Car audio upgrade advice

[Coe]

Hi folks,

I'm looking for some of your expert knowledge and/or experience.

I have the standard 300 stereo in my 05 GTI. I'm looking at buying a RCD RNS 510 or similar. Can anyone give me some guidance on what to buy. I have read that some of the newer stereo's can cause battery drain on the older models like mine. What is a straight fit with no issues?

Many thanks in advance.

Col.

[daveangel]

you will need to replace your can bus controller with a L or newer version

you will need an aerial adaptor to upgrade the plugs

both have loads written about them.  hope this helps

[sundance]

From what I understand, the battery drain issue is only a problem if you move to the newer OEM VW head units such as the RNS/RCD 510.  If you go aftermarket (Alpine/Kenwood etc) then you don't have the same issue.  I'm in a similar situation as you and am considering get a cheap (< £175) Kenwood double-din stereo with iPod connectivity.

[biffobear]

i would go for a cheaper aftermarket unit, a lot less hassle.

[dub singh]

£50 Canbus adapter sorts out all the draining problems...

the problem would still persist with aftermarket units... had the same problem with my 07 Golf.. Headunit remains powered as did the amps..

[Eddie-NL]

£50 Canbus adapter sorts out all the draining problems...

the problem would still persist with aftermarket units... had the same problem with my 07 Golf.. Headunit remains powered as did the amps..

for not much more you can have a new gateway which will communicate better with the radio.