Need help with VW Golf R and MDI 5N0035341B kit

[SteveK]

Hi guys, a friend of mine who introduced me to all things Golf was with me every step of the way when I finally bought my Golf R. He also upgraded from his MKV GTI to a golf R as well and we both investigated MDI kits. I know I should have gone with it as an option from the factory but the hand holding he provided was from past experience with upgrading his GTI. Lesson learnt and we move on.

So I purchased the above kit for around $400 shipped from the UK. It's the official VW unit and the I've been told by an installer that the kit won't work with the R. From the research I've since done on the net it seems the kit I bought is the replacement to the CD changer units of the MKVI GTIs with the center console being a simple swap. But the R's center console is different.

My question is, can someone confirm that this is indeed the case and that it can't be retrofitted which means I'll look into getting a hold of more universal 5N0057342 model.

All help appreciated.

Cheers,
Steve

[dave_r]

That Installer doesn't have the greatest customer service so don't give up just yet

This mentions some other bits for a console fitting:
Volkswagen Media Device Interface (MDI) | my-gti.com

It links to the retrofit/universal kit you are considering but keep in mind that it will be in the glovebox.
Volkswagen Media Device Interface (MDI) Retrofit | my-gti.com

Though I reckon we should blame the bloke you held hands with, I hear he's a wanker haha

[99_FGT]

I was told (by a reputable installer) that the guts of the unit is the same, and you can remove it from the centre console fitkit and put the electronics behind the glovebox. I didn't go down the MDI path in the end though...

[SteveK]

That Installer doesn't have the greatest customer service so don't give up just yet

This mentions some other bits for a console fitting:
Volkswagen Media Device Interface (MDI) | my-gti.com

It links to the retrofit/universal kit you are considering but keep in mind that it will be in the glovebox.
Volkswagen Media Device Interface (MDI) Retrofit | my-gti.com

Though I reckon we should blame the bloke you held hands with, I hear he's a wanker haha

Hi Dave, not sure what you're getting at here. I've read those pages and am going to attempt the install when my tools arrive.

P.S. I assume you know who my mate is or just another jab?

Cheers,
Steve

[dave_r]

Yeah I know your mate, we were chatting about it last week. I wasn't at all surprised with the scenario you encountered.
Let us know how you go, should be able to find someone to give you a hand if need be.

[SteveK]

Yeah I know your mate, we were chatting about it last week. I wasn't at all surprised with the scenario you encountered.
Let us know how you go, should be able to find someone to give you a hand if need be.

Ahh, you know of ONE of my mates, but not the one I was referring to. Yes, both have the R.

But yes, you can understand the predicament. I'll see how I go with the install myself before I panic for help.

Cheers,
Steve

[Fab_R]

Good luck Steve, i think you will be right mate, how hard can it be

[SteveK]

Did the install this arvo.

Removed MDI module from console housing.
Installed MDI in glove box.
Installed new RNS510.
Did VAGCOM coding.

Everything working perfectly. Easier than I expected thanks to the resources available online. Great resources out there.

Cheers,
Steve