RCD 510 DAB - advice?

[Berry]

Hi chaps.

I have an RCD 300 currently with an X Car Link BT which I'm looking to upgrade.
I have no real need for sat nav but am toying with the idea of (reliable) DAB and an in dash 6CD changer setup, with direct Line/aux in of some kind for music from my iphone. Not too bothered about Bluetooth connection to be honest as I've found the sound quality disappointing and don't really mind just having the phone plugged in. Also tend not to make or receive calls in the car.
Also want something OEM look. May possibly also be interested in reverse camera which I have fitted still but from the previous owners old pioneer DD head unit. As far as I'm aware it's still all wired up ready to go...

After some research I'm looking to upgrade to an rcd510 DAB 6CD.
But by the sounds of it I'll need a decent aerial, and some coding or something to stop battery drain??

Basically;

1- do you think this is the best option? And is DAB really worth the extra £££?
2- is there anyone which will properly fit inc aerial/coding etc on here? (I'm based in Surrey)
3- can you have a simple wired phone/iPod/aux connection option with this head unit?
4- would it be compatable potentially with a reversing camera?

[cenobytez]

1. Personally, for me. No. i have a non DAB RCD510, and have thought about it, but for the extra cost it simpy isnt justifiable in my eyes. £££ for the RCD unit, £££ for the DAB aerial.
2. cant help you there
3. I think it is easy if you want just the one option, ie ipad or USB or aux, as they all connect to the same port on the stereo, it is wanting more than once of these, the price shoots up as you would need an extra interface.
4. only certain onces with the video module would be, mine isnt. You are talking aftermarket or RNS system here.

Also, going from the RCD300 to a 510 unit you will also need a normal aeriel adaptor as the connection is different on the stereo. (a two-up connector rather than 2x connectors).

[white91]

If you prioritise sound quality avoid the VW units


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Golf_GT_TDI]

I fitted a RCD510 DAB last year, fantastic upgrade and recommend it 

[4ndy]

I fitted a RCD510 DAB last year, fantastic upgrade and recommend it 

Same here After shiny new BBS the 510DAB is my best upgrade Loads of great music Never lose signal (apart from on my own drive ) Aerial is NOT expensive at around £60 Easy install. "dabonwheels" worth a look. I don't even use ipod usb sd that's how good it is  The 510dab can be found on ebay from reliable sellers

[Berry]

Brilliant thanks for the advice guys.
No-one able to fit one for me? Or know someone that can??
Could try myself, I think I'd be ok with the head unit itself but how easy is the proper aerial to fit/route the cable?

[Golf_GT_TDI]

Cable and aerial fairly easy, just need to drop the rear of the headlining by removing the roof trim strip, c-pillar trims and rear grab handles, it will then drop down just enough to get access to the connectors and the large nut holding the aerial base.

I ran the cable as follows... c-pillar > left of rear seat area > under sill trims > glovebox area, taping or tie-wrapping as I went along

[markrtw]

Something else you may need to consider (depending on your model year) is the DAB antenna.  The earlier mk5s don't have a hole in the roof for it, so I guess you would need to drill a hole for it (unless anyone knows of another reliable solution).
I'm looking into this currently and like the smooth lines of my 2005 without a roof ariel.

[Golf_GT_TDI]

For this you could change the hatch antenna module for the DAB version

[Pashka]

Something else you may need to consider (depending on your model year) is the DAB antenna.  The earlier mk5s don't have a hole in the roof for it, so I guess you would need to drill a hole for it (unless anyone knows of another reliable solution).
I'm looking into this currently and like the smooth lines of my 2005 without a roof ariel.

For the DAB you can put aftermarket antenna on the windshield or plastic one - under the trim. Tested.

[Berry]

Cheers for all the comments chaps.
Have bought GarethB's old RCD 510 dab along with polo dab aerial and Bluetooth module.
Will be getting Eddie to fit next Weekend. Looking forward to hearing/seeing the upgrade.

[Berry]

Quick question...
I haven't quite received the polo Dab aerial yet but assuming I will need a new long wire to go from the rcd510 to new aerial to cater for the DAB. I have a short fakra converter with 2 plugs but I take it the existing rcd300 will only have a single FM wire going to the roof, so need a dab one too?
What's best to get?

[Golf_GT_TDI]

Quick question...
I haven't quite received the polo Dab aerial yet but assuming I will need a new long wire to go from the rcd510 to new aerial to cater for the DAB. I have a short fakra converter with 2 plugs but I take it the existing rcd300 will only have a single FM wire going to the roof, so need a dab one too?
What's best to get?

I bought this one...
 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Antenna-extension-cable-FAKRA-female-code-A-FAKRA-female-code-A-black-6-meter-/151579891011

[Berry]

Thanks!