New head unit for 2010 Transporter T5.

[tim_albion]

Hi.


This is my first real post so I’m hoping I’ve got all the etiquette right! I know this sort of question has been discussed a lot in the past but I can't get my head around all the options or if see if there are newer alternatives available.


I have a 03/2010 Transporter T5 with an RCD210 radio and no buttons on the steering wheel. I would like to get the following features:

• bluetooth for handsfree phone use and streaming music to the head unit
  
  
• reversing camera

I don’t need sat nav.


From what I've read in the forums I have two main options:
Go OEM with an RCD-510 (available on gumtree for around $270), VW 9W7 bluetooth kit (about $350) and a reversing camera (probably around $300). So total cost for OEM is about $900.


Alternatively go aftermarket with a standard bluetooth head unit (eg a Pioneer AVH-X8750BT for $370), CANBUS adaptor (around $130), facia kit (about $70), antenna adapter ($10) and a reversing camera ($200). That’s pretty close to $900 as well so I reckon OEM would be my best bet.


I assume for either option I’ll need to run the cable from the reversing camera to the head unit. Will I also need to recode the CANBUS to recognise the new equipment. Is that something that I can do myself by downloading the VCDS software or is there anybody in Hobart that can do this sort of thing?


That’s my logic but I’d really appreciate any suggestions or recommendations that you guys may have.


Cheers


Tim

[LukePolo]

Can find a fachia kit cheaper (around $20-$30)

Also the genuine Pioneer RVC (i have one) i paid $89 from JB hifi.

The kit that I bought off ebay which had the pioneer harness + Canbus + the dual fakrha antenna adapter in it was $119 total

The VW standard doesn't come with a Mic either.. you'll need to cater in that one, whereas the Pioneer X8750 comes with a standard Pioneer Mic in the package, and in my opinion is way better quality. Also can't beat the USB input for any device, as opposed to the RCD and RNS which doesn't have the USB input.. only the ability to do the MDI interface which doesn't do Android or iPhone 5 or 6 (lightning)

Also when you have the ISO canbus cords, there's no need to recode anything, luckily you didn't have a standard touch adapter (Now that was a pain in my )

Running the Pioneer RVC from the back to the head unit is super easy, when you have the CANBUS adapter, it's just one cord running from the back of your van to the head unit then when you get to the head unit, it splits and you have an earth, which is super easy to attach to some metal at the back of the head unit.

[tim_albion]

Thanks for the quick response! Going after market sounds a lot easier than I thought.

Would this kit do the job for me? VW Transporter Double DIN CAR CD Stereo CAN BUS Wiring Fitting KIT Fascia Stalk | eBay It's about $130 for the fascia, canbus and aerial adaptor.

Will that allow me to then install any double din Pioneer head unit? Repco had the AVH275BT with reversing camera on sale for $400 last month. I very nearly bought one but wasn't sure if I would be able to use it. Hopefully I can get a similar deal if I'm patient.

Thanks again.

[vdubcaddy]

Im in the same boat but with a my15 (build 14) caddy.

[LukePolo]

Thanks for the quick response! Going after market sounds a lot easier than I thought.

Would this kit do the job for me? VW Transporter Double DIN CAR CD Stereo CAN BUS Wiring Fitting KIT Fascia Stalk | eBay It's about $130 for the fascia, canbus and aerial adaptor.

Will that allow me to then install any double din Pioneer head unit? Repco had the AVH275BT with reversing camera on sale for $400 last month. I very nearly bought one but wasn't sure if I would be able to use it. Hopefully I can get a similar deal if I'm patient.

Thanks again.

Yeah that's the cords you need! just need to double check to see if you have a single or dual fahkra aerial cord. Just dont forget to let them know you're doing a pioneer so you get the correct patch lead that adds onto the ISO cord pictured.

I think in stores for head units are overpriced, i bought my X3700 DAB from pioneer online for $414 (refurbished) but it's perfect, no physical dents or scratches, and a longer warranty than a normal unit (2 years)

[tim_albion]

That X3700 DAB looks brilliant! Ryda.com.au is selling them for $509 and a Pioneer reversing camera for about $90. Unfortunately the Pioneer online store is down at the moment so I can't check them for refurbished head units.

I see that the X3700 has one aerial socket, as does the RCD-210 that is currently in my van. I assume that means I need a single fahkra aerial cord?

Cheers

[LukePolo]

That X3700 DAB looks brilliant! Ryda.com.au is selling them for $509 and a Pioneer reversing camera for about $90. Unfortunately the Pioneer online store is down at the moment so I can't check them for refurbished head units.

I see that the X3700 has one aerial socket, as does the RCD-210 that is currently in my van. I assume that means I need a single fahkra aerial cord?

Cheers

The unit is fantastic, I have no complaints with it what so ever.

In regards to your aerial, That is correct.

Funny how VW's have to have a funny aerial thingo, if it were a toyota, it would literally be plug in and off you go.

[tim_albion]

Great. I've just about got it sorted then.

Frankies auto electrics has the X3700 with a reversing camera for $500 so I'll order one of them.

The guys in the UK selling the CANBUS adaptor weren't sure if it would work in the Transporter. I've found this one from Germany instead for $100 delivered and they reckon it will work: Vima Connect Build A SET HIT" 600 010020 FOR VW Amarok Golf Jetta Passat Polo" | eBay

Does that one look OK to you?

Thanks again for all your input. You've been a huge help.

Cheers

[LukePolo]

Great. I've just about got it sorted then.

Frankies auto electrics has the X3700 with a reversing camera for $500 so I'll order one of them.

The guys in the UK selling the CANBUS adaptor weren't sure if it would work in the Transporter. I've found this one from Germany instead for $100 delivered and they reckon it will work: Vima Connect Build A SET HIT" 600 010020 FOR VW Amarok Golf Jetta Passat Polo" | eBay

Does that one look OK to you?

Thanks again for all your input. You've been a huge help.

Cheers

In theory, that Vima connect should work, I would definitely run off the sellers guarantee, not mine, as I've never used their product before.

Just watch if you've got steering wheel controls, to purchase the kit that enables that.

You're welcome.

[tim_albion]

Just in case anybody else is doing something similar, the Vima CANBUS adaptor and facia kit worked perfectly. All plug and play. The hardest bit was running the microphone and the wire to the hand-brake (first time I've ever had to do that installing a head unit!).