Was Bluetooth kit standard in R36 with RCD510?

[profrat]

I have a white R36 MY09/10 Wagon with sunroof and electric tailgate (white MFD). It had the RCD510 in it when delivered I believe, because the manual is in the owners service book and has the option code 8AI = Radio "RCD510 MP3". It has been replaced with a Chinese look RNS510 lookalike which is now not playing CD/DVD's and periodically turns itself off and on. The radio reception is not great in rural areas either.

I am considering putting in an original RCD510 or upgrading to RNS510 (Not fussed about navigation as I prefer the Tom Tom in my iPhone)

But I want really good radio reception, good bluetooth phone integration and I want the parking sensor display back!

If I go for a Chinese look alike such as the ANS I don't need the Bluetooth module, but if I fit a OEM unit I understand the I need it. Hence the question. Would it have been fitted as standard equipment with the RCD510? If it is not there it might be better to get the Chinese option.

PS. What is the option: 9VG = Sound system "Monsoon" ?

Thanks.

[Passat R36]

Both RCD510 and RNS510 don't have build-in BT module.

Mine comes with RCD510 but sound system is 9VQ = Sound-Mid 1, dont know what does that mean either.

[profrat]

Hmm, on closer inspection it looks like I have 9VQ also. Very hard to read!

Did yours come with a Bluetooth module? If so which one?

Looking under my drivers seat there is a black box attached to the bottom of the seat with lots of empty multi pin plugs sockets in it. Could this be a Bluetooth module?

[Netrover]

My 2010 came with the original purchase docs from the dealer. It shows a whole host of options with separate pricing. Bluetooth was listed separately for $1,350. It has the RCD 510 but this was not listed separately. RCD 510 probably standard with the RNS 510 as an optional upgrade.

[Passat R36]

Hmm, on closer inspection it looks like I have 9VQ also. Very hard to read!

Did yours come with a Bluetooth module? If so which one?

Looking under my drivers seat there is a black box attached to the bottom of the seat with lots of empty multi pin plugs sockets in it. Could this be a Bluetooth module?

Mine has dealer fitted Kufatec BT which I am not too fussy about it. It has phone book in the MFD and RCD510, it also has keypad in RCD510. It does BT music streaming as well but the music only come from the driver side speaker. I don't bother at all as I don't do BT streaming at all.

If you have the plugs under your seat, it will be a plug and play, just buy the 9w7 BT module and a little programming using VCDS, you are done.

[kleung]

It had the RCD510 in it when delivered I believe, because the manual is in the owners service book and has the option code 8AI = Radio "RCD510 MP3".

Correct - the MY09+ R36es got the RCD510 as standard fit. The 2008 R36es got the earlier non-touchscreen head unit (RCD300).

I am considering putting in an original RCD510 or upgrading to RNS510 (Not fussed about navigation as I prefer the Tom Tom in my iPhone)

The RCD510 is much cheaper than the RNS510, so if you don't want nav, just get the cheaper unit.

If I go for a Chinese look alike such as the ANS I don't need the Bluetooth module, but if I fit a OEM unit I understand the I need it. Hence the question. Would it have been fitted as standard equipment with the RCD510?

No - BT was always an optional extra on the R36. VW didn't make BT standard equipment on Passats until 2012.

PS. What is the option: 9VG = Sound system "Monsoon" ?

This is the premium audio that was fitted to the R36. The B6 Passats got 8-speaker stereos as standard, with the 600w Dynaudio package as an optional extra. The R36 got a 10-speaker stereo with an 8-channel 250w external amp as standard fitment. In Australia, it was just called the 'Volkswagen Sound Package", but in other markets it was known as the 'Monsoon' package.

The amp is located under the driver's seat, so the box you saw might well have been the amp for the stereo.

[Passat R36]

the amp is under passenger seat

[profrat]

Ahhh, that might explain a few things!

So do I understand it correctly that all R36 came with the 10-speaker stereo with an 8-channel 250w external amp as standard fitment sound system?

It being the probable case that my car is not fitted with the factory Bluetooth unit, I am leaning towards the ANS-510 unit. It would be nice if I could get a reply from the seller though.......

[kleung]

the amp is under passenger seat

Er...yeah. That's what I meant.

Besides, in a LHD-market model, it probably IS under the driver's seat.

So do I understand it correctly that all R36 came with the 10-speaker stereo with an 8-channel 250w external amp as standard fitment sound system?

Correct, and the Dynaudio kit was available as an optional extra - still 10 speakers, but with better quality drivers and a 600w, 10 channel amp instead.

[Guest001]

Ahhh, that might explain a few things!

So do I understand it correctly that all R36 came with the 10-speaker stereo with an 8-channel 250w external amp as standard fitment sound system?

It being the probable case that my car is not fitted with the factory Bluetooth unit, I am leaning towards the ANS-510 unit. It would be nice if I could get a reply from the seller though.......

After reading through the thread on them I would be buying a RNS510. At least you know it will work.

Maybe the other is a worthwhile unit but seems to be plagued with endless problems