New purchaser questions

[troyhunt]

Hi folks, long time lurker first time poster. I’m just about to put in an order for an R36 wagon through my fleet company and was hoping someone could help out on a couple of questions:

1. Handsfree and iPod integration: it seems like the consensus is to dodge the VW options and order the Fiscon. Will this also cover iPod integration (tracks on screen, charging, etc)? I just want to be able to get into the car, plug in the iPod, have the Bluetooth phone automatically connect (JasJam with Windows mobile, iPhone and Blackberry) with the steering wheel buttons working correctly and have it all just work as you’d expect.

2. Reversing camera: ones of the sales folks suggested this was only available with satnav. Is this the case or can you get the camera without having to shell out for the (pricey) built-in nav?

3. Model cycle: it sounds like we’re currently in the 09 model cycle – what has changed from the 08?

Thanks all.

[Swallowtail]

Hi folks, long time lurker first time poster. I’m just about to put in an order for an R36 wagon through my fleet company and was hoping someone could help out on a couple of questions:

1. Handsfree and iPod integration: it seems like the consensus is to dodge the VW options and order the Fiscon. Will this also cover iPod integration (tracks on screen, charging, etc)? I just want to be able to get into the car, plug in the iPod, have the Bluetooth phone automatically connect (JasJam with Windows mobile, iPhone and Blackberry) and have it all just work as you’d expect.

2. Reversing camera: ones of the sales folks suggested this was only available with satnav. Is this the case or can you get the camera without having to shell out for the (pricey) built-in nav?

3. Model cycle: it sounds like we’re currently in the 09 model cycle – what has changed from the 08?

Thanks all.

I can answer some of those...

1. Fiscon does Bluetooth only. For charging and music you will need the VW MDI option with the iPod cable. That way you get in and plug in the iPod to the MDI for charging and music, and the Fiscon picks up your phone. If it's an iPhone you still need the two pieces - MDI and Fiscon.

2. The VW Passat spec brochure only mentions rear view camera under the RNS510.

3. The 09 has a different instrument cluster (you can see the difference by looking at the Passat CC brochure on VW Au site which has the new cluster. Other than that not sure what other differences are...

[troyhunt]

Thanks mate, does the iPod option surface song names and details on the screen and is it controllable with the usual audio features (i.e. steering wheel details)? Also, I assume RNS510 refers to the satnav?

Thanks!

[Swallowtail]

Thanks mate, does the iPod option surface song names and details on the screen and is it controllable with the usual audio features (i.e. steering wheel details)? Also, I assume RNS510 refers to the satnav?

Thanks!

iPod option with MDI yes, provides full screen integration and control. As long as the iPod cable for the MDI is used and not the USB one.

RNS510 = sat nav unit.


Make sure you get the MDI and not the older iPod connector.

[troyhunt]

Thanks again. Final question (for now); what's the difference between the $700 Bluetooth kit and the $2k one? Is the $700 one generally satisfactory and will it work with the iPhone (at least once the upcoming v3 release is out)?

Thanks!

[freebo]

Thanks again. Final question (for now); what's the difference between the $700 Bluetooth kit and the $2k one? Is the $700 one generally satisfactory and will it work with the iPhone (at least once the upcoming v3 release is out)?

Thanks!

I have the same questions if the A2DP stereo Bluetooth will be supported and if you can manage this through the stereo.. see thread

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=29522

[Swallowtail]

Thanks again. Final question (for now); what's the difference between the $700 Bluetooth kit and the $2k one? Is the $700 one generally satisfactory and will it work with the iPhone (at least once the upcoming v3 release is out)?

Thanks!

Hmmm.. not 100% on this one, but I believe that the $700 BT kit is a very basic one that provides phone connection only. Mutes the stereo and that's about it. No integration with the radio display or the instrument cluster. IMHO - overpriced - the Fiscon is a much better unit for similar $. The $2000 one is supposed to be the ducks nuts, full integration, and apparently according to a member on here who just got one, DOES work with the iPhone... But it's hideously expensive. I believe the $2K one supports A2DP, but not 100% certain. The Fiscon does I know that.

[freebo]

thanks I just got the $700 bluetooth I should have researched more before buying... I'm now looking at getting the MDI installed so I can use my ipod & iphone but I'm not sure it's worth the $450 after market....

so many choices wish they would just make it easy..

[Swallowtail]

thanks I just got the $700 bluetooth I should have researched more before buying... I'm now looking at getting the MDI installed so I can use my ipod & iphone but I'm not sure it's worth the $450 after market....

so many choices wish they would just make it easy..

Your choices are pretty limited... you can get basic ipod connectivity (i.e. no song display on the stereo) for about $150, but the MDI is the way to go...

[gripmoto]

I just got the 2k one and believe me it is great.......I've used a lot of kits this leaves them all for dead. Still 2K is a rip. The only downer for me at the mo is the keypad has no tone so it does not get you around your voicemail eg press 3 to delete. Haven't really looked into it as I've got too many other things to play with. Is the only kit I've not had to get the phone out of my pocket for, the reciption is great as it has's its own aerial. Just the voice mail issue for me. And yes the iphone is fine with it.

Hmmm.. not 100% on this one, but I believe that the $700 BT kit is a very basic one that provides phone connection only. Mutes the stereo and that's about it. No integration with the radio display or the instrument cluster. IMHO - overpriced - the Fiscon is a much better unit for similar $. The $2000 one is supposed to be the ducks nuts, full integration, and apparently according to a member on here who just got one, DOES work with the iPhone... But it's hideously expensive. I believe the $2K one supports A2DP, but not 100% certain. The Fiscon does I know that.

[Psyk]

Your choices are pretty limited... you can get basic ipod connectivity (i.e. no song display on the stereo) for about $150, but the MDI is the way to go...

I fear that I might have the 'older' style cable. is there any way to confirm this and check? I have a Passat CC and the cable runs through the hole in the glove-box, I don't actually see the MDI connector interface like in this post for example: http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...d.php?p=383603

Before I start calling the dealer up, is there a sure fire way to tell if I have the older cable?

I did plug my iPod 30GB in there and sure enough nothing comes up on the display - song list etc. I can only navigate via the CD/DVD buttons and can manage only the 5-play lists.

[Rthirsty6]

And yes the iphone is fine with it.

Hi gripmoto,
Good to hear that you've got it working as my dealer told me that he doesn't promote them at the moment due to the many issues. I'm still considering the premium unit, can you please advise which model iphone you have?
Thanx