Retrofit of Bluetooth & MDI kit to Passat R36

[bts]

Hi all,

I'm looking at retrofitting Bluetooth and an MDI kit for iPod connectivity to the Passat R36 I just picked up. Just wondering if anyone has experience with any of these upgrades or can recommend something better:

Bluetooth: Mobridge M1000-C-BT (CAN Bluetooth | mObridge)

MDI Kit (eBay, seller daiman69) - eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics

The Mobius Bluetooth module was recommended by the VW dealer and can be sourced locally here in Melbourne (Thomastown).

Have also gone through the excellent sticky (http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/foru...510-31461.html) but couldn't find anything on the Mobius or the MDI kit.

Appreciate any help/suggestions

[Ryan_R]

Would recommend a genuine VW Bluetooth system: VW Bluetooth KIT 7P6035730J - Retrofit -

This thread is worth a read (bit more up to date info within): http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/foru...ost-71995.html


Also the MDI eBay link doesn't show a wiring loom to connect to your HU so it might also be best to stick with this one:
VW MEDIA-IN - MDI KIT + USB adapter - Retrofit - 5N0035342E

or if you prefer the iPod adapter: VW MEDIA-IN + iPod iPhone adapter - Kit for cars with AUX-IN - Retrofit -5N0035342E

Installing the MDI is similar to Bluetooth, just running wires elsewhere (I actually velcro'd the MDI box under the drivers seat and popped the cable up in between the seat and center console (easier to reach compared to glovebox). You'll need access to VCDS to install both.

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f112/official-vww-vcds-tweak-library-50749.html

(Scroll down to installation section)

Shipping to Melbourne from CS.pl is usually about 4 business days in my experience.

[bts]

Thanks for the feedback Ryan.

Went ahead and ordered the following which turned up a couple of days ago:

VW Bluetooth KIT 7P6035730J - Retrofit -
VW MEDIA-IN - MDI KIT + USB adapter - Retrofit - 5N0035342E

Am being told that these are NOT compatible with the RNS 510 in my 2008 R36 an it's an older unit (delivery part number 1T0035680A). This doesn't sound right to me.

Any ideas?

[Ryan_R]

The A unit (last letter of model) is the oldest version, I can't say I've heard that story before though. I have a C unit (they're up to about F or G now). They might just mean that you can't update the RNS to the latest firmware and might miss out on some smaller features perhaps???

Best to ask in an existing thread where other experts will see it

[bts]

Cheers fot that.

Thinking I will get a second opinion. Can anyone recommend an installer in Melbourne?

Thanks again.

[Red Diablo]

Hi bts,

I'm about to embark on the same adventure and with my R36 so I'm interested to see how you go.

In particular the installation process.

I haven't purchased a unit yet but am looking at kit sold by Bold-Sport which they list as an OEM VW product. (Bold-Sport.com :: OEM Bluetooth Kit)

[readerr0r]

Woah slow down guys. An important thing to note with the BT systems is whether they're compatible with your MFD screens. Is the screen in between you tacho Red or White? Because the 9W7 is only compatible with White screens.

If you upgrade the firmware on your unit (which there is a bunch of info in the stickies in this forum) you shouldn't have issues with compatibility on the RNS side of things

Edit 9W7 will show up on the RNS510 screen but won't show on the Tacho, you will need VCDS to add Telephone to the CAN Gateway

[bts]

Thanks readerr0r

Woah slow down guys. An important thing to note with the BT systems is whether they're compatible with your MFD screens. Is the screen in between you tacho Red or White? Because the 9W7 is only compatible with White screens.

MFD in my 2008 R36 is Red .

Is there a BT module that is compatible with the Red MFD? The Mobridge BT module I posted earlier (CAN Bluetooth | mObridge) states: "Full integration into Multi-Function Display and Touch-Screen Radio"

you will need VCDS to add Telephone to the CAN Gateway

Don't have access to VCDS so am hoping someone will chime in with an offer of help for the install (plenty of Beer involved)

@Red Diablo: Will keep you posted on my progress.

Thanks again for the help lads.

[readerr0r]

Well it's a bit of a tricky one. The lastest white only units do A2DP audio streaming with control and work fine through a RCD/RNS 510 but won't show up on your tacho. While the much older red units will work but are a bit tricky to find, won't have A2DP but will work on your tacho. So I guess you need to decide whats more useful to you.

Carsystems also sell the red friendly unit
VW Bluetooth 1Z0035729B - Upgrade Kit -

[bts]

Hi all,

Thought I'd post back with an update.

Carsystems Bluetooth module installed with a great help from buckets - thanks mate

BT module works perfectly with the exception of not appearing in the MFD (as advised by readerr0r) which is no biggy as all details appear in the RNS.

Carsystems MFD kit VW MEDIA-IN + iPod iPhone adapter - Kit for cars with AUX-IN - Retrofit -5N0035342E works with a USB thumb drive, but doesn't recognize iPod/iPhone and displayed "MEDIA-IN not functional" on the RNS. Upgrading the RNS510 firmware to 3970 didn't make any difference, however the error on the RNS changed to the even more helpful "Device without Function"

A quick search of the forums revealed this post where gjws was having the same error: http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/foru...ror-63103.html

Just need to get my hands on a correct MDI cable to test and be sure....

[Red Diablo]

Hi bts,

Good news on the install.

My R36 is December 08 build with a white MFD and the RNS510 is a B-Series.

I'm particularly interested on the installation process and I noticed on the Carsystems website that they provide "Step by Step Installation manual". How usefull was it?

[bts]

Hi mate,

Installation overall wasn't hard and was pretty much just plug & play.

Install of the BT unit is supposed to be under the seat but not worth the trouble IMO as there's enough room behind the RNS which is where we opted to install mine (just remove the BT unit from the foam).

Most difficult part (if you can call it that) was ensuring there was enough clearance in behind the RNS once the BT and cables were installed (I had the cable from the MDI kit in there as well).

Can't say much about the installation manual as I never received one for the BT module lol Got one with the MDI kit which was used at the end for the VCDS coding.

Feel free to PM if you need more details .

[bts]

One thing that is slightly annoying is the PTT button is set to mute and the phone button does nothing (even when receving or trying to end a call). Assume I need to recode the MFSW controis, as per the following coding on Ross-Tech:

VW Golf (1K) Steering Wheel - Ross-Tech Wiki

Any pointers on what needs to be changed?

[Ryan_R]

VCDS coding is necessary:

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f112/official-vww-vcds-tweak-library-50749.html#post572596

[Euro Car Upgrades]

hi mate,
We can also help if you want the product with Australian warranty, support and professional install in your area.