Value for money Bluetooth option (incoming calls, A2DP audio stream from iPhone 5S)

[neb]

I have just acquired a great 2007 Golf GTi Mk 5. Loving it. It has the basic RNS500 stereo with Red MFD. Factory bluetooth system not installed under the driver seat.

All I need is the ability to:

1. Receive calls (via phone button on steering wheel).
2. Stream music via A2DP bluetooth audio streaming from my iPhone 5S to the car stereo.

I have a strong preference for 'native' car system integration (stereo volume decreases during call, MFD integration).

My (extensive) research so far has uncovered the following:
- Factory VW bluetooth system 9W2 (circa 2003-2007) does not provide A2DP streaming capability.
- More recent factory VW bluetooth system 9W7 is not compatible with pre-2008 cars (with Red MFD).

So, in order to meet my basic requirements, I have shortlisted the following options (in order of preference):

1. Parrot Minikit +. $100. Low cost, integrates seamlessly with car. Minikit Range - Parrot Australia
2. Buy cheap Asian copy of RNS510 from eBay, upgrade CANBUS & VCDS coding. Approx. $750 total. I am not a PC user, don't really need the additional features this provides.
3. Buy VW factory RNS510 unit, buy VW factory 9W7 bluetooth kit, upgrade CANBUS, VCDS coding, all installed for around $2,500. Too expensive option, won't use most features.

Appreciate learning from anyone else who have gone through this process. Any other options available (to meet my 2 specific needs). Want to avoid spending hundreds of dollars.

Thanks for your help!

[Fatherless One]

I can confirm the VW 9W7 will indeed work in pre 2008 VW's, I recently installed it (with an RNS510) into my 2005 Golf with red half height MFD.

I now have CD quality streaming, hands free phone calls, navigation etc.

Here's the break up:

RNS510 (revision F) $800 (eBay, includes 6 month warranty)
9W7 $359 (eBay, Aussie seller)
Canbus upgrade $100 (I have a spare you can have for $80)

And being genuine quality VW no hassles and everything works as it should. Well worth every cent.

I was part of a (still ongoing) forum group buy for an aftermarket RNS copy but luckily I pulled out of that, the whole thing was a debacle and didn't work out much cheaper than genuine in the end.

You get what you pay for.

[chrishbbq]

Hello,

I was in the exact same boat as you when I purchased my TDI-

I ended up going with option 2 - I was quite hesitant at first, but upon installation I have not since regretted it. Unfortunately I don't remember the specific model, but mine integrates in with the MFD (not fully, but will still show radio frequency, track/folder number, volume up down etc). It is also set up to take calls using the phone button on the steering wheel. Call quality is great, as is the bluetooth, and the GPS - I ended up getting a version of Navman software which works a treat. Wheel buttons still work (volume, track change). The unit itself was about $440 free shipping to Aus and I got the camera which works good at night, Only gripe with the screen is when I have the sunroof open and the glare hits it you can't see a blimey thing.

I'm not very good on the research/technical sides of things, but that's my two cents!!
Good luck

[neb]

Thank you gents. Appreciate the insights from your experience. At this stage, I am still erring towards the Parrot system, because I don't need all of the other features provided by the RNS510 and want to avoid spending hundreds of dollars.

Thanks again!

[Cristian G]

I had a 2005 MKV Comfortline with a Parrot system in it and it just gave me the s**ts. It kept dropping out, would randomly reset, and the music streaming was scratchy at best.
I went with an RCD310 radio upgrade (had a RCD300), plus the 9W2 Bluetooth kit and a CANBUS upgrade.
All worked a treat. Music streaming, answer calls from the steering wheel, only thing it didn't do was integrate with the MFD (half height red).
You could fit a RCD510 (non Nav but still touchscreen) for under $400 (from Ebay or Gumtree), in place of the 500 and I believe it will still work with the 9W2 for what you want.
Best thing was that it was all OEM, looked right and just worked, after the CANBUS change. You will need VAGCOM help with the CANBUS.

Regards

[neb]

Have spoken with Cushie Audio (Volkswagen Car Bluetooth | iPhone 5 Kit | USB Adapter | Gateway Pro BT) who recommend this Dension Gateway Pro BT kit (GWP1VC1 - $349). They believe this meets my 2 needs. For me, the relative cost of this solution is better value for money compared to the purchase & installation of an entirely new head unit & bluetooth components.

Thanks!

[ajvx01]

Post up how it works.. I will be interested to see how you go.
Sent from my RM-892_apac_australia_new_zealand_259 using Tapatalk

[joey c]

Has anyone used a similar product for Android systems ?
Ive came across these and wonder if they are any good ?

VW SEAT Skoda USB Android iPod iPhone Bluetooth AUX adapter

[li21]

Can someone explain more about the parrot system? Will I be able to skip songs with steering wheel controls or stream YouTube audio from my phone to my car?