Decent sat nav?

[slynch23]

I’m a bit confused.. there is menu for “phone” on the one you have for sale. Is this useless then?

Yes it will not function unless you install the separate Bluetooth module. If the idea of wiring a separate Bluetooth module is not your thing then you're probably better off purchasing the RNS310/315 instead which has Bluetooth built-in but will still need an external microphone. The RCD330 with App Connect has both Bluetooth and Microphone built-in and will pair with your smartphone to have Apple Maps/Google Maps/Waze navigation displayed on the unit.

Now I’m very confused cause the rcd330 seems to be the cheapest one to buy? Seems to good to be true haha.

[slynch23]

I’m a bit confused.. there is menu for “phone” on the one you have for sale. Is this useless then?

Yes it will not function unless you install the separate Bluetooth module. If the idea of wiring a separate Bluetooth module is not your thing then you're probably better off purchasing the RNS310/315 instead which has Bluetooth built-in but will still need an external microphone. The RCD330 with App Connect has both Bluetooth and Microphone built-in and will pair with your smartphone to have Apple Maps/Google Maps/Waze navigation displayed on the unit.

I’m even more confused now as the rcd330 sounds like the best option but is the cheapest? It sounds like that’s exactly what I’m looking for as well. Are they genuine vw units or after market?

[PatchySan]

I’m even more confused now as the rcd330 sounds like the best option but is the cheapest? It sounds like that’s exactly what I’m looking for as well. Are they genuine vw units or after market?

They are genuine Volkswagen OEM units but intended for the Asian markets only, still that doesn't stop you from importing them and fitting them into your car. As you've noticed they are great value for the money, you can get a App Connect ready unit for around £130, even less if you can wait for the special offer events on AliExpress (I got mine for around £98 but I had to pay import on top which makes it around £115).

I'm happy with my RCD330 unit, it does pretty much all I need with lots of music options, built-in phone connectivity and on the go Google Maps using Android Auto. Plus it doesn't look at all out of place as it uses the same fascia fittings and backlighting like any other Volkswagen.

[slynch23]

I’m even more confused now as the rcd330 sounds like the best option but is the cheapest? It sounds like that’s exactly what I’m looking for as well. Are they genuine vw units or after market?

They are genuine Volkswagen OEM units but intended for the Asian markets only, still that doesn't stop you from importing them and fitting them into your car. As you've noticed they are great value for the money, you can get a App Connect ready unit for around £130, even less if you can wait for the special offer events on AliExpress (I got mine for around £98 but I had to pay import on top which makes it around £115).

I'm happy with my RCD330 unit, it does pretty much all I need with lots of music options, built-in phone connectivity and on the go Google Maps using Android Auto. Plus it doesn't look at all out of place as it uses the same fascia fittings and backlighting like any other Volkswagen.

Any chance you can link me to the one you’ve got please?

[PatchySan]

Any chance you can link me to the one you’ve got please?

I've bought my unit from this store - https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Original-CarPlay-6-5-MIB-RCD330-Plus-with-Cable-for-VW-Stereo-6RD-035-187-B/2786226_32818595844.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.6c55142a4lzULq

They sold me the original "Noname" RCD330 B version so it doesn't come with Android Auto at first (it's a deliberate choice!). However it is easy to change this yourself rather than paying £30+ extra for having the same unit preinstalled with this software :

- Go to the RCD330 Plus website, register (it's free) and put a thank you message on this thread - http://rcd330plus.com/showthread.php?tid=315

- It should reveal the download link, download the 2nd firmware (HW:541 5406 C210) and save this on a blank USB stick

- Place the USB stick on the RCD330 unit and power it on. Then hold the setup button for like 5 seconds and it will prompt an "Update Software" screen. Press on that and choose the firmware you downloaded on the USB stick.

- The updates takes a bit of time so be patient, don't interrupt it otherwise it may brick the unit!

- Once done it should automatically restart, once powered on press the "App" button and check to see if you have Android Auto on it. If it is on there then you're done, nice cheap App Connect unit ready to rock in your V-dub!

[slynch23]

Any chance you can link me to the one you’ve got please?

I've bought my unit from this store - https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Original-CarPlay-6-5-MIB-RCD330-Plus-with-Cable-for-VW-Stereo-6RD-035-187-B/2786226_32818595844.html?spm=2114.12010608.0.0.6c55142a4lzULq

They sold me the original "Noname" RCD330 B version so it doesn't come with Android Auto at first (it's a deliberate choice!). However it is easy to change this yourself rather than paying £30+ extra for having the same unit preinstalled with this software :

- Go to the RCD330 Plus website, register (it's free) and put a thank you message on this thread - http://rcd330plus.com/showthread.php?tid=315

- It should reveal the download link, download the 2nd firmware (HW:541 5406 C210) and save this on a blank USB stick

- Place the USB stick on the RCD330 unit and power it on. Then hold the setup button for like 5 seconds and it will prompt an "Update Software" screen. Press on that and choose the firmware you downloaded on the USB stick.

- The updates takes a bit of time so be patient, don't interrupt it otherwise it may brick the unit!

- Once done it should automatically restart, once powered on press the "App" button and check to see if you have Android Auto on it. If it is on there then you're done, nice cheap App Connect unit ready to rock in your V-dub!

Thank you so much for all the info mate. One very last, stupid question.. is the android auto compatible with iPhone?

[PatchySan]

Thank you so much for all the info mate. One very last, stupid question.. is the android auto compatible with iPhone?

If you have an iPhone you use Apple CarPlay instead not Android Auto but they are very similar in concept (i.e. Integrated Phone, Music, Navigation on display etc). To be honest you don't even need to update the firmware as it comes with Apple CarPlay as standard but it doesn't hurt to future proof it with Android Auto should you decide to switch phones or sell the headunit later on.