MDI and 'Media In'

[Kfraze]

We are about the purchase a VW multivan and have received conflicting advice on the requirements to enable us to play our iPhone through the centre display unit (ie scroll thru songs via the multifunction steering wheel rather than have to fiddle with the phone in the car.. ) . We've since found out that the car now actually comes standard with MDI (dealer originally told us it would cost $490) but VWA says we need a cable through apple to be able to plug in any apple products, which is fine however the dealer tells us we need a 'Media In' accessory which is $490.... Can someone pleeeeease clarify what we actually need?

[AdamD]

The MDI is the Media In device. This is a (partly) digital interface between the iPod/iPhone/etc and the head unit.

In Australia, the MDI (when factory fitted) is supplied with a MDI<->USB cable, that can be used to connect a USB device (such as a USB thumb drive containing MP3 music) to the MDI. However, in order to interface with an iPod or iPhone, you will need a dedicated MDI<->iPod cable, supplied by VW (dealers have them; you may also be able to source them from eBay). Retail on these is around $80.

I can't comment on whether the MDI is standard or an optional extra on the Multivan, sorry. Best to confirm with your dealer.