Aftermarket Apple Carplay?

[romaniac]

Hi guys
wondering what the best option is to get Apple Carplay with a MY15 155 R-line. It came with the RNS510 but I know MY16 models now get carplay. Is this via a different unit or can the RNS510 be upgraded via firmware to make it carplay compatible?

[kamold]

Totally new platform and architecture. No upgrade route for the RNS which is an almost 10 year old design.
Your best bet for Carplay would be an aftermarket unit like a Pioneer etc

Sent from my HTC One M8 using Tapatalk

[romaniac]

do you think a vw dealer would retrofit the new unit ? Alternatively do you know what brand the units are that VW are using for carplay?

[LukePolo]

VW dealership wont install an aftermarket radio for you.

I've just recently installed a Pioneer unit which works very well with Apple's Carplay, there is also an Alpine unit which I've heard nothing but good things about.

[romaniac]

VW dealership wont install an aftermarket radio for you.

I've just recently installed a Pioneer unit which works very well with Apple's Carplay, there is also an Alpine unit which I've heard nothing but good things about.

I was thinking if VW could install the actual factory unit that comes with the MY16 Tiguan's. I've put a call into the service dept and waiting to hear back.

[arcadelt]

I was thinking if VW could install the actual factory unit that comes with the MY16 Tiguan's. I've put a call into the service dept and waiting to hear back.

I don't like your chances. Why not try Dean from VW Central and see what he says.

[dinot81]

From what I have heard the new factory unit cannot be installed into MY15 or earlier Tiguans. I think it's different in size as well. Like LukePolo said, only option is other brands that support Apple Carplay.

[romaniac]

I spoke with Dean at VW Central and seems like it's not possible, there is different architecture to connect up the new system since it runs on the MBQ platform, seems strange though as they only difference I can see from the MY15 tiguan to MY16 is that the latter has carplay and the other doesn't?

Anyway looks like the only solutions are aftermarket which don't seem that great, i.e Alpine and Pioneer

[arcadelt]

...seems strange though as they only difference I can see from the MY15 tiguan to MY16 is that the latter has carplay and the other doesn't?

Don't underestimate what's changed with the CANBUS and BCM, even mid-model (shape). Witness the difference between the system in the 2009 and 2010 model Tiguans, based on the MkV and MkVI respectively. The most visible change was a change in the MFSW and a move from the red to the white MFD, but as I understand it, the entire CANBUS communication protocol changed. It was the main reason I targeted a 2010 model when I was buying secondhand, and even then I found cars that had the old steering wheel, but the white MFD.

[tigger73]

That does seem a bit strange. I mean why would you upgrade the whole electrical/communication system for the car just before you go out of production?

I have personal experience about the pitfalls of trying to fit a Mk7 GTI (MQB) steering wheel into a 155Tig - it doesn't work. I'd think there would likely be similar issues with fitting the head unit from a MQB platform vehicle into a Mk6.

But I am a little puzzled as to why VW would do a major upgrade before a model change.... unless the stuff can be easily fitted.

I would say it's worth a shot and if doesn't work then you can probably resell the unit to someone with a Mk7 car that doesn't have the Apple Carplay. But you'd have to be careful when making your purchase as there's quite possibly Mk7 "look-a-like" head units and actual Mk7 head units.

What I mean by this is that the current Polo GTI looks like a Mk7 (MQB) platform vehicle with the new steering wheel etc, however underneath it is still running "old" Mk6 electronics. This is why some people have claimed to get a Mk7 GTI steering wheel to fit and work in a Mk6. The fact is they've bought a Polo GTI wheel which looks identical - except underneath the wiring is for the Mk6.

Anyway good luck if you decide to go ahead. What I would be doing is getting a VIN off a MY16 Tig that runs a carplay head unit and then getting the exact part# for the head unit. Otherwise purchase one off someone that will take it back/full refund if it doesn't work. You may still have to pay for labour for fitting/stuffing around.