. If you had the satnav RNS510 it also has a 30gig HD and a SD card slot and is a superb unit that can also have speed cameras etc added these go for around £500-600 on ebay you don't really even need to use a ipod as you can just load the hard drive with mp3s.
The non navigation model RCD510 goes for about £200-300 both are a easy retro fit in any Mk5 Golf you would however also need midi interface for the ipod control which is about £100. I would go for one of these over the older ipod prep which is limited in use as it can only map the first 5 playlists of the ipod with no track names. It also has the added bonus that it is then very easy to then retro fit blue tooth if you wanted it and it can be controlled via the headunit or the Highline computer/MFSW.
The non navigation model RCD510 goes for about £200-300 both are a easy retro fit in any Mk5 Golf you would however also need midi interface for the ipod control which is about £100. I would go for one of these over the older ipod prep which is limited in use as it can only map the first 5 playlists of the ipod with no track names. It also has the added bonus that it is then very easy to then retro fit blue tooth if you wanted it and it can be controlled via the headunit or the Highline computer/MFSW.
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Thread revival!
Short of replacing the headunit at this stage, can anyone confirm there is an additional Aux input on the standard unit? I have an 08 Golf. Would I/or garage be able to simply extend a 3.5mm lead out from this which I could plug into my iPod/iPhone? I.e. controlling from the iPod itself, not through the head unit. I only want to output audio.
However, the car already has the iPod preparation in the centre armrest- will this already be taking up the Aux in??
Thanks for any help