RCD 300 in 05 MK5 GTI - Any sort of AUX in solution

[roohunt27]

I've recently bought an 05 mk5 GTI - I love the car but can't believe what a mare getting an aux in solution for the standard stereo is, I took it to VW as I found this on the website:

http://www.volkswagen.co.uk/owners/accessories/technology/1K0998940/aux-in-socket-retro-fit?mark=golf-2004-2009&previousCategory=technology

They're telling me they can't fit that to my stereo (RCD300) as it's not compatible, they can however fit a much more expensive ipod kit (£150 fitted) i'm not interested in this, not because of the cost, but because apple are highly likely to change the ipod connection at some point and then this kit will be useless... Plus I just want to get the audio out of my iphone and through the speakers, I don't want to control it / charge it through the head unit - That stuff never works as it should and is frustrating to use.

I'd happily upgrade the stereo to a newer VW model but i've read lots about all this canbus stuff and as mine is one of the older gtis i'd imagine it has the older stuff going on back there. I can't even put a different stereo in without faffing with the fuse board, the last thing I want to do. Basically i'm looking for the absolute minimal fuss option to get a aux connection into my stereo - Can I buy an MFD2 sat nav and do a straight swap as they have an aux interface from the looks of it? Or will that require faff with the CANBUS - I know the sat nav is rubbish but I don't really care, I just want to play music through the speakers without using one of those terrible fm transmitter things! I'd settle for putting a tape deck in if they'd ever had one in the mk5. Will one of these work? Or is it pot luck?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-PASSAT-GOLF-MK5-AUX-IN-TO-MP3-IPOD-LEAD-CT29VW02-/280792847317

Any help or advice would me much appreciated,
Andy

[GLIDN]

I can happily report, the rcd310/510, plus mdi charges iphone and works extremely well all controlled from the radio.
I very much doubt Apple will be replacing the apple connection anytime soon. As they have way too many OEM ipod equipped cars these days.

Only way i know that works kind of is a grom unit i think it's called

[roohunt27]

I can happily report, the rcd310/510, plus mdi charges iphone and works extremely well all controlled from the radio.
I very much doubt Apple will be replacing the apple connection anytime soon. As they have way too many OEM ipod equipped cars these days.

Only way i know that works kind of is a grom unit i think it's called

Cheers for your reply GLIDN - Doesn't the 310/510 result in some sort of battery drain issue though? and will I need to faff about getting it plugged in at a dealer? Also is it one of those situations where you have to set up 6 playlists to replicate the cd changer?

[rich83]

I bought a 3.5mm jack aux connector off ebay... worked a treat!

[roohunt27]

Richwig is your stereo a RCD300 and any chance if you get a sec you could link me to the item you bought?

[rich83]

Richwig is your stereo a RCD300 and any chance if you get a sec you could link me to the item you bought?

It was in my old car.

It was similar to this one... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-MP3-Player-Radio-Interface-Aux-in-Adapter-For-V-W-RCD-200-RCD300-RCD-500-/280879201260?pt=US_Adapters&hash=item4165b47bec#ht_3771wt_1024

[roohunt27]

Nice one, exactly what i'm after - and did it need any extra configuring of the stereo to make it realise there was an aux in? Or just press the cd button twice and you have sound?

Sorry for all the questions, want to make sure i'm buying the right bit.

[rich83]

Nice one, exactly what i'm after - and did it need any extra configuring of the stereo to make it realise there was an aux in? Or just press the cd button twice and you have sound?

Sorry for all the questions, want to make sure i'm buying the right bit.

Yep... press the CD button twice. make sure you ground the "ground"cable too... thats very important!

[roohunt27]

Thanks again, really appreciate the help.

Just a couple more questions, where did you ground your ground cable when fitting and where did you have the cable run to? Is there a gap anywhere i can come through or will I need to be removing more bits to make it accessible?

[rich83]

Thanks again, really appreciate the help.

Just a couple more questions, where did you ground your ground cable when fitting and where did you have the cable run to? Is there a gap anywhere i can come through or will I need to be removing more bits to make it accessible?

I ran the cable into the glove box... not a 30second job but its possible... i think i used a metal coat hanger to guide it.

I earthed it on the retaining scree for the radio. 

[roohunt27]

Cheers richwig, excellent information, really appreciate your replies.

[JoeDarKa]

Will that work with the RNS510?? 

[GLIDN]

I can happily report, the rcd310/510, plus mdi charges iphone and works extremely well all controlled from the radio.
I very much doubt Apple will be replacing the apple connection anytime soon. As they have way too many OEM ipod equipped cars these days.

Only way i know that works kind of is a grom unit i think it's called

Cheers for your reply GLIDN - Doesn't the 310/510 result in some sort of battery drain issue though? and will I need to faff about getting it plugged in at a dealer? Also is it one of those situations where you have to set up 6 playlists to replicate the cd changer?

no, you have all your playlists and song, podcast etc.

Unless you have a gateway older then L you will have drain issue. for Eddie-NL selling configured gateways for about 70-90 there is an rcd310 in for sale section 55, MDI can be had around 80-150.

The radio upgrade alone is worth it. Aux kit for rcd310 is only around a few quid from vw too.

[rich83]

Will that work with the RNS510?? 

The rns510 requires a slightly different cable but yes it's possible to add an aux.

[adminkatana]

Sorry to post in an old thread, but this is the first time I've seen the iPod/ iPhone CD Changer cable posted for use with the stock Head Units.

I have an RCD 500 in the car, seeing as the 6 CD Changer is built into the Head Unit, will this cable still work for me?

Also, how difficult is it the actually route the cable into the glovebox? Do you need to cut anything? Or just guide it through with a coat hanger as you mentioned above?

Thank you again for your help!