Is the MDI worth it?

[roju]

Due to an error on the dealer's behalf, our soon-to-be delivered tiggy doesn't come with the MDI fitted, which we thought was included in theprice we negotiated. I was looking forward to the integrated control this would give me for my iPod rather than just plugging in to AUX on the stereo. The dealer has offered to fit it at 'cost', which is still about 2x what it's worth as a factory option.

Is it worth it for the better control? The car also has bluetooth. Will I be able to play music over that and connect a phone at the same time?

What else should I be demanding from the dealer as compensation, as we expected this to be factory fitted?

Will this be a glovebox job, rather than in the centre console?

I'd appreciate any advice from anyone who got this from the factory, or added in afterwards.

[Captain Bungers]

Hi roju

I have the MDI and we use it on long trips with my wife's iPod. Once you get used to the way the folders and controls work from the stereo it is pretty good. Ours is fitted in the glove box, so we can keep it chilled out. Yo. Sorry, that was a bad joke...

I stream my music from my Sony Ericsson X10i through the bluetooth and that works really well, however I have to change tracks etc. using the phone...and yes the phone works as well, it just pauses the music when a call comes in.

I don't think it is that hard to install - I think it is just a cable. Someone who has fitted a new stereo should be able to tell you.

I am using the RCD310 stereo too...

[neets]

I have both bluetooth and MDI fitted in my Tig. The bluetooth with my phone is awesome, however I was a bit disappointed that on the media side you need to control the media from the phone (start/change/pause/skip tracks).

I have the factory fitted MDI (in centre console), with the iPod cable. Works well with my iPhone and as CB said above, once you get used to the controls it is pretty simple.

As a result of the bluetooth thing, I've got a separate ipod to leave in the console as I'm not in the car for long periods of time so bluetooth media on my phone if i coudl control it would have been PERFECT. Alas, i just leave my phone for phonecalls and MDI for music.

As a dealer mistake though, surely you should not have to pay for them to fix the error, even if it is at cost.

[roju]

Thanks for the reply, guys.

I am keen to have it fitted, as it'd be a shame to spend almost $50k on a car and not be 100% happy because of a small thing like that. The dealer needs a few days for his manager to get back from holidays to 'see what they can do', but I'd be expecting a few extras if I have to pay any extra for it.

[aussietig]

Definitely recommend MDI with ipod cable for its sheer convenience.

Music loads quicker than any other external media options, especially playlist.

But one absolute advantage of iPod connectivity is ability to play WAV files!

Actual HU doesn't support this file format, but not a problem when played via iPod.

[Gladiator]

I stream my music from my Sony Ericsson X10i through the bluetooth and that works really well, however I have to change tracks etc. using the phone...and yes the phone works as well, it just pauses the music when a call comes in.

I don't think it is that hard to install - I think it is just a cable. Someone who has fitted a new stereo should be able to tell you.

I am using the RCD310 stereo too...

Bit confused. I've ordered a Polo GTI which comes with the RCD310. If my phone has bluetooth, does that mean I can stream music tracks to the RCD310 unit??