Media Device Interface - MDI & AUX Questions

[Axis]

Just for clarity (I just bought a MKV)... if I want to plug my iPhone into the stereo without using the AUX in I will need:

1 - The MDI
2 - A MDI --> iPod cable

Total cost ~$350-$450??

Also - if you're looking for the 3.5mm AUX in... mine is in the centre console under the adjustable arm rest

[G-rig]

Do a search ppl, been covered to death.

You get what you pay for.

[midlifecrisis]

I like to think that the Mk VII will have MDI standard with the Audio upgrade, and that they will come up with a more affordable bluetooth option.

With things like Ford Sync out there, VW are weak in this area for those who want seamless music and phone integration, voice commands etc. I expect this will be a focus area for the next gen Golfs.

I really like what they have done with Park Assist, clever RVC, and the new Touareg corner camera system. Cool ideas. Would be nice if that system allowed you to see surrounding traffic to the rear blind spots when at speed as well.

[Maverick]

Just for clarity (I just bought a MKV)... if I want to plug my iPhone into the stereo without using the AUX in I will need:

1 - The MDI
2 - A MDI --> iPod cable

Total cost ~$350-$450??

Also - if you're looking for the 3.5mm AUX in... mine is in the centre console under the adjustable arm rest

Yes. There is a MDI retrofit kit available.

MDI Information

Cost is around $375 or maybe a bit less. List price is listed on this page.

Installation instructions are above, your dealer can install it in around 45 minutes (see the price list page for recommended fitment times from VW).

Cable is around $70.

[G-rig]

Just for clarity (I just bought a MKV)... if I want to plug my iPhone into the stereo without using the AUX in I will need:

1 - The MDI
2 - A MDI --> iPod cable

Total cost ~$350-$450??

Yes,I paid $350 + $75 for the cable.

Much better than aux, safer controlling it from the head unit than looking down at your iphone whilst driving .

[Maverick]

I like to think that the Mk VII will have MDI standard with the Audio upgrade, and that they will come up with a more affordable bluetooth option.

There is a more affordable bluetooth option, the skoda kit is available for under $600.

With things like Ford Sync out there, VW are weak in this area for those who want seamless music and phone integration, voice commands etc. I expect this will be a focus area for the next gen Golfs.

Volkswagen have one of the best systems available, no other manufacturer offers what VW do and nor do they offer the integration or CHOICE. The voice commands are far far more advanced than those from other manufacturers and they use Harman Becker and Temic for voice control who are world leaders in their fields.

[Tux]

Take it however you want, but next time you might want to actually read about what the car comes with before whining about something that isn't an issue for 99.9% of the buyers except the select few that think icrud connectivity and bluetooth should come standard when most people don't need them. Just because you want them doesn't mean everyone else does.
.

Wow, is this how these forums run? I simply expressed an opinion mate or is your opinion the only one that counts.

I like your website btw. Trouble is that's only my opinion which is obviously wrong!

[Maverick]

Wow, is this how these forums run? I simply expressed an opinion mate or is your opinion the only one that counts.

I like your website btw. Trouble is that's only my opinion which is obviously wrong!

I never said your opinion was wrong but you were blaming VW and saying that bluetooth, icrud and other should all be standard because they are on the Getz and adding that you should be able to plug in a media player on a $50,000 car (which you can because the car comes standard with a 3.5mm in).

VW offer a heap of options and you can pick and choose the ones that you want. I really don't know what more VW can do

[Axis]

Thanks for the confirmation anad information Maverick and G-Rig..

[midlifecrisis]

There is a more affordable bluetooth option, the skoda kit is available for under $600.

Shame they dont offer that straight through VW. $2K for the real deal BT kit is pretty steep.

Volkswagen have one of the best systems available, no other manufacturer offers what VW do and nor do they offer the integration or CHOICE. The voice commands are far far more advanced than those from other manufacturers and they use Harman Becker and Temic for voice control who are world leaders in their fields.

Really? I find that a bit surprising. I am no expert mind you but I dont recall VW being talked about in the tech world as a leader for BT/Multimedia?car interfacing.
For example Ford offers voice control of climate control since 2007. Sync is coming this year which offers allot more - iTunes tagging, etc.
Mercedes, BMW, Toyota have voice navigation control as well.

I hear the VW BT audio streaming aint great sound quality (no surprise there) and MDI connection has a problem with slow user interface, quiet second or two at the beginning of tracks for some owners, and reset of playlists back to beginning. I figure I will be better mounting my iPhone on the dash and using it directly to avoid some of these issues.