Which ipod interface is best with the MFD2 head unit

[kiweed]

Hi all,

I want to connect my ipod or iphone to my MFD2 in my '06 GTI, and I'm seeing quite a few different suggestions out there.

I want to be able to control the ipod via headunit/Steering wheel and see track names/playlist etc.

I have the CD changer in the centre console, I don't really care if this stays or goes....

What's the best option??

cheers

[isaw]

you want to keep the MFD2?
Plug in genuine ipod kit. you'll need to loose the CD changer, and you wont get the track names displaying. only a track number.

-OR-

Ditch the MFD2, get a MFD3 (RNS510) and load your MP3's onto the hard disk.
Sell the MFD2 and changer. ~$500 changeover cost, but a much better product.

-OR-

Buy a cheap yum-cha unit from HongkongHarry and use it, while swearing and becoming frustrated with its generally horrible interface and software.

Ipod support with VW's is seriously lacking. Compared to a Hyundai i30 it looks like VW is still in the 20th century.

[kiweed]

Thanks mate,

yes maybe I should look at the RNS510....

What would your answer be if I threw iPhone and bluetooth into the mix??

[team_v]

The 06's use an older system so you will also need a canbus upgrade and will require an MDI kit and adapter to allow apple i(product) connectivity.

Have you considered the Zenec unit as an alternative?

http://www.zenec.com/en/products/ego/volkswagen-seat/ze-nc2010/

[kiweed]

I saw the Zenec mentioned (i think by you team_v), but I haven't seen anyone who's installed them here in OZ...
Plus buying something as expensive as that, with no local support, is a bit scary.

I'm now wondering what I need to just plug my ipod or iphone in using one of the Aux ports on the MFD2??

[isaw]

I'm now wondering what I need to just plug my ipod or iphone in using one of the Aux ports on the MFD2??

You need a vw generic ipod kit. it plugs into the cd changer port, as thats what the black box does. It emulates a CD changer interface via a ipod
with a 06 GTI you will need a cabus upgrade, but they are $100ish or so. honestly the RNS510 is better in every single aspect, and would be where I'd go off the bat.

if you dont have the budget... dtich the stacker and run the vw bluetooth/ipod kits (ebay should have then for 100-200ish each? plug n play) or get a knockoff all in one unit (W6050/zenec/insert other yum cha thingy here)


If your throwing in a iphone remember that the std kit doesnt changer a 3gs/ipod g2 or newer. it'll play off then, but will not charge unless you hack some wires around, and personally i CBF.

[kiweed]

Thanks isaw, I fitted the generic ipod kit, it'll do for now...

Will watch for a reasonably priced RNS510.

[Danxyz]

Check out XCARLINK, it's a good alternative to the OEM VW option. I recently installed one into a MK5 GTI 07. it works fantastic. Took about 15 / 20 minutes to remove the headunit and about another 10 to reinstall everything.

The XCARLINK will charge the Iphone and Ipod, It plugs into the CD Changer Port, You can skip forward and backwards and select playlists (no info is displayed though), it will also show the track time information.

I picked mine up from ebay, the seller also has an external web site Sydney Installers it cost $160 delivered to my door.

I hope this helps.

Daniel.

[jessv3]

I have Dension gateway 100 ipod kit installed. Im very happy with it, i get full control of the ipod through the stock GTI headunit (MCD500) if you have full MFD which it sounds like you do then you will also get track tag display on your mfd and full steering wheel control compatibility.

Ive used Xcarlink in my previous car and although its very good value for money the sound qaulity is not comparable to dension.

Dension: Gateway 100

[daft009]

I have a dension 300 installed in my '08 Golf GT.
Gives me a USB slot, ipod dock connector & 3.5mm aux connection.
As I have the full height MFD, everything is controlled via the steering wheel.
see here for the results.. VW GTI Forum / VW Rabbit Forum / VW R32 Forum / VW Golf Forum - Golfmkv.com - View Single Post - iPod integration for 2009 GTI

[Thaiger14]

With the dension product do you lose the CD stacker? I have the Parrot bluetooth/iPod kit and I do not have ability to control unit or iPod through unit or steering wheel controls but I don't lose the CD stacker. I want an option where you can have bluetooth audio and phone, without losing cd and having control through unit.

[daft009]

I don't have a stacker but from memory yes, it connects to the stacker port on the back.

[MK5Sportline]

I'm just about ot buy an XCarLink IPOD Adaptor for my MFD2. The XCarLink website has them for $69 compared to SydneyInstallers at $155. On the XCarLink site there are two models listed: Delta and Gamma/Beta...does anyone know the difference or which one is best suited for a 06 GTI with MFD2 (stacker in centre console)?

[MK5Sportline]

I'm just about ot buy an XCarLink IPOD Adaptor for my MFD2. The XCarLink website has them for $69 compared to SydneyInstallers at $155. On the XCarLink site there are two models listed: Delta and Gamma/Beta...does anyone know the difference or which one is best suited for a 06 GTI with MFD2 (stacker in centre console)?

OK, seems I need the Delta (got the info off the UK XCarLink website, and seems the Australian Website is 'dodgy'...unable to send them an email through the Contact Us link and also they dont seem to have valid certificates for their online shop). Looks like I am off to SydneyInstallers!

[DiZzY]

Just to let you know, i bought my car with MFD2 installed, and dcided to upgrade to the RNS510, upgraded canbus and MDI. All up sourcing the parts and installationcost around $1400-$1500 all up.

Very happy with the upgrade, touchscreen and factory look.