T5 transporter aftermarket radio options

[Dennisg51]

Foxpuppet, I noticed in an earlier post you mentioned the Pioneer unit linking to steering wheel buttons. My T5 transporter is bog standard, steering wheel has no buttons, did you by chance update yours? Sorry if this is erroneous but I've never been into this area of vehicle updating before but am really frustrated with the base unit! Thanks Dennis

[Sunny43.5]

I can partially answer this one as our van is also without steering wheel controls , first off you need to purchase a whole new wheel with the buttons I think there is a compatible Golf wheel which fits . Then you need to add the appropriate wiring loom from the steering wheel clock spring and hub down to the BCM . Once that's done you need to get the Computer changed to show the steering wheel controls have been added . There was a good write up on the Forum some years ago with all the stuff listed but not sure where it is now . I tried to do the upgrade to my 2005 Transporter and gave up as it seemed a dead end for that model to find the parts ,.

[Dennisg51]

I tried to do the upgrade to my 2005 Transporter and gave up as it seemed a dead end for that model to find the parts ,.

Thanks for the info, I was assuming that was the case, I'd agree....all in the too hard basket

[Foxpuppet]

Thanks for the info, I was assuming that was the case, I'd agree....all in the too hard basket

Mine came with the premium steering wheel, but I did read someone added a paddle shift wheel without too much difficulty (but they knew what to do with vcds


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[Dennisg51]

Update on my Radio Replacement: Purchased & Installed from Frankies @ Nowra - Pioneer AVH8850BT including reversing camera and new external aerial for the bullbar.

All up $1300.00 and I'm very happy......Android Auto is great, the BT handling of phone calls is excellent and generally the Pioneer setup is very straight forward. Reversing camera is clear, has guidelines and switches as soon as reverse is selected.

Many thanks to those on the forum whom help us....hopefully this aids someone else. Cheers Dennis

PS: I just placed a review on Frankies website, couldn't help but notice they have a new special on this Pioneer AVHX8850BT unit....now down to $750......I paid $822.00

[Sunny43.5]

Did you see my post about remote steering wheel controls ? as long as the Pioneer has outputs for steering wheel these should work .Aftermarket head unit and steering wheel controls . I have to ask $822 for the unit what was the extra $478 for ? surely not for installation because the units I have fitted take no more than 15 minutes to install and an extra 30 minutes to mount a new roof mount antennae .

[Dennisg51]

Sunny, yes I think I remember checking out your thread, going for steering wheel controls just felt like over the top for me. I'm usually travelling with my wife, so no issues with reaching for controls and it would have just been more costs.

I paid extra for fitting rear camera, helical aerial, facia for head unit & some bus connection......I know it's expensive but I am not into installation of electricals myself. I read all about the cheaper chinese units & do it yourself but am happy to support local small business. I know it cost me but still I'm happy & I have full warranty.

[aSimpleLife]

Purchased & Installed from Frankies @ Nowra - Pioneer AVH8850BT including reversing camera and new external aerial for the bullbar. All up $1300.00 and I'm very happy...

Thanks for the info.

Does this mean you no longer get AM radio?
I am trying to toss up between the OEM and this - I really just need a reversing camera - currently have an RCD 210

[Dennisg51]

Hi, yes I have great reception for all radio options, AM, FM. I am not familiar with the RCD unit. If your just after reversing camera, I would think you should research if the RCD can accommodate one, otherwise your going to spend a lot v's a cheap reverse camera option.

Dennis

[aSimpleLife]

Thanks very much for your reply.
My old basic RCD210 doesn't have a fitting for a reversing camera (and no screen anyway).
But spoke to my auto elec and he regularly does a mirror conversion and has one in his own van he can show me. So I'll drop by and see what that looks like and will cost and go from there. He's already done a few jobs on my van over the years.

A bonus from this process is I found on ebay an AUX Input Adapter Audio iPod Cable - which if it works means I can then plug my phone (yep...it's not an iphone into the existing RCD210 and play music through the car speakers which I haven't been able to do before.

It's a shame that I've actually got some money to spend on the van...but nothing to spend it on...apart from repairs of course