VW brand iPod adaptor (New model)

[Ralfi]

Just got a 12 month anniversary letter from VW, stating that they have a new Parts & Accessories department.

One of the parts was a new iPod adapter for all current model vehicles (includes 9N polo).

It's described as a "Media In Unit". One end of the cable connects to the back of the existing radio while the other has a box connected to it, which can be placed in the glovebox (or anywhere in the cabin so i'm told). The box has multiple ports, one of which is an iPod type which will charge the iPod as well.

It's meant to allow much more control of the iPod over the older model (via the radio controls, though this couldn't be confirmed 100%).

I'm being sent more details via email (hopefully it'll confirm whether iPhones are supported, as I forgot to ask, thinking if the older model did, so would this....?)

That's the good news I guess. Here's the bad.................(you know what's coming)....

Price: $650!!!!!!

I asked them to break down the costs for if someone just wanted the unit & got someone else to install it;

$360 (Media In Unit)
$75 (cable)
Which leaves $215 for the "1.5 hours" labour!!!!!!!!!

They have got to be joking.


Anyone know a local retailer (Melbourne) that sells a similar unit & who can install it at a much cheaper cost??

EDIT: Just got the email & the Polos' radio ISN'T supported................

[insanekiwi]

Just get GROM unit version 2. Works well with iphone and I have one installed on Audi A3 for my partner. My unit doesn't charge iphone as it's previous model. It was only about 90US or something.

[Blitzen]

I got the xcarlink iPod adaptor for 69 pounds (hehe) delivered. It's a 15min job to install yourself.

[gtimonkey]

I have an xcar link and I am really happy with it.

The areial on my radio is stuffed anyone got a stock unit that they are willing to part with?

[Ralfi]

Xcarlink is the brand that I was trying to think of. Thanks.

They have 2 models for the VW, but both have the same description, with slightly different pics (which I can't make out). Pretty sure the one for the Polo GTI is the VW Ipod Interface Delta? Will either of these work with the iphone 3gs?

Also, I notice Xcarlink have a new Bluetooth unit arriving soon Xcarlink. Can anyone confirm if music over Bluetooth is any good with the iphone3gs?

Trying to decide whether to go for the VW Ipod Interface Delta or the Bluetooth kit. If the BT kit allows you to also connect the Iphone 3gs & charge it, then i'd be more tempted to grab it, since it gives you more connectivity choices.

[gtimonkey]

You need to have a look at the back of the stereo to work out which is which in terms of the units. PM me for a pic if you need help. I ordered to wrong one and they were pretty good about swapping it (though it took a while for the UK round trip)

Definately get the bluetooth - it works awesome with the iphone. Better than the ipod/iphone interface in my opinion.

I can play tunes pick up and make calls. When using the phone as an ipod it fades to music to take a call.

The sound quality though bluetooth is better than the iphone/ipod connector that they give you with the unit. The ipod/iphone connector is the wrong shape to use with most cases.

I use my old Ipod on the connector and connect my iphone when needed by bluetooth. It works great.

[Ralfi]

You need to have a look at the back of the stereo to work out which is which in terms of the units. PM me for a pic if you need help. I ordered to wrong one and they were pretty good about swapping it (though it took a while for the UK round trip)

Definately get the bluetooth - it works awesome with the iphone. Better than the ipod/iphone interface in my opinion.

I can play tunes pick up and make calls. When using the phone as an ipod it fades to music to take a call.

The sound quality though bluetooth is better than the iphone/ipod connector that they give you with the unit. The ipod/iphone connector is the wrong shape to use with most cases.

I use my old Ipod on the connector and connect my iphone when needed by bluetooth. It works great.

I'm pretty sure it's the model without the blue plug, because as listed here, the all black plug model is for the RCD 200 radio, which is the one in the 09 Polo GTI.

It's surprising you say that music through the BT is better than a cable connection. Not sure how the connector can be the "wrong shape" when it's supposed to be for the ipod/iphone??

[gtimonkey]

I think that you get some noise from power supply. You can probably fix this if you are clever.

What I mean by wrong shape is that the connector is too big to fit an iphone/ipod with an aftermarket protective case on the iphone/ipod. It is a standard iphone/ipod connection (ie it fits) but just thicker than the standard white lead which can be annoying when trying to plug it into things with cases.

Mine was definately not the blue plug.

I am not sure that it can charge/power the iphone (that standard changed between the ipod and iphone) - I will check for you tonight on the way home. As I said I usually leave an ipod plugged in and just connect with bluetooth as required with my phone.

b

[Ralfi]

I think that you get some noise from power supply. You can probably fix this if you are clever.

What I mean by wrong shape is that the connector is too big to fit an iphone/ipod with an aftermarket protective case on the iphone/ipod. It is a standard iphone/ipod connection (ie it fits) but just thicker than the standard white lead which can be annoying when trying to plug it into things with cases.

Mine was definately not the blue plug.

I am not sure that it can charge/power the iphone (that standard changed between the ipod and iphone) - I will check for you tonight on the way home. As I said I usually leave an ipod plugged in and just connect with bluetooth as required with my phone.

b

Well the case I have (Rebel Scholar) can come apart so as to only reveal the lower plug, so I shouldn't have any probs there.

I only have an iPhone 3gs (no iPod) so I'd appreciate if you can confirm whether it can be charged - I may use it as a GPS, which uses the battery more than most other functions, so being able to charge is pretty important.

[insanekiwi]

Get GROM Ver 2, it will charge iphones.