Head unit upgrade to Alpine

[roguester]

Hi all,

I have been looking at upgrading my head unit forgive me if addressed previously... There are a lot of no name Chinese options out there, however there seems to be very poor support (I ask the vendors and don't get a clear answer) in terms of keeping factory options such as the microphone, reverse camera and display of the parking sensors etc.

Has anyone had any experience with the standard double DIN units available? If suitable I am looking at putting an Alpine in my car with this:

Alpine APF-X303VW UART to CAN interface for VW platforms (MIB-PQ - Seat, Skoda, and VW)

I am guessing I will require a suitable fascia surround also?

Thanks in advance.

Pete

[Lucas_R]

Cant help you with the Alpine (although it should be ok if they have the wiring and integration with the factory harness/electronics worked out), but this is the usual go-to affordable head unit upgrade that most people go for. VW 6.5" RCD330 Plus 6RD035187B (No Name) Radio for VW Golf MK5 MK6 Scirocco R Tiguan Passat Polo Caddy

[roguester]

Thanks Lucas,

Does this support the factory mic, reverse camera, steering controls etc? Just don't want extra bits hanging off the car that don't need to be there.

I have been looking at: Volkswagen Passat 2006-2015 | 9'' Apple Carplay & Android Auto Head Unit Car Stereo
– GTzone

However, when I ask specific questions they don't give me any sort of answer.

Regards,

Pete

[Lucas_R]

Yes as I understand it, the one I linked to works with your factory reverse camera etc and steering controls. But shoot VW Central a phone call or email to double check - but im pretty certain it does. As for Bluetooth, your Passat should have factory fitted Bluetooth (usually a module under drivers seat). This new unit has Bluetooth built in so you would just need to understand how that works. For the Passat you may also need the $65 harness for the steering wheel controls.

With the GTZone unit you mentioned, someone bought one recently so perhaps reach out to them:Golf MK6 Apple Carplay Head Unit

[roguester]

Thanks Lucas,

Just one of those things doing my head in. A lot of small little (but costly) projects with the car I would like to undertake.

Least there is a go to place for advice and assistance!

Regards,

Pete

[Lucas_R]

Personally I would save up a bit longer and go for the genuine unit from VW Central. There are literally hundreds (probably thousands) of these units rolling around in VW's across Australia. Yes it is more expensive than the GTZone unit, but at about $700 its still a cheap upgrade for what you get and how much it will modernize your car. Reach out to the guys at VW Central and im sure they can offer some advice.

[roguester]

Oh wow thank you! I didn't even realise there was another option out there! Guessing being factory everything will just plug in and work as it should! I hope there will be a lot going around especially as time goes by and cars get wrecked. What car and year had it as standard? I will have to go hunting! Looks like it is just plug and play so I can do that easily.

[Lucas_R]

I may have confused you to think these units were factory fitted to cars in Australia in my previous comment - I meant that lots of people have bought them to retrofit into cars here in Australia over the past 4-5 years.

This head unit was factory fitted to VW's in some countries (China I believe mainly but possibly other countries too) so its a good unit.

[roguester]

Okay, I am with you now There seems to be a lot of them online actually (especially in China!). I'm great at having special confusing moments LOL.