Changing OEM stereo head unit

[Robjohns2424]

Hi Guys,
I would like to change the oem head unit "Blaupunkt Brighton MP35" in my 2006 T5 van, the CD player has packed up. Any recommendations as to what to replace it with ? I kinda like the idea of bluetooth/front usb port type units. Any suggestions, not fussy about brands, just so it would be an easy change over. I don't understand the Tech stuff (dins etc) so would require an installer to do the job. I'm in Perth.
Thanks Rob

[Sunny43.5]

Hello Rob the term din refers to the opening for the radio in the dash , single din is the most common double din is where it utilises the opening below the radio as VW offer double Din units . There have been many past postings with very different opinions , the 2006 T5 is very easy to remove yourself , the tray above the radio lift's up and off you just need to get under one corner and pop it out . Then there are two torx scews at the very top edge look over the top and you will see them remove these screws then just start pulling the facia away it will unclip . Once removed you will see some more screws around the unit itself remove these and pull it out and unplug . Now you then can choose to replace it with a single din unit with the functions you desire some other forum guys can tell you the serial numbers to look for . If you are on a budget I have used some units from China they are exact matches to the VW units but have so much more features . This is the one I have had in my T5 for the last few years ES8048AM 7" HD CAR DVD Player GPS Wifi 3G DVB T Ipod VW Passat Jetta Golf Skoda | eBay . I know I will draw criticism for promoting these but I have had pretty good reliability with ours and for $350 that's a bargain . They come prewired so it will just plug into the original wiring .

[truant]

Hi Rob And Sunny 43.5. I am in exactly the same boat (2005 T5 and needing a new head unit in Perth). I installed one in my last van (also a T5) and as Sunny 43.5 says above it is pretty straightforward.
I really want one with decent Bluetooth and possibly something that allows a reversing camera but am a little nervous about the Chinese ones. The price is however very tempting...

[Sunny43.5]

I fitted one to a friends van yesterday it is the new T5.2 and I have to admit the GPS was miles better than the one in mine , so many new features with navigation I was jealous . Every function worked perfectly the Bluetooth instantly recognised my Samsung phone did not even have to use the pin code .Send and receive phone calls plus streaming music from the phone as well and for I pods and earlier I phones you can connect directly via dedicated cable Reverse camera hook up is easy and works great as you engage reverse the camera comes on and turns off the music so as you are not distracted , Digital TV works good but don't expect it to work on the go unless you live close to the city , radio is their only weak point seems to be a common problem with any aftermarket unit so as I had with ours I fitted a powered antennae from a Nissan XTrail available from auto accessory shops for $89 this works very good we live 40 kms from the centre of Brisbane and all stations were coming in strong . One of the cool functions is the unit can be used to access the internet !! order a dongle that plugs into one of the USB type ports and then using a 3g Sim card you are on the net . The unit plays DVD's and you can connect extra screens for rear seat passengers .

[truant]

Thanks for responding so quickly. Is the model that you mentioned above the one that you fitted today? Also, can I am where you fitted the XTrail aerial?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[truant]

I think I am going to go for a single din unit so just wondered if anyone has any recommendations?

[Robjohns2424]

Hi Guys, thanks for the info.
I ended up replacing OEM head with a KENWOOD single din model KDC-U556BT from JB-HIFI price $135.00 ( Bluetooth, front USB & AUX & front MIC, also removable face) works a treat once fitted. Requires a fly lead Model/part # Aerpro APP8KE1 ( to suit KENWOOD 2005 on) from supercheap cost $16.95, this plugs directly into OEM harness then into rear of head unit. Also requires aerial adapter plug Model/part # Aerpro AP349 (this converts the female socket to male at rear of unit to fit the OEM aerial lead) cost $7.00. Pairs with my Iphone easy as & all phone contacts can be accessed on head unit, bees-knees. In junk mail today SUPERCHEAP have same unit for $114 on sale.
Once I removed the top shelf insert the OEM unit slid out ( no screws to undo ) & the new unit just slides back in . Sound reproduction with the OEM speakers ( 4 in my T5-crewvan ) is pretty good if not better, suits my 65 year old ears.
Thanks again for your help/advice. Rob

[truant]

Hi Rob. That is some great info! I am going to go out today and get all the bits and then change it over on the weekend. Thanks again!

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk